Western Port
THINKING OF SELLING? THINKING OF SELLING? Speak to your agent about listing on Speak to your agent realestateview.com.au. about listing on realestateview.com.au.
Be seen everywhere. Be seen everywhere.
YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND FOR PENINSULA FAMILIES FACEBOOK:
peninsulakids.com.au mornpenkids
An independent voice for the community
INSTAGRAM:
Your weekly community newspaper covering the entire Western Port region For all advertising and editorial, call 03
FREE
Wednesday 20 May 2020
5974 9000 or email: team@mpnews.com.au www.mpnews.com.au
Wasps make a point, and a new name
BEAU Telley and, above, his waspstung ear. Pictures: Supplied
SURFER Beau Telley’s fun day in the water ended before it started. Instead of riding waves at a point break near Flinders, he was running in panic to his car pursued by a swarm of European wasps which, mistakenly, blamed him for disturbing their nest, Sunday 10 May. On a day of particularly high tides the surf was surging over the beach and crashing against the foreshore vegetation – flooding the wasps’ nest and making them angry and intent on revenge. Telley said he had reached the bottom of the stairs to the beach, early afternoon, and was putting on his leg rope when multiple painful stings on the back of his head and ears sent him bolting into the sea to escape the on-slaught. “I was splashing and diving under in a panic trying to get away from them,” he said. “I was trying to put on my hoodie for protection and screaming out. “My mates just thought I was being silly as they’d already paddled out.” Telley, of Beaumaris, said he ran to retrieve his board which was in danger of being smashed on the rocks, with the still-angry wasps maintaining their assault on his head and ears. “They were still onto me as I ran up to my car. I was in lots of pain. “When I began peeling off my wetsuit I could see some of them dead inside it; that’s how I knew they were European wasps. “I was in a bad way. My ears began to blow up and I called a pharmacist mate who advised me to go straight to a chemist to buy some antihistamines as the stings could have impacted my airways. I needed to get some-thing into my system right away. “It turned out I have five [stings] on my head and two in each ear – a total of nine. I couldn’t believe the amount of toxins in their stings.” Telley managed drive himself to a chemist at Mornington for the necessary treatment. “It’s taken a week for the lumps to go down on my head, but my ears are still swollen.” A week later he can look back on the frightening episode with some humour: “My mates call me The Hornet now.” Stephen Taylor
Budget blown by pandemic Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au EARLY financial modelling suggests Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s non-rate income could be down $6-$12 million this year depending on the duration of the COVID-19 restrictions. To help ease the shire's financial pain, the mayor Cr Sam Hearn has opted to take a 20 per cent cut in his $90,000plus allowance. CEO John Baker has
also said he will take a pay cut. Cr Hearn said the shire was “continuing to monitor and make prudent budgetary decisions in response to the impacts” of the pandemic. “We are committed to leading from the top in managing the financial challenges of this crisis,” he said. “We are cutting costs and ensuring that every dollar the community entrusts us with is invested in helping the peninsula bounce back from
GOLFERS
so it is less vulnerable than inner city municipalities to reduced income from, say, parking fees. Cr Hearn said ways in which the council was cutting expenditure included implementing a business support package “that has already put half a million dollars back into the business community”, through a business concierge service, a “supporting-localbusiness” campaign, by fast tracking approvals and compliance matters,
by temporarily scrapping fees and charges, by hiring peninsula-based contractors and introducing rate-andrent-relief options for tenants in council properties. “Council moved quickly to look after vulnerable and isolated citizens by implemented a caring for our community initiative that has seen the delivery of over 2000 care packages of food and essential items throughout our community,” Cr Hearn said. Continued Page 6
Jewellers Celebrating OVER 40 YEARS in jewellery manufacture
Do you have unwanted, used golf balls?
Dear valued customer, during the restrictions of COVID 19 Jewel Of The Nile jewellers are open Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Clear space in your valuable storage area! area!
Call Jim 9558 0414 0408 580 414
COVID-19 and providing the essential services our community needs. “I’m personally committing to a 20 per cent reduction in my allowance for next financial year [from July until the council year ends in November] and our CEO [John Baker] has initiated a substantial reduction in his own wage.” Mr Baker’s annual salary is $360,000 - $380,000. The shire derives about 70 per cent of its income from rates and charges,
The main gate may be locked, if so please call us on 5977 3711 or 0408 531 687 and we will open the gate for you.
Your Authorised Husqvarna Servicing Dealer
Thank you.
TYABB CRAFT VILLAGE 14 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Tyabb Phone 5977 3711
t&c’s apply: Pre order via phone and pay via credit card only. Alternatively order in drive through. Can substitute stubbie for can of soft drink or 600ml water. Approx 15-20min order time. Available from 11am-9pm everyday.
Caring for our community during Coronavirus
Getting through this together To protect our community the Mornington Peninsula Shire is taking measures to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. We would like to thank our community for respecting the restrictions that have been placed upon us all and for thinking of others during these challenging times. For the latest updates, including Easy Read facts sheets, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
New community support information stands We know that sometimes getting the information you need can be hard if you don’t have access to the internet or don’t like going online. To make important information about Coronavirus more easily available, the Shire is setting up around 70 information stands across the Peninsula. You can find them at major supermarkets and shopping centres, Bunnings and some chemists. The stands contain important COVID-19 community support information that you can take home and share. They will be updated regularly so as restrictions change, you’ll be able to stay informed. Look out for the stands in your local area now.
National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June This year Mornington Peninsula Shire is celebrating National Reconciliation Week with the launch of our newly endorsed Reconciliation Action Plan Innovate 2020-2022. As a local council, we have an important role to play in promoting and celebrating Aboriginal cultural heritage as part of the intrinsic identity and value of the Mornington Peninsula. The Shire is proud to be working with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to support meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes.
Contact us: 5950 1000 or 1300 850 600 mornpen.vic.gov.au mornpenshire
Messages from our councillors Your Councillors (L–R) Seawinds Crs Simon Brooks, Antonella Celi, Frank Martin Briars Crs Rosie Clark, Bev Colomb, Mayor Cr Sam Hearn Nepean Crs Hugh Fraser, Bryan Payne Council meetings now streamed live Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Victorian Government has made legislative changes that allow us to conduct Ordinary and Special Council meetings online. These arrangements will be in place until 1 November 2020 and we would love residents to be involved. To view the meeting schedule and access the live streaming of Council meetings please visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/councilmeetings Public questions for meetings can be submitted at: council.reports@mornpen.vic.gov.au All councillors are still available on email or mobile to discuss your issues and concerns. PAGE 2
Western Port News
20 May 2020
Cerberus Cr Kate Roper Watson Cr Julie Morris Red Hill Cr David Gill
Download the COVIDSafe app We are encouraging our residents to download the new COVIDSafe app to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Being able to find and contain outbreaks quickly will mean governments can ease restrictions while still keeping Australians safe. The more who download the app, the quicker we can find the virus. If you are showing any symptoms of Coronavirus, however mild, you should seek advice and be tested. There are now four testing stations on the Peninsula: at Rosebud Hospital, Frankston hospital, Atticus Health Medical Clinic Hastings and Rosebud Skin Cancer Centre.
