NEWS DESK
Hall of fame for 3 peninsula tourism operators THREE Mornington Peninsula tourism businesses have been inducted into the Victorian Tourism hall of fame after winning gold medals in their categories for three consecutive years. Searoad Ferries, Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing, and Stillwater at Crittenden were honoured at the 31st awards night in Melbourne. Searoad was doubly rewarded when its CEO, Matthew McDonald, won gold in the young achievers award. Aquabelle Apartments in Rye won the inaugural "Self-contained accommodation" category.
Erin Joyce of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council said the awards had benefited Victoria's $21 billion tourism industry by "showcasing and celebrating the high standard of business excellence across the state". More than 3000 businesses had entered the awards over more than 30 years and benefited from a thorough examination of their business practices. Peninsula winners included: Peninsula Hot Springs, Fingal – gold medal, ecotourism category. Searoad Ferries, Sorrento and Queenscliff –
gold (and hall of fame), major tour and transport operators. Horseback Winery Tours, Main Ridge – finalist, tour and transport operators. Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing, Arthurs Seat – gold (and hall of fame), adventure tourism. Extreme Watersport, Rosebud – finalist, adventure tourism. Wine Food Farmgate, Mornington Peninsula – gold, destination marketing. Stillwater at Crittenden, Dromana – gold (and hall of fame), tourism restaurants and catering
services. Polperro Villa Accommodation, Red Hill – finalist, tourism restaurants and catering services. Harmony Bed and Breakfast, Fingal – gold, hosted accommodation. Green Olive, Red Hill – gold, excellence in food tourism. Matthew McDonald, Searoad Ferries – gold, young achievers award. Winners will represent Victoria at the Australian Tourism Awards next February. Details: www.victoriantourismawards.com.au Mike Hast
Marks are there for a fine footy future Neil Walker neil@mpnews.com.au WHILE footy fans sit with their feet up waiting for the new season many players are already putting in the hard yards to get up to speed for preseason training having been awarded a scholarship to the AFL Academy. Luke Davies-Uniacke, a 17-year-old midfielder from Rye, has his eyes on the prize of an AFL playing career and is determined to keep improving his game to try to make his dream a reality. In 2011 The News reported the then under-12 player represented Victoria at the School Sport Australia Championships in Canberra and Luke has hit every mark in the intervening years. He snared a hat-trick of Best and Fairest awards at Rye Junior Football Club in 2010, 2012 and 2013 and was voted B&F in the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League in the same years. Last year Luke was selected to represent Victoria in the under-15s National Football Championship in Sydney and wore ‘the Big V’ with pride. Now the teenager, who also plays up forward, has his sights set on the big league while training at the AFL Academy. “I’ve been doing a bit of gym preseason three times a week so that’s been pretty full on,” he said. “I’ve sort of set a goal for myself to be a bit bigger and stronger than last year.” A two-year program at the AFL Academy sees players meet AFL players, coaches and game day analysts to learn from the best in the game. There were 203 graduates of the AFL Academy on AFL lists last season, including nine club captains. Luke also plays for the Dandenong Stingrays and his school Haileybury College in Keysborough but is keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite his footballing progress to date. “I’ve learned that nothing comes easy … and basically I’ve got to be able to kick with both feet, handball both sides and be bigger and stronger than my opponent every year because there’s always that one person who wants to work harder than you on and off the field so it comes down to hard work.” Luke, a Hawthorn fan, admits a shot at an AFL career is not a given, and he’s still one year away from being a possible draft pick, but he says he would jump at the chance to play for “any Melbourne side” given the chance. Looking at his career stats the name Luke Davies-Uniacke could be one to look out for local AFL fans come draft time next year.
Party plan fades ROSEBUD police acted quickly online to shut down an unauthorised party being held on the Rye foreshore, Friday night. They noticed the event titled “Beach gath, rye, Friday night, BYO” on Facebook and used their own page to comment: “Thanks for the invite Lleam, Tyson and Lochie. “Rosebud police will definitