Western Port News 11 August 2021 by Mornington Peninsula News Group

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Peninsula faces homeless ‘crisis’ Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au

Let’s start cooking: The Rev Tim Anderson and Robbie Boer in the kitchen where Trinity Tucker’s free meals are prepared. Picture: Gary Sissons

Tuesday is free tucker day

& D ELIV Y E A

Volunteers from the church are preparing the food for those doing it tough, in need, or just lonely and who want to meet new friends. “Church Warden Sandra Gould, the Reverend Tim Anderson, and myself saw the need for a safe and friendly place for the community to share a free meal,” church organiser Robbie Boer said. “Western Port Community Support Centre also encourages its clients to come over.”

STILL AV AI LA TA

UP to 12 people a week are getting a free hot lunch and dessert at the Holy Trinity Hastings Anglican Church hall. The meal, dubbed Trinity Tucker, is served between midday and 1pm every Tuesday, with the doors opening at 11.30am. No bookings are necessary. The service has been running since the start of May, with the church paying for the meals with the help of donations from local businesses.

43-45 HIGH STREET HASTINGS

Wednesday 11 August 2021

THE vulnerability of those sleeping rough without a safe place to call home on the Mornington Peninsula has been made worse by COVID-19. This was revealed during Homelessness Week: 1-7 August, when 13 eastern and south eastern municipalities, including Mornington Peninsula Shire, launched a best practice guide: Housing First for People Sleeping Rough, a Practice Guide for Local Government. The guide is seen as crucial to the welfare of the more than 116,000 Australians and almost 25,000 Victorians who were homeless any given night pre-COVID-19. The figure includes 7490 across the 13 municipalities, which include Mornington Peninsula and Frankston. About 300 people sleep rough on the peninsula each night, mostly on the foreshore. The 2016 Census found 32 per cent of Victorians without a home lived in this region. “Homelessness is a growing issue on our peninsula,” shire CEO John Baker said. “Council is advocating to provide ground-level service to make a difference to our community. Collectively, we can join forces with our neighbouring councils to tackle the situation better because everyone has a right to safe housing.” The national president of the St Vincent de Paul Society called on the federal government to “intervene as a matter of urgency as house prices soar, wages stagnate and the housing affordability crisis creeps towards middle Australia”. Claire Victory said having a home of their own was “fast moving beyond the reach of minimum income earners, placing pressure on a limited, overheated rental market”. “Homelessness is no longer that stereotypical person sleeping rough,” she said. “It’s people like you and me, just one life event away from a devastating change in circumstances – illness includ-

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ing mental ill health, relationship breakdown, loss of a spouse, domestic violence, or the loss of a job. Older women are now the fastest growing group of people facing homelessness. “Older people who do not own their own home, and women and children affected by domestic violence, are particularly vulnerable.” Cr Kerri McCafferty said domestic and family violence victim-survivors and women over 55 were most at risk of homelessness. “This is gravely concerning and I want to see this issue addressed as a matter of urgency,” she said. “I am looking forward to meeting with Gabrielle Williams [Minister for Women, Aboriginal Affairs and Prevention of Family Violence] next week to discuss the issue, workshop solutions and advocate for funding for our region to address this. “The housing crisis is impacting our community in ways which we have never seen, support services are overwhelmed and I am heartbroken by the stories I am hearing. “I am determined to use my role as a councillor to represent those in the community who need it the most. It is a deeply complex and multifactorial issue, but one that I am committed to tackling head on. We desperately need to work with the state government to find solutions, and quickly.” Cr Sarah Race said the councillors understood there was a housing crisis “at the moment”. “And we understand it is multifaceted: from homelessness, to a lack of long term affordable rental accommodation – which means businesses can’t find enough staff and schools are losing families, rapidly rising house prices and a lot of short stay accommodation – there’s over 2500 registered with the shire. “We’ve also got the green wedge to protect, so we have pressure on our urbanised areas. “It is a complex and difficult issue but there’s not a day that goes by that I’m not talking about it, or trying to understand it, or listening to people in our community.” Continued Page 6

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NEWS DESK

Western Port

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Councillors follow shire’s advice to ‘get the jab’ Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au AT LEAST six of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 11 councillors have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, while another two are waiting for their age group to be cleared for the jab. In doing so, the councillors are backing up the shire’s online request for residents to "help stop the pandemic by getting a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you”. People and culture manager Kelly Gillies said the shire’s urging for vaccinations followed advice from the Chief Health Officer and supported the state government’s efforts to encourage community vaccination. There was no requirement for staff - many of whom interact with the public - to be vaccinated, but they were being encouraged to do so, “including allowing them paid time from work to get the vaccination”, Ms Gillies said. “We aren’t recording who is and isn’t vaccinated as vaccination status is considered private health information. We are, as always, following and complying with all directions from the state and federal governments.” The mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said she had been fully vaccinated since mid-July, adding that Cr Lisa Dixon had had “both doses” of AstraZeneca. Cr David Gill and Cr Sarah Race are

scheduled to have their second shots this week. “I’m passionate about getting people vaccinated – the sooner 70-80 per cent of us are, the sooner we get out of living with lockdowns,” Cr Race said, just as Victoria entered its sixth lockdown. Cr Anthony Marsh described himself as “one of the lucky Australian’s …unable to get a vaccination due to lack of supply”. “Noting that AstraZeneca is not recommended for those under 60 and Pfizer is unavailable under 40, I will continue to ‘hurry up and wait’ until the time comes that I'm actually able and eligible to comply with the health advice and get vaccinated,” he said. “That said, I consider do myself lucky to be in a lower risk category, so happy for others to be prioritised given the lack of supply.” Cr Steve Holland, in the same age bracket as Cr Marsh, has registered to be notified “as soon as that changes”. Cr Kerri McCafferty: “I got vaccinated about three hours after I got a text telling me I was eligible. I pretty much jumped in the car and drove straight to Frankston to get it done. “I’ve had my first dose of Pfizer and am looking forward to having my second dose when I can.” Cr Susan Bissinger is set to have her second Pfizer shot on Saturday.

“While so many are grappling with the dilemma [over whether get vaccinated], my choice was made easier as I have had a couple of bouts of pneumonia a few years ago, and my straight talking doctor strongly recommended that I am vaccinated for my own wellbeing,” she said. “As anyone who has had pneumonia or any type of respiratory infection will tell you, it can be an awful and frightening experience to go through, and from all reports COVID has the potential to hit so much harder with a much worse outcome.” Cr Bissinger said getting vaccinated for COVID was a matter of choice. “I certainly don’t like the possibility that people who choose not to get vaccinated may be vilified in any way, after all it is their choice,” she said. “Consideration should also be given to the fact that once you are fully vaccinated you can still contract COVID and pass it on to others; it just means that if you are fully vaccinated you won’t get a severe case that sees you hospitalised or worse. “I am really hopeful that the vast majority of vulnerable and older members of our community will choose to be vaccinated for their own protection.” Crs Antonella Celi, Paul Mercurio and Debra Mar did not respond by deadline when asked if they had been vaccinated.

