Western Port News 14 October 2020

Western Port YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND FOR PENINSULA FAMILIES FACEBOOK:

peninsulakids.com.au mornpenkids

An independent voice for the community

INSTAGRAM:

FREE

Your weekly community newspaper covering the entire Western Port region For all advertising and editorial, call 03

Wednesday 14 October 2020

5974 9000 or email: team@mpnews.com.au www.mpnews.com.au

A rappin’ good win MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s youth services team at Hastings was highly commended for its Rap4RAP project in the Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards.

The project is dedicated to improving indigenous reconciliation on the peninsula.

The Western Port region received awards prizes in most categories.

“Hastings cleans up Tidy Towns awards” Page 10 Picture: Supplied

Deadline close for ‘most unusual’ poll Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au VOTERS just over one week to elect 11 councillors to run Mornington Peninsula Shire for the next four years.

Social media has become an intense platform for debate in what is recognised as the most unusual municipal election ever because of the COVID-19 restrictions on campaigning.

Ballot packs were mailed out to peninsula voters by the Victorian Electoral Commission last week and must be returned by 6pm Friday 23 October.

Voting is compulsory for those listed on the state electoral role.

Just five of the sitting councillors are seeking re-election and the results will

be announced Friday 13 November.

The endorsement of candidates in all wards by the Tyabb airfield-based Peninsula Aero Club has led observers to claim that the club’s involvement is more conspiracy than coincidence.

Candidates supporting the airfield’s allegations that it is being treated unfairly by the shire has seen at least five of them sign a petition calling on the state government to reject changes to planning regulations affecting the airfield (“Pro-airfield candidates want state to act” The News 6/10/20).

The proposed changes followed investigations by a QC hired by the council into planning permits and businesses operating at the airfield and are scheduled to be hard by the Victorian

Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in April next year.

In August, a video released on the internet featuring footage taken at the airfield was described by shire CEO John Baker as “clearly misrepresenting the council and some councillors”.

He said the video was “deliberately designed to mislead and denigrate and is factually inaccurate” (“Video flies in face of poll rules” The News 31/8/20).

The aero club’s online newsletter provided a link to the video under the heading “Council’s attitude to various matters a cleaver [sic] and amusing insight!”.

In a message attached to the aero club’s endorsement of specific candidates in each ward, its president Jack

COME AND SEE THE CHICKENS ROAMING FREE IN THE PADDOCK!

Vevers talks about the shire having “waged war” against the club and the airfield as well as harassing and attacking “farm gates, wineries and other small businesses”.

A petition backed by two candidates calls on the shire to provide more bike and BMX facilities. The two candidates are both Mount Eliza residents, with one standing in Briars Ward and the other Red Hill Ward (“Bike jumps now an election issue” Page 10).

The council election has also seen candidates peppered with questionnaires from community groups and organisations, including The News.

The exchanges on social media have been described as brutal and cruel.

Lawyers have been contacted over

one candidate’s comments about a rival in the Briars Ward whose 10-week-old daughter died in 2018.

The information was allegedly leaked from a not-for-profit organisation. The organisation’s president has said the information about the child’s funeral arrangements was on the internet and “therefore in the public domain”.

A Watson Ward candidate has told police his computer was hacked. His campaign was subsequently delayed by his efforts to firstly track down the source of the hack and then to await delivery of a new computer.

Screen shots being taken to record particularly viscous and allegedly defamatory statements are may be used as evidence in post-election court cases.

BARN DOOR SALES MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8AM - 4.30PM AND SATURDAYS 8AM - 12.30PM

Our farm is family owned and managed.

We have been producing quality eggs for over 40 years, supplying the public, restaurants and other businesses on the peninsula.

Eggs are collected 365 days a year so you can be assured that you are buying the freshest eggs with the best yolk and flavour.

Retail and Wholesale from our barn door.

5977 5405

220 Eramosa Road West, Moorooduc. corner of Binnak Way email: admin@somervilleeggfarm.com.au

NEWS DESK

Big screen crowd waits on Grand Final nod

DROMANA Drive-In has scored two quick goals in getting permission from the AFL and Channel 7 to live telecast the AFL Grand Final.

But the result won’t be known until owner-operators Paul and Shelley Whitaker (picture above with son Joshua) get the nod from the state government to screen the event before an anticipated crowd of hundreds on Saturday 24 October.

Following on from the successful Saints versus Bulldogs match at the drive-in last June, they said that to host the big game on Victorian soil “would be so important for many fans and even those watching for the first time”.

“It’s been a team effort from both ends of the ground in trying to convince the government that the event will be safe, and then obtaining permission from the AFL,” Mr Whitaker said.

The diehard Saints fan says he wrote to Premier Daniel Andrews, his ministers, other MPs, Opposition spokespeople and government departments. “You name it and I contacted them.

But I didn’t get much reaction.”

Mr Whitaker then handballed over to Nepean MP Chris Brayne, who drilled the ball to sports minister Martin Pakula who, coming off the bench, tapped Marcus King from AFL Broadcasting on the shoulder and things began moving.

After halftime, Mr Whitaker began working the wing with Heath Walker from AFL marketing and stirred up a bit of a fracas to get the

crowd onside with cheering and writing letters of support.

He said: “I’m not sure who set up the play, but the Premier took the final mark and, with the siren about to sound, has a shot at kicking the winning goal.”

Mr Brayne is backing the plan: “Many people in the community have raised the Dromana Drive-In and the prospects of them holding a Grand Final event, particularly after [CEO] Gillon McLachlan’s comments earlier in the week expressing his support,” he said.

“Subject to the data and public health advice, I think this is a really exciting opportunity to showcase the Mornington Peninsula nationally and bring the community together in a COVID Safe way, particularly given the huge mental health benefits of enjoying the footy” Mr Andrews has stated he intends announcing a possible easing of COVID-19 restrictions on Monday 19 October. Hopefully, this will include kicking the ball straight through the big sticks and giving the nod to the live telecast at Dromana Drive-in.

That simple act would, almost certainly, give him the equivalent of a Brownlow Medal.

Tickets for the big game at the Dromana Drive-In go on sale from Sunday 18 October.

“If our event is cancelled due to restrictions not being relaxed, all monies will be refunded,” Mr Whitaker said.

Stephen Taylor

EVERYTHING WE’RE DOING IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Thank you Victoria.

As hard as this is, every sacrifice we’re making is making a difference.

But we can’t stop now, or lose everything we’ve worked for. We will get through this together.

For details go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

PAGE 2

Western Port News

14 October 2020

Hunger pains threaten Big Goose’s future Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au THE proprietor of the Big Goose animal petting farm Justin Orr says, with some irony, that he has never sought charity, but that’s exactly who came to help as he battled to supply food to his animals during the COVID-19 closure.

Mount Martha mum Charity Cooper – who says Big Goose is the “saviour of sunny days and stay-athome parents all year long” – started a campaign to raise money to feed the animals during the stage four restrictions and surprised herself by generating $4300.

The money went towards filling one of the Moorooduc farm’s silos with feed for the animals.

“The Big Goose is the Saturday family outing we rely on and a staple for most of our kids down here.

Bloody hell, it’s a staple to keep us sane,” she said.

“The question my five-year-old has asked me most during COVID is, ‘When can we go to The Big Goose/’ ... I can't tell you how many times I have pushed that pram up that hill, holding another little hand beside me and into that gate, knowing I'll have four hours of peace while my children are entertained.

“I’ll be damned if it’s not there at the end of lockdown when I can finally, finally, let the kids off the leash.”

A grateful Mr Orr said the business with its 30 staff and 200 animals had missed out on obtaining government relief. He said he done all he could

AT the Big Goose are: Carlos Sansberro with "Valentino" the bull; Kaye Dawkins with "Fluffy" the goat; Jo Barden with "Pixie" the goat; Brett Clarke with "Coober" the dingo; Justin Orr with "Hercules" the dog; and, Lachlan Townsend with "Olivia" the olive python. Picture: Yanni since March in the way of mortgage and bill deferrals as well as tucking into his superannuation to keep the business afloat.

The budget didn’t provide any surety either and JobKeeper, for personal reasons, has only been paying him half the headline amount.

As writ-large by Ms Cooper, the Mornington-Tyabb Road venue is a must-see for Mornington Peninsula youngsters who delight in petting its kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wombats, snakes, lizards, turtles, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, chickens, geese, turkeys,

pheasants, deer – and even an ostrich.

“We were lucky we already had 80 round bales of hay when COVID started and two big silos holding eight tonnes each, and Charity’s $4300 was enough to fill another silo,” Mr Orr said.

“We’ve had other donations and they’ve all been tremendous support,” he said, adding that the pending drop in JobKeeper “would become an issue” as the shutdown dragged on.

“We’ve been told we will need to have zero cases before we are allowed to reopen, while the playgrounds are

packed with kids,” he said. “We are on 60 acres [24 hectares] yet we are not allowed to have anyone.

“We will probably not be allowed to open until Christmas and we’ve lost the September school holidays.

On top of this the shire has closed the foreshore camping grounds so those people aren’t there [as a source of customers] either.”

Mr Orr is confident the Big Goose, running six years, would survive despite the challenges because people are likely to want to make up for lost time when the shutdown ends. Indica-

115iL

50% OFF

77 db(A) - 4.25kg with battery

50% OFF* d Skin

Secon

ffer Batterleyte O battery kit mp

48m/s - 3.7kg with battery

SKIN ONLY RRP

Recommended BLi200 Battery & QC500 Charger

50% OFF Second Skin*

325iLK

50% OFF

82 db(A) - 4.6kg with battery Combi Trimmer

KIT PRICE RRP

SKIN ONLY $209

Kit incl: Skin, BLi10 Battery, QC80 Charger

Buy a co econd skin* s a ff o % 0 & receive 5

525iB

$529

$427

Second Skin*

Second Skin*

120iB NEW! 46m/s - 3.2kg with battery

50% OFF Second Skin*

ONLY $549 SKIN RRP

$547

Recommended BLi200 Battery & QC500 Charger

Kit incl: Skin, BLi20 Battery, QC80 Charger

KIT PRICE RRP

*Offer valid 01/09/20 –31/12/20. Purchase a complete Husqvarna battery kit (skin, battery and charger) and take advantage of a second skin for half price, when purchased together in the one transaction (skin refers to unit only, not battery or charger).

The second half price skin must be of equal or lesser value than kit skin price. Kit componentry must be as per the manufacturers recommendation and as specified in Current RRP Price List. All 300 & 500 Kit Series machines must have a minimum of BLi200 Battery and QC500 charger unit. Offer excludes BLi300 Batteries unless compatible for both kit and half price skin. Half price offer refers to SKIN of unit only, excludes batteries and chargers.

HASMOW.COM.AU

5979 1382

SKIN ONLY $299

tors show a resurgence in similar parks in NSW after restriction eased there.

“We’re hanging in there,” he said.

That’s good news for the hundreds of kids who enjoy getting up close and personal with the huge range of animals living there.

Anyone wanting to help can contribute towards supplies of kangaroo food, guinea pig and rabbit pellets, golden yolk chicken feed, bird seed, oaten chaff, Lucerne chaff and hay.

Visit thebiggoose.com.au for advice on donations.

115i HD45

50% OFF

45cm bar - 4.0kg with battery 25mm Teeth Opening

$437

KIT PRICE RRP

Second Skin*

SKIN ONLY $219

Kit incl: Skin, BLi10 Battery, QC80 Charger

120i

50% OFF

12" bar - 3/8" LP Chain 4.15kg with battery

$567

KIT PRICE RRP

Second Skin*

SKIN ONLY $319

Kit incl: Skin, BLi20 Battery, QC80 Charger

Our showroom is open to Trade customers only. Retail customers can Call & Collect or we can organise delivery to the Mornington Peninsula or postage for smaller items.

2013 FRANKSTON - FLINDERS ROAD, HASTINGS

Western Port News

OPEN 6 DAYS

14 October 2020

PAGE 3

Police patrol

With Stephen Taylor

Police looking out for flashers over summer MORNINGTON police are planning to step up patrols against flashers on the foreshore between Mount Eliza and Mount Martha this summer.

Senior Sergeant Paul Edwards said the problem was “not of epidemic proportions, but it does rear its head from time to time and we want to stamp it out”.

Senior Sergeant Edwards said flashers were known to frequent narrow and winding tracks and trails leading to and from beaches and near beach boxes.

