6 October 2015

NEWS DESK

Mt Martha bathing boxes hit by vandals Steve Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au GANGS of youths drinking and carousing on Mt Martha beach broke into and damaged 33 bathing boxes overnight, 21 September.

Planks and panels from the boxes were stripped off to fuel bonfires and beach chairs and furniture was stolen and later burnt or smashed.

Police said three separate gangs – from Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula – caused thousands of dollars damage in the night-long spree.

They said many box owners would be unaware of the damage until they visited or heard from neighbours. “It coincided with the school holidays,� Detective Senior Sergeant Nick Vallas said. “We know that lots of people saw the kids sitting around the bonfires but, strangely, no one reported the matter at the time.�

The hardest hit area was South Beach, on The Esplanade. “Some boxes were just broken into while others had their furniture thrown onto the fires,� he said. “Others were quite substantially damaged.�

Mt Martha bathing box ownerof nine-years Wendy Leong said vandal damage to the boxes was “par for the course�. “We had been lucky to miss out so far, but the other weekend they broke the seat on the veranda and other timber work. “They used a jemmy to force

In brief Bush food workshops THOSE interested in learning about bush foods, what they are and how they can be incorporated into a farming enterprise should attend a series of workshops next month.

One will be held in Mt Martha on Sunday 18 October.

The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, with the support of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, will host the workshops across the Port Phillip and Western Port region from Thursday 15 October.

Regional landcare facilitator Karen Thomas said the workshops would provide information on identifying, growing and harvesting bush foods, as well as creating marketing opportunities for landholders. “Bush foods are creating a buzz among consumers and within the restaurant industry,� she said.

Registration is $10 with all funds going directly to the Landcare network.

Details: Ms Thomas, 0427 480 170 or email karen.thomas@ppwcma.vic.gov.au

Earimil Gardens on show

Wilful damage: Mt Martha bathing box owners Derek and Wendy Leong count the cost as carpenter Iain Proudfoot makes repairs. Picture: Yanni

open the door and rip off cupboards on the outside. It was just wilful damage. “We found fine glass all over the veranda which would be very dangerous for our grandchildren.�

A teenage girl’s brush, comb and

purse found later were handed in to police.

Mrs Leong said a neighbour next morning saw two young couples sitting on their stolen deck chairs who said they “didn’t intend to do damage�.

“Our box sustained a $400 repair bill but others were much more,� she said. “It’s the inconvenience of having to organise repairs and get someone down to do it that’s irritating.�

EARIMIL Gardens will open on Sundays 11 October and 8 November to raise money for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

The Mt Eliza garden, at 33A Koornalla Cres, has opened for the past 22 years raising more than $1 million.

But it is likely to be the final showing, as owners Reg and Elaine Smith say they are “running out of puff�.

Admission is $10 and free for children. Opening times are 10.30am-4pm. Bring a picnic if desired. Tea and coffee making facilities are available.

SPRUCE UP FOR

MORNINGTON N HYDR HYDROPONIC HYDRO RO CAFE Original g owners are back after 155 years y

SPRING

Local Farm Produce Specialising in:

ČŠČą ÂŽÄ´ÂžÂŒÂŽČąÇžĹ—ÇŻĹ™Ĺ–ČąČŠČą ÂŽÂ›Â‹ÂœČąÇžĹ—ÇŻĹ™Ĺ–ČąČŠČą Â?Â?ÂœČąČŠČą Â?Â˜Â—ÂŽČą ›ž’Â?ÂœČąČŠČą ’•” ČŠČą ˜•Â?Čą Â›Â’Â—Â”ÂœČąČŠČą Š—Â?Â Â’ÂŒÂ‘ÂŽÂœČąČŠČą ÂŽÂœÂ?Â˜ČąČŠČą Â˜Â—ÂŽÂ˘ČąČŠČą Â?›Š ‹Ž››’Žœ ČŠČą ÂŠÂ–ÂœČąČŠČą ÂŒÂŽČŹ ›ŽŠ–ȹȊȹ Â›ÂŽÂœÂ‘Čą ›ŽŠÂ?ȹǭȹ ›ŽŠÂ?Čą ˜••œ ČŠČą Â˜Ä›ÂŽÂŽČąČŠČą Ž œ™Š™Ž›œ

Hydroponic Tomatoes $6kg • Basil $1.30ea TRADING HOURS: 7am to 6pm – 7 DAYS A WEEK

Cnr Nepean Hwy & Craigie Rd, Mt Martha

OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE

0409 704 024

COLOURED CONCRETE RESURFACING ☑

SPRAY PAVE DAVE

; REJUVENATE OLD DRIVE WAYS & VERANDAHS ; POOL/ SPA AREAS ; SAFETY FLOORING ; PATIOS BOUGHT BACK TO LIFE ; CLEAN & RE-SEAL ; COLOURED SEALS AVAILABLE

FOR THE BEST ADVICE AND A FREE QUOTE, CALL DAVE

$200 CASHBACK Serving the

Mornington Peninsula

0432 398 793

03 5975 9366

Shop 8a, 1-13 Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy) Mornington www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Mornington News 6 October 2015

PAGE 3