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Western Port News 11 August 2021

Shire call for JobKeeper MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council wants the federal government to reinstate the JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments. “Our communities are suffering and they need greater income support which we, as a local government, can’t deliver them; we’ve pulled all the levers we have available,” Cr Sarah Race told council’s Tuesday 27 July meeting. “I have spent the last week and a half hearing from and reading about the anguish of business owners and community members and their very real struggle with lockdown five. “Most of us know public health measures are necessary in a pandemic, however, that doesn’t make situations any easier. “Many of our business owners have had to stand down staff. Many people are wondering how they’re going to feed their families – even with the amazing support of our hardworking community organisations. “Many people are trying to figure out how they’re going to pay their rent, mortgage and utilities.” Cr Race said the shire had “one of the highest rates of JobKeeper support”. “The JobKeeper wage subsidy was paid through the employer’s payroll system, so employers could only receive payments for as long as a worker remains employed,” she said. “This kept employees connected to their places of employment. “The new COVID-19 disaster payment of $600 separates employers and employees. $600 is also $150 less per week than the minimum wage. “Services Australia are also reporting a massive backlog of claims. Our people are struggling; our businesses are struggling, and our community is struggling.” Later, and before the sixth lockdown was announced, Cr Race saidthe pandemic “isn’t going away anytime soon”. “We need our unemployed to be supported properly when hopes of long-term and full time employment, particularly in hospitality and retail businesses, is perilous. Stephen Taylor

NEW signs at the intersection of Marine Parade and Salmon Street heading towards High Street, Hastings. Picture: Gary Sissons

Slowing down for a safer town NEW speed limits at Hastings aim to make the streets safer. Parts of Marine Parade are now down to 50kph and other areas, including side streets, are down to 40kph. Acting Senior Sergeant John Wardle, of Hastings police, said the reduced speed zones were designed to protect the community from road

trauma and, in particular, vulnerable members of the community who are overrepresented in trauma statistics. Those regarded as especially vulnerable are bike riders, the elderly, children and teenagers around parks, preschools, council buildings, lawn bowling clubs and schools. Also, with no international or interstate travel

police say they have noticed an increase in people visiting the area for recreational activities, often towing boats for boating and fishing on Western Port. Anecdotally, police say that after so many lockdowns people are starting to become “deskilled in driving vehicles”.

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POLITICS

Former mayor explains ‘worst’ tag Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au BEING labelled the worst mayor in Australia was a compliment, according to Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor änd former mayor David Gill. He says the accusation was levelled after the 2019 federal election by Flinders MP Greg Hunt, during a meeting at the shire’s Rosebud headquarters attended by “20 to 30 people, including councillors, senior officers and some of his [Mr Hunt’s] people”. Cr Gill has since had no hesitation in repeating the Mr Hunt’s claim, and in fact counts it as a compliment and acknowledgment “that I had been doing my job”. He believes Mr Hunt dubbed him Australia’s worst mayor because he attended functions or events during Mr Hunt’s 2019 election campaign. “In my opinion, he called me that because he thought I was interrupting his electioneering. I believe I was added to a list of worst mayors.” However, while Cr Gill has no problem with the title applied by Mr Hunt, he thinks some of his council colleagues - “new councillors” - do not know its origins or the context in which it was bestowed. Most recently, Cr Kerri McCafferty referred to the title “worst mayor in Australia” when Cr Gill unsuccessfully urged council to retrospectively ask the state government for help in financing the Yawa aquatic centre at

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillor David Gill, left, Nepean (Labor) MP Chris Brayne, centre, and Flinders (Liberal) MP Greg Hunt at a 2019 meeting to discuss a public health threat - the Buruli ulcer. Picture: Yanni Rosebud (“Shire declines to dive in for Yawa money” The News 3/8/21). “It was amusing to read that new councillors point to political motivations in my endeavours to have the state Labor government fund our aquatic centre. The previous council was unsuccessful because we didn’t have a swinging seat on the peninsula,” Cr Gill said last week. He said the peninsula now had two marginal state seats, apparently referring to Nepean, held by Labor’s Chris Brayne, and Hastings, where Liberal Neale Burgess could be under threat following a redistribution that has made it nominally “safe” for Labor.

“At the last federal election, I and others raised many issues with Liberal [Flinders MP] Greg Hunt and the election money flowed because, at the time, the election looked close,” Cr Gill said. “In the past, election promises were few and far between on the peninsula. “Greg called me the worst mayor in Australia. I enjoyed the title because it meant I was doing my job on behalf of our community. “The same now applies to Chris Brayne. He is worried about his wafer thin margin and will start doing more if put under pressure. “He probably thinks that I am the

HASTINGS SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB 55+ Hastings Seniors Learning Hub cnr Herring and Salmon Streets, Hastings Activities are: from 1.00pm Monday to Friday

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worst local councillor in Australia for holding him accountable and scrutinising government actions that effect the peninsula (“Spoiler alert as MP ‘meet and greets’” The News 12/7/21). “We need to use community muscle and provide leadership to become noticed. “Our focus should be to catch up on the funding which has always gone to neighbouring councils who know how to use the vulnerabilities of politicians in advocating for their communities. “Anyone not advocating hard or [who is] protecting politicians because of their own political leanings

are not doing their job. “After the federal election I congratulated Greg for his work and contribution toward community projects. “I hope we receive the same response from Chris Brayne, in which case I will certainly congratulate him also.” Mr Brayne last week told The News that “council should look forward, not back”. In a Facebook post, Mr Brayne pointed out that the shire had spent $200,000 on naming the aquatic centre (“Shire’s ugly Sorry Day decision” 6/6/20. “Perhaps if that hadn’t happened, the councillor in question might not be coming to the government for more money.” He said there were many projects needed on the peninsula and councillors should “see how we can work together to get them done”. “I remain keen to get as much stuff done while I’m fortunate to be in this position,” Mr Brayne said. His Facebook post was quickly followed by one from Cr Antonella Celi, stating that it was “nowhere near $200,000 for [Yawa’s] naming survey”. The budget of “around $200K” had included branding, marketing and signs. “I tolerate a lot out there, but I will not stand for an untruth to keep getting repeated,” Cr Celi said. “Councillors are well aware of what we need to deliver to the community, and it would be helpful if the state representative got on with the job to help council deliver.”