New arts and culture website We are excited to launch our new arts and culture website for the Shire, which showcases the work of Mornington Peninsula-based artists and organisations. Arts and culture are vital to a connected, engaged and vibrant community. In this time of crisis, we need more than ever to connect artists with their audiences and to give our community the opportunity to easily access creative resources, activities and events. We hope to connect people, educate, entertain and give creative fulfilment to our community. Please visit us: artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au
NEWS DESK
Virtual shire becomes a reality Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors last week held their first virtual council meeting. Like schoolchildren and businesses throughout the country, councillors and support staff have now adapted to going online to keep the shire on track. And, like schoolchildren, their online performances may count towards an end of the year judgement following the state government’s announcements late Friday that municipal elections will be held as planned on Saturday 24 October. Local Government Minister Adam said “safe and secure” postal voting would be held in all municipalities. He said the government would spend more money to achieve its aim of “gender equality on councils by 2025”. In recognition of social distancing requirements, the Victorian Electoral Commission would allow candidates to provide longer statements to be included in voter information packs. During the shire’s Tuesday 12 May meeting Mornington Peninsula councillors - and anyone else watching could see each other on a split screen with the meeting agenda displayed on the left-hand side of the screen. Guidelines for councils to have online, live streamed meetings (on the shire’s YouTube channel) were included in the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act passed by the state government on 23 April. For councillors to be counted as
Discussion and debate: Ten of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 11 councillors “attended” their first online meeting on Tuesday 12 May. The meeting was also streamed live to YouTube where it was watched by an unseen and unrated (in television terms) audience.
“present”, they must be able to be seen and heard by other councillors simultaneously. At least six of the shire’s 11 councillors must be appearing on the split screen for a quorum (Cr Frank Martin did not join the shire’s first virtual meeting). The chair of the meeting - the mayor Cr Sam Hearn on 12 May – is tasked with making sure councillors remain
at the meeting, even though they are in different locations. However, the chair can also “mute and unmute” councillors and officers “to allow them to speak in an equitable and appropriate manner”. As with physical council meetings, councillors must “leave the meeting entirely” if they declare a conflict of interest and not return until they are
called back via mobile phone. If any part of a meeting is closed to discuss confidential matters, councillors must not allow anyone else to watch or record that part of the meeting. Councillors must advise if they are having “connectivity” issues and make sure their individual camera remains switched on while they are present in the meeting.
They also need to make sure they have a mobile phone nearby as a back-up device and must ensure the “corporate backdrop” is on camera (the screen shot taken by The News appears to show some councillors without the required backdrop). Questions from the public must be submitted by midday the day before a scheduled council meeting.
Don’t let tendon pain stop you in your tracks Up to 90% success rate# | Non invasive therapy Radial Shockwave therapy Clinically proven* to help these conditions: • Heel pain (plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy)
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy with calcification
• Tennis & golfers elbow
• Hip bursitis
• Patella tendinopathy
• Shin splints and heel spurs
• Frozen shoulder
Call 5983 1021 or book online for your
Free Initial Assessment
# Am J Sports Med 2007; 35:972 * lnt J Surg 2015; 24:113-222 ^ Int J Surgery 2015; 24:207-9
Back In Motion Balnarring 6/2-8 Russell Street backinmotion.com.au/balnarring Western Port News 20 May 2020
PAGE 3
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 21 MAY 2020 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WED 27 MAY 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
Community on board for buses Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au THE Better Buses campaign has been hailed as Mornington Peninsula Shire’s “most successful advocacy and community engagement to date”. The shire’s Quarterly Community Report: January-March 2020 said the campaign backed a push by public transport users for better bus services across the peninsula of which about 82 per cent is not serviced by public transport (“Shire’s push for better bus services” The News 2/9/19). “We have been overwhelmed by the level of community support for our Better Buses campaign. About 92,500 people have engaged with us,” the shire’s innovation and advocacy ex-
ecutive manager Tania Treasure said in the report released last week. “Since the campaign was launched we have met with the public transport minister [Melissa Horne] and communicated to government our overwhelming community feedback, [seeking] increased frequency, and better and expanded bus routes. “We continue our advocacy to the state government on behalf of our community to ensure Mornington Peninsula residents have the public transport system they deserve.” The campaign launched last September generated by 34 mentions in the media, including The News, daily papers and radio, which reached a potential audience of 444,000 people. Discussions were also held with
local MPs and by councillors in their regular community engagements as well as with officers of the Department of Transport. The shire’s community consultation with residents involved using pop-up sites at markets and shopping centres where the public response was said to be “overwhelmingly positive”. Based on this “high” level of community support the shire wants the state government to commit to providing improved bus services to the peninsula in the upcoming state budget. The aim is for a 50 per cent increase in bus frequency, 45 per cent better bus routes, and 40 per cent expanded bus routes.
Officers pounce on animal breaches ANIMAL management breaches prompted Mornington Peninsula Shire officers to issue 587 infringements during the first three months of the year. Data contained in the shire’s Quarterly Community Report: January-March 2020, released last week, shows that officers responded to 3215 animal management matters from January to March. During that period 147 cats were impounded at the shelter in Watt Road, Mornington, with only 50 found to be registered. Of these, 30 were returned to their owners, 31 were adopted through the shire’s adoption program, 30 were rehomed by rescue groups, and 35 were euthanised. All were registered at the time of their release. Of the 292 dogs impounded over the same period, only 150 were found to be registered – although, as with the cats, all were registered by their release date. Staff managed to reunite 274 dogs with their owners, nine were adopted through the shire’s adoption program,
three were rehomed by rescue groups and five were euthanised. Officers prosecuted 60 matters through the courts resulting in fines and costs of $57,000 being awarded to the shire. Matters prosecuted ranged from animal management to litter offences.
Tests for teachers TEACHERS and staff planning to be back at school next week are eligible for free coronavirus tests at: Rosebud Hospital, 10am-6pm Eleanora House (at the front of the hospital); Frankston Hospital; Atticus Health Medical Clinic, Hastings, by appointment only in the car park; and, Rosebud Skin Cancer Centre, by appointment only. For further advice call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398 or a general practitioner.
‘GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNIT Y ’
MAY SALE 40% OFF ART
Joan Blond, Melanie Hava, Chad Briggs, Raymond Smith, Laurel Foenander, Lisa Dirie, Graham Jones, Dallas Lesley, Surf Dog & Art Bird, Yeats Gruin, Shirley Marais, Lindsay Polson, Haydn Porter, Zoe Ellenberg, Visuddhacara Philip Ayres, John Martono, Matthew Taverner, Jud Keresztesi, Maggie Turner (Earth Girls), Deb Hutton, Kerry Bruce, De Kraan, Karen Hopkins, Sarah Clark, Zettta Kanta, Ben Lucas, Bianca Gardiner-Dodd, Kriss Bekyarov, Brennan Cox, Liana Flynn, Saren Dobkins, Rex Winston Walford, Jonathon Hayde, Tricia Jeffree, Stuart Clues, Justine Kuran, Liz Gray, Clairy Laurence, Fred Colla, Georgina Hooper, Andrew Kelaher-Grassi, Chris Calcutt, Megan Puls, Shane Bowden and Jeib
211 Main Street 0 4 7 4 4 9 6 2 2 2 0 M O R N I N G T O N i0n f o4@ 3n g m8o r1n i n8g t7o n .1c o 9 m.au w w w. n i s s a r a n a g a l l e r i e s . c o m . a u PAGE 4
Western Port News
20 May 2020
Instagram/nissaranagalleries
Fusion’s learning to do things differently
Picture: Keith Platt
Outdoors is in as bans eased ANGLERS could not resist the lure of the bay and golfers were destined to seek their fairway to scorecard heaven when social distancing bans were eased last Wednesday (13 May). Golf courses across the Mornington Peninsula were heavily booked for the first day on the greens for weeks and boat ramps were again back in use as anglers cast off in the hope that fish had become complacent. As well as those two major activities, the brakes of the coronavirus shutdown were also eased for religious groups which were given the go ahead for meetings of 10 people provided social distancing was still observed. Funerals can now be attended by up to 20 people indoors or 30 outdoors. Social welfare groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous were also allowed meetings of up to 10 people. On Sunday, the Premier Daniel Andrews an-