“It’s a seasonal thing and we will be mobilising police on foot and on bike patrols, especially near the Balcombe estuary,” he said.

A Southbank man was arrested in that area last year and charged with 10 counts of willful and obscene exposure from September to November. His case, adjourned a number of times, will go before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court next month.

Senior Sergeant Edwards said flashers usually targeted girls and young women who often just chose to avert their eyes and ignore it, rather than taking positive action. Sometimes they waited until they got home, hours later, before reporting the offence, making it hard for police to catch the suspect.

“What we are asking is for victims to immediately call 000,” he said. “They should not approach the flasher but, if possible, observe them while making the call, taking note of their descriptions.

“If they can take a picture of the offender on the phone that would be even better.”

Senior Sergeant Edwards said flashers often did not have criminal histories, making them harder to detect.

Snake in the grass THE discovery of an illegal eastern corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) at Hastings has prompted police to ask if anyone has information about it or any other exotic species of reptile.

The white snake was found in a backyard on Hodgins Road, between Marine Parade and Victoria Street, Sunday 13 September.

Witnesses had reported numerous sightings of a white snake loose in the area several months before its capture.

The albino-like reptile – an exotic pest – was probably kept as a pet before its escape.

Police said it was illegal to import, keep, breed, trade or release the snakes in Victoria.

They posed “one of the greatest threats to biodiversity as they have the potential to establish in Victoria and predate upon and spread disease to our native wildlife”.

“As a result of illegal possession and trade, the eastern corn snake has been discovered in all states of Australia, having either escaped or being deliberately released.”

Anyone with information about this snake or any other exotic species of reptile is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Erratic driving A GOLD coloured Honda Accord being driven south east on Frankston-Flinders Road, Somerville, was reportedly veering into oncoming traffic, 12.50pm, Tuesday 6 October. Police said an approaching driver had to take evasive action to avoid a collision between Hawkins Road and Eramosa Road East.

Anyone who saw the incident, or has dashcam footage, is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Rosebud thefts TWO MacBook Air laptops, a motor-driven pushbike and car keys were stolen from a house in Jetty Road, Rosebud, 12-2.30pm, Tuesday 6 October.

No one was home at the time.

Anyone with CCTV in the Lawson Crescent/ Jetty Road area is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Tools stolen Tools valued at $1000 were stolen from a shed behind a house in Glenvue Road, Rye, possibly over the weekend 3-5 October. They included a chainsaw and angle grinder.

A second lot of tools including an angle grinder, drill, spanners and wrenches were stolen from a warehouse in Thames Street, Rosebud, 4-6 October.

ADVERTISMENT

Other red rooms in Western Port Western Port is well known for its seaside vistas along with world class restaurants and wineries.

However, there are some less desirable attractions sought out in this picturesque beach side location and with Victoria in uncertain times, living with the threat of another possible Covid 19 lockdown at any time, it’s no surprise that people’s day to day lives are in a major upheaval and in need of some reprieve.

Companies like Netflix are booming as people escape from a lifestyle resembling house arrest, to relish in a smorgasbord of fantasy series offered on many of the video streaming platforms.

For some people, that fantasy morphs into reality and becomes life imitating art.

Of course this isn’t new, it’s been happening since the dawn of time, but add promiscuous dating apps like Tinder and Ashley Madison into the mix making it so much easier to get caught up in the vortex of sordid pleasure where it can easily spiral out of control.

Getting caught up in a web of lies, stories, and fake alibies, the house of cards just gets higher and higher until eventually it all comes crashing down, and the participants swept up in this surreal life, either by choice or default are left to pick up the pieces.

The husband, whose business built up over a lifetime, is now at risk.

PAGE 4

Western Port News

14 October 2020

There’s still a way out for people caught up in complicated situations .

The wife whose future security disintegrates before her eyes.

The part time girl friend who was biding her time to marry, only to discover she was being taken for granted.

If you’ve been embroiled in such activities you will need to consult legal advice, preferably ahead of time, to minimise your exposure or to stake your claim.

Having handled numerous cases of this nature over time has allowed James McConvill and Associates to build up an arsenal of strategies that can result in a successful outcome for their clients.

Because of the Covid 19 lockdown restrictions imposed on Victoria, this means that all legal firms are required to operate remotely for the time being.

James McConvill and Associates is well know in the Western Port area and not only has extensive experience in dealing with these sort of legal challenges, they are also one of the most experienced law firms in operating remotely, which apart from being a government requirement at the moment, is also essential for discretion in dealing with matters like these.

James McConvill and Associates has been using the telephone in conjunction with video conferencing technology

to service their clients remotely for more than 14 years.

When it comes to providing expert legal advice with a local understanding of this community, James McConvill & Associates already has a proven track record in legal cases of this nature.

As one of the very first legal firms to use internet technology to service their clients remotely all over Victoria, has enabled their legal team to become the trusted leaders in providing legal advice remotely throughout Western Port District and surrounding areas, putting them at the forefront of remote legal servicing.

And over this time they have developed reliable and proven systems of remote servicing, giving their clients confidence of a successful outcome in their legal case.

The use of these systems has enabled James McConvill & Associates to provide their clients with cost effective legal services covering many areas such as: Criminal Law, General Family Law, Parenting Rights, Separation, Business Law, and Property Rights.

So if you need legal advice from a firm that fully understands the challenges involved in legal cases of this nature, then you can always turn to James McConvill & Associates.

If you need to, you can contact them now on 1800 765 948.

NEWS DESK

New CEO to oversee Oberon ’s key projects women through cultural practices, including, weaving, possum skin workshops and camps.

Willum Warrain is one of 79 community organisations to receive a community grant of up to $10,000 in the program which supports mental health, improved connection and mental wellbeing in local communities.

Australia Post executive general manager Nicole Sheffield said: “We know when we connect, we feel better.

“The organisations we’ve funded aim to help improve mental health and wellbeing by helping individuals and communities to be more connected.”

Details: auspost.com.au/grants

For Fast, Cost Effective Legal Advice in Western Port and Surrounding Areas

Call 1800 765 948

Children First gala NEIL Armstrong, above, has been appointed CEO for the next two years of the Western Port Oberon Association.

A justice of the peace and a former Mornington Shire councillor and a board member of Metropolitan Ambulance Service and other nonprofit organisations Mr Armstrong was awarded an Order Of Australia Medal in 2019.

Western Port Oberon Association president Max Bryant said Mr Armstrong had an “amazing background as an administrator and will bring a strong strategic focus to our current operations and long term plans”.

He said the association’s “key projects to be completed over the next 24 months” were finding permanent homes for the former HMAS Otama submarine (anchored off Crib Point) and the former pilot vessel Wyuna (anchored in Bell Bay, Tasmania).

Mr Bryant said the association planned to bring the Wyuna to Victoria “later next year, with significant celebrations planned for her departure from Bell Bay and arrival in Melbourne”.

“Otama and Wyuna will be preserved and placed on permanent display at Hastings Victoria, once facilities are completed,” Mr Bryant said.

Mr Armstrong’s “maritime connections” included his marine engineer grandfather and uncle and his late father “an experienced deep sea merchant sailor”.

“Neil loves ships, he photographs them and cruises regularly,” Mr Bryant said.

A McCrae resident, Mr Armstrong would be CEO “in an honorary capacity” to help the association “consolidate its overall position”.

Association grant WILLUM Warrain Aboriginal Association has been awarded $9980 as part of Australia Post’s 2020 community grants program.

The grant will fund the Strong Sistas project which aims to build positive social and emotional wellbeing and connection for Aboriginal

A CHILDREN First virtual gala will be hosted

by Mornington Peninsula radio station RPP this year.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions the station will use its TV sound stage and technology to host the event, 5-7pm, Saturday 17 October.

Guests and attendees will participate on line.

RPP presenter John Shoe OAM will MC the event as he has done in years past. This time he will be in a virtual world reaching out to an Australian and international audience.

Children First Foundation is an Australian children’s charity that offers life changing surgery to disadvantaged children from the developing world.

Details: childrenfirstfoundation.org.au

Food For all meeting FOOD For All’s annual meeting is this year being held via Zoom, 2pm, Wednesday 21 October. Those wanting to attend can contact Brian Allen at mail@foodforall.com.au and a Zoom link will be sent out the day before.

The link will be active 10 minutes before the meeting. All invited.

March close for bank THE demise of suburban bank branches is continuing with the Rosebud branch of the ANZ shutting its doors on 18 March 2021.

The bank’s general manager for Victoria Michael Wake reeled off what have now become standard responses to bank branch closures (“ANZ withdraws from Mount Eliza” The News 28/9/20).

“Every year we see 10 per cent less transactions at our branches because our customers no longer use them for everyday banking like they used to,” he said.

“The majority of our customers now prefer the convenience of doing their banking when it suits them. Our apps and call centres are convenient and we’ve also seen a number of passbook customers opting for debit cards recently to expand their banking options.”

Mr Wake said the bank had written to customers to let them know about alternative banking methods, including online and telephone.

Choose the person who best represents your values: • Smart and sustainable planning decisions for now and future generations

• Make an employment & Covid recovery plan happen • Engage community for better outcomes • Protect environment, character and rural charm • Ensure that Shire expenditure, services and allocation of funds achieve maximum value

Nominate a local hero

2021 Australia Day Local Awards The search is on to find Mornington Peninsula’s most dedicated, generous and community minded people.

Do you know someone whose contribution to our community deserves to be recognised?

Acknowledge their contribution by nominating them for the 2021 Australia Day Local Awards.

Nominate for: • Citizen of the Year • Young Citizen of the Year • Community Event of the Year Nominations are open and close Friday 6 November 2020.

Nominate them now!

mornpen.vic.gov.au/ausdayawards 5950 1137

Advertisement

VOTE 1 LOUISE PAGE

Making Watson Ward a priority

• Address the problems of litter, graffiti, and crime • Work hard to resolve outstanding issues

- e.g. Baxter trail, airfield, railway link, sports facilities, paths etc.

www.louisepage.online

@louisepage2020

0492 499 658

Authorised by Louise Page PO Box 120 Tyabb 3913

Western Port News

14 October 2020

PAGE 5

NEWS DESK

Western Port

Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty Ltd

PHONE: 03 5974 9000 Published weekly. Circulation: 15,000

Journalists: Stephen Taylor, Brodie Cowburn 5974 9000 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Bruce Stewart 0409 428 171 Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Danielle Espagne Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Andrew Hurst, Craig MacKenzie.

ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURS 15 OCTOBER 2020 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WED 21 OCTOBER 2020

Local news for local people

We stand as the only locally owned and operated community newspaper on the peninsula.

We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential for a strong community.

We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.

To advertise in Western Port News contact Bruce Stewart on 0409 428 171 or email bruce@mpnews.com.au Western Port

PAGE 6

Western Port News

14 October 2020

Budget help for Buruli probe APART from national issues, the federal budget contained few specific finance packages for the Mornington Peninsula.

The largest was nearly $1.5 million for Stopping Buruli ulcer in Victoria, the flesh eating ulcer that in 2019 became prevalent on the southern peninsula.

The budget also included $300,000 for “pedestrian safety upgrades” at Arthurs Seat.

The Buruli money will support 22 research projects under Professor Tim Stinear at University of Melbourne.

Buruli ulcer (BU) is described as a destructive skin and soft tissue infection that can cause permanent deformity.

The National Health and Medical Research Council says the ulcer is caused by a bacteria carried in the guts of possums and spread by mosquitoes to people from areas contaminated by possum faeces.

“A targeted intervention based on screening possum faeces followed by control of mosquitoes in areas where possums and mosquitoes are shown to carry the bacteria will be trialed here, giving public health officials a means to stop this disease,” NHMRC media manager Thea Williams said.

“Arthurs Seat is one of the most picturesque locations on the Mornington Peninsula, with 250,000 locals and tourists visiting the location each year,” Flinders MP Greg Hunt said.

“Last year I met with representatives from the local community, the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Parks Victoria and the Arthurs Seat Eagle to discuss issues around road safety and

the numerous close calls pedestrians have navigating the roads at the summit.

The gondola ride’s CEO Tom Smith was quoted in a news release from Mr Hunt’s office as saying his company had been working with Parks Victoria, Victoria Police, the Department of Transport, the Mornington Peninsula Shire and local members of both state and federal parliaments “to continue to ensure that visitors to both the Eagle and the state park can safely enjoy all that is on offer within the summit precinct.”