Our local seniors group – needs you HASTINGS Seniors Citizens understand how difficult it has been for seniors in our community, during the Covid lock downs. We know how important it is for seniors to make the effort and get on with their lives, improve their health and wellbeing. We are offering every senior, men and women, low cost membership of $5.00 per annum plus a small activity fee to attend and enjoy our extensive list of activities. It is imperative to keep up some form of exercise, it is also important to socialize. Join us for a low cost delicious lunch on the first Saturday of every month at the Hastings Seniors Learning Hub, Cnr Herring and Salmon Streets, Hastings.

Our program is very extensive, from Bingo (Mondays and lunch days), carpet bowls, card and board games, darts, billiards and more. Contact us on 5979 1286, or call in at the Seniors Learning Hub between and 1.00 – 3.00pm Monday to Friday, we encourage you to take this step for your health and wellbeing.

Bingo and Lunch at 12.00pm on the 1st Saturday of each month

Ph: 5979 1286 PAGE 4

Western Port News 11 August 2021

Photos above: Hastings Seniors Learning Hub. Photos: Marcus

NEWS DESK

Business ‘champion’ MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has appointed a “small business champion”. As well as his new title, Cr Anthony Marsh was successful at the 27 July meeting in having the council reaffirm its commitment to the Small Business Friendly Council Charter and acknowledging that businesses are a “vital part” of the peninsula’s community. Cr Kerri McCafferty nominated Cr Marsh as the small business champion, saying he had undertaken a “high level of consultation” to “develop” a notice of motion calling for small business support and a champion. “He has consistently pushed for improved outcomes for small business since being elected and given that he was the councillor that actually initiated the [motion] he is an obvious choice,” Cr McCafferty said. Cr Marsh, who has an MBA, a small business background and is spending $8000 of his councillor allowance on a directors’ course, was successful in moving that a communications plan be developed and endorsed by the council by September to ensure its commitment to the charter, and local businesses is made known to the community. Under the plan businesses will be able engage with and provide feedback to the council, with an officers’ report by the end of the year identifying how the council can better support businesses and business owners. The plan will address support and assistance for businesses in planning and planning applications and improve economic development. Shire officers have also been told to prepare a new economic development strategy, in consultation with councillors and key community groups, by June 2022. Cr Marsh said the Small Business Friendly Council Charter aimed to “put small businesses back on the agenda and to accelerate actions to create an enabling environment for businesses of all types to start, grow and thrive”.

Economic development team leader Anita Buczkowsky said 95 per cent of businesses on the peninsula employed less than five people and many “have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns”. “This further reaffirmation [and] prioritisation in council’s planning process and development of a new economic development strategy, will raise business confidence,” Ms Buczkowsky said. The council’s planning services department already offered alternatives for customers to obtain planning advice and direction, including telephone, webchat, pre-application meetings and written general inquiries. Questions over Cr Marsh’s “qualifications” to be the shire’s “small business champion” exposed tensions in the chamber, with Crs David Gill and Susan Bissinger saying it would be better to appoint “someone from outside”. Cr Antonella Celi – who also thought an outsider would make a better choice – accused her colleagues of playing “personality politics”. Cr Paul Mercurio said things were “getting a bit heated” and backed Cr Marsh’s appointment. “The fact that [he] is interested means we should give him a shot. If someone else had brought it to us I would say the same thing,” he said. Cr Marsh said it was unfortunate that tensions “are targeted at me”. “I don’t get what the problem is … I find it quite disappointing. It’s hypocrisy.” Cr Gill later “wondered” if the allegiance of a “champion” councillor to one section of the community could “affect their independence when they come to vote?”. “If a councillor is a champion for the business sector and there is a neighbour’s amenity issue before council … would the champion be able to even vote on the issue given the perception of allegiance?” he said. “It concerns me if there is any perception of councillors not voting on issues based on merit.” Stephen Taylor

An invitation to seniors

HASTINGS U3A is encouraging seniors in our community to make contact with our Events Coordinator Kathy on 0419 009 946, book an invitation to our very special Soup and Crusty Bread Day. This special invitation only function, will give seniors an opportunity to learn more about what Hastings U3A has to offer, over a bowl of delicious homemade soup. At the same time we will be presenting a complimentary bag of treats from our supporters in our community to each person attending. Our thanks to the following local leaders in our community; Ritchie’s IGA, Woolworths, Coles New World, Bakers Delight, The Beach Hut Café, The Sandwich King Café and Steamin Mugs Café. Hastings U3A was formed in 2007, since then we have operated out of various locations in our community. We are very proud to announce we have recently moved into our first permanent base. Hastings U3A wish to thank the Mornington Peninsula Council as they have worked to support the seniors in our shire. We now have purpose built facilities, together with

the latest technology, which allows our members, leaders and tutors, to enjoy their lessons and activities in the comfort of climate controlled premises. Our new address is the newly named Hastings Seniors Learning Hub, Cnr. Salmon and Herring Streets, Hastings.

Our range of courses, social gatherings and activities are extensive; Book and Gardening Clubs, Table Tennis, Dancing for Fun and Fitness, computer courses, French and German courses, Mobile Phone, Tablet and I-pad assistance, Gourmet Group, Luncheon Society, Cards to name a few. Our membership is $25.00 per annum along with a low cost course/ activity fee, a maximum of $3.00. If you are unable to attend our special forthcoming days, may we suggest you pop in and inspect our premises, view what we have to offer. Office hours are Mon/Tues 10.00-1.00 and Thursday 1.00-4.00, closed during school holidays and public holidays. Telephone 5979 8585 during office hours, email u3a@iinet.net.au or check out our web site on hastingsu3a.org.au

HOT SOUP & CRUSTY BREAD

Exclusive invitation to NON-MEMBERS!

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New location: Hastings Seniors Learning Hub Corner Salmon & Herring Streets, Hastings

Oﬃce hours: Mon/Tues 10am-1pm, Thurs 1-4pm Phone 5979 8585 Hastings U3A gratefully acknowledges the generous support provided by local businesses, and especially by

Western Port News

11 August 2021

PAGE 5

NEWS DESK Homelessness crisis Continued from Page 1 The shire’s outreach tool is featured in the guide. It is used by Mornington Peninsula Housing Network to help clients who are homeless “build trust and establish and work towards individual goals”. Research by the City of Monash found that councils were well placed to address homelessness as local laws officers, parks staff or contractors often interacted with people sleeping rough on public land and facilities. “Often out of concern, local businesses and residents are also likely to contact councils’ customer service staff to report people experiencing homelessness,” the research found. Mornington MP and Opposition housing spokesperson David Morris said social housing was a “key factor in the fight against homelessness”. He criticised the state government for not releasing social housing waiting list data for the June quarter. “The number of Victorian applicants on the social housing waiting list has soared since Labor came to power, jumping from 34,618 in September 2014 to almost 51,000 in the March 2021 quarter – a 47 per cent blowout,” Mr Morris said.