nounced that as from 1 June cafes, restaurants and pubs will be able to open their doors to serve meals to up to 20 patrons at once. The limit may be increased to 50 by 22 June and 100 in the second half of July. Venues must allow four square metres for each customer and tables must be 1.5 metres apart. The timetable set out by Mr Andrews is dependent on tests continuing to show “low numbers” of COVID-19 cases around the state. “We need to be really clear though: this is not a done deal. These deadlines will depend on how we’re tracking.” However, other types of businesses will remain shut, with Mr Andrews saying, “we can’t have millions of people moving across our state – particularly around the Melbourne CBD - touching elevator buttons or opening front doors”. Keith Platt
THE battering ram called COVID-19 has placed enormous stress on staff at the Mount Marthabased Fusion Mornington Peninsula. Some staff are living “on-site” while others are working from home, juggling casework meetings on the phone or video platforms. Fusion centre manager Caitlin Swanton said over the past eight weeks staff had “needed to adapt to cater to young people in a way we never have before, nor did we image we would need to”. “It has been eight weeks since Victoria went into lock-down ... since all non-essential trips out of the house were banned … since our schools closed,” Ms Swanton said when launching an emergency appeal for the Christian youth and community development organisation. “It is a long time to be isolated from friends, family and normal routines.” Ms Swanton said for many it had been a “learning curve to adapt, juggling work at home, keeping children entertained and planning how we do normal everyday activities differently”. For others it has meant the loss of income and “skyrocketing anxiety”. “Imagine you were living without family, friends or normal routines,” she said. “Imagine you were couch surfing, living on the streets or living in an unsafe environment. “Imagine school was a refuge from violence, and being stuck at home for eight weeks has been an increasingly unsafe place to be. “Imagine trying to access online platforms for learning and connection without suitable hardware or access to the internet. “This is the reality for the young people Fusion Mornington Peninsula support.” Ms Swanton said Fusion housing staff had
chosen to live on-site to support the young people in their care. “They have adapted to hygiene routines way above our normal processes and they have adapted to having young people onsite all the time,” she said. “They have needed to care for young people who live with uncertainty. “Our housing staff have also been managing their own concerns around what is happening in our world today.” Fusion youth workers have had to take programs online, meeting with young people via platforms that give them access to the homes of young people for the first time. “This has been challenging and confronting,” Ms Swanton said. “Setting up a variety of online platforms has meant unexpected expenses and the need to support young people to have adequate hardware and internet access at home.” The broader Fusion team has been working from home, juggling casework meetings on the phone or via video platforms. “This is not the same as a face-to-face meeting where you can gauge a lot more about how a young person might be going through body language and other cues,” Ms Swanton said. “The team have needed to have suitable office set ups to work from home which has been an additional expense to the centre, but which have been essential to continue our support of young people on the peninsula.” Donations to Fusion help keep young people safe and connected through this crisis. Details: Fusion Mornington Peninsula 5974 1442. Stephen Taylor
Western Port News 20 May 2020
PAGE 5
NEWS DESK
Season’s first whale sighting Police patrol THE first whales of the 2020 season have been spotted off the Mornington Peninsula’s Number 16 beach. In between Blairgowrie and Rye back beaches, the humpback whales at Number 16 were recorded as travelling east by Mandy Robertson on Saturday 16 May. “It's a wonderful coincidence that the first sighting of humpback whales in our region for 2020 aligned with the first relaxing of the COVID-19 rules,” Dolphin Research Institute executive director Jeff Weir said. “Our citizen scientists can now venture out, but this year need to keep a safe distance from each other - as well as from the whales.” Mr Weir said the federal government's JobKeeper program “is also helping to keep our team together and ready for the start of education pro-
Intruder ruins Mother’s Day magic
Picture: Dolphin Research Institute
grams”. He said the best places to see whales on the peninsula included Port Phillip Heads and Cape Schanck. Whale sightings reported on the institute’s website will contribute to its Two Bays Whale project. Keith Platt
Pandemic delivers blow to budget Continued from Page 1 “Other measures include saving $1.4 million by not filling vacant staff positions and saving $1.7 million by reducing materials and services expenditure.” He said the council was also continuing to lobby state and federal departments for financial support and relief. Financial modelling and “scenario analysis” for the 2020-21 budget forecasting the potential $6-$12 million loss is being undertaken while the draft budget is on public exhibition. Cr Hearn said the exhibition period had been extended to Thursday 21 May to “give the community more time to review and provide comment, and to give council officers more time to assess the economic impacts we are
With Stephen Taylor
seeing from COVID-19”. He said the next financial year would be “very challenging”. “We as a council have a united resolve to navigate our way through these difficult circumstances for the whole community,” he said. “I believe we can facilitate a united effort engaging all sectors and people, peninsula-wide, to achieve our economic and social recovery and ensure no one gets left behind. “I’m proud of the way we have stuck together and looked after each other through the pandemic. We need to commit to doing the same as we rebuild and restart after it.” The proposed budget can be seen at mornpen.vic.gov.au Hard copies can be mailed on request.
STAFF at a Mount Eliza florist were terrified when they spied an intruder lurking in the darkness early on Mother’s Day morning. Abricot Mornington Florist manager Matilda Alievski said the unidentified man shining a torch seemed to avoid CCTV cameras behind the Mount Eliza Way shop Saturday 9 May as he made his way slowly towards the back door (right). He was wearing a hoodie, beanie, gloves and boots, and covering his face. “Our staff were working inside the shop trying to get our orders ready and we saw this man on our cameras and immediately panicked,” Ms Alievski said. “We were so frightened as we could see that he was getting closer in his attempts to break in. “We had our lights on in the whole shop and this man knew we were in there; it seems we were being targeted. Luckily, we saw him on our cameras and our male staff member managed to scare him away. “We reported the incident to police.” Ms Alievski said her son, 24, writing Mother’s Day cards and checking orders upstairs, saw movement on the CCTV monitor and raised the alarm. “He saw the man trying to break into the back door and started screaming and came running downstairs to protect us,” Ms Alievski said. “He was shouting to the man to
Camp ground arrest
get out and that he was calling the cops.” The staff left for their homes when the coast was clear but Ms Alievski said she hardly slept worrying about the incident. “We returned at 6am to find that the man had been back, possibly at 4.30am, and been inside the cool room. “He had taken flowers ordered by our customers and ruined them by trashing them and snapping them onto the grass,” she said. “These flowers were orders for Mother’s Day and so we had nothing to give our customers. “It seems the man didn’t come to steal, but do damage. We don’t understand why. It is disgusting that someone can do this to us.” Anyone with information is urged to call Mornington police 5970 4900 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
DETECTIVES described the arrest of a Queensland man at a Rosebud camp ground on Thursday 7 May as a “good pinch”. The 31-year-old appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that night charged with aggravated burglary, possessing explosives – which police later described as firecrackers – and three counts of possessing a drug of dependence. On Wednesday 15 Aril two women reported that the man climbed onto the balcony of their Doncaster home and entered a bedroom, 2am, Wednesday 15 April. The women ran outside and hid. The man was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court again in July.
Changing attitudes THE Trust Your Gut’ theme of this year’s Crime Stoppers Day (Monday 18 May) follows an independent national survey commissioned by Crime Stoppers Australia that showed up to one in five Australians turn a blind eye to unsolved crime and suspicious activity rather than speaking out. Crime Stoppers wants to change this attitude and urges Australians to “play a part in building a safer community by sharing with Crime Stoppers what they know, without having to say who they are”. Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made by calling 1800 333 000.
ONLINE DELIVERY&TAKE-AWAY
KOREAN TAKE HOME BBQ PACKS. We provide the BBQ, meat, sides & all trimmings. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or small socially responsible gatherings at home with a real authentic Korean BBQ experience. Bookings essential by 12pm each day. Pick up only.