The Arthurs Seat Eagle is co-owned by businessman and former Australian of the Year Simon McKeon.

Drivers wanted EXPERIENCED drivers are being sought to help supervise learner drivers as part of the Transport Accident Commission’s L2P Program on the southern Mornington Peninsula.

The program is paid for by the TAC and managed by the Department of Transport.

Volunteers from across the peninsula have been assisting learner drivers who do not have access to a supervising driver or a vehicle since 2009.

Mornington Peninsula Shire wants to recruit 10 mentors to help the learners achieve their 120 hours of driving as required for their test.

An L2P mentor is described as someone who is “enthusiastic about contributing to the community and supporting young people by committing one to two hours per week to assist in supervised driving”.

“We’re really proud to support our youth in any way we can. Getting your licence is such an integral part of gaining independence and stepping into adulthood,” the mayor Cr Sam Hearn said.

“Having your licence leads to employment and educational opportunities that are fundamental to our young people.”

Successful mentors will be trained and have all insurances covered by the shire when volunteering in the role.

They must be fully licenced and over the age of 21.

Details: mornpen.vic.gov.au/l2pmentorapplication

Clean-up Sunday LITTER on the foreshore, in the street, and near shopping centres, will be the focus of the Big Peninsula Clean-up, Sunday 18 October.

Participants will be able to pick up litter and log it into the Litter Stopper app apps.apple.com/au/app/litterstopper/id1445816297 and list what they have collected. The data will be used to pressure the state government and councils to deal with single use plastics, and advocate for a container deposit scheme.

To take part, gather your bags, safety gear, personal protective equipment, and anything else you’ll need, and head to your chosen clean-up site for an hour from 9am-12pm.

Then, log the rubbish details in the app and share the experience on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtags #springcleanyourpatch #stopsingleuseplastics.

The day a family’s world changed forever Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au NEIL Farnsworth was buying hardware at Red Hill South when he learned his wife and two of his sons had been involved in a horrific car crash on the Point Leo Road, about five minutes’ drive away, early in 2019.

What followed was a cruel race against fate and destiny with generous help from a close-knit rural community – help which Mr Farnsworth admits he will never be able to repay but for which he is eternally grateful.

“They are my saviours,” he says.

The crash, about 4.30pm, Wednesday 13 February, turned family life on its head. Nothing would or could ever be the same again for the long-time Red Hill family. Even now, 20 months later, the heartache and stresses are apparent.

Lisa Farnsworth had just picked up twins Sam and Luke,12, from the school bus when her Holden Calais collided head-on with an Audi Q7 being driven by a 49-year-old man holding an international licence (“Community helps out as boy fights for life after crash” The News 18/2/19.)

Mr Farnsworth rushed to the horror scene: “I came around the corner and immediately started working on Sam with the help of a beautiful lady, an emergency nurse, who stopped to help.”

The force of the collision at the crest of a hill “stopped the Calais in its tracks”, reducing both cars to a tangled mass of twisted metal. Both were written off.

Sam’s injuries were exacerbated

The Farnsworth family getting on with life.

Picture: Yanni when his airbag failed to open, while Luke’s and Lisa’s did. However, Lisa’s feet were crushed into the car’s firewall, trapping her.

Sam received severe head, chest and abdominal injuries. Police said he possibly suffered cardiac arrest and praised the desperate work of passersby until emergency crews arrived. He was flown to The Royal Children’s Hospital by helicopter ambulance in a critical condition.

Lisa, then 46, was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital by another helicopter ambulance in a serious condition with chest, leg and pelvis injuries. Luke was taken by road to the Monash Medical Centre in a stable condition with chest, abdominal and leg injuries.

The major collision unit was called in to investigate.

Reflecting on the crash and its aftermath last week, Mr Farnsworth

said Sam was on life support in ICU for three months and 12 months in hospital overall. While in ICU, with the scope of his son’s injuries readily apparent, the earth-moving contractor admits he was steeling himself to be asked to make some “hard decisions”.

“Then we saw his eyes flicker and we knew we had him,” he said. “We had to keep his mind positive.”

The keen Tigers’ fans were spurred on by Richmond players who gave up their time to drop in to cheer the boy up, take selfies with him and “talk footy”. Josh Caddy had a tattoo of Sam on his leg.

Friends and members of the family visited him at every opportunity and the Farnsworths are especially grateful to one generous benefactor who provided a car so they could make the daily trip to Melbourne.

“After 10-and-a-half months in hospital, Sam came home on 23 December to his family where he belongs,” Mr Farnsworth said in a post to family and friends, signed Neil, Lisa, Billy, Nicholas, Jamie, Luke and Sam Farnsworth.

“He is a much happier boy being back with his beloved cat Ollie in his own room and among his friends. He has made small improvements, needs 24-hour care, and he has carers to help with the load. The fact he is here is a miracle.

“Luke is doing well, he is the best twin brother, always there for Sam when he needs him. Getting back to school after about three months on a part-time basis to finish grade 6.

He is now doing year 7 at Dromana Secondary College with two of his

older brothers.

“Lisa still has a damaged left ankle that is requiring more surgery to fuse joints to, hopefully, rectify the ongoing pain and lack of strength and stability.

“We are back as a family – a very different family though,” the 30-year CFA veteran said. “We still have a lifetime’s challenges in front of us but, with all of the love and support around us, we know we will get through it with you all by our sides.

“We are lucky to live in the most amazing community and, from the bottom of our hearts, we cannot thank our community, friends and family enough.”

Mr Farnsworth is bitter towards the driver of the other car. The now-50year-old from Melbourne has been charged on summons with reckless conduct endangering life.

Last week the police informant in the case, Senior Constable Christopher Hurwood, of Somerville Highway Patrol, said procedural delays caused by COVID-19 had delayed the case since April. It is listed for mention at Dromana Magistrates’ Court on 12 November where the magistrate can decide whether if it should be heard at a higher court, such as the County Court.

Senior Constable Hurwood said driving rules for overseas visitors were changed in October last year – eight months after the Farnsworth’s world came crashing down – and now require internationals to obtain an Australian licence before being allowed on the roads.

Advertisement

CHANGE THE COUNCIL Less Planning – More Doing

JOBS

• • •

Council must act without further delay to create more local jobs It’s a no-brainer: more land for new and expanding industries means more jobs Simple and proactive changes by the Shire is urgent as we sink into recession

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

• • •

Vote Stefan Borzecki

No. 1

for Watson Ward

Construct the scenic 20k Somerville Coastal Trail, Finish the bike path to Baxter Convert Somerville drain between Shopping Centres into a large public nature park Double the area of our nature parks, greenbelt and pristine coastline

SHIRE CULTURE NEEDS TO CHANGE

• • •

Become more ratepayer friendly Cut red and green tape Cut costs, reduce debt levels and freeze rates

Stefan is experienced in small and large business with 40 years of dealing with the Shire www.stefanborzecki.com Authorised by Stefan S Borzecki 2 Lumeah Road Somerville Vic 3912

Western Port News

14 October 2020

PAGE 7

LOCKDOWN PICTURES

Applications open Fire Management Contractors List 2020/21 Mornington Peninsula Shire invites applications from local contractors to be considered for placement on our Fire Management Contractors List.

The Shire inspects private land for fire hazards in the lead-up to summer and during the Declared Fire Danger Period.

Where a fire hazard is identified, landowners are sent a Fire Prevention Notice issued either under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 or the Fire Rescue Victoria Act 1958 to

remove the fire hazard by a specified date.

To assist owners with carrying out the work, the Shire includes a Fire Management Contractors List with each Fire Prevention Notice sent. The list will also be published on the Shire’s website.

Contractors may be requested to undertake works including slashing grass and undertaking weed and vegetation removal.

Readers’ Lockdown Pictures this week once again reflect what’s on show indoors and outdoors. Shane Broderick watched an approaching storm at Rosebud, while Brian Mitchelson looked into his archives to remind us of sunny days when rays are clearly seen from Rosebud pier. Jill Howard captured a flower with an eerily familiar shape that her grandson calls the “virus flower”.

Below that is Glenys Slade’s proof of schnapper returning to Mornington and Joan Grall’s Just Joey rose. Joan Hamilton Snellgrove found a calmer Rosebud and Alex Wilson was happy to extend a feeding hand to a colourful backyard visitor. Penny Ritchie found a family of parrots setting up house at The Briars, Mount Martha.

Readers are invited to send and share their own pictures, with a short caption, to: lockdown@mpnews.com.au

Applications close 5pm Friday 30 October 2020 To apply and learn more visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/fpn

For more information contact the Environment Protection Unit: 5950 1050

HASTINGS COVE & WESTERNPORT GARDENS for enjoyable retirement

www.mrlc.com.au

OVER 55

Retirement Living you really can afford!

2 & 3 BR bri c k uni ts c l ose to the shops a nd M ar ina Hastings Cove and Westernport Gardens offer an idyllic lifestyle in a safe and secure environment.

Come and experience for yourself the great community atmosphere, with many facilities from indoor bowls to our comprehensive library, gym and many social activities. ...and, of course. your pets are welcome!

HASTINGS COVE

WESTERNPORT GARDENS

5979 8812

5983 6767

2034 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Hastings (enter end of Michelle Drive)

2460 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Bittern (enter from Myers Road)

in association with MICHAEL DEVOLA & ASSOCIATES Licensed estate agents and auctioneers 63 Hampton St, Brighton 3136 Ph: 9592 2222

PAGE 8

Western Port News

14 October 2020

INSPECTION

BY APPOINTMENT EVERY WEEKDAY 10AM – 3PM Visit our website www.mrlc.com.au or call now for full details

Advertisement

VOTE 1 KATE ROPER Your local Candidate for CERBERUS Ward

I HAVE BEEN REPRESENTING CERBERUS WARD FOR 4 YEARS, CURRENTLY AS DEPUTY MAYOR

After COVID more than ever you will need a strong, experienced voice in the council chamber to represent our community.

I know the process and I have proven results, such as: • Council spending in Cerberus is significantly higher than ever before.

• Hastings Streetscape & laneway Murals ($4million) and finally new Public Toilets in King St. • Hastings Senior Learning Hub – A completely renovated quality facility for Seniors & U3A. • Major pavilion projects at sports grounds in Crib Point, Hastings & Tuerong to improve your facilities.

• Road upgrades/Roundabouts Moorooduc, Hastings and Bittern…and much more

My Vision Our community needs help and positive action to rebuild after COVID and move forward.

Here are just a few projects I want to progress: • Technology Park Hastings – projected over 3000 jobs.

• Hastings Foreshore Sound Stage – The foreshore is an amazing asset and event space – an opportunity to add to our economy and assist local business. (Due to be constructed in 2021. $2.5 million allocated).

I stand for transparency, honesty & working for what’s best for our community.

• Linking our bike/pedestrian trails around the peninsula to enjoy our spectacular backyard.

• Maritime Centre – Another project to bring jobs and visitor dollars to Western Port.

And of course, continued long term support for our businesses and residents struggling with the aftermath of the COVID pandemic.

Authorised by Kate Roper, PO Box 48, Hastings. 3915

Contact me: Ph: 0419516416 Email:

kateroperforcouncil@gmail.com

Kate Roper Cerberus Ward Mornington Peninsula Western Port News

14 October 2020

PAGE 9

NEWS DESK

Hastings cleans up Tidy Towns awards WESTERN Port almost scooped the pool at this year’s Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards which were announced at a virtual event in Beechworth on Saturday night.

Hastings was crowned overall Tidy Town winner while the region won various awards as well as receiving high commendations in two key projects.

The Keep Victoria Beautiful event aims to recognise and celebrate grassroots initiatives and positive actions taken by individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and councils across rural and regional Victoria.

These include initiatives that protect the environment, reduce waste, preserve heritage, change behaviours, increase social wellbeing, celebrate indigenous culture and encourage strong leadership, particularly among our youth.

Hastings took out the overall prize after impressing judges with the quality and calibre of its entries. Some judges were said to be “speechless and only capable of uttering words like ‘wow’” during the assessment process.

The Hastings-based Dolphin Research Institute won the Environment Award for its i sea i care Marine Ambassadors behaviour change program which is being featured at primary schools across Melbourne.

The program empowers students to become environmental leaders while emphasising reducing, reusing, repurposing and recycling. It has grown from 25 schools in 2011 to almost 100.