Boat ramp works WESTERN Port anglers can breathe a sigh of relief with the news that dredging and pontoon work at the Hastings boat ramp have been deferred until March next year. This will minimise disruption to the peak fishing season towards the end of this year. The upgrades are being delivered in two stages. The first, which was completed in spring this year, included replacing the boat ramp and extending ramp lanes by six metres. The second stage – which has been deferred – will include dredging the boat ramp access channel and installing a second pontoon. The state government has given $1.6 million to Mornington Peninsula Shire to install the boat ramp and for the dredging, and up to $1.2 million for the second pontoon.

Police patrol

With Stephen Taylor

Sleeves up: Constable Nikki Crane, who organised the day, Acting Sergeant Cam Fields, Senior Sergeant Paul Edwards, Sergeant Jodie Powell, Senior Constable Meg Morgan, Senior Constable Caroline Taylor (seated), Senior Constable James Cameron, Constable Ash Condon, Leading Senior Constable Carl Spackler and Constable Dan Cousins.

Rising to the challenge MORNINGTON police rolled up their sleeves to the Red Cross blood donation drive as part of the Emergency Services Blood Challenge, Tuesday 4 August. The police say they understand the importance of blood donations and are prepared to help the community any way they can. Victoria Police are hoping to retain the state title in the number of donations. The Frankston donor centre is at 20 Davey Street. Donors are asked to say they are donating on behalf of Victoria Police.

Morning drive ends with charges ROSEBUD police called to a collision on Melbourne Road, Sorrento, last Thursday (5 August) were surprised when the offending driver blew 0.236 per cent, almost five times the legal limit, at 9 o’clock in the morning. The male, in his 20s, is expected to be charged on summons with several driving offences, including use of a mobile phone while driving, driving an unregistered vehicle and drink-driving. His licence was immediately suspended. Senior Constable Shaun Williams said it was “by the grace of God that no-one was killed” in the lead-up to the intercept. “Luck was the only difference today between a tow truck and the coroner’s van,” he said. “It’s that simple. Even if you’ve had a sleep after a big night out don’t assume you’ll be right to drive. If you even need to think about it get a taxi or an Uber. It’s a damned sight cheaper than the alternative.”

LETTERS

Speeding, over limit HASTINGS nightshift van clocked a speeding driver on Stony point Road, Bittern, last week doing 84kph in a 60kph zone. When breath-tested the 28-year-old man of Tuerong, blew 0.208 per cent – four times the legal limit. After his arrest, 4am, Friday 6 August, the man’s licence was suspended, and his vehicle impounded with a release fee of $1075. He will be charged on summons for a range of speed and drink-driving offences.

Pizza rider robbed A PIZZA delivery rider was held up and his scooter stolen at Hastings, Thursday 29 July. Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Lagonder, of Somerville CIU, said the offender with a 20cm knife ordered the rider to hand over the keys to the Domino’s scooter when he delivered the

pizza to an Arthur Street house, 9.04pm. The offender is described as a male, 180cm, wearing a black hoodie and face mask. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Kayak found MORNINGTON police found a blue Wave Dancer kayak washed up on the northern side of Fisherman’s Beach, Mornington. The owner can contact either property officer Paula O’Brien at the police station 5970 4900, or Senior Constable Will Mountney at the Water Police, 9399 7500.

Letters - 300 words maximum and including full name, address and contact number - can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: team@mpnews.com.au

All a flutter over flag protocol On a recent visit to Sorrento we were astonished to see the Victorian flag at the top of the mast in the shopping centre with the Australian and Aboriginal flags relegated to two lower jackstaffs (pictured right). Flag etiquette as defined in the Flags Act 1953 clearly defines how flags should be shown when flagstaffs are not of equal height, with the order of precedence is from highest to lowest. “The Australian national flag takes precedence in Australia over all other flags when it is flown in company with other flags” (and therefore should be flown from the highest to lowest). “Thereafter, when flown in the community the order of precedence, where applicable, of flags is: national flag of other nations, state and territory flags … the Australian Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait islander flag in either order; Defence ensigns, ensigns and pennants of local government; Commonwealth, state and territory agencies; and finally non-government organisation.” I note that outside the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council offices in Mornington, where the flags are all the same height, the order of precedence of the flags is correct as defined in the Flags Act. As clearly the way flags are flown at Sorrento is wrong and in fact illegal, it is either a mistake made by someone who is not aware of the order of precedence, or some woke council person trying to infer that Victoria is more important than the Commonwealth as a whole. Darryl Chambers, Mount Martha

Pre-existing worry My husband is 84 and in good health after a recent successful hip replacement, although this was followed by a deep vein thrombosis. He has been actively, but unsuccessfully, trying to get the Pfizer vaccine rather than the Astra Zeneca because he has a 20-year history of deep and superficial vein thrombosis. He also has a family history of blood clot death and his mother died from a stroke.

PAGE 6

Western Port News 11 August 2021

service like electricity. You cannot have such a service being a market place. To put things into perspective, most Victorian solar farms are around 50 to 100Mw each, maximum output, daytime only. Little old Loy Yang B power station at Traralgon, has under its roof, two coal fired generators, each one generating over 500Mw of constant power, 24 hours a day, 7/365 if required. One Australian aluminium smelter uses 1000Mw of power constantly, all day and all night; iron or steel production is proportional, 24/7. We desperately need other heavy, and light, industries. Run-off batteries? Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington

If he has the Astra Zeneca and dies from a clot, would I be told that it would have been caused by a pre-existing condition? Would I be told the same if he catches the virus and dies from it? How many other older voters, and their families, are out there in the same predicament? Perhaps we should get together. Val Kent, Mornington

COVID ignorance No offence to our Premier Danny (Andrews), but let’s be honest. New boy [Nepean Labor MP] Chris Brayne would be wise to look for another career after the next election: Lockdown 6. We live with so many arrogant people at this time, indeed ignorant. [federal Labor leader Anthony] Albanese’s suggestion of $300 to be vaccinated sounds silly but, listening to the wall if ignorance locally, it’s perhaps a good idea: The RSL, two unvaccinated tradies, lots to say on self-importance, one with a wife and child, oblivious to the COVID-19 risk factor. Their logic of never anything down here? I tried, but brick walls don’t listen. Cliff Ellen, Rye