DRIVE THRU PICK UP available via the bottle shop at rear of 124 main st Mornington No need to even get out of the car for all your favourites, including the classic parma, lasagne, vegetable lasagne, roast chicken, curries, beef & chicken burgers, greek salad and sticky date pudding. Lunch 12pm - 2pm Dinner 5pm - 8 pm Seniors hour and discounted menu from 5pm to 6pm
Open 11am-late everyday for Delivery or Pick up
Full bottle shop range still available for purchasing
Check out the menu: www.geonbae.com.au
Check out our website and facebook page for the full menus and drink specials.
Follow us on socials: @geonbaehastings 27 Marine Pde Ph 5916 1688
PAGE 6
The Grand is still providing our full take away menu to make sure you are able to get the same delicious meals even with the restaurant closed
Western Port News
20 May 2020
TO PLACE YOUR ORDER PH 5975 2001 124 main st Mornington
SATISFYING YOUR HUNGER WITH LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURE. You can’t go past our delicious steaks, ribs and prawns, cooked to your personal pallet. With a selection of sauces to tempt you one step further. Add a bottle of wine from our wide selection to make your dinner special. For your full dining pleasure view our THE STEAK SPECIALISTS ‘DINE AT HOME’ MENU! FREE DELIVERY to Mornington, Mt Eliza, Mt Martha, Moorooduc Minimum $50 order. $15 Charge for Frankston South, Frankston, Somerville and Safety Beach FREE delivery for orders over $150 Order online www.squiresloftmornington.com or call 5976 8482 Pick ups welcome. 104 Main St. Mornington
From the team that brought you Geonbae Korean BBQ introducing Choego Frankston. Bringing you authentic Korean street food, Asian desserts and Bubble Tea. Available for Pick up & Delivery to surrounding areas. Located 16 Shannon St Mall, Frankston Ph 9770 2777 www.cheogo.com.au Socials: @choegofrankston
MN_ 19/5
Hastings favourite Korean restaurant ‘Geonbae’ is offering pick up & delivery to the Westerport areas. Takeaway menu & specials available online. Geonbae has also expanded the meaning of ‘takeaway’ with our new concept available for a limited time:
THANK YOU For the way we’ve faced these past few weeks. With courage. With humility. And with hope. We’ve kept our distance, we’ve looked out for each other and we’ve kept our cool. Thank you especially to those who have been tested. Because of your efforts, we’ve achieved the biggest testing blitz in our state’s history. Or to use Victoria’s standard unit of measurement – more than one MCG’s worth of Victorians who’ve played their part in protecting our state. Thanks to you, we are finding out more about the spread of coronavirus in our community. If you haven’t been tested, and you are feeling unwell, you can still visit one of the regional clinics or speak to your GP. To find out how and where you can be tested go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Because getting tested keeps us together.
visit vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
Western Port News 20 May 2020
PAGE 7
NEWS DESK
Grammar cuts staff as pandemic bites PENINSULA Grammar will stand down staff in the school’s administration, marketing and maintenance departments”. The Mount Eliza private school, which admits to being “greatly impacted by the global pandemic”, said in a statement it had “made the difficult decision to commence a staff consultation process that will potentially impact” staff numbers. The statement, attributable to a spokesman, released on Friday 15 May by Sarah Coghlan, senior account executive of Civic Financial Communications, said there would be “no staff cuts to student-facing roles”. The cuts to “non-student facing roles” were being made to “ensure the school’s strong financial position is mantained”. Civic Financial Communications describes itself as “an investor relations and financial communications agency that helps corporations and their leaders navigate a world of increased media scrutiny, government intervention and shareholder activism”. Principal Stuart Johnston, in a separate letter to parents on the same day, said the school would “provide families with a 30 per cent concession in fees”. “During this difficult time, we are striving to ensure that we remain focused on the most important facet of the school, which is the care and education of our students,” he said. Mr Johnston reportedly also wrote to staff saying increasing numbers of students were departing mid-term and that, in a worst case scenario, 40 per cent of families would struggle to pay their school fees. Enrolments for 2021 could be expected to decline by more than 10 per cent should a full COVID-19 lockdown continue. Of the 63 staff temporarily stood down more than 50 are expected to return when school resumes.
New pool rules next month Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au SWIMMING pool and spa owners on the Mornington Peninsula have until Monday 1 June to register them with the council or they could be liable to fines of up to $1652. This follows the implementation of state laws to improve pool and spa safety throughout Victoria which came into effect last December. In Victoria, 27 children under five have drowned over the past 20 years – mostly in private pools and spas. The state coroner found that in at least 20 of these cases the safety barrier was non-compliant, and that this was likely to have played a role in their deaths. There are a “known” 17,000 pools and spas on the peninsula – reportedly the second highest of any other Australian municipality. Former mayor Cr David Gill last week said the shire had mailed out two reminders of the approaching registration deadline to pool owners – one late last year and the latest in the past few weeks. The laws apply to pools and spas more than 30cm deep and include above ground and temporary pools and spas, but not small children’s
inflatable pools. Social media sites, such as WTF Mount Eliza, lit up at the weekend with reports of bogus private building inspectors cold-calling panicked pool owners and quoting fees of $1000-$1500 for first-time inspections. Extra callouts would cost extra. The reports prompted Frankston Council mayor Cr Sandra Mayer to warn that the “confusing and stressful” calls had been made by companies “falsely claiming to represent council”. Notifying Mornington Peninsula Shire of a pool or spa and paying a $31.84 registration fee is the first step in the compliance process. Owners will then be told the date they need to have their first certificate of pool barrier compliance issued by a registered building surveyor or building inspector. Owners must arrange the private inspections and then lodge the certificate with the shire by the due date. The News spoke to three registered building inspectors who quoted $300-$395 for an initial inspection and $150-$165 for subsequent inspections. Owners of pools and spas built before 1 June 2020, with an unknown construction date, will be charged a search fee of $47.24. Those with pools
and spas built after 1 June 2020 must register within 30 days of receiving their occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection. If an inspector identifies a safety issue, owners will have 60 days to rectify the fault and make their pools compliant. Owners of pools and spas built before 30 June 1994 must lodge a certificate of barrier compliance by 1 June 2021; those built 1 July 1994-1 May 2010 by 1 June 2022, and those built 1 May 2010-31 May 2020 by 1 June 2023. Certificates must be lodged with the shire every four years. The onus of registration is on the owner of a property – not a tenant. Tenants unsure if a pool or spa is registered should contact their property manager. The shire says its role is to maintain a register of pools and enforce non-compliance. It does not offer a pool and spa inspections and is not affiliated with any providers of this service. Planning and building director David Bergin said any provider claiming to be affiliated with or endorsed by the council was “giving the pool owner misinformation”. Shire officers will only inspect pools to confirm that they have been decommissioned.
RESPIRATORY CLINIC NOW OPEN FOR
CORONA VIRUS TESTING This is an Australian Government initiative to help deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, This is a free service to all Australians that meet the eligibility criteria.
To make an appointment register on HotDoc.com or phone
0436 033 507 Patients MUST stay in the car and call clinic on arrival. The aim of this clinic is to assess and test people with mild to moderate symptoms of a respiratory illness. This includes anyone in the health care industry, aged care, supermarket/food service, or construction workers with or without the following symptoms: • Cough • Fever • Runny or Stuffy nose • Sore throat This clinic aims to divert people away from hospitals and other GP Clinics to enable them to attend to other medical issues.
1079 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud PAGE 8
Western Port News
20 May 2020
NEWS DESK
Toast to a tough 100th PROPRIETOR of Crib Point Cellars Danny Bemelen has good reason to smile despite the pandemic’s doom and gloom. His shop specialising in wine, beer and spirits in Stony Point Road, has chalked up 100 years. The timber building was brought down from Mordialloc in two sections by horse and cart a century ago and a small residence “tacked on”. Mr Bemelen has been there for six years and is the fifth owner. Although “really battling, like most businesses at the moment”, Mr Bemelen is longing for normal trading conditions to return so that he can
continue his long-time support for the Crib Point RSL and the town’s cricket and football clubs. With necessity being the mother of invention, his shop has branched out to sell bread, milk and coffee, and even has a book shelf with proceeds going to Crib Point CFA. Mr Bemelen is offering home deliveries of liquor on Thursdays and Fridays.