Western Port Secondary College student Harrison Hansen, 16, won the Young Legend Award for his contribution to school and community activities over four years. He men-

tored Years 3 and 4 students, ran the Year 7 camp, and helped with RUOK Day. Despite missing class time due to his responsibilities, he remained a top student, making up for what he missed in his own time.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Municipal Emergency won the Community Award for the effective coordination of local agencies at Western Port during the Mallacoota evacuation.

While overall command was handled by the State Control Centre and the sea phase coordinated by the Royal Australian Navy, the shore phase was coordinated by VicPOL and supported

by Red Cross, with local coordination of agencies managed by the shire. The outcome of the project was the speedy repatriation of 4000 evacuees in a caring manner.

The marine environmental education program, The Sea is our Best Friend, earned St Joseph's Catholic Primary

School at Crib Point the Education Award. The program provides Year 3 and 4 students with a greater appreciation of the marine environment and its connection with community. The program has also helped students learn about their area and the Boon Wurrung peoples through working alongside an indigenous teacher.

Highly commended projects included the Advance Team, a group of VCAL students aged 15-17, for their program tackling littering and illegal dumping in reserves and grounds at Hastings.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Youth Services in Hastings for its Rap4RAP project, dedicated to improving indigenous reconciliation on the peninsula.

The Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards have been going since 1983. Over the years they have moved beyond rewarding towns for tidiness to recognising and celebrating

positive actions by communities and individuals.

Keep Victoria Beautiful Tidy Town spokesperson Dick Gross said he was impressed by the calibre of entries and rise in submissions.

“Clearly the awards have acted as an antidote to the pandemic and provided our rural and regional communities with a sense of purpose and something to strive towards in what has been an extremely difficult year,” he said.

“Each year more than 20,000 Victorians are positively impacted and involved in the awards in some way. These include all the spectacular project volunteers, town committees and councils as well as the locals who live in these towns.

“Ultimately, the awards don’t just promote the remarkable projects happening across rural and regional Victoria, they also help promote tourism to these amazing communities.”

Bikes jump in as an election issue Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au KIDS were out in the fresh air, using their initiative, having fun, and letting off steam last week on improvised bike ramps – but some people saw their antics as vandalism of a public park and leaving a mess for others to clean up afterwards.

The two schools of thought have parents on one side happy to see their kids occupied outdoors and amazed that some of their neighbours could take an opposing view and report them.

Police arrived at Mountain View playground in Mount Eliza last week and asked children playing on the jumps for their names, addresses and schools after a neighbour reported them. The police then kicked down their dirt jumps.

The pros and cons of constructions in the informal playgrounds are being hotly debated on social media and have been turned into an issue of this month’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections.

Briars Ward candidate Julia McCarthy, whose kids play on the jumps, said she saw a neighbour of the park on Mountain View Road “swearing at kids as she was frustrated at the dirt bike ramps they were building”.

“I was astonished anyone could feel this way as it has brought me such joy seeing the kids being kids at the parks

Digging in: Children wasted no time in trying to rebuild their bike jumps which were flattened by council workers using a bobcat at a reserve in Mountain View Road, Mount Eliza. Pictures: Yanni (main) and supplied (inset)

– one of the silver linings of COVID. “Let’s support these kids to get some sanctioned areas or facilities they can use, and also some breathing space while so much is still shut down for them. This physical and creative activity is awesome, not harmful.”

Ms McCarthy, one of 15 candidates contesting Briars Ward, is coordinating a petition to the council calling for more bike and BMX facilities for kids.

She said that with parental supervision “things like choosing inappropriate areas - close to trees, harming plants, in pathways - and using bad language or being anti-social - the path from teenager to be an adult can be tough - could be kept to a minimum”.

Other Mount Eliza residents Melissa Hay, Lauren Hall and Melissa Goffin (a candidate in Red Hill Ward) said they were amazed their children’s fun

and games could become a contentious issue.

“Truly sad today to witness intolerance,” Ms Hay said. “What has this world come to?”

Ms Goffin said she had “communicated our frustration, positive benefits and sadness on behalf of kids and community” to the shire. “Apparently [the council officers] were acting in response to multiple complaints and

The abuse of older people is hard to talk about.

Often, it’s committed by a family member. It could be a daughter, a son, or a loved one.

Too many older people suffer in silence.

Elder abuse is a form of family violence and it is unacceptable.

What starts out small doesn’t always stay that way. Elder abuse is hard to picture, but it happens every day.

PAGE 10

Western Port News

14 October 2020

public attention. I let them know that they’d likely rebuild.”

Ms Hall asked: “What has happened to our society? Where has the hearts in people gone? Council have just flattened all the bike jumps at the park with bobcats and five council workers...

“Those jumps have saved the mental health of so many kids and parents.

Many friendships have been made through kids playing together... Let’s turn this around, people. Let’s bring back what makes happy memories for our kids. It’s up to us.”

She urged people to sign the petition.

Stevie Habib said the shire “should make a proper bike track there for the smaller kids and use the space in a good way”.

The other side of the argument was put by the shire’s interim director place Jessica Wingad said: “We understand the energy, creativity and enjoyment of those involved with creating informal bike jumps and are currently investigating longer term options to respond to this need in a safe and collaborative way," she said.

“The shire is also assessing the reserves and parks used without permission for the construction of these jumps. Informal bike jumps can pose an unacceptable risk to other park users and may damage bushland or public park areas and our policy is to remove them.”

For further information and for independent advice, contact: Seniors Rights Victoria – 1300 368 821 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence – 1800 755 988 Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491 If you are concerned for your immediate safety or that of someone else, please contact Triple Zero (000) for emergency services.

For more information, please visit www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au

M A K E YO UR VOT E COUNT in t he M orning to n Pen i n s u l a S hi re E le c tio ns 2 02 0 The vision of the Committee for Mornington Peninsula (CfMP) is for a Peninsula where people can live, embrace the landscape and nature, contribute to the community, learn and earn within the region.

We think local people should not be forced to leave our region to pursue employment, careers and business goals.

The CfMP hopes you share this vision, and has invited all candidates in the upcoming Mornington Peninsula Shire Council election to provide information about themselves and answer key questions from the Committee that align with our policy pillars and priorities.

To view candidate profiles online, please go to www.committeeformp.com.au/councilelections/ We ask that you consider the information and responses supplied by candidates and that extent to which they support and commit to the CfMP’s key strategic objectives:

CfMP aims to lift the prominence of the region in the plans and thinking of policy makers, governments and decision makers and to promote a wider and deeper understanding of the region, its sustainable potential and challenges.

Our aim is to bring together community and business-minded people on the Peninsula, who are committed to this region, understand the challenges we face, can imagine new possibilities for our community, are optimistic about the future and share a passion to work collaboratively and constructively for better outcomes for the Peninsula.

We hope the incoming Council will share this vision for our region and work collaboratively and positively to pursue these objectives.

That’s why your vote is important in the upcoming election, and is the reason why we have sought to provide useful information that can assist voters in assessing candidates.

Authorised S. Smit, 328 Main Street, Mornington 3931

• Securing ‘regional’ designation and access to commensurate support • Improving and developing infrastructure that supports economic activity and jobs • Availability of suitably-zoned land to support sustainable investment, growth and jobs • Ensuring access to training and education opportunities that support sustainable careers • Nurture a supportive and ‘business-friendly’ environment • Ensure ongoing CfMP viability, vitality and relevance

COMMITTEE FOR

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Western Port News

14 October 2020

PAGE 11

LETTERS

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

Compulsory pool registrations badly planned and confusing The compulsory badly advised, badly planned, confusing and incompetent new pool and spa registration fees smack of (state and council) revenue raising and could have been a simple less costly two-step process (“Shire starts search for pool inspectors” The News 6/10/20).

But instead all pool owners must write in to council before 1 November and “register” by paying a $79 fee so that council can inform these registrants that they need to apply for a compliance certificate from a separate council authorised inspecting entity that will inspect and charge $300 - $395 (first inspection) and $150 to $165 for it to be renewed every four years.

What is amazing is that I received this “notice/ request” from council (in the mail) demanding I register my pool and pay the $79 fee or risk a $330 fine.

Council has all the relevant forms, applications, plans and permits “registered” for most, if not all, pools.

My pool has been catalogued, recorded and, dare I say, registered (by any other name) within various council departments.

Otherwise, how did council know to send me an addressed request to register?

Council has my town planning pool application and building application for a pool and “registered” plans for a pool.

Why is this not registration enough?

What is amazing is that a final inspection of the pool/spa fencing barrier had to be registered, yet again, and approved prior to allowing it to be filled with water.

I don’t begrudge paying rates or registration fees. I just loath incompetence and waste.

Has anyone really thought this out?

We should (often and continually) remind local and state governments that they are our paid elected representatives, not just a whip or oppressor. We should always voice unfair initiatives.

Paul Georgeson, Dromana

Trust being lost Sadly, in the state of Victoria the police are starting to lose the respect and trust of the populous.

I believe they have been over zealous in their methods, as instructed by command and government, inflicting unnecessarily harsh discipline on a largely compliant people and interfering in their human rights as installed by this same government.

The citizens do not wish this, and I am sure the vast majority of the force don’t either. It is a bit like the proverbial fish, the state is rotting from the head.

Peter Grey, Rye

Hepburn and Helen When I was just 10 years old, my father took my two brothers and me for a 10-day holiday in a little hotel in Hepburn Springs.

The only guests were us and a Ms Stella Lamond and her daughter, Helen Reddy, who was also 10.

My father and Ms Lamond got on very well at meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner and I became a good friend of Helen and the two of us walked and ran over Hepburn’s bush and springs all day, every day. Me in my jodhpurs and Helen in her cool jeans. I was a bit envious of those jeans because they were rare in Australia in 1952. We had great fun and felt like soulmates.

Over the years I followed her fame and her music, but I never saw her again. When she died last week, I felt really sad. She was a lovely little girl and some woman. Mary Lane, Mornington

Social justice vote Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) would like to thank the more than 20 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council candidates who responded to our recent survey, thus demonstrating a genuine willingness to respond to community concerns.

In addition to social justice issues, the candidates provided their reasons for standing for council and links to further information about themselves. The responses make interesting reading.

It is evident from the responses to our survey that SWAN’s social justice concerns are shared

PAGE 12

Western Port News

14 October 2020

passionately by many of the candidates: access to affordable housing, to adequate income/ income support, disability access, prevention of violence against women, reconciliation with First Nations people and humanitarian treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

Also evident was the commitment of many to the principles of access, equity and inclusion. A number of candidates expressed concern about services for young people and also vulnerable older people.

Significantly, the majority of responses reflect a deep commitment to climate action, environment protection and prevention of over-development on the peninsula.

Candidates unanimously rejected the idea that social justice issues are just state and federal responsibilities. All saw council as having a vital role in both advocacy and policy and program development at the local level.

Responses are available at swanwomen.org. au/candidate-statements-mpsc-2020/ or can be mailed or emailed by calling 0404 811 422.

Erica Churchill, SWAN facilitator, Bittern

Important election It is concerning that the current [Mornington Peninsula Shire Council] election process is being attempted to be influenced by a single entity.

How many members of Peninsula Aero Club actually live in the shire (“Pro-airfield candidates want state to act” The News 6/10/20)?

This is an important election and the number of new councillors that will be elected across the shire could lead to inexperienced decision making.

As we come out of lockdown it will be vitally important that as many of the existing councillors are re-elected. It is going to be difficult enough without having one trick ponies influencing decisions Rod Kerley, Moorooduc

Testing time Candidates wanting transparency on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is looking like thick cloud (“Candidate ‘stacking’ could lead to a chaotic shire” and “Local test” Letters 6/10/20).

Local test homework in my Red Hill Ward leads to one candidate who doesn’t actually live in the ward, though advertising in The News and the address given would suggest that is the case.

Len Minty (“Candidate stacking”) is correct in his assessment of “affiliation with other interests” can lead to “candidate stacking” and end in chaos in council.

Why nominate in a ward you do not reside in? Campaigning on “complete transparency in council”, I feel this candidate’s campaign is in a thick grey cloud already. If this candidate is elected Red Hill Ward (the shire’s largest) will be represented by a councillor who doesn’t even reside in our community.

Yet the Briars Ward will have three councillors and a councillor elected in Red Hill Ward, who actually resides in the Briars Ward.

Vote on performance first, or at least someone who lives in your community.