Cut pays for parity

Solar unsettling With regard to the proposed 240 megawatt battery installation at Tyabb, I couldn’t help seeing it from another angle (“Battery plan to ‘stabilise’ power supply” The News 27/7/21). Effectively, it is soaking up all of that rooftop solar panel power generated during the day, peaking at around noon, that is not wanted because nobody is at home or, if they are, there is little electricity used. The battery [owner] buys this unwanted electricity at a dirt cheap price, then sells it back to the same suckers five hours later at a much higher price. Yes, at the same time it is stabilising the grid, the instability being caused by an excess of solar panels. Most of our remote solar farms should be fitted with even bigger batteries for similar reasons, but are not because the cost is prohibitive,

Picture: Yanni

uneconomic. The Tyabb battery will be, I believe, of 240Mw DC capacity which will manufacture about 200Mw AC back into the grid for two hours at maximum capacity, worst case scenario. All of this mish-mash of private investments, profiteering, kindergarten engineering, part time generators all over the place, is a disastrous way to run an essential

As we re-enter what is now our COVID-normal in Victoria, we must spare yet another thought for all the small businesses which have gone under, and those which have survived so far, but are on the brink of failure. How much produce will go to waste this week after restaurants and cafes are given three hours’ notice that they will be closed for a week? The simplest way of bringing more understanding to those who are wreaking such havoc is to cut all Victorian public service salaries by 50 per cent for the duration of the lockdown. To those who say that’s not fair, public servants are not to blame, I say nor are the small business owners, and many are losing all their income and then some. The money saved could then be paid to those businesses to cover their wastage. We might even start to believe our chief jailer when he says, “We are all in this together”. Jack Wheeler, Mornington

100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...

Returned Soldiers Hold Smoke Social that all returned men keep those evenings free in order to take part in transacting the business of the branch. Messrs Goodwin and Bickley, in whose hands the catering arrangements had been left, were accorded a cordial vote of thanks for the splendid way in which they carried out their work. A most enjoyable and memorable reunion was brought to a close shortly after 11 o’clock. The next event of social interest will probably take the form of a musical evening and dance, which the close and steadfast ally of the Returned Soldier – the general public – will be asked to support. *** MISS McFarlane, who has been appointed to take charge of the Hume Creek State School, was, prior to her departure, entertained at a social by members of St Paul’s, and was presented with a wallet and £13 in notes. She has been succeeded at Frankston by Miss Cunningham. *** MR Mark Brody reports that the following rainfall has been registered at Frankston:—June, 1.69 points; July, 3.56; total for past 7 months, 16.41. It may be mentioned that the tides are the highest since 1893. The past week is believed to have been the coldest since 1899. Over 100 points fell at Hastings on Wednesday last. *** THE death is announced of Mr Mark Young, who for many years was identified with the Frankston district. He came to Victoria in 1858, and,

Compiled by Cameron McCullough A MOST successful smoke social was given to its members on Saturday night, 23rd July, by the Hastings Branch of the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia. After the toast of The King had been honored, the President, Mr Russell, in proposing the League, made it clear to those present, the great advantages to be derived by its members from the organisation if they would only stick together, attend the meetings regularly, and keep at heart the welfare and progress of the League, which should not be judged by what it bad been, but by what they could make it. It was in their hands entirely, and in the future they ought to be able to reply to the query as to whether they were in “this Lodge, or that Society” by proudly saying “No, but we belong to the Returned Soldiers’ League.” Several toasts of varying importance were honored, interspersed by items of songs and recitations, ably rendered by Messrs Bryant, Josephs, Armstrong, McInerney and Haddock. Instrumental music was volunteered by Messrs Campbell, Broadley and Carey. An outstanding event was the presentation to Mr J. Campbell, retiring secretary, by the branch, of a solid gold League medal, in recognition of his willing and efficient work during the past eighteen months. The secretary, Mr MacRae, reminded all present of the branch meeting, held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month, and urgently requested

with the exception of a short residence in New Zealand, spent his early days in Ballarat. In 1878, he removed to Melbourne, and thence to the Mornington Peninsula, where he displayed great interest and initiative in all public matters. The late Mr Young, who was then licensee of the Pier Hotel, was for many years an active member of the Dandenong, Mornington and Frankston shire councils. *** THE claim made by Miss Florence Oswin and Mrs Robb, of Cowes, and others, against Frank Jeffrey, Kent, England, for £40,000, relative to an alleged breach of contract regarding the sale of certain lands at Bittern, Balnarring, and the Naval Base, has been referred to the Full Court. It was stated that 873 lots were sold for £33,255. *** LIEUT Ray Parer started on his flight around Australia on Wednesday last, but, flying through hail at Macedon, he met with an accident, and had to be conveyed to Mount St Evens Hospital for treatment. Lieut Parer began his flight against the advice of the Commonwealth Meteorologist, Mr Hunt. *** TOMORROW’S umpires will be: Frankston v Dromana, Hunting; Naval Base v Somerville, Hughes; Mornington v Hastings, Bickford. *** AT the last Euchre Party and Dance conducted by the Frankston II’s Football Club the prize winners were: Ladies, Mrs George Dugan; Gents,

*** YET another Hastings orchardist steppes into the advance line and replaced waggon and horse team with and up-to-date motor vehicle. Cr Chas Jones annihilates time and space in most care free fashion. Recently he left home on Thursday morning with his motor van full of produce. He delivered its cargo at the Melbourne market, and was back at Somerville at 10.30am the same day, ready to wrestle with the weighty problems of municipal government. Cr Jones and his colleague, Cr H. E. Unthank are now both well provided with means of speedy transit, and should be enthusiastic witnesses in support of the gospel of good roads – and more roads. *** A MOST successful and enjoyable meeting of the Frankston Progress Association was held last week, when after the transaction of routine business, including a report by Cr Wells re railway and other matters. Mr P. Wheeler entertained members with his “Talk about Fiji.” Keen interest was taken in the descriptive story connected with Mr Wheeler’s recent visit to the Islands in question and additional point was given a well told narrative by the display of many curios collected by the speaker during his tour. It is intended to ask Mr Wheeler to repeat his highly interesting lecturette at an early date. *** From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 5 August 1921

For Sale

Auction

By Expression of Interest 140 -146 Young Street & 37-43 Playne Street, Frankston

Wednesday 18th August at 12:30pm on site

Substantial Commercial Investment with Upside

13 Wood Street, Mornington

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Mr Les Hughes; Boobies, Miss Lily Gamble and Mr Sam Wells. The next euchre party takes place next Thursday night. *** A BURGLAR, caught by Mr Claude Bannister, of Westernport, was sentenced to three months imprisonment in Melbourne during the week. *** THE claim made by Henry Wallace, of Porepunkah, against the Orchard Planters Association for the recovery of £240 for blocks on Warrenda Estate, Crib Point, on the grounds of misrepresentation, was heard in the County Court by Judge Wasley, who reserved his decision. *** THE caveat lodged by Mr James Caughey in reference to his father’s will has been withdrawn on £112 being advanced to defray his costs. The case concerned property at Westernport, valued at £1900, which the late James Caughey left to two of his children, without recognition of the rest of the family. *** SPEAKING at the annual meeting of the Nature Photographer’s Club, Mr Jones, of the Department of Agriculture, deprecated the destruction of wattles and orchids in the Frankston district. He said that through the thoughtlessness of orchid hunters, who did not merely pluck the flower, but pulled up the tuber from which it grew and from which the root of the next year’s flower would spring, Victoria was in danger of losing many rare and beautiful orchid varieties.