Birthday wishes: Crib Point Cellars’ Danny Bemelen and wife Terri. Picture: Ricky Thompson
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
Modern methods mean council poll can be held I note the desire of some Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors to defer the forthcoming municipal elections, the coronavirus pandemic being a convenient excuse to prolong their day of reckoning. Postal voting and modern electronics are good enough elsewhere, but not for this event? Seeing how proactive the shire has been on such diverse issues as climate change, sea level rises and cultural matters why not now take the lead on getting ready for the economic catastrophe up ahead, especially for the workers and small business collapsing all around the shire? Start with cutting costs in the current budget, for example: n All shire officers earning over $100,000 take a 20 per cent cut. n Cease all new capital works, especially Ideological “monuments”. n Freeze all rates. n Cease the constant outsourcing of “policy/decision making” to consultants and use in-house skills or shrink departments n Concentrate on debt reduction as the current levels are totally unsustainable; lock in very long term debt where possible. n Reduce red tape; drive a proactive culture rather than always being reactive. There are many other avenues, but start concentrating on what is in the best interests of ratepayers as they are the ones paying the bills and are feeling the pain; let the councillors and officers share the load. Help businesses help workers survive. Stefan S Borzecki, Somerville Editor: The mayor Cr Sam Hearn and CEO John Baker have both elected to take a cut in their respective “pays” from the shire.
MP ‘going too softly’ There are several points I’d like to raise concerning the Ryman retirement settlement proposal for 60-70 Kunyung Road Mount Eliza. Mornington MP David Morris, in his 8 May letter to constituents, outlines his opposition to this proposal as being it is outside the urban growth boundary, is significant by metropolitan standards and that it impacts upon the Mornington Peninsula. Not enough and too little too late, Mr Morris. His comments are all very politically correct, but definitely not guaranteed to spur up leadership from the top. As our elected representative he has the resources to go hard, not softly softly as his letter gives the impression. Other MPs of the same ilk spend their electoral allowances on posters and petitions. Ian Morrison, convenor Mount Eliza Community Alliance
Disclose the odds
I agree that people should be allowed to gamble on pokies. But saying that if gamblers have failed the basic maths behind pokies then that is their problem, is, however, another case (“Hands off gamblers” Letters 12/5/20). I do believe in a full disclosure per the retail laws of this state. The requirements of that law are that any financial transaction must be based on the vendor fully disclosing the facts of the transaction. This is not transparent in pokies and Lotto. If you buy a dress or a car you are entitled to know what you are buying. Similarly, food ingredients on packaged products must disclose what you are buying. In gambling, these transparencies are hidden in the background of a website somewhere. The
poor odds are not fully understood by those buying a winning piece of the game. The winnings are extraordinarily obvious. The vast potential to lose is incredibly not so. A poor education of your clients is no excuse for a rip-off. They are buying a win, not a game. The odds should be clearly displayed at each point-of-sale for pokies or Lotto ball games. As a minimum, the odds of getting a jackpot, and the odds of getting your money back (breakeven) should be clearly displayed on every pokies screen, and on every Lotto agents window. This is not a new requirement. It is complying with the law. John Dusting, Mornington
Time to rethink I fear after the COVID-19 pandemic has been overcome our leaders will slip back into the old groove of completly disregarding corporate and government destruction of our living space. The insanity to continue with hydrogen-fromcoal and gas imports through Crib Point, the restarting of gas explorations in many places and the continued logging of our forests for little profit or even loss, shows us how little our leaders really care about the peoples’ wellbeing and survival into the future. This would be a chance to rethink humanity’s future to a sustainable way of life. We can only hope. Rupert Steiner, Balnarring Beach
LNP ahead on all counts Back in February, Graham Griffiths called on writers to inject a bit more humour into the letter pages (“Need writers with humour and pearls of wisdom” Letters 4/2/20). While sort of agreeing, I also respect freedom of speech and the right of individuals to put their point of view without fear of reprisal. That being said, while I can excuse some stretching of the truth, what is not excusable is attacking the elected prime minister of this country through his faith and his decisions regarding his children (“Looking back” Letters 21/4/20). The latest national poll puts the LNP ahead 52/48. Scott Morrison’s approval rating is 75 per cent, a figure not reached by a prime minister
in more than 40 years. The LNP have recorded more votes than Labor in all but one election since 1995, and Australia is the envy of the rest of the world in the current crisis. Michael G Free, Mount Martha
Elderly reflection Are we there yet? Hard to believe. The weeks have flown by, although on a comparative basis, leaving aside boredom and minor ageing health issues, it’s been a piece of cake. The anticipation of that first pot of Carlton Draught from the tap is still a while off. Patience. True, there are hard times ahead for many, sadly, not quite so for we pensioners residing in God’s waiting room. Zooming (40 minutes) has been helpful, keeping in touch with the billy lids. Unsuccessful search for a large poster displaying intelligent bookshelves as a back view. Preparations pre-zoom - double whisky, one stubby, salt and vinegar potato chips, two cigarettes. In America and England there appears to be a push via social media to sacrifice old people as a consequence in returning to the former state of normalcy. Here in Australia, we feel safer, so far. Ever onwards. Cliff Ellen, Rye
Red Cross calling We acknowledge the incredible efforts of those who are staying at home and helping to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we all do our bit to prevent the spread of the virus, it can be easy to lose the connections that can give us meaning and make us feel part of a community. Red Cross is offering a free national telephone service to fill some of that void and help people maintain or improve their level of social connection. COVID Connect allows regular access to a friendly voice and tips to improve connection. If you or someone you know would like to start receiving these calls register at connect.redcross.org.au/covid-connect/ or by calling 1800 733 276. We’re looking forward to chatting with you. Sue Cunningham, director, Victoria Australian Red Cross
COVID-19 has rocked our world Now it’s time to rock it back! Get off the couch and join a virtual fundraising challenge supporting 8 united Victorian charities to step, roll or rock right around the world.
STRONGER. TOGETHER SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY’S MOST VULNERABLE.
Register Today
RockAroundTheWorld.org.au
Presenting Charity Partners
Western Port News
20 May 2020
PAGE 9
100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...
Marathon race starts from Frankston Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE Marathon Race over the classic distance of 26 miles 385 yards, conducted by the Malvern Harriers, was held on Saturday last, the course being 8 laps on the Frankston Park Oval, thence direct by Point Nepean, Brighton and St. Kilda Roads, to the Wesley Cricket Ground, where 3 laps were run. The starters were: G. Blake (the veteran holder of several 5 and 10 mile championships), T. Sinton Hewitt (who has been selected to represent Australia at the Olympic Games in October), E. Roberts, B. V. Maher (runner-up in the South Australian championship), P. L. W. Collins, A. Heywood, and J. Gillespie. A. A. Parker, a prominent runner, was unable to start owing to blistered feet. There was a large attendance at Frankston to see the start, including Lieut. Col. Stevenson, D.S.O., C.M.G., Messrs A. G. Harston, R. G. McCallum, E. B. Lawrence, and many other old performers on the track or across country. The officials were: Starter, Major Conder, from Langwarrin; referee, H. Abbott; timekeepers, H. D. Smith and J. A. Stilwell; judges, A. T. Carthew, J. L. Kiddle, H. Dredge, and Crick; stewards, C. E. Coe; B. E. James, E. Gilmour, and F. Batt; medical officer, Dr Donald Bennett; senior medical officer at Langwarrin. The men were got away smartly by the starter, and the winner turned up in E. Roberts, who completed the distance in 3 hours 5 minutes, 53 seconds, the other places being filled
by B. V. Maher (2nd), 3 hrs 32 mins 43 secs, and J. Gillespie (3rd), 3 hrs 59 mins 14 secs. T. Sinton Hewitt had to retire when running strongly at 20 miles owing to cramp in the stomach; Maher ran for over 15 miles with blistered feet, and his performance is very creditable. Great interest was taken in the race, and there were fully 3000 people at Wesley Ground to see the finish, while the checking posts along the route attracted large crowds. The weather was favorable, but dust at certain stages hampered the runners. *** AT the Moorabbin Council on Monday the application of the Moorabbin Soldiers for financial assistance towards the purchase of a hall was further considered. The President Cr Brownfield said that he intended to give notice for a vote of £75 to the Moorabbin branch and £25 to the Mordialloc branch. *** ON Sunday last the christening of Lawrence Arthur Minton took place at St. Paul’s, Frankston. The boys of the Seaside Home were present to witness the ceremony, which was carried out by the acting Vicar, Rev. Cox. Miss McKenzie, of “Beachleigh,” acted as Sponsor for the boy. The home boys, to the number of 40, were provided with a special dinner and tea by Mr and Mrs Minton, in honor of the event, at the home on Oliver’s Hill, Miss McKenzie presented Lawrence Minton with a silver mug, suitably inscribed.