John Blogg, Somers

‘Fair’ proposals The planning scheme amendments proposed for Tyabb airfield by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council actually allow for big increases in aircraft movements and in aircraft noise above those experienced in 2018 and 2019 (“Pro-airfield candidates want state to act” The News 6/10/20). One significant restriction in the council proposal is a night-time curfew, but that should not cause the wheels to fall off the airfield.

It would be only fair for night operations to be restricted to aircraft on an emergency given the runway is only 250 metres from the Tyabb general residential zone and more than 2650 people live within 1.5 kilometres of the runway.

If this petition [signed by five council candidates] is successful, the effect would be to deny the vast majority of local residents a say in the limits on aircraft noise from Tyabb airfield, while giving a say to people from all over Victoria who signed the petition.

The support for the petition by the five candi-

dates also raises the serious issue whether they believe local residents should not have a say about the aircraft noise.

The report that 12 candidates did not answer the question [included on a questionnaire from The News] about PAC membership is terrifying.

If they are not prepared to answer a simple question, then perhaps they should not be trusted to be our councillors.

Brewis Atkinson, Tyabb

No money for research, either.

It all points to the government returning to exactly the same philosophy that existed before COVID-19 came along. That is total reliance on China, support for coal and gas, and support for only the wealthy.

James McLoughlin, Balnarring

‘Shocking’ maintenance

I couldn’t believe my ears when the Treasurer [Josh Frydenberg] was announcing the relaxing of financial lending rules.

What is he thinking? I was always cynical of the Liberal/National government’s response to the very recent royal commission into banking and financial institutions. I didn’t think it was broad enough. Namely, credit card exorbitant interest rate charges and internet banking, didn’t get looked into.

Easing the rules of lending will lead to more unscrupulous lending cowboys/girls to entice the vulnerable in our society to rack up debit that, more than likely, they cannot afford.

I can just see another royal commission in the near future. I hope I am proven wrong but, given no one was jailed for all the atrocious and in some cases illegal practices, time will tell.

Methinks unfettered greed will prevail.

Denise Hassett, Mount Martha

Who is responsible for the shocking condition of Coolart Road north of Wonderland Avenue, Tuerong? Every time it is graded it becomes a bigger disaster: gutters clogged with debris and the water flowing over the road is breaking up the bitumen.

Trevor Billson, Tuerong

Problem masks With the widespread use of facial masks during the ongoing lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic I have noticed with alarm the discarding of these masks increasing around parts of the Mornington Peninsula.

This practice seems more prevalent around some of the shopping centres and on the footpaths of the main streets.

I’m hoping this does not become another version of the long-term problem we have always had with the discarding cigarette butts, many of them ending up in beautiful Port Phillip.

Maybe Mornington Peninsula Shire could promote an awareness campaign and nip in the bud a potential eyesore and pollution problem before it gets out of hand.

Brian Boyd, Rye

Coalition decision It was the Kennett government that created Mornington Peninsula Shire in 1994 (“Mixed up politics” Letters 30/9). The shire was incorporated into the Melbourne metropolitan area at that time.

I share the frustration with our current lockdown, but it must be remembered that it was a Coalition government that put us in this geographical quandary.

Steve Weal, Blairgowrie

Metro peninsula It appears Edward O’Donohue, Liberal member of the Upper House in the Eastern Region, likes to spread misinformation.

As part of a campaign with [Flinders MP] Greg Hunt he is circulating a letter referring to the decision by the Andrews government to classify Mornington Peninsula as metropolitan.

In fact, it was under the government of Henry Bolte that the peninsula was made part of greater Melbourne, and that was continued when Jeff Kennett amalgamated the councils back in 1994 when the western part of the peninsula was added to the shires of Flinders and Mornington.

What that means is that when COVID restrictions were applied to the whole of metropolitan Melbourne it included the peninsula. Comparisons with Geelong are irrelevant as it is a regional area. Better to compare with Yarra Valley which is facing the same dilemmas as the peninsula in lockdown.

We need to carefully weigh up the pros and cons before we embark on a campaign to become a regional local government area rather than part of metro Melbourne.

What would happen to our green wedges?

Would we be forced to compete for funding with larger councils such as Bendigo or Geelong?

It is not a decision to be made on the hop. Ed O’Donohue might serve his electorate better if he asked his federal counterparts why only one Victorian region was nominated for the $50 million Recovery for Regional Tourism Fund?

Marg D’Arcy, Rye

Nothing changes I am disappointed in the [federal] budget. Once again, we see the LNP refusing to listen to the public and taking the wrong options in getting out of the recession and not trying to put Australia in a better place.

Most of the tax cut money goes to people earning over $120,000 who will not spend it and so will not help the recovery. It appears the dole will revert to $40 a day next year and the unemployed can starve with the temporary visa holders who also got nothing.

Better than tax cuts would have been investment in building more affordable housing and incentives to manufacture in Australia to lessen our reliance on an ever more belligerent China.

Landing fears

Chinese colony According to the Macquarie Dictionary treason means violation of allegiance to the state.

China’s President Xi Jinping is arguably world enemy No1. Premier Daniel Andrews, having signed Victoria up to the Belt and Road strategy and now initiating a Chinese technological development centre in Melbourne, is quoted as saying that Victoria is China’s gateway to Australia. Say no more.

Aussie Sadler, Mornington

Risk assessment Every so often one stops to examine one’s priorities. Seventy years following politics changes nothing. Highs, lows, crooks and the occasional honest joker.

All right wing governments are only interested in four things: your vote, your spending, your taxes and their place in history. Possibly a fifth their bank balances?

The Labor Party, slightly in our favour, has much the same interests. Today it’s COVID-19.

Nobody really knows what’s ahead in 2021.

Add in climate change (vital, particularly if you envisage sticking around till 2050, with Scott Morrison into his usual ducking and weaving alongside the prevaricating Anthony Albanese), Donald Trump and democracy itself, in America, England and here, a psychological nightmare for the future, where already some 0.1 per cent own 20 per cent of the world.

Strangely, others say it’s all about the dangers of China. True for Tibetans no doubt, but not necessarily for Australia ahead of these other dangers.

I’m too old to get to an emotional point of view. Just saying.

Cliff Ellen, Rye

Different approaches Is this prime minister fair dinkum? He’s claiming international travellers from “safe” COVID-19 countries could bypass hotel quarantine.

Has this bloke learnt nothing? The country may be COVID-19 safe, but are the travellers?

Maybe Victorian Premier Dan Andrews should be running the country. He obviously believes in health before wealth.

Andrews has out performed the PM consistently. He daily stands before the reporters for as long as the questions keep coming, even the inane ones. Whereas the PM gives edicts such as the one I’ve mentioned then goes on holidays complete with family to South Australia (a LNP state) does a photo op and then disappears.

The cases are falling, so Andrews has got it right. Another three weeks and we’ll be able to have more movement out and about.

All we need is for the knockers and the whingers as well as the LNP dirty tricks unit to give it a rest.

Restaurant owners in Melbourne can’t have it both ways. They can’t be losing thousands of dollars during the lockdown and the curfew (which has now been lifted) to not making enough during the warmer seasons when things were normal to pay their staff normal award wages. Which is it? Prince or pauper?

John Cain, McCrae

OBITUARY

Janet Watt – Balnarring centenarian OBITUARY

Janet Watt 9 October 1917 – 8 September 2020

LONG time Balnarring resident Janet Watt passed away at The Bays, Hastings, on 8 September. She was 102. Married to Robert (Rob) for 40 years she was the mother of Colin, Heather, Trevor and Malcolm, and ‘nanny’ to seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Because of the existing restrictions, attendance at the funeral was limited to family members and consisted of a graveside service held on Tuesday 15 September at the Crib Point cemetery. A thanksgiving service is planned for later in the year. The graveside service was conducted by the Reverend Nigel McBrien and the obituary which follows has been prepared by son Colin. *** Janet was born into the William and Elvira Brown family on the 9 October 1917 at Surrey Hills Victoria and passed away on Tuesday 8 September 2020 in her 103rd year. Elder brother William, known as Bill, and younger brother Thomas, known as Tom, who have pre-deceased her, made up the family.

Janet's father had selected and cleared land by hand in Mernda Rd Olinda, built a modest four room weatherboard home and planted a market garden growing potatoes, carrots, turnips, swedes, beans and peas which were transported to the Victoria Market, mostly by horse and dray, then later by T Model Ford truck.

Janet was educated at the Olinda State School to the first half of Grade Eight. Each day she walked a return trip of four miles along unmade roads. The family attended the Olinda Methodist Church and Anglican Sunday School.

At age 11, Janet's mother left the family. During this dramatic time she was supported by her maternal aunt.

When Janet was fifteen, the family moved to a sheep and dairy property

"Seagrove" on Coolart Road, Bittern.

Here, she completed her Grade eight education at the Bittern State School, cared for her father, his brother who had returned from France after World War One, and her two brothers, as well as working on the farm; her day started at 4 a.m. when she herded ten milking cows into the dairy and then helped to milk them. Amazingly, Janet played tennis for Bittern, became a Sunday School teacher, joined the Bittern Red Cross unit and attended the Crib Point Methodist Church.

When Janet's brothers, Bill and Tom returned from World War Two, she, with her father William and his brother Tom, moved to Bennett St. Bittern. They bought and managed a

cattle property in Hendersons Road, Bittern.

Prior to World War Two, Janet travelled with Mr. Bennett, who was a local estate agent, and Mrs Bennett, to the Balnarring Methodist Church where he was a lay preacher. Here, she met Robert Watt – known as ‘Rob’, to avoid confusion with his father's name. Janet waited for Rob to return from World War Two where he spent three and a half of his five years of military service on the Burma Railway. On the 5 February 1948 Rob Watt and Janet Brown were married at the Balnarring Methodist Church.

For several months they lived in Donaldson’s cottage on Stumpy Gully Road, Balnarring near the Church of England.

Prior to Rob's military enlistment, with financial help from his Uncle Frank, he took an option on 5 Stanley Road, Balnarring, known as ‘Kylinda’, where he and Janet commenced poultry farming in mid 1948.

Shortly afterwards along came Colin, Heather, Trevor and Malcolm. Today there are seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Reminiscent of her Bittern teenage years, Janet with Rob worked industriously on the Balnarring farm establishing a substantial poultry business of egg production and sales to numerous district stores and farms, including HMAS Cerberus, hatching chickens and rearing breeding fowls.

Their poultry farming prowess was rewarded with the prestige Victorian Government Department of Agriculture 1956 - 1957 Burnley Egg Laying Competition with a prize–winning White Leghorn bird that laid 265 1st grade eggs during the competition period.

Janet skillfully combined her family and demanding household responsibilities, farming tasks and community service for most of her extensive Balnarring life. She became well known for her cooking and knitting skills. She actively participated in and made a significant contribution to many local organizations. They were the Balnarring Methodist (now Uniting) Church Guild, Christian Endeavour, Sunday School, Bible Study, Book Reading, Adult Fellowship and Knitting Groups, all strengthening her Christian faith. Janet demonstrated a firm Christian faith and blessed the lives of those who met her.

In 2000, as a Balnarring Red Cross member she received a Red Cross Rosette for 60 years of dedicated service. For many years, functions conducted by the Balnarring Senior Citizens and CWA were "must attend" activities which exemplified her energetic community service.

For several years Janet supported the Balnarring–Tulum Basketball Club which played on a gravel court at the Methodist church. Janet helped the Balnarring Parents’ Branch of the Red Hill Consolidated School which her four children attended. In later years the Hastings Legacy enhanced and enriched her life through its lunches and social activities.

In 1976, having retired from poultry farming, Rob and Janet joined an organization known as “For Those Who Have Less”. Rob answered a newspaper advertisement for a Poultry Supervisor in Bangladesh which involved rearing and distributing poultry to Bangladeshi villages.

This was their "retirement" trip, helping impoverished people create a sustainable future in a destitute country. They successfully managed this project for two years, gaining government recognition for their efforts.

On their return to Balnarring they settled into a quiet life style; family, church and community activities keeping them busy. Sadly, due to failing health, Rob passed away in October 1988. However, with

renewed determination and vigor, Janet steadfastly moved on, engaging in family activities, cooking cakes, whipping up lemon butter for every stall in town, taking bus trips with the seniors to various Australian locations, maintaining church and community connections and strengthening her personal relationships – all of which have been enduring features of her life.