Existing 3 bedroom residence

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5925 6005 nicholscrowder.com.au

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Jamie Stuart 0412 565 562 James Dodge 0488 586 896 4/230 Main Street, Mornington 3931

Building area: 2,100sqm* Land area: 1,462sqm* Existing income: $190,000pa* Potential income: $420,000pa* *Approx

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Linda Ellis David Olding

0400 480 397 0408 358 891

1 Colemans Road, Carrum Downs Vic 3201 Western Port News

11 August 2021

PAGE 7

PUZZLE ZONE 1

ACROSS 1. Keep apart 5. Amongst 7. Excess weight 8. Spaghetti accompaniment 9. Congenital 12. Conflicted (with) 15. Freedom 19. Numb

21. Calming drug 22. Shaving cut 23. Want 24. Star clusters

DOWN 1. Word ending 2. Yellowish-brown shade 3. Meant 4. Tooth covering 5. Monastery heads 6. Explored deeply 10. Incendiary device 11. On any occasion

12. Modest 13. Helper 14. Firm 15. Slacken 16. Delivery task 17. Using computer keyboard 18. Fork-tongued creatures 19. Reside 20. Attach

Puzzles supplied by Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd www.lovattspuzzles.com See page 11 for solutions.

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Linda Ellis 0400 480 397 1 Colemans Road, Carrum Downs,Vic, 3201

11 August 2021

Be seen everywhere.

THE MEANING OF EXISTENCE... AND OTHER SHORT STORIES

Lockdown Five and a Half: Zeroing In By Stuart McCullough AND so it is. After coming through lockdown five, we find ourselves in lockdown six. To be honest, I don’t think we can say the curtain had completely fallen on lockdown five – if you can’t visit family, you’re still in lockdown, even if can get a flat white at a café. Besides, using the ‘Police Academy Theory of Relativity’, this would put us in ‘City Under Siege’ territory that, although aptly named, holds a zero percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s no easy thing to get a ‘zero’ on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s a rating reserved for pieces of cinematic filth for which no one on the entire planet could find a kind word to say. Movies for which there is no redeeming feature whatsoever. Where critics could not bring themselves to say as much as ‘at least the on set catering was good – half a star’. In that sense, ‘Police Academy Six: City Under Siege’ joins an elite but diverse group of movies, bound together only by their sheer putrescence. ‘Jaws: The Revenge’ worked hard for its zero rating. It followed the spectacularly poor ‘Jaws: 3-D’ which, as the title not so much implies as it does boldly declare, was a three dimensional experience with the notable exception of the script. Let me say right now that I accept that I am partly to blame for the existence of ‘Jaw: The Revenge’ as I am one of the unfortunate few who went and saw ‘Jaws: 3-D’ at the cinema. Forgive me. Amazingly, the film features Michael Caine. Not just someone called ‘Michael Caine’ but the actual, ‘what’sit’s-all-about-Alfie?’ Michael Caine.

He claims never to have seen the film but has, he says, seen the house it built which he describes as ‘terrific’. It was an opportunity squandered. It would have been better had bits of previous Michael Caine films had been incorpo-

rated into ‘Jaws: The Revenge’. Had it featured a scene where Michael Caine flees the shark while driving a Mini Cooper, a huge, stinking ‘zero’ could have been avoided. If the shark had been blown up, as in the original film,

it would have given Michael Caine the chance to say, ‘You’re only supposed to blow the bl&@dy doors off!’ That’s the kind of genius cross-promotion the members of the Academy love. Also in this elite list is ‘Look Who’s Talking Now!’, which was the third, highly unnecessary installment so totally devoid of merit that it can only have been dreamed up for tax purposes. Once more, I must take my share of the blame, having borne witness to the preceding ‘Look Who’s Talking Too’ at the cinema. Also in the list is ‘The Ridiculous 6’; an Adam Sandler picture. I haven’t seen it, but I will say that Adam Sandler is capable of great things and I’ve seen lots of his earlier work. There’s a pattern here. One in which I have given creative succor to those who, perhaps, didn’t deserve it. If nothing else, it tells me that I should start making better choices. My choices in lockdown, however, have mostly been pretty good. I guess, in the end, whether this is lockdown five or six probably doesn’t matter that much. Regardless, the question I ask myself is this: will this be the lockdown where the wheels officially come off? For me, there’s been no ‘quarantini’ at the end of the day, nor have I morphed into a ‘before’ picture. With so much chaos, I’ve over-compensated with structure and stopped drinking altogether. I’ve also gotten (properly) dressed every day, without fail. Wearing pyjamas only to slip on a jumper for conference calls doesn’t appeal to me at all. Not one bit. I’m running sixty kilometres a week. Which, with a five-kilometre limit in

place, means I’m spending a lot of time running in circles. So much so that it’s beginning to effect the way I walk. I am spinning around whenever I move. Say what you will, but it’s offputting to see someone pirouette into a room, even if you’re watching them from the safety of Microsoft Teams. As well as I’ve done to now, everyone has their limit. Will this be the lockdown where I let loose? Having kept it together through structure, maybe I should treat this lockdown differently and, for want of a better way of putting it, let it all hang out. When you spot me at the supermarket, don’t be surprised if all you see in my trolley is ice cream and potato chips. It’s been a long time coming. Having now purchased thirty litres of ‘Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food’ and my own body weight in salt and vinegar, I have barricaded myself indoors where I intend to stay for the rest of the lockdown. Taking up position on the couch, I have just turned on the television. Netflix, in an attempt to be helpful, has selected a range of movies for me to watch based on my viewing preferences. For some reason, these are the only programs I can currently access. Scrolling through, the following movies are in my Netflix list: Police Academy Six: City Under Siege, Jaws: The Revenge, The Ridiculous 6 and Look Who’s Talking Now. It’s official: the chances of me enjoying this latest lockdown are best described as follows – zero. stuart@stuartmccullough.com

