NEWS DESK
Spring start for $1.2m youth centre MORNINGTON’S $1.2 million youth centre in Wilsons Rd will likely open in September as work to convert an old classroom block nears completion. Contractors are refurbishing half of the former Mornington Secondary School block as well as attached toilets, changing room and storage area. The school moved from Wilsons Rd to its current site on the Nepean Highway in 1999 and Mornington Peninsula Shire bought a large part of the old school land and its three remaining buildings. The first half of the block was refurbished in 2010 and 2011 for community radio station RPP-FM and opened in September 2011. It was Mornington Peninsula Shire’s first major “community capital project” – a combination of voluntary and paid labour as well as donated and discounted materials that saw the job done for about a third of full commercial cost. The federal government has provided $800,000 for the youth centre with the shire spending $400,000 to refurbish an area of 720 square metres. Mornington Youth Resource Centre becomes part of the Peninsula Community Theatre precinct, which includes the 450-seat theatre (formerly called Findlay Hall), The Studio (the old library), which is used by art and performance groups, and the radio station with its large performance studio. A shire spokesman said the youth centre would include three activities rooms, two private consulting rooms and a staff area. Part of the refurbished building will be the new home of Mornington Men’s Shed (MMS), which is based
Man surrenders A MT MARTHA man last week handed himself in to police over an armed raid on Mornington’s Thirsty Camel liquor outlet. The man, 38, was charged with armed robbery, theft and theft with an offensive weapon, a hammer, over the Friday 10 July incident. He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a committal hearing in October.
Fires are out UNAUTHORISED burn-offs have prompted “a couple of complaints this week” to Mornington Fire Brigade. Duty officer John Donovan said burn-offs were not permitted on the peninsula on blocks of less than 1500 square metres. They are allowed on larger blocks 9am-4pm Fridays and Saturdays. More information at mornpen.vic.gov.au
Batty signing PENINSULA Voice, Farrell’s book shop, and Mornington Peninsula Library Service are hosting a signing event for Rosie Batty’s autobiography A Mother’s Story. It will be held on Thursday 8 October at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilson’s Rd, Mornington. ABC radio presenter Jon Faine will interview Ms Batty on the night. Peninsula Voice is a not-for-profit group of that presents public forums to promote “healthy community development”. Drop-in: Mornington Youth Resource Centre and Mornington Men’s Shed will occupy the newly refurbished former classroom block in Wilsons Rd. On the far left is Radio Port Phillip’s studios and on the right Peninsula Community Theatre. Picture: Yanni
at Mornington Peninsula Youth Enterprises in nearby Mitchell St, the old Shire of Mornington sewage works. MMS has a $60,000 state government grant for internal fitout. MMS woodworking, metalwork and other “construction” activities would remain at Mitchell St, the
shire spokesman said. Shire councillors approved the refurbishment tender late last year. A shire report stated it would complement youth hubs at Rosebud, Hastings and Frankston, which offer “important services, support, information and activities”. Mike Hast
Open mic nights PENINSULA Strikers Soccer Club is starting open mic nights for musicians on alternate Fridays at its McClelland Drive clubrooms. The night’s aim to provide performers with a venue and the opportunity to meet those with similar interests. The first open mic night is Friday 14 August. Resident band Still Game will play and then invite performers on stage. Details: Tim Dewhurst 0437 291 169.
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Shop 8a, 1-13 Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy) Mornington www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Mornington News 4 August 2015
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