Janet's one hundred year celebrations in 2017 extended over a week.

There was no stopping her as she journeyed from one to the other, enjoying her celebrity status. They culminated in a huge family event in the Balnarring Hall. She humbly received and cherished every one of her well–deserved congratulatory messages, from the Queen to the latest great grandchild.

Family relationships, no doubt, significantly contributed to Janet's longevity and over–whelming happiness. She always welcomed visitors to her home, especially her extended family, in a respectful and sincere manner. Overnight stays on the farm had the grandchildren in raptures as her hospitality invariably included sponges, scones, tea cakes, apple pies and biscuits, lovingly cooked in a wood–fired heated oven until bottled gas came along. Also, tractor rides, collecting eggs, picking vegies and fruit and cricket matches were thoroughly enjoyed with Janet.

In 2013 ‘Kylinda’ was sold and Janet, together with son Trevor, moved into a house in Stumpy Gully Road, Balnarring.

Janet will always be remembered as a hard working, passionate woman of strength and kindness, numerous homely skills, an amazing memory and cohesive familiness. She will be sadly missed by all who have had the pleasure of living, knowing and working with her. She was a person of steady parental influence that will live in the family forever. Her abundant goodness was freely given to all who met her.

Left: Janet and Rob on their wedding day.

Right: Malcolm, Colin, Trevor and Heather with Janet in recent times.

Western Port News

14 October 2020

PAGE 13

100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...

Protest at Land Sale – Question of Subdivision Compiled by Cameron McCullough LAST Saturday afternoon, the land situate between the Prince of Wales Hotel and Mr Sage’s shop, Frankston, was offered for sale, on the site.

The owner, Mr. Short, considers the situation admirably adapted for shop sites, and he subdivided the block into four allotments.

The whole block has a frontage of 100 feet to Mornington Road, with a depth of 200 feet to Kananook Creek, where there is a three feet right-ofway along the bank of the stream.

Mr Short has cut his block in two, reserving the rear portion – 100 x 100 ft – as a residential area for himself, his frontage being the creek.

The front part, which has a rightof-way on both sides, be subdivided into three parts, each having frontage of 30 feet, and a depth of 100 feet.

The auctioneer, Mr W. P. Mason, had completed reading the conditions of sale, when Mr J.D. Jennings stepped forwarded, and asked several questions relating to the survey.

He received information confirming the fact that the three front allotments ran into a dead end, and that the only frontage possessed by the rear allotment – reserved by Mr Short – was the three feet right-of-way along the creek.

Mr Jennings then entered a vigorous protest against the action of the Shire Council in permitting what he termed “the creation of a slum area” in such a favored locality.

He contended in connection with the rear block that the granting of a frontage to a 3ft right-of-way was most improper, and he hoped the peo-

ple of Frankston would not be slow to disapprove of the whole thing.

Mr Mason drew attention to the fact that the plans of sub-division bore the seal of the Shire Council and proceeded with the sale.

The corner block, nearest the hotel, was first offered, the purchaser having the option of taking the other two.

Bidding started at £10 per foot and increased by 5s bids to £10 15s, at which it was passed in.

It is stated that the vendors reserve was something like £15 per foot. *** Local Soldiers Ignored AT the conclusion of the Soldiers’ Memorial committee meeting, Mr H. Vicars referred to the advertised fact that Lieutenants Parer and McIntosh were to be entertained at Frankston.

As president of the local branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association he could say that members deeply resented the manner in which they had been ignored in the matter.

They were anxious to co-operate, but had never been consulted by the two or three individuals who had taken upon themselves the responsibility of acting on behalf of the people of Frankston.

Cr Oates said the Council had written to Mr Parer senr., over a month ago concerning the matter of giving a public welcome to Lieut. Parer, and the Council was still waiting a reply.

He promised that enquiry would be made.

Mr Morrison took exception to the high price fixed for admission. In the past ls had been deemed sufficient

charge to welcome home socials to returned soldiers.

Mr McMurtrie: Did the Returned Soldiers’ make any move towards organising a welcome?

Mr Vicars: We were waiting on the Council. Our branch is nearly 100 strong, and we expect to be consulted. *** “Digger’s” Doings – A Day at the Races and a trip to the seaside THE escapades of three “diggers” named Arthur Hall, Charles Newman and Stanley James (inmates of the Caulfield Military Hospital) occupied the attention of Messrs C, G. V. Williams (chairman), C. W. Grant, and W. J. Oates, J’s.P. at the Frankston Police Court on Monday last, when Newman and James were charged with stealing between £20 and £30 from their comrade, Hall.

Detective Ethell, in outlining the case, said that on Saturday, Sept 25th Hall invited Newman to accompany him to the city, where Hall collected £22. They were joined later by James, and proceeded to the Moonee Valley races.

They consumed a good deal of drink during the day, and finally found themselves at the Carrum Hotel, where they secured accommodation for the night.

When Hall was awakened on Sunday morning, he found his companions of the previous day had taken their departure. He also discovered his empty wallet near the bed, but no trace of the £27 it had contained when he retired to rest.

Hall informed the police, with the result that Newman and James were

interviewed at the Caulfield Hospital.

At first they denied all knowledge of the money, but after being confronted with the motor driver, whom they engaged on the Sunday to take them to Mordialloc, and the manager of the Mordialloc Hotel, where they changed a £5 note, they made certain admissions to the police.

Arthur Hall, a young soldier, with one arm, gave evidence detailing the day’s doings.

He said he backed winners. He had 30/- on Pimpara at 7 to 1, and he gave James £1 to put on Earl Simon, and received £3 in return. After the races.

He, with Newman and James, engaged a motor car and arrived at the Carrum Hotel at about 10 o’clock at night, where they went to bed.

James did not undress.

Witness had about £27 in his wallet, which he carried in the pocket of his jacket.

The money consisted of four £5 notes and seven. £1 notes.

Witness paid all the expenses of the trip. He thought Newman had about £11 on Saturday morning, when they set out for the races.

James had no money.

They all had drinks during the day, and were just “nice and merry” when they got to Carrum.

Newman: You told us you got 7 to 2 Pimpara.

Hall: No, 7 to 1.

James denied the statement that he went to bed fully dressed.

John Crosby, motor driver, and Raymond Broomhall manager Mordialloc Hotel, gave evidence relating to the doings of the accused on Sunday, Sept

26th.

Constable McDonald read the statements made by Newman and James.

They admitted having taken a couple of £5 notes, which, they said, they found lying on the floor near Hall’s bed at Carrum.

The accused pleaded guilty, and asked to be dealt with at once.

Newman: This would never have happened had we not been drinking.

I had three year’s active service, and was never in trouble before. If you give us a chance, we will make amends, and pay back the money to Hall.

James, who was on crutches, also promised amendment.

Detective Ethell: It looks like a drunken spree!

The Bench said that consideration would be given to what the men had suffered in the war. This trouble seemed to have resulted from their drunken condition.

They would be sentenced to three months imprisonment, sentence to be suspended on them entering into a bond of £25 to be of good behavior for 12 months. *** A MEETING of the Peninsula’s Cricket Association was held at Hastings on Saturday last, when delegates were present from Tyabb, Hastings, Crib Point, French Island and the Naval Unit attached to the Flinders Naval Base. *** FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 8 October 1920

WHAT'S NEW...

Achieving your best retirement lifestyle NOT every retirement community is created equal, as the expression goes.

Aviva Communities Officer is simply your best retirement lifestyle and we understand what our homeowners are searching for.

Aviva Communities is a team of people committed to providing the best solution that there is ,and we know how overwhelming researching to find that option can be. You want the best quality that your budget can provide, and we understand that. That is why at Aviva we believe in giving you control over your financial future and also flexibility in managing your ongoing costs while living at Aviva Communities Officer.

We want you to enjoy your freed-up capital to enjoy the things you deserve to be doing without having to worry.

You can achieve all of the below and more: Choose a weekly site fee adjusted annually or fix your weekly site fee for life Your weekly site fee is reviewed annually against CPI or every two years based on a market review If you would prefer to know what your weekly site fee will be not only on the year that you move into the community but also 10 years down the track, you can choose to fix your fee for the life of your residency – You will love this.

No More power bills WOW – At Aviva Communities Officer we want our homeowners to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. To avoid ongoing bill creep and remove the stress that comes with rising utility

PAGE 14

Western Port News

costs, you will not get a power or gas bill at Aviva (subject to fair use policy) Pay No Stamp duty Unlike freehold homes, you do not pay any stamp duty on the purchase of your home, again saving you thousands.

Pay no council rates Because you lease the land on which your home sits, you no longer have to pay costly council rates each year, again more lifestyle for you to enjoy.

A Fairer Deferred Management Fee A Deferred management fee is payable when you decide to move out of the community.

Unlike other land lease communities that charge a Deferred management fee on the price at which you sell your home, at Aviva the deferred management fee is set on the price you paid for your home when you moved in.

The benefits of this are if the value of your home increases, you get to keep all the capital gain You will know exactly the amount that your deferred management fee will be from day one.

Our luxury lodge complex, bringing 5-star resort style living to Officer, will be open in the next few months and now is perfect timing to explore the home options near this stunning location.

Our New Home specialist Andrew is available by phone 0455 245 438 or email mailto:andrewm@avivacommunities.com.au

14 October 2020

PUZZLE ZONE 1

2

3

7

4

5

6

8

9

10

11

12

15

16

13

14

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

ACROSS 1. On the inside 5. Classic painting, ... Lisa 7. Blunt 8. Removing errors from 9. Ran after 12. Regards highly 15. Animal trainer 19. Overrun DECKING T/Pine 70x22 KD ACQ ........................... $2.70mt T/Pine 90x22 KD ACQ ........................... $3.50mt T/Pine 140x22 KD ACQ ......................... $6.25mt Merbau 70x19 Random ........................ $5.25mt Merbau 90x19 Random ........................ $6.50mt Merbau 140x22 Random .................... $13.95mt

FIBRE CEMENT SHEET UNDERLAY 1800x900 ............................................ $18.95ea

4.5MM

1800x900 ............................................ $13.50ea 1800x1200 .......................................... $18.00ea 2400x450 .............................................. $9.00ea 2400x600 .............................................$12.00ea 2400x900 ............................................ $18.00ea 2400x1200 .......................................... $24.00ea 3000x900 ............................................ $22.50ea 3000x1200 .......................................... $30.00ea

6.0MM

1800x1200 .......................................... $25.75ea 2400x900 ............................................ $25.75ea 2400x1200 .......................................... $34.25ea 3000x1200 .......................................... $42.75ea

BLUEBOARD

2400x900 ............................................ $31.00ea 2400x1200 .......................................... $41.25ea 2700x900 ............................................ $34.50ea 2700x1200 .......................................... $46.00ea 3000x900 ............................................ $38.00ea 3000x1200 .......................................... $50.75ea

BGC DURAFLOOR

2250x600x19 T&G.................................$85.00ea

CEMENT PRODUCTS

Concrete Mix 20kg .................................$7.75ea Rapid Set 20kg ...................................... $8.25ea Cement 20kg ......................................... $8.50ea

SHADOWCLAD GROOVED

Shadowclad 2.4x1.2x12mm .............. $130.50ea Shadowclad 2.7x1.2x12mm .............. $146.75ea Large quantities ......................................... P.O.A.

KDHW F17

90x35 ................................................... $6.85mt 90x45 ................................................... $9.00mt 140x45 ................................................$12.95mt 190x45 ............................................... $18.75mt 240x45 ............................................... $26.95mt 290x45 ............................................... $33.95mt

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST PAYMENT BY CASH OR CREDIT CARD ONLY E. & O.E.