FRANKSTON CITY ARTS GRANTS NOW OPEN TO INSPIRE CREATIVES FRANKSTON Arts Centre has enhanced its commitment to our arts community with artist grants now open to inspire, nurture and energise our creatives. North East Ward Cr Suzette Tayler said the Artist Project Grants – proudly supported by Frankston City Council – are now open to artists and creatives living, working or with strong connections to Frankston City. Cr Tayler said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to bring a creative project to life. If you have an innovative idea and the capacity to deliver upon your vision we’d love you to apply. “Frankston City Council has continued its commitment to support COVID 19 recovery initiatives as part of its $9.128 million Recovery Package and is proud to support local artists to create work that contributes to our vibrancy, culture and community,” Cr Tayler said. Up to $5,000 will be awarded to six local artists for Artist Project Grants and submissions close on Friday 27 August 2021. For more information, please visit thefac.com. au. Alison Tedesco, who received an Artist Program Grant of up to $4000 in 2020, said the recognition and acknowledgement had

provided a huge boost, adding: “It’s certainly been a wonderful blessing as an artist to be supported and encouraged by some amazing facilitators within Frankston City Council. “It has given me a clear direction in my practice, exposed me to invaluable contacts for further art projects and bolstered my passion to continue the journey as a practicing urban landscape artist living in Frankston,” Ms Tedesco said. Western Port News

11 August 2021

PAGE 9

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The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has prepared amendment C219morn to the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme. The land affected by the amendment is: • all land in the General Residential Zone (GRZ) except those affected by concurrent amendments, i.e. amendment C227morn, C269morn and C275morn • all land in the Low Density Residential Zone (LDRZ) • all land affected by Schedules 1 to 7, 11, 18 to 20, and 22 to 24 to the Design and Development Overlay (DDO).

You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at: • the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s website at www.mornpen.vic. gov.au/Building-Planning/Strategic-Planning/Planning-SchemeAmendments • during office hours, at the office of the planning authority: - 90 Besgrove Street, Rosebud VIC 3939 (Rosebud Office) - 2 Queen Street, Mornington VIC 3931 (Mornington Office) - 21 Marine Parade, Hastings VIC 3915 (Hastings Office) • at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s website at www.delwp.vic.gov.au/public-inspection.

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Any person who may be affected by the amendment may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make. Name and contact details of submitters are required for council to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend council meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.

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Planning and Environment Act 1987 MORNINGTON PENINSULA PLANNING SCHEME Notice of the preparation of an amendment Amendment C219morn

The amendment proposes to implement the Housing and Settlement Strategy: Refresh 2020-2036 (Mornington Peninsula Shire, 2020) and Neighbourhood Character Study and Guidelines (Ethos Urban, 2019) by making substantial changes to zones, overlays and policies affecting the Shire’s residential areas.

The closing date for submissions is 5pm, Friday, 24 September 2021. A submission must be sent to the Mornington Peninsula Shire by: • Online form (preferred) – visit www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/BuildingPlanning/Strategic-Planning/Planning-Scheme-Amendments • Email at strategic.admin@mornpen.vic.gov.au Please use ‘Amendment C219morn – submission’ in the email subject line. • Mail – Team Leader Strategic Planning, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Private Bag 1000, Rosebud VIC 3939

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The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its ofﬁce and/or on its website for any person to inspect free of charge for two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses. Claire Dougall Team Leader, Strategic Planning

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From Morpeth to Mount Martha

SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie ETHAN Sanderson has come a long way in the last six years. The distance between Morpeth in England’s northeast and Mount Martha is almost 16,895 kilometres. In 2015 he made that journey as the Sanderson family settled in the Mornington Peninsula and it didn’t take long for the youngster to start playing the sport he’d grown up with. “Before we came here I played for my local club back home mainly as a defensive midfielder,” Sanderson said. “Initially I trained with Mornington then we met someone here on the Mount Martha committee who knew friends of ours back home and he told us to come down and have a look around the club.” Sanderson, who turned 19 last Friday, was in his early teens back then and he immediately liked what he saw. “It was very junior orientated but it also had a goal to get a senior side. “With me being in one of the higher (junior) age groups it would be our group that would be the first senior side and I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to get into senior football.” Sanderson’s early career with the local club was successful winning a junior league title and in late 2019 Football Victoria accepted the club’s application to join State League 5. Last season’s shutdown meant that the youngest side in the competition would face its league baptism in 2021 and the introduction to playing senior football has been tough. Sanderson readily acknowledges the challenge Mount Martha faced when coming to terms with playing against men. “It takes you by surprise,” he said. “I’d watched a lot of senior men’s football but once you are actually in the game you realise that there are all these little things that don’t really happen in juniors. “You’ve got be tougher and you’ve got to put up with a little bit of push and shove. “In junior football you’re protected from that but it’s so much different in senior football. “The older guys definitely try and take advantage of you. “They do little things like how they try and hold you up and they try and get inside your head but we’re learning how to deal with it. “We’re starting to give it back which is good.” A watershed moment in the young team’s evolution arrived on Saturday 31 July. Mount Martha was winless on the bottom of State 5 South and although the venue was Civic Reserve, the club’s headquarters, its opponent was fifth-placed Pakenham United which had lost just one of its previous seven games. Yet the locals defied the odds to record their maiden league victory thanks to a Sanderson brace that earned his side a memorable 2-1 result. “It was euphoric, absolutely amazing. “Coming off the pitch there was a massive feeling of relief that we’d finally done it. “All the hard work in training and in games had finally paid off.” It also vindicated the decision by his father Chris, Mount Martha’s head coach, to switch his son from an attacking midfield position into

FFA Cup flashback: Ethan Sanderson in action for Mount Martha in last year’s Cup tie against Shepparton South. Picture: John Punshon

a central striker’s role. Ethan Sanderson admits that there was “a little bit of nagging” involved as he pressed his dad to push him further forward but the relationship between father and son is sound both on the pitch and off. “Basically he’s been my coach since I was nine years old and I quite enjoy it to be honest. “A lot of people naturally think if your dad’s the coach then you’re going to be let off but he’s pretty hard on me. “I always get the talk on the way back from every game about what I could have done better.” And doing things better is on the youngster’s mind. For himself and for his team. “I’d love to get a goal-a-game ratio. “At the minute I’m not far off it but that’s because I’ve missed half the season with injuries. “My left ankle went in our last pre-season game so I missed three games because of that. “Then I had an injury to my knee and I also had an operation. “It’s been pretty frustrating as it’s been stop-start with injuries and now COVID. “I haven’t really had a big run of games under my belt and that’s quite infuriating for me personally.” Yet he sees a positive future for Mount Martha and he wants to play a part. “When you’re on the bottom of the league it can get a bit disheartening but we always knew that this season was going to be a massive learning curve. “We’ve been able to keep our heads up though and there’s a lot of good mates in our team and we socialise a lot which kind of keeps things together. “Off the pitch the club is looking really good. “I believe we’ve been told that we’re getting a new clubhouse built and hopefully that will be done by the end of next season.” By then Sanderson is hoping that he’s achieved his goal-a-game target but he has a team goal in mind too. “I’d like to help take Mount Martha up the league. “I want to play at as high a level as I can but I hope it’s with Mount Martha. “We’ll definitely be in State 5 next season but hopefully because of the progress we’re making as a young team we can finish a lot higher up the league.”