Miss McKenzie donated £1 to give the boys a treat at the coming of the Prince. *** THE representative of Messrs Coates and Co., who has been instructed by the Shire Council to inspect and place a valuation on the Frankston Gas and Electric Light Works, visited the town on Wednesday. The managing director of the Gas Company, together with the local manager accompanied the valuer, but it was noticed that none of the councillors or their officials assisted at the inspection. It would be interesting to know what section of gas pipes the expert was shown, and why the inspection took place in the absence of the shire engineer or some other shire official. *** A GRAND concert will be held in the Frankston Mechanics’ on Friday, evening next in connection with the Returned Soldiers’ Association, when 1914-15 Military will be given out. A good programme has been arranged. *** CONSTABLE Revell, of Hastings, is on the sick list, suffering from a poisoned arm. He is being relieved by Constable Buyers. *** MR Hartland, of the State Nurseries Frankston, recently returned from a months vacation spent in the Grampians district. *** MR W. W. Young of this journal, who has been Visiting his daughter
at Ouyen in the Mallee, returned to Frankston last Saturday. *** THE many friends of Mr James Grice, of “Moohdah” will be grateful to learn of his steady restoration to health. *** CR H. E. Unthank received a hearty welcome from his colleagues on again taking his place at the Council table last week. *** COUNCILLOR D. E. Hoban ,J. P. president of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings is a striking example of what may be accomplished in this country by exercise of thrift and industry. Not so many years ago the popular ‘Dan’ as he is familiarly named by his friends – and they are legion – was employed in the Somerville district as a wood cutter at the wage of 4s per day. Today he may be included in the list of the fortunate and much envied class vaguely described as ‘men who sit behind it.’ Twenty three years ago Mr. Hoban found employment in the liquor business and for the last 17 years he has been the licensee of the Royal Hotel, Hastings. It is worthy of note that during the whole of the 23 years referred to Mr Hoban neither smoked nor drank and he carried out his duties as a licensed victualler in a characteristically thorough and conscientious manner. He takes a keen interest in all public affairs and institutions and has held at one time or another every position
of honor that may be bestowed on a capable and deserving citizen. He fills the position of Shire President with ability and tact and his recent appointment as a Justice of the Peace, gave general satisfaction throughout the Shire. Last month Mr Hoban disposed of his hotel to Mrs L. Dalton, of Coburg, at a highly satisfactory figure. He will continue to reside in Hastings, but has in view a trip to the old country during the coming year. *** Heard in the Train A public holiday will be observed throughout the Shire of Frankston and Hastings on Wednesday, 26th May, the day of the Prince of Wales landing. Since the refiners were installed at the local gas works, about a week ago, the objectionable odour associated with the gas service has disappeared, but unfortunately the strength of the light appears to have likewise diminished. The street gas lamps produce a struggling, feeble light and the fine big lamp over the doorway of Mr C. W. Wood’s shop is quite out of action. One of the many and dangerous holes in the asphalt footpath in Bay Street brought a Frankston resident to his knees last Wednesday morning. The victim’s remarks were not supplicatory, in fact, they were not suitable for publication. *** FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 14 May 1920
Beautiful Curtains
Whatever your room or style, we have the perfect fabric for you.
FREE measure and quotes
0 3 5 97 5 9 3 6 6
www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Shop 8a, 1-13 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington PAGE 10
Western Port News
20 May 2020
PUZZLE ZONE 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
ACROSS 1. Strikes (toe) 7. Billed 8. Green side dish 10. Financial helper 12. Revive (interest) 14. Feat 16. Rub lightly 17. Detergents
20. Full-length 23. Graded 24. Ghastly 25. Used needle & thread
DOWN 1. Sibling 2. Talk indiscreetly 3. Leg joint 4. Roman robes 5. Strewn 6. Loved 9. Postpone 11. Battle aircraft
13. Snake-like fish 15. Bread maker 16. Injuries 18. Squalid 19. Group of lions 21. Medication 22. Palm fruit
Puzzles supplied by Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd www.lovattspuzzles.com See page 13 for solutions.
THE MEANING OF EXISTENCE... AND OTHER SHORT STORIES
The Indisputable Genius of Little Richard By Stuart McCullough WHAT is there to say about Little Richard? Put simply, he was the best. He was the most wild, most extreme, most exciting thing that most people had ever seen in their lives. It’s hard to put into words precisely how magnificent he was but, luckily, one word is all that’s required – Awop-bopa-loo-bop-a-wop-bam-boom! This is all it took to separate the past from the glorious future. It’s the big bang, the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and the invention of the light bulb all rolled into one. It’s rock and roll distilled down to a two second exclamation of ecstasy. Tutti Fruitti by Little Richard is two minutes and twenty three seconds of sheer, unbridled insanity. You’d expect a recording that’s sixty years old to sound polite, perhaps even quaint. Tutti Fruitti sounds like the singer is about to leap straight through the speakers and throttle you. From it’s opening war-cry through to the last saxophone honk, it’s one big bundle of energy and its makes modern music seem tame and dull by comparison. Forget solar or wind power, Tutti Fruitti is an alternative source of energy that could easily power an entire city. If the lyrics sound like a whole lot of nonsense, they didn’t start out that way. The song was complete, but the record company brought in a songwriter for the specific task of toning down the lyrics which were deemed to be way too risqué. What we’re hearing is what’s left after the tidying up was done. When the song was released, it was immediately covered by Pat Boone who was about as much the op-
posite of Little Richard as it’s possible to be. Little Richard later claimed that teenagers bought both versions of the song and played the Pat Boone version when their parents were home, and the Little Richard version whenever they
left the house. Richard Penniman was born in Macon, Georgia; the son of a bootlegging preacher. An enthusiastic member of the church choir, his voice was so loud that he was nicknamed ‘War Hawk’.