3. Great fear 4. Surrenders 5. Confused state 6. Cherubs 10. Author unknown 11. Tea, ... Grey 12. Tip of grain 13. Change direction 14. Fencing blade

21. Raiders 22. Silent 23. Repair 24. Scientific ideas DOWN 1. Charge with crime 2. Geography reference volume

15. Balloon gas 16. Insist 17. Knowledgeable 18. Navigates 19. Matter of concern 20. Pelvis-to-knee bone

SMARTFRAME LVL15 H2S

90x42, 140x42, 190x42, 240x42, 290x42 CYPRESS

125x75 ............................................... $12.25mt 100x100 ............................................. $12.50mt 125x125 ............................................. $20.50mt 150x150 ............................................. $38.00mt 70x19 Blanks......................................... $2.50mt

TREATED PINE POLES 75-100x1.8mt ...................................... $6.75ea 75-100x2.4mt .................................... $10.50ea 75-100x3.0mt ..................................... $12.75ea 75-100x3.6mt ..................................... $16.50ea 100-125x1.8mt ..................................... $9.95ea 100-125x2.4mt ................................... $14.50ea 100-125x3.0mt ................................... $20.50ea 100-125x3.6mt ................................... $24.75ea 100-125x2.4mt Splits .......................... $11.75ea

OBHW F8 50x25 ................................................... $1.65mt 75x38 ................................................... $2.95mt 125x38 ................................................. $4.95mt

MDF CRAFTWOOD 2400x1200x3mm ................................ $11.00ea 2400x1200x6mm ................................ $18.00ea 2400x1200x9mm ................................ $24.00ea 2400x1200x12mm .............................. $27.00ea 2400x1200x16mm .............................. $33.00ea 2400x1200x18mm .............................. $36.00ea

PARTICLEBOARD

18mm 2400x450 ............................................ $13.50ea 2400x600 ............................................ $18.00ea 2400x1200 .......................................... $36.00ea

POLYESTER BATTS

R2.0 12pc $30.00 per bag R3.5 6pc $27.00 per bag

SOUTHERN BEECH 130X19 T&G E/M

FEATURE GRADE FLOORING

$7.50 mt

(approx. 300mt pack lots) MELAMINE - EDGED 16MM 2400x300 ............................................ $12.00ea 2400x450 ............................................ $18.00ea 2400x600 ............................................ $24.00ea 1800x450 ............................................ $13.50ea 1800x600 ............................................ $17.00ea 3600x450 ............................................ $27.00ea 3600x600 ............................................ $36.00ea Not Edged 2400x1200 .......................................... $40.00ea 2400x1200x3mm ................................ $18.00ea

PINE LINING 140x12 VJ/Regency .............................. $2.50mt 140x19 VJ/Floor.................................... $3.95mt

PINE DAR STD GRADE 42x19 ................................................... $1.25mt 70x19 ................................................... $1.75mt 90x19 ................................................... $2.25mt 120x19 ................................................. $2.65mt 140x19 ................................................. $3.00mt 190x19 ................................................. $4.50mt 240x19 ................................................. $6.75mt 290x19 ................................................. $8.50mt 140x12 ................................................. $2.15mt

For price and availability of all your buliding supply needs please call

TREATED PINE SLEEPERS 200x50

2.4 mt ................................................. $15.25ea 2.4 mt (Packs 50) ................................ $13.50ea 2.7 mt ................................................. $17.00ea 2.7 mt (Packs 50) ................................ $15.25ea 3.0 mt ................................................. $19.00ea 3.0 mt (Packs 50) ................................ $17.00ea 200x75 1.8 mt ................................................. $17.25ea 1.8 mt (Packs 30) ................................ $15.25ea 2.4 mt ................................................. $23.00ea 2.4 mt (Packs 30) ................................ $20.25ea 2.7 mt ................................................. $25.75ea 2.7 mt (Packs 30) ................................ $22.75ea 3.0 mt ................................................. $28.50ea 3.0 mt (Packs 30) ................................ $25.25ea 3.6 mt ................................................. $34.25ea 3.6 mt (Packs 30) ................................ $30.50ea 200x100 2.4 mt ................................................. $30.50ea 2.4 mt (Packs 25) ................................ $27.00ea 3.0 mt ................................................. $38.00ea 3.0 mt (Packs 25) ................................ $33.75ea

www.lovattspuzzles.com See page 18 for solutions.

FLOORING SHEETS

FENCE EXTENSIONS

Yellow Tongue 3600x800mm ............... $42.50ea Plyfloor 2.4x1.2x15mm ........................ $66.50ea

2400x500 ............................................ $26.00ea

KDHW DAR SEL GRADE

2400x500 Woven ................................. $36.00ea

42x19 ................................................... $3.95mt 65x19 ................................................... $5.75mt 90x19 ................................................... $8.25mt 110x19 ................................................. $9.95mt 135x19 ............................................... $13.50mt 185x19 ............................................... $23.75mt

NOW IN STOCK!

Puzzles supplied by Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd

2400x500 Slat Type ............................. $30.00ea

TREATED PINE R/S 100x12 Paling....................................... $0.75mt 150x12 Paling....................................... $1.10mt 150x25 ................................................. $2.50mt 75x50 ................................................... $2.50mt

PRIMED MDF MOULDINGS

T/PINE F7/MGP10 – LASER CUT

S/Bevel 42x15 ...................................... $1.10mt S/Bevel 67x15 ...................................... $1.45mt S/Bevel 67x18 ...................................... $1.50mt L/ Tongue 67x18 ................................... $1.50mt L/ Tongue 92x18 ................................... $2.20mt L/ Tongue 140x18 ................................. $3.25mt B/nose 67x18 ....................................... $1.50mt B/nose 92x18 ....................................... $2.20mt

70x35 ................................................... $2.85mt

CYPRESS WINDSOR PICKETS 70x19 900mm ....................................... $2.40ea 70x19 1200mm ..................................... $3.05ea 70x19 1500mm ..................................... $3.80ea 70x19 1800mm ..................................... $4.40ea

PRIMED LOSP T/PINE 18x18 Quad/Fillet/DAR .......................... $1.65mt 42x18 DAR ............................................ $2.95mt 66x18 DAR ............................................ $3.95mt 90x18 DAR ............................................ $5.50mt 138x18 DAR .......................................... $8.00mt 185x18 DAR ........................................ $11.50mt 30x30 Int Stop ....................................... $3.35mt 57x30 Ext Stop ...................................... $5.75mt 42x42 DAR ............................................ $5.75mt 90x42 DAR F7 ..................................... $11.25mt 138x42 DAR F7 ................................... $16.75mt 185x42 DAR F7 ................................... $22.25mt 230x42 DAR F7 ................................... $34.00mt 280x42 DAR F7 ................................... $40.95mt

T/PINE SLEEPER SPECIAL

200 X 75 X 2.4mt

$20.25 each PACK LOTS ONLY

5981 0943 sales@dromanatimber.com.au

70x45 ................................................... $3.75mt 90x35 ................................................... $3.80mt 90x45 ................................................... $5.00mt 140x35 ................................................. $5.85mt 140x45 ................................................. $7.50mt 190x45 ................................................. $9.95mt 240x45 ............................................... $14.75mt 290x45 ............................................... $18.50mt

T/PINE FASCIA PRIMED 190x30 D&G... .................................... $12.25mt 230x30 D&G... .................................... $19.50mt

PINE MGP10 70x35 Long .......................................... $2.55mt 70x45 Long ...........................................$3.30mt 90x35 Studs ......................................... $2.40mt 90x35 Long .......................................... $2.60mt 90x45 Studs ......................................... $3.15mt 90x45 Long ...........................................$3.60mt

PINE MERCH 90x35 ................................................... $1.65mt 90x45 ................................................... $2.40mt

PINE F7/MGP10 – LASER CUT 140x45 ................................................. $5.95mt 190x45 ................................................. $8.55mt 240x45 ............................................... $12.25mt

GALV SLEEPER CHANNEL

‘H’ SECTION $44.00MT ‘C’ SECTION $26.75MT

1 Dalkeith Drive, Dromana Mon-Fri 7am-4pm Sat 7am-12noon

www.dromanatimber.com.au

Western Port News

14 October 2020

PAGE 15

THE MEANING OF EXISTENCE... AND OTHER SHORT STORIES

Help! Corona virus Has Infected the Way We Speak

By Stuart McCullough VERTICAL consumption. Had you asked me six months ago what ‘vertical consumption’ referred to, I’d have assumed it involved an ointment and a lie down. But, as it turns out, it refers to the act of eating and drinking while standing up. Why they don’t simply refer to it as ‘doing stuff whilst standing’ and went with ‘vertical consumption’ is beyond me. It’s unlikely to be a medical term.

Not since the nation was collectively boxed around the ears with the term ‘programmatic specificity’ has something so simple been put in such a mind-bogglingly complex way.

The long and short of it is that ‘vertical consumption’ is now permitted in South Australia.

Good luck to them, I say. Which means that there are people standing up while eating and drinking as we speak. It’s not something I ever thought I’d be jealous of. Then again, it does strike me as somewhat reckless. Whose to say that, after all this time, people still remember how to eat and drink while standing up? I can see it now – dozens of people falling over as they attempt ‘vertical consumption’ for the first time in six months.

People toppling off bar stools as they try to do too much, too soon, as gravity gets the better of them.

I suspect when ‘vertical consumption’ is eventually re-introduced in Victoria, it will be gradual and accompanied by a seven-stage ‘vertical consumption’ roadmap that will take us to 2023 to complete. It will be time-limited too, with malingerers who stand too long either given a squirt from the bar-hose or, in less severe circumstances, dragged out by the riot squad and fed to the canine unit. I, however, will be ready.

While the rest of you have been foolishly allowing your ‘vertical consumption memory muscle’ to wither, I have been practicing at home. I’d like to say that this has been to ensure that I’m ready to vertically consume at a moment’s notice, but mostly it’s to ensure my dog – who has started bullying me for food – doesn’t jump onto the table and eat my dinner.

Restrictions have been in force for a long time here in Victoria. What if we forget the things we once took for granted? It’s been ages since I wore a necktie. There’s a chance that I won’t remember how and will have to resort to one of those elastic ones that are normally only worn by substitute teachers. Or, worse still, what if I can’t remember how to tie a tie, but can remember how to do a cravat and, as a result, have to attend work looking like a seventeenth-century Croatian soldier. (Fun fact: the cravat was invented by the Croatian army in the seventeenth century – who says defending sovereign territory and being

Attention Schools, sporting clubs & community groups

Free advertising listings Each month the Westernport News will run a Community Events page, where your school or organisation can promote upcoming events, fund raisers, social events, etc. at no charge.

This page is sponsored by the Balnarring & District Commuinity Bank, and listings are completely free.

Lisiting should be about 40 words and include event name, date, time & address.

Send your listing to:

Community Events

PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or email communityevents@mpnews.com.au PAGE 16

Western Port News

14 October 2020

fashionable are incompatible!)

Dancing was banned in Queensland. For those of us who were lousy dancers to begin with and needed all the practice we could get, such prohibitions really mark the end of any hope we had of turning professional. You may consider that a good thing. But until you’ve seen me crump, you should reserve judgment. From 1 November, people can dance at weddings in the Sunshine State but capped to a maximum of forty people at a time. If this is a glimpse into the future, it means that there will soon be a new job at weddings – dance-floor wrangler.

The job of the dance-floor wrangler will be to ensure that the forty-person cap is complied with at all times and that people don’t get too close to each other. How this is to be enforced in an atmosphere of driving music and heightened spirits is anyone’s guess, but I’m pretty sure it’s likely to involve a cattle prod and a bucket of cold water.

DJs across the country will need to revise their playlists; discarding the guaranteed floor fillers they’ve been relying on for years – forget ‘Uptown Funk’ by Mark Ronson, say good-bye to ‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder, so long ‘I Want to Dance with Somebody’ by Whitney Houston – and replace them with songs that will hopefully appeal to no more than forty people at a time. I have a sneaking suspicion that Wang Chung is about to be very popular at weddings.

As for me, I think I’m getting used to it. Wearing a mask feels, if not like second nature, then probably third nature. There are some upsides too. Once I worried about whether I’d blown my nose properly. So long as facemasks remain mandatory, I don’t think I’ll have to bother with blowing my nose ever again. Ditto for yawning in public. I’ve become used to treating others with suspicion whenever I set foot outside my house. I marvel at the sheer unpredictability that comes with squirting hand-sanitizer. (Will it come out straight? Or will is shoot out at some unexpected angle and squirt the dog who’s about six feet away. Who can tell?)

