LAST 3 WEEKS! DON’T MISS OUT!
NEWS DESK
Peninsula’s first weekly produce market
THE peninsula’s first weekly produce market starts at The Briars Park in Mt Martha on Tuesday 20 October. It is the idea of Rachael Koch, who grew up in Frankston, and Matt Taylor, of Mt Eliza – business and life partners who met at Woodleigh School – and will be the culmination of planning that started last summer when the couple first started talking to peninsula suppliers. Discussions with the shire, which owns and runs The Briars, started in April and the lease was signed last week. Ms Koch said Briars head ranger Jarrod Ruch had “been amazing as the market fits in with the Briars ethos” and area councillors Bev Colomb and Anne Shaw had been supportive. Known formally as the Briars Community Produce Market, features will include all suppliers no more than 40km away, zero waste, no plastic (although Ms Koch conceded meat
might have plastic packaging), and no charge for parking. Calico bags made in Australia will be on sale for $5. They have set up a not-for-profit structure and will put earnings back into the market including workshops in summer as well as toward projects at The Briars. The couple is hoping for 20 stallholders at the first market offering vegetables, fruit, coffee, wine, bread, olive oil and honey. “We’re looking for eggs and meat,” Ms Koch said. Seed money for the project came from French waste management multinational Suez Environnment, which made 39 grants nationally this year. The couple applied for a $2400 grant but Suez liked their idea so much it doubled the grant. Details: 0478 536 081 or briarsmarket@gmail. com Mike Hast
Squash champ ready to return serve THE Victorian Squash Country Individual Championships will be held on October 10 and 11 at the Tonic Squash & Gym Centre and Labor candidate for Dunkley Peta Murphy will be defending her title. Ms Murphy won the women’s title last year and hopes to put in a good effort at this year’s event. “I have been playing squash since I was 12, and play in the Mornington Peninsula pennant league for the Dromana club, having played state grade for Victoria in the past,” said Ms Murphy, who works as a barrister. “Last year was the first time I have won that title, but had won the over 35 Australian Masters Championship, and the US Masters for 35 years and over in 2012.” While her preparation for the event has been minimal, Ms Murphy is going full steam ahead in the last week to get ready. “I have been coming off a really long layoff with injury but am back now and working to prepare for the event this week,” she said. “By hook or by crook I am going to get myself there to compete.” The squash championship is being held at Tonic Squash and Gym, 50 Collins Road, Dromana. Call 5987 1766 for details.
SENIORS FESTIVAL OPEN DAY
10.30am—1pm | Friday 9 October, 2015 Morven Manor Retirement Village 77 Tanti Ave, Mornington
Join us at the Morven Manor Retirement Village Open Day as we celebrate this year’s Victorian Seniors Festival. + Free Zumba class and terrarium* workshop + Complimentary massages and refreshments + Tour the available properties and the village * bookings required
RSVP by Wednesday 7 October, 2015 to 1300 160 170 morvenmanor.com.au
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Mornington News 6 October 2015
Reigning champ: Peta Murphy