His first professional performance occurred after one of his heroes, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, overheard him singing and asked him to open her show. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how Tharpe’s music, with songs like Up Above My Head, might have influenced Little Richard. He was always considered effeminate and was thrown out of home by his father on account of his homosexuality. Little Richard joined a travelling medicine show, performed in drag and did all kinds of things that are completely incompatible with becoming a major music star. He started recording in the early fifties, but nothing really seemed to hit the mark. That was until 1955 when, in just three takes, Tutti Fruitti was recorded and the rest, as they say, is history. So began one of the most spectacular purple-streaks in music history. Little Richard produced hit after hit with songs like Lucille, Long Tall Sally, Rip it Up, I Keep on Knocking and The Girl Can’t Help It. Each of them sounds as fresh today as the day they were made. What’s great about these songs is they created a blueprint for so much of what was to come. I especially like the fact that it’s the piano that’s right up front. When people think of rock and roll, it’s probably the guitar that springs to mind. The very idea of piano as the primary weapon in a rock and roll assault sounds as likely as having a kazoo replace the first violin in an orchestra, but back at the beginning things were different. Then, in 1957, Little Richard did a u-turn. He was on tour in Australia when he saw a light in the sky that he
believed was a sign from God. It was, in actual fact, the Sputnik satellite. He abandoned secular music and enrolled in Bible College. Later, he’d return to music, but the wrestle between the spiritual and the (arguably) profane would be with him for the rest of his life. But in just a couple of years he created a legacy that remains unequalled. When I was growing up, you didn’t hear Little Richard on the radio. FM radio in the eighties was full of gated drums, cheesy keyboards and over-earnest vocals. For the most part, rock radio in the eighties was a mullet – business up front with a party at the back. Rebellion was corporatised and controlled. Those radio stations would reach back into the sixties and seventies, but never as far back as Little Richard. And the acts they did play were almost always white. It wasn’t until I was at university that a housemate introduced me to the joy of Little Richard. Since then, I’ve played his music to countless others. If all of this makes no sense to you at all, then I’d urge you to do a little Googling. Go to your streaming platform of choice and listen to a playlist of Little Richard’s finest. You’ll be glad you did. In recent days he’s been described as a lot of things. As the innovator, originator and the architect of rock and roll. If anything, it’s an understatement. For me, however, he was simply the greatest. There’s nothing else I can say that truly describes what he meant to me. Except to say, Awopbop-a-loo-bop-a-wop-bam-boom! stuart@stuartmccullough.com
Western Port News
20 May 2020
PAGE 11
networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au Employment
Trades & Services Deadline
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)
Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money... 12435754-LB03-20
Pre-Winter Gas Ducted Heater Service Specials
Concrete Products & Services
Experienced Concreter for: s $RIVEWAYS s 0ATIOS s 'ARAGE 3HEDS s (OUSE 3LABS s !LL 4YPES OF #ONCRETING s %XPOSED !GGREGATE s 0LAIN #OLOURED
Call Anthony for a free quote on 0423 808 691 "ASED ON THE -ORNINGTON PENINSULA hKEEP IT LOCAL USE A LOCALv
V
12448760-SG20-20
Celebrations V
FAIRBAIRNS
Motoring
contact Graeme 0407 353 875
General Classifieds
V
Plumbing
ORBIT PLUMBING
Electricians
Buy, Rent & Sell in our
Real Estate
C1069118-KK3-13
s (OT 7ATER s "URST 0IPES s 4APS 4OILETS s (EATING s #ARBON -ONOXIDE 4ESTING s 0UMPS s "LOCKED $RAINS s 'AS &ITTING
Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Massage Therapists
ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.
section of Network ClassiďŹ eds.
** Same Day Plumbing Service ** Local & Friendly Plumber Daniel:
0447 007 178
section of Network ClassiďŹ eds.
LIC: 109028
www.orbitplumbing.com.au
12415744-DJ16-19
V
Tree Lopping/Surgery
V
Call Kelvin – 0423 395 239
Mulch For Sale
Ph Graham 0407 357 927
V
Pets & Services
ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE
Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiďŹ cation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiďŹ cation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
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.
The longer you advertise the cheaper your ad!
Garage Sales
PLACE YOUR 12400498-CG38-18
No service fee. Work guaranteed. Free Quotes. 24/7. REC 20153
12337429-CG06-17
EXPERT ELECTRICIAN
12447541-FA18-20
CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP
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
ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX
tree & stump removals excavator & tower hire firewood & mulch sales fully insured
V
Use code: EMPDISC
Tree Lopping/Surgery
Treesbgone
HEATING & COOLING www.fairbairns.com.au Est. 1982
Get 10% Discount
Fill your position online
section of Network Classifieds.
5998 7796
PIC: 38148 REC: 17042 AU: 06212
12417522-RC20-19
V
(Terms & Conditions Apply)
NEW STAFF?
Call 1300 666 808
Gas Ducted Changeovers Split Systems Ducted Refrig
Positions Vacant
NEED
"ASED ON THE -ORNINGTON PENINSULA hKEEP IT LOCAL USE A LOCALv
Pensioner Discounts
12447523-LB18-20
0418 172 044
1155688-CG39-14
CALL MARTIN
V
Call Anthony for a free quote on 0423 808 691
Hot winter specials
PERGOLAS & DECKS
12442410-CLG09-20
Heating
V
Carpenters
DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
Experienced Concreter for: s $RIVEWAYS s 0ATIOS s 'ARAGE 3HEDS s (OUSE 3LABS s !LL 4YPES OF #ONCRETING s %XPOSED !GGREGATE s 0LAIN #OLOURED
For more information contact Patrik on 041 094 2230 or email patrik@intensivecareathome.com
12423634-SN31-19
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 Balnarring, Bittern and Mornington. Minimum of 2 years ICU/PICU experience. Must be ventilation and tracheostomy competent.
12400545-LB38-19
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
V
12371888-ACM08-18
V
Call
Find what your looking for in our
General Notices section of Network ClassiďŹ eds.
ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX
Place Your ClassiďŹ ed Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! PAGE 12
Western Port News
20 May 2020
scoreboard WESTERN PORT
Club losses top $260,000 SOCCER
By Craig MacKenzie THE combined loss of sponsorship for 12 local clubs fielding senior teams under the Football Victoria banner will top $260,000 this year. Langwarrin, Mornington, Peninsula Strikers, Skye United, Frankston Pines, Baxter, Seaford United, Somerville Eagles, Rosebud, Aspendale Stingrays and Mount Martha have lost sponsors in droves due to the economic impact of the coronavirus shutdown. Chelsea is the only local club not to suffer through lost sponsorship while many clubs have offered carryover deals for the 2021 season. The total represents the largest ever financial hit to the local game. Each club was contacted last week and provided a figure for sponsorship loss on the proviso that individual club losses were not published. The final figure does not take into account the full impact at one local club of the current suspension of all soccer activities and the uncertainty of the format surrounding the 2020 season. That club had an in-principle agreement with a real estate agent that if any club member or member’s friend sold a residential property through that agent the club would receive $10,000. This deal potentially was the biggest sponsorship agreement in the club’s history. Chelsea was the only local club to have banked all its sponsorship money by the end of February a few weeks ahead of Football Federation Australia’s suspension of all soccer activities. “We don’t have a major sponsor as such but we have a lot of small sponsors and a very enthusiastic person in charge of sponsorship who collected the money in January and February,” Chelsea president John Zeccola said. Unlike most of his counterparts at other local clubs Zeccola thinks the season should go ahead and welcomed a return to training and competition. “I think it’s important for the kids’ mental health to simply get out there even if it’s only for half a season,” Zeccola added. “From what we can tell our parents are keen to start and we’ve only had eight requests for refunds from around
Presidential pronouncement: Seaford United boss Willie Lynn thinks the season should be cancelled. Picture: Darryl Kennedy
400 members, that’s juniors, seniors and masters. “I know for a fact that our seniors are absolutely chomping at the bit to get back on the park.” However the prevalent view among local club presidents was that it may not be worth having a season this year. Here’s a selection of what some of them had to say: Daren Jones, Skye United: If we can’t have matchday revenue then it’s a waste of time and they should cancel the season. I think some clubs will have to consider closing down altogether. Bray Hodgkinson, Baxter: I think it would be good to see football in 2020 but the difficulty of playing out a full season defeats the purpose. You play to win, and if you play each team once, for example, with no promotion or relegation [then] it’s a waste of time in my eyes. Plus I can’t see how FV will expect us to make money without crowds and being expected to pay fees as well as referees, etc. So honestly I don’t think it will work. I don’t think a regular season could be possible with ground availability [issues] and multisport players going into summer. I’m interested to see how FV thinks it could work.
