NEWS DESK
Boxing on over signal box Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au
Start of something: Menzies’ Georgia Symmons, Buy Property Direct’s David Brewster and Menzies’ Kevin Johnson at the site of the new house. Picture: Yanni
Builders chip in for kids A NUMBER of builders in the Frankston area have put their talent and time into raising funds for Menzies (“Caring for Kids”) the best way they know how. Buy Property Direct in conjunction with Mainline Developments are the driving force behind the fundraising campaign, which will see the two companies and their affiliated tradesmen build a home in Langwarrin, and
then auction it off early next year – with all profits going directly to Menzies Frankston. Menzies (“Caring for Kids”) is a not-for-profit organisation established in Frankston in 1901 and run by a committee of volunteers. It provides a high standard of support for young people. Menzies was once involved as a residential care service provider, but is now focused on philanthropy, service
and program support. However, its core mission remains the same - to support young people who can no longer live with their families to be safe, educated and lead fulfilling lives. David Brewster, managing director of Buy Property Direct, paid special thanks to Frankston Council CEO Dennis Hovenden and the planning team who have supported the project.
FRANKSTON Labor MP Paul Edbrooke has dismissed councillors’ concerns that the signalling box at Frankston train station could be demolished as part of the $63 million Frankston Station Redevelopment Master Plan. Councillors expressed concern at this month’s public council meeting that the signalling box, the last remaining manual signal box in Victoria, is not mentioned in the master plan to redevelop the transport hub. “What are they going to with that historical signal box?” Cr Darrel Taylor asked. “We cannot afford to lose that historical asset. It has to be kept and maintained.” Cr Taylor said the government should make a commitment to preserve the signal box and relocate it elsewhere if necessary. “My understanding is the signal box was built in 1922 and is heritage listed,” deputy mayor Cr Glenn Aitken said. “It is a small part of Frankston that we still retain and I think many people would not want to lose it. Any large development can be cleverly manipulated to accommodate and retain heritage features by building around them.” Mr Edbrooke said: “There are no current plans to change it [the signal box] at all and it is clearly still visible on the artist’s impression. “At a time when the community have spoken so strongly about what they want and we have massive op-
portunities for Frankston, councillors are needlessly worried about a signal box, when they should be considering how the council will contribute to Frankston’s future, which is what the community want.” Cr James Dooley was a dissenting voice at the council meeting, saying he would prefer to see the “rusty weatherboard” signal box removed from its present location near the train station. Council is increasingly at loggerheads with the state government over the state funded project – despite endorsing the government’s master plan for the train station precinct redevelopment - with differences of opinion emerging over how the station precinct should be redeveloped to improve Frankston’s amenity and economy. Councillors claim “the bureaucrats from Melbourne” are failing to listen to the community over [issues] (‘‘Lip service’ over station revamp’, The Times 12/10/15). Council has written to Premier Daniel Andrews, Transport Minister Jill Hennessy and Planning Minister Richard Wynne to ask that the station revamp project be overseen by the Metropolitan Planning Authority, a government agency that manages long-term projects to try to “depoliticise” decisions. Mr Edbrooke has said the MPA will not take over management of the train station redevelopment project. Councillors believe the master plan does not place enough emphasis on leveraging private sector investment to entice businesses to relocate offices to the train station surrounds to bolster Frankston’s economy.
More than a snack, it’s a sign of support RECEIVING a free, hot lunch-time meal was a treat for needy residents on Thursday – thanks to Community Support Frankston’s Anti-Poverty Week activities. The emergency relief provider put on fruit and vegetable giveaways, as well as sizzling snags and delicious burgers, for up to 100 diners. The event aimed to treat some of Frankston’s most vulnerable residents and raise the profile of the local emergency relief provider. Community Support Frankston manager Steve Phillips said all welfare agencies were encouraged to make the most of Anti-Poverty Week activities. “We have a large cohort of people in
poverty and do our best to offer them easy access to community relief. “On these occasions, showing we are prepared to help is better that just saying it.” As well as providing 120 burgers and 220 snags, the support staff gave away 80 bags of fresh food, including eggs, bread, fruit and vegetables. Their service also provides grocery vouchers, help with utility bills, referrals and advocacy. The event was supported by Frankston Council, Rapid Relief Team and Second Bite. Lunch treat: Community Support Frankston volunteers serve free meals to clients. Picture: Yanni
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