I’m a little tired of the whole ‘five kilometer radius’ thing, though. Most of the things I need fall within our ‘zone’, but I’m about eight hundred metres short of my preferred butcher. Perhaps we can move to a trading system where meterage can be sold on the free market and I can offset the additional distance with those days that I hardly travel at all. When that day finally comes that I can leave my territory, I’ll be so happy that I might just eat while standing up. Just don’t ask me to dance – I won’t remember how. stuart@stuartmccullough.com

ALLSORTS

SECURE STORAGE BRAND NEW FACILITY  Brand new shipping containers  Secure 24 hour access  Security camera monitoring  Boat/Caravan storage available

$210 per month

CALL NOW! FILLING FAST! 15 Cannery Court, Tyabb – Phone 0439 386 396 allsortsstorage@bigpond.com

networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au Employment

Trades & Services Deadline

V

Grow your business with

TRADES & SERVICES

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofďŹ ce)

12435754-LB03-20

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

V

Experienced Concreter for: s $RIVEWAYS s 0ATIOS s 'ARAGE 3HEDS s (OUSE 3LABS s !LL 4YPES OF #ONCRETING s %XPOSED !GGREGATE s 0LAIN #OLOURED

12448760-SG20-20

General Classifieds

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.

Be cool this summer

Buy, Rent & Sell in our

Pensioner Discounts

V

V

12417522-RC20-19

Concrete Products & Services

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiďŹ cation number.

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiďŹ cation number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

Garage Sales

PLACE YOUR

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX V

Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Buy, & Sell in our

Motoring

One call, We do it all!

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

10 year Guarantee.

Call now for a FREE quote: 0405 817 173 V

Tree Lopping/Surgery

Find local work in the

Employment

CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP

"ASED ON THE -ORNINGTON PENINSULA hKEEP IT LOCAL USE A LOCALv

UĂŠ/Ă€iiĂŠEĂŠ-ĂŒĂ•Â“ÂŤĂŠ,iÂ“ÂœĂ›>Â?

UĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?ĂŠ Â˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€>˜ViĂŠ ÂœĂ›iĂ€ ĂŠUĂŠ7œœ`ĂŠ Â…ÂˆÂŤÂŤiÀÉ Ă•Â?V…ˆ˜}ĂŠ-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂŠ Ă›>ˆÂ?>LÂ?i

12337429-CG06-17

section of Network ClassiďŹ eds.

Use code: EMPDISC

section of Network ClassiďŹ eds.

Ä‘Ĺ? ((Ĺ?(! 'Ĺ?.!, %./Ĺ?Ä‘Ĺ? ++"Ĺ? /$%*#Ĺ?Ä‘Ĺ? ++"Ĺ? %*0%*# Ä‘Ĺ? (!4%ÄĄ,+%*0%*#Ĺ?Ä‘Ĺ? % #!Ĺ?0%(!Ĺ?.!ÄĄ ! %*# Ä‘Ĺ? ((!5Ĺ? $ *#%*#Ĺ?Ä‘Ĺ? 100!.Ĺ? (! *%*#Ĺ?".+)Ĺ?Ä¸Ä Ä‚Ä€ Ä‘Ĺ? ((Ĺ?05,!/Ĺ?+"Ĺ?.++Ăź*#Ĺ? * Ĺ? .,!*0.5

Call Anthony for a free quote on 0423 808 691

Trades & Services

Get 10% Discount

Fill your position online

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

Roofing

Roof Restoration Specialists

Experienced Concreter for: s $RIVEWAYS s 0ATIOS s 'ARAGE 3HEDS s (OUSE 3LABS s !LL 4YPES OF #ONCRETING s %XPOSED !GGREGATE s 0LAIN #OLOURED

Pets & Services

CALL: 12447720-LB18-20

0418 172 044

1155688-CG39-14

CALL MARTIN

V

12400498-CG38-18

Advertise with us and get better results

Carpenters

DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

V

LIC: 109028

12415744-DJ16-19

PERGOLAS & DECKS

V

0447 007 178

www.orbitplumbing.com.au

12461765-NG39-20

5998 7796

V

** Same Day Plumbing Service ** Local & Friendly Plumber Daniel:

www.fairbairns.com.au

section of Network ClassiďŹ eds.

s (OT 7ATER s "URST 0IPES s 4APS 4OILETS s (EATING s #ARBON -ONOXIDE 4ESTING s 0UMPS s "LOCKED $RAINS s 'AS &ITTING

See website for details

REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

Real Estate

Plumbing

ORBIT PLUMBING

• Air Conditioning Get ready • Split Systems for Summer!! • Evaporative Evaporative Cooler & Split Cooling System Service Specials

NEW STAFF?

Call 1300 666 808

Massage Therapists

Positions Vacant

NEED

"ASED ON THE -ORNINGTON PENINSULA hKEEP IT LOCAL USE A LOCALv

V

Air Conditioning

V

Call Anthony for a free quote on 0423 808 691

Electricians

For more information contact Patrik on 041 094 2230 or email patrik@intensivecareathome.com

12462634-SN39-20

12400545-LB38-19

We accept payment by:

“Here to make all your concreting dreams come to life!

With 20 years experience make the right choice.� - Anthony

12417522-RC20-19

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network ClassiďŹ eds has been connecting local businesses with local community with our Trades and Services each week. Speak to our classiďŹ ed team and ďŹ nd out how easy it is to advertise.

(include your name, address and phone number)

ICU/PICU nurses wanted for home care in Bittern and Mornington/Mount Martha.

Minimum of 2 years ICU/PICU experience.

Must be ventilation and tracheostomy competent.

12423634-SN31-19

Online: networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au

V

Medical/Nursing

REGISTERED NURSES

Placing your classiďŹ ed advert is so easy...

Deadline for all classiďŹ cations is 1:00pm Friday.

V

Trades Business Profile

C1069118-KK3-13

V

Mulch For Sale

Ph Graham 0407 357 927

section of Network ClassiďŹ eds. networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au

Place Your ClassiďŹ ed Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online!

Western Port News

14 October 2020

PAGE 17

scoreboard WESTERN PORT

FV canvasses NPL restructure

SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie FOOTBALL Victoria held secret online meetings two weeks ago with senior and junior licence holders to discuss restructuring the state’s NPL setup.

The game’s governing body held a zoom meeting with NPL1 clubs on Monday 28 September, with NPL2 and NPL3 clubs the following evening then met online with junior NPL clubs on Wednesday 30 September.

The opening address at the meeting with NPL2 and NPL3 clubs was made by FV director Sezar Jakupi with the federation’s Football Strategy Manager Emilio Amanatidis and NPL Competitions Manager Hakan Dogan participating.

At all three meetings clubs were told not to discuss the proposals put forward or the discussion that took place.

The rationale behind the federation’s attempts to shroud these meetings in secrecy is unclear.

Attendees were always going to report back to club committees who in turn would inform coaching staff so the thread of confidentiality was severely frayed.

The meetings canvassed major changes to under-18 and under-20 competitions, the possible axing of the under-16s and allowing clubs to field two under-13s but reducing that age group to small-sided competition.

NPL2 and NPL3 clubs were told that if they reached the last 32 of the 2021 FFA Cup they would have to compete under the constraints of the Player Points System despite the PPS not applying during their respective league seasons.

It also was confirmed that NPL clubs would retain their respective league status next year and that promotion and relegation would again be in play.

Last week NPL senior and junior licence holders voted on these changes and it is expected that the federation will inform clubs of the outcome this week.

Proposals put to the vote included replacing the under-18s and under-20s with under-19 and under-21 competitions and introducing a finals series for 19s and 21s.

Clubs were told that they would be allowed to include three under-23 players not listed on their senior roster

Meet the convener: Football Victoria director Sezar Jakupi (right) pictured with Oakleigh Cannons stars Joe Guest (far left) and Harry White at last year’s club presentation night.

Picture: Peter Psarros

as part of their new under-21 squad.

But the most controversial proposal involved how the new under-19 competition would be run.

While remaining part of a club’s senior NPL licence FV suggested that it should be run over 33 matches with the first 11 matches amounting to grading games as is the case presently with junior NPL teams.

Currently the under-18s are aligned with club seniors and under-20s in terms of fixtures but the FV proposal would regionalise a new under-19s competition during the grading phase.

Once grading is completed clubs would be placed in separate under-19 leagues which would not mirror the senior and under-21 setup.

One of the youth coaches involved at NPL level thought the under-19 proposal was doomed to failure.

“It’s going to be a really, really hard sell,” he said.

“The idea that the 18s will simply

move on to the 19s is ridiculous.

“These kids will want to play senior football or at least be involved at senior level but this disenfranchises them by cutting them off from the seniors.

“They might still come under the senior licence but they won’t feel part of the senior club having a completely different set of fixtures.

“It’s a car crash.

“I don’t understand how clubs are going to sell that to a player – you’re doing your VCE and you’re going to be playing more games than the seniors and 21s and against different teams.

“It won’t work mate.

“They restructured then didn’t even give it a season to find out how it turned out.

“There was bugger all consultation with clubs no matter what FV might say and none of the clubs I’ve spoken to saw this coming in fact they were completely blindsided by this one.”

Did you know... you can view our papers online

Sudoku and crossword solutions N

L

E M E

N D

A

A

L

D

E

D

D

L

L

E

E M S

R

L

S

E

L

I

C H

A

T

N

A

E

O

R

A

U

P

N D

L

R

R

E

H

A

E

S

T

F

E

E

E

X

I

L

M

P

S

E

S

M U

U

U

N

U M E 14 October 2020

A

U

R D

T

I

Western Port News

M O N

I

N W A

I

PAGE 18

Y

I N

D U

www.mpnews.com.au

The proposed changes to junior NPL competitions also took clubs by surprise and it’s believed that none of the three local licence holders – Langwarrin, Mornington and Peninsula Strikers – were happy with either of the two options presented by FV. Option 1 was to run under-13, under-14, under-15 and under-17 competitions with the under-13s fielding two teams per club and reverting to smallsided (nine players per team) games with no results recorded and therefore no tables produced.

This was how the now extinct NPL under-12s were organised.

Option 2 was to scrap the under-13s and run under-14, under-15, under-16 and under-17 competitions.

Despite opposition to these options during the junior NPL meeting the options eventually put to clubs were never amended and remained as presented to licence holders from the outset.

When told of what took place at the

V

A

D

E

N

R

N D

T

R H

N

E O R

N G

S S

T E

T

E R

I

E

S

junior meeting one of the club administrators responded with disdain.

“They are about to ruin football,” the administrator said.

“There’s a clause in the licence which virtually says Football Victoria can do what they want when they want so why they bother with these meetings beats me.

“We’re going to add in the 17s age group no matter what but if it’s 16s and 17s I can tell you right now that clubs on this side of town (south) won’t have enough elite kids to get up 16s and 17s.

“My gut feeling is that the other side of town is driving this.

“The system wasn’t broken in the first place but it was flawed because there are too many clubs draining the talent pool.

“I mean when you get a club like Dandy Thunder that has trouble fielding an under-16 side what more do you need to know?”

WESTERN PORT scoreboard

Freedman bypasses Derby with maturing colt HORSE RACING

By Ben Triandafillou PINECLIFF, Mount Eliza-based trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman remain adamant on bypassing the VRC Derby with promising colt Ain’tnodeeldun despite claiming the Listed Hill Smith Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

Co-trainer Anthony Freedman believes the $2million VRC Derby (2500m) on Saturday 31 October will come up too soon for the improving Dundeel three-year-old.

“He still has some maturing to do so I don’t want to give him a gut buster in the Derby,” Anthony Freedman said on the Freedman Racing website.

“I think he will be a better horse in the autumn so we will give him a light spring and lift the bar in the autumn with him.”

Ain’tnodeeldun broke his maiden status in dominant fashion at Sale (1615m) two starts ago to win by five lengths, before proving too classy for his rivals on Saturday. Ain’tnodeeldun, who jumped as the $1.65 favourite for the race, settled towards the rear of the field before hitting the front with 150m to go and held off the late charge from Victoria Quay to win by three-quarters of a length.

Freedman believes the colt will benefit from the experience interstate.

“He was well-ridden today, but he was left in front a long way from home which probably isn’t the way to ride him,” Freedman said.

“Dom Tourneur was of the opinion he had a lot more left to give, which is what I wanted to hear.

He is still learning the game and I believe the trip away would have done him the world of good. He should come back a more mature horse.”

With the Derby off the table, Freedman will instead aim Ain’tnodeeldun towards the Listed TCL TV Stakes (1800m) for three-year-olds on Melbourne Cup day.

Up-and-comer: Anthony and Sam Freedman’s three-year-old colt Ain’tnodeeldun wins the Listed Hill Smith Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville. Picture: Supplied

Advertise in Western Port’s number one newspaper.

Call MPNG Classieds on 1300 666 808

Western Port News

14 October 2020

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Western Port News

14 October 2020