BECOME A CRICKET UMPIRE IT’S YOUR CALL!

Sudoku and crossword solutions S

U F

F I

X L

A M B

M E

E E

Y P

R E

O S

N E

G A

D S

N A K E

The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Umpires Association (MPCUA) is seeking to recruit both newcomers and experienced umpires to its ranks for the 2021-22 season and beyond – female and male applicants are most welcome. • • • •

Open To New Recruits (Training Provided) Are you an Ex-Player keen to stay involved in the Game? Saturday Afternoons 1 - 7pm Attractive Match Payments

For further details or an expression of interest please contact: Paul Tuff, Director of Umpires – 0417 169 718 paultuff@bigpond.com Garry Seaborne, Secretary – 0422 432 915 garry.j.seaborne@gmail.com

Western Port News

11 August 2021

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Around our Peninsula Yawa – ready, set, splash We are thrilled to announce our Yawa Aquatic Centre is complete and ready to welcome visitors again when restrictions allow. This world-class facility will provide enormous health and wellbeing benefits for our community for generations to come and we invite everyone to experience what Yawa has to offer. You really have to see it to believe it. Join the Yawa community with a membership today. 100 Besgrove Street (corner Boneo Road), Rosebud yawa.com.au • • • •

Protecting our coastline

50m indoor pool learn to swim pool warm water program pool spa, sauna, and steam room

• • • •

health and fitness classes gymnasium and wellness centre café high priority disability access

Seawinds: Crs Antonella Celi, Debra Mar, Kerri McCafferty We’re trialling a smoke-free zone on the Safety Beach foreshore to reduce the amount of butt litter and protect our precious coastal environment and marine wildlife. Cigarette butts make up a staggering 48 per cent of all litter counted in Australia. Let’s get them off our beaches and out of our waterways! A funding boost to the Southern Peninsula Community Support Centre will ensure that ongoing help to the marginalised in our community continues to be a priority.

Caring for our community

Briars: Crs Steve Holland, Anthony Marsh, Mayor Cr Despi O’Connor As lockdown is reinstated across the State, please continue to look after yourself, your loved ones and the wider community. Remember to check in using QR codes and if eligible, please get vaccinated. In a wonderful display of the democratic process, we are now the proud custodians of an impressive Community Vision for the Mornington Peninsula. It will be used by the Shire to develop the Council Plan and shape the future of the Peninsula. mornpen.vic.gov.au/2040

Investment in our children

Nepean: Cr Susan Bissinger, Deputy Mayor Cr Sarah Race It is satisfying to see funding for our kids in our 2021–22 budget, in particular $280,000 for a new playground at R Penman Reserve in Blairgowrie, which has been a long-advocated community project. We have also secured $80,000 for the planning of two new early years learning facilities in Tootgarook and Rye. This is investment in the critical early stages of children’s development, which will strengthen our communities and help children and families flourish in Nepean ward.

We’re moving forward

Cerberus: Cr Lisa Dixon

Like many, I’m looking forward to Bentons Road being open soon, and knowing that I’ll be driving on 1,450 tonnes of Plastiphalt, which contains five tonnes of recycled plastic. That’s the equivalent of 1.8 million plastic bags diverted from landfill! We’re also investing in promoting active transport, with $300,000 in the new budget for design of a missing link of the Bay Trail between Moorooduc and Mornington. When restrictions allow, please drop in for a chat at my new office at 10 High Street, Hastings – just opposite the library.

Supporting arts and culture

Watson: Cr Paul Mercurio AM

I am very happy to see $200,000 in funding in our new budget for the development of a business case for a state-of-the-art performing arts and cultural venue. Be assured I will be advocating for any future venue to be located on this side of the Peninsula to encourage our home-grown creatives. We’ve also allocated a further $500,000 towards a Performing Arts Fund, and $100,000 to ‘kick-start the music’ plan, which will support a range of actions associated with our Music Plan 2025. We must invest in the future of our arts and culture and build a stronger, more resilient sector.

Community initiatives welcome

Red Hill: Cr David Gill

Council policy is to promote community initiatives, especially during this COVID period. I would like to see as many projects as possible started and quickly completed, which poses a great challenge for Council processes. Please copy me into your proposals. Perhaps they involve a small community outdoor social gathering space, an idea for a small business workspace hub or help with working bees to improve your neighbourhood. Your ideas are important and welcomed by a Council culture that is open to possibilities. Council should be able to help.

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Western Port News

11 August 2021

Local COVID-19 vaccination centres For people who meet the eligibility criteria: • Frankston Community Vaccination Hub – Bayside Centre • Rosebud Clinic (Astra Zeneca) • Cranbourne Turf Club To book: 1800 675 398 portal.cvms.vic.gov.au • Rosebud Respiratory Clinic:

0436 033 507

Join the conversation Planning scheme amendment - C219 housing mornpen.vic.gov.au/peninsulahousing closes 24 Sept Volunteering on the Peninsula survey mornpen.vic.gov.au/volunteeringsurvey closes 27 Aug Smoke free Peninsula survey mornpen.vic.gov.au/smokefreepeninsula closes Nov 2021

Events Various dates, August – November Online business support workshops mpbusiness.com.au/upskill Catch ups with Crs Sarah Race and Kerri McCafferty mornpen.vic.gov.au/councillorcatchups

August 25

The Creators Network - meet our artists Mount Eliza Community Hall mornpen.vic.gov.au/creatorsnetwork

25-27 Free plant giveaway The Briars, Mount Martha

September 1-4

Free plant giveaway The Briars, Mount Martha

Climate-proof your garden workshop Eco Living Display Centre, The Briars mornpen.vic.gov.au/ecoliving

The Creators Network – meet our creative spaces Tyabb Community Hall mornpen.vic.gov.au/creatorsnetwork

Information is correct at time of printing. COVID-19 restrictions may cause changes or cancellations. For a full list of all Shire events see our website: mornpen.vic.gov.au/events mornpen.vic.gov.au/markets

Briars Ward

Watson Ward Cerberus Ward