Sudoku and crossword solutions S
T
U
S
A
L
T E R
B
D
B
E
I
A W A P
O
L
U N
A
N
N
D R
E
S
S
N
K
T
N
V O
E
G
E
F
L
W E
I
A
E
K
E
N
E C
R
L
D E
D
E
A
I
N
F
D
R
A
U G
L S
E
D
A
O
T
O R
T
E
E
E
D
E
R
S O
D
D G E R
C
R
K
I A
C
B
P B
A
A
S I
S
Y
R W
S
L
I
R T
E
Willie Lyn, Seaford United: I want to stress that this is a personal view but I think the whole season should be cancelled. I think it’s too risky. In the unfortunate event of someone getting the virus does that mean the whole club shuts down? If you can’t generate cash and still have to pay referees and have other expenses then you wonder if it’s all worthwhile. And what happens if some of the players you’ve already registered don’t want to come back and play? We might end up having trouble fielding seniors and reserves. Derrick Berends, Aspendale Stingrays: It’s really getting to a point as to whether it’s worth the hassle. We have members pulling out in the young age groups already. There’s a big difference between training with distancing measures and playing contact sport against other clubs. Anyone paying players and coaches would have to consider whether it’s worth it because there will be no canteen, no bar and no fundraiser revenue for the whole year. The other issue is the professional sanitising of toilets on possibly a daily basis. We are still required to have them open and now properly sanitised each session. Training restrictions mean
we need to spread training out across more days to accommodate all teams. It could cost thousands of dollars each week to properly sanitise two venues five to six times. This will be the difference between us starting training or not. Melissa Osorio, Rosebud: I’m 50/50 about whether we should start up again. I want to start up for the kids and I know that my kids are just dying to get back into it but it’s going to be very expensive to bring in all the protocols they want. I was talking about this to my VP the other day and we’re struggling to get what we need so it’s a real challenge. Dean Whitehead, Mount Martha: It’s too early to make a call on the season. We’re looking at the cost and time involved in going back to training. If restrictions are eased on June 1 we have to consider whether it’s worth jumping through the hoops right now. We anticipate maybe two players per team could choose not to return and if that happens then it becomes a problem for us. Late last week FV released its return to training conditions. Hygiene protocols are extensive and compulsory. A snapshot of the conditions reveals
that all clubrooms must be closed during training expect for toilets and there must be tight control of access. An accurate record of all attendees (including parents/carers) must be taken at every session for the purposes of contact tracing. This includes full name, FFA number where applicable, phone number and date and time of attendance. All surfaces, equipment and objects (including around entry points) must be wiped down after each training session with appropriate anti-bacterial/ disinfectant wipes or soap, particularly those frequently touched. Hand sanitiser dispensers must be provided in prominent places around the venue (including entry and exit points) and must be regularly refilled. Toilet facilities must be regularly cleaned with disinfectant and there must be prominent signage that not more than one person is permitted per toilet facility at any one time. Training protocols include player groups of no more than 10 plus a coach with activities contained within a specified area (half a pitch) while maintaining physical distancing of 1.5 metres and no heading, tackling, handshakes or high-fives allowed. Most local clubs have been taken aback at the cost and logistic challenge of compliance. While the guidelines make no mention of monitoring and policing they state that FV can sanction clubs that breach them. “Failure to meet these conditions may void your insurance policies under the national insurance program, may be dealt with under FV’s Grievance, Disciplinary and Tribunal Bylaw, and critically, may delay the return to competition.” FV has also been involved in season scenario planning and is expected to make an announcement this week. The possible structure of the season has been a hot topic on social media. Frankston council and Mornington peninsula shire council are expected to announce tenancy arrangements this week paving the way for clubs who choose to return to training to do so. It’s expected that Football Federation Australia will lift its suspension of all soccer activities currently in place until 31 May.
Did you know... you can view our papers online
www.mpnews.com.au
D
T
I
E W E
D Western Port News
20 May 2020
PAGE 13
WESTERN PORT scoreboard
Jamaican Hurry puts up picket fence HORSE RACING
By Ben Triandafillou THE Amy and Ash Yargi racing stable have continued their successful run of late by scoring another dominant victory at Flemington on Saturday 16 May. Coming off a freshen up, their inform mare Jamaican Hurry came from the rear of the field to notch up her third straight victory in the opening race of the day. Ridden patiently by jockey Michael Dee, Jamaican Hurry settled second last in the running before building momentum and flashing late in the race to run over the top of the James Cummings-trained Gododdin and the Lindsay Park-trained Lankan Star. The victory re-affirmed co-trainer Amy Yargi’s belief that the five-yearold daughter of Von Costa de Hero possessed above average ability. “We’re so excited,” Yargi said postrace. “She’s just been such a work in progress. She’s always shown us that she has a tonne of ability, but horses can make you look silly sometimes. “We gave her a big long break and I’m just so glad that Paul (owner) has persevered with her and I’m glad that now that she has matured, she’s just doing everything right. “We half-wanted to send her over to Adelaide for a bit of black-type, but because she’s a bit highly strung it just didn’t work out. Credit to Ash though, he had this plan after her win at Mornington and he absolutely nailed it as it
Three on the trot: The Amy and Ash Yargi trained Jamaican Hurry brings up her third straight victory at Flemington on Saturday 16 May. Picture: Supplied
turned out. “We’ll just see how she comes through this, but we’d love to get some black-type with her.” Jamaican Hurry’s success also continued the strong combination of jockey Michael Dee and the Yargi stable,
as Dee brought up his second win for the stable from his past three rides. Dee had already ridden the sevenyear-old gelding, Sickening, to victory earlier in the week at Pakenham and finished a desperately unlucky fifth aboard Comte for his only unplaced
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 PAGE 14
Western Port News
20 May 2020
effort. In similar fashion to Jamaican Hurry, Sickening settled at the rear of the field before reeling in his rivals in the straight to score a comfortable one length victory in benchmark 64 grade. Co-trainer Ash Yargi said it was a
really good result for a horse that can also be quite tricky to train. “He’s got a lot of quirks, he’s got barrier issues that we have overcome and our team back at home have done a really good job,” Yargi said.
Attention Schools, sporting clubs & community groups
Free advertising listings Each month the Western Port 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 Community Bank and listings are completely free. Listing 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
SPECIAL OFFER $199
Yes, we are open!
WINTER SERVICE INCLUDES FULL VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT AND OIL SERVICE (major service items quoted separately where required)
FREE ALIGNMENT CHECK FREE MOBILITY OPTIONS INCLUDE : • Shuttle Bus • Mobile Technician • Valet Service • Express Service (one hour)
To book online visit www.beachsidevw.com.au or call 03 9783 8200 Enquiries through to vwbookings@beachsidevw.com.au
Western Port News
20 May 2020
PAGE 15
Aged Care that’s beyond the everyday. The Bays Aged Care Hastings
A beautiful new aged care home in Hastings is opening soon. Think comfortable, modern rooms that cater for singles and couples, each with private ensuites and filled with natural light. Spacious communal dining and lounge areas, terraces and courtyards, and a wide range of wellness activities to enjoy all just a short walk from Hastings town centre and the colourful foreshore. In addition to permanent residential care, there are options for private and government-funded respite care, memory support and dementia care. Our home is aligned with The Bays Hospital in Mornington, with expert medical services proudly delivered by the trusted team at The Bays Healthcare Group.
We’ve been caring for the Mornington Peninsula community for over 90 years, with local staff and care teams to help you or your loved one feel at home. A limited number of places at The Bays Aged Care Hastings are currently available.
To find out more, call 03 5979 0333 or visit thebays.com.au/aged-care
The Bays Aged Care Hastings Trusted by generations for over 90 years 86 VICTORIA STREET, HASTINGS VIC 3915
PAGE 16
Western Port News
20 May 2020