NEWS DESK Reading challenge THE 2014 Mayor’s Reading Challenge starts next Friday with a story from the mayor Cr Darrel Taylor, at Carrum Downs library. The annual challenge is aimed at children aged up to five. It also aims to encourage parents and carers to read regularly to their children and help develop literacy skills which can lead to a love of reading. The library is in Lyrebird Drive. The reading starts at 10.30m.
Safety checks FREE child restraint checks will be held 10am-2pm Saturday at Bunnings Warehouse Frankston, corner of McMahons Rd and Gertrude St. A certified fitter will answer car safety questions. No bookings required.
Works close roads REPAIRS will force the closure of the service road adjacent to Moorooduc Highway near Rosedale Grove, Frankston South, 9.30am-3.30pm until Friday 8 August. The Moorooduc Highway left turn lane into Rosedale Grove - and the service road between Rosedale Grove and Angala Court - will also be closed at times. Traffic will be detoured along Rosedale Grove and Jinchilla Av. Residents can access properties at all times along Jinchilla Av. Delays of up to five minutes are expected. The work will include replacing stormwater pipes so as to increase the capacity of existing pipes. For details visit the roadworks and planned events page at the VicRoads website. Residents can subscribe to VicRoads Twitter and receive all its traffic alerts.
Volunteer ‘takes a break’ Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au LOOKING for “something worthwhile” to do to help the community first attracted Langwarrin’s Marie Wright to volunteer at the former Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Frankston. Now – 45 years later – she thinks it might be time to take a break. Mrs Wright, who celebrated her 80th birthday and retirement from the now Community Support Frankston yesterday, said she had received “so much satisfaction” from her part-time role as well as making many friends. After five moves and three name changes since 1970 she says the service is working better than ever and admits she is sad to go. “But it’s time,” she said. “I’m not as alert as I was and don’t follow things as quickly.” After completing her training she became an interviewer at the CAB and, later, was asked to organise the interviewer’s roster, which acting agency manager Steve Phillips admits “can be difficult, especially during the winter months when people are ill or on holiday”. “But, somehow, she managed to keep her sanity and good humour and is admired for the way she copes with an increasingly difficult situation,” Mr Phillips said. He said Mrs Wright, by her nature, had garnered support and co-operation from other volunteers. “When a volunteer is asked to do an extra shift, it seems often only one phone call is necessary. “Marie has pretty much worked on the Monday afternoon shift for 45
CEO resigns
Fond farewell: Marie Wright ‘volunteers’ to retire after 45 years’ service and a massive contribution at Community Support Frankston. Picture: Gary Sissons
years. She always appears calm and is never fazed by the things she hears from the people presenting.” Mrs Wright was made a life member of the organisation in 2000 for her outstanding service. She is known affectionately as the Egg Lady - for bringing in eggs from her chickens for the staff to buy - and is also involved in her local church. She and husband Keith spend time each year travelling in their caravan to various places around Australia visiting family on the way. She has four children and seven grandchildren. Staff at Community Support
Frankston, at 35 Beach St, yesterday gathered to wish her a happy birthday, say goodbye, and praise her contribution to the service which has been providing much needed information and assistance to residents in need since 1968. Special projects coordinator Marion Lester described Mrs Wright’s contribution to the organisation as “whopping”. “She’s been a wonderful interviewer and roster supervisor – and a lovely person. We would like to formally acknowledge the work she has done for us. We will miss her but we wish her well.”
PENINSULA Aquatic Recreation Centre CEO Bruce Mackay has resigned to take up a new career opportunity within the industry. Mr Mackay joined PARC in October 2012 and has overseen the establishment of the operations of the new centre. Frankston mayor, Cr Darrel Taylor, said the $49.7 million environmentally-sustainable centre is nearing completion and is on track to open in September. “Bruce can take much pride for having contributed to what will be the Peninsula’s premier fitness and fun park for the use and enjoyment of people of all ages and abilities,” Cr Taylor said. PARC chair Roseanne Healy acknowledged that much of the preparatory work for the centre was now complete with Mr Mackay having brought together a highly committed team for the official opening. Ms Healy said the board has appointed Chief Operations Officer Peter Armstrong as acting CEO while a successor for Mr McKay is recruited. Cr Taylor said council and the PARC board commended Mr McKay on the important contribution he had made to the PARC’s inception and wished him all the best in the future.
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Frankston Times 28 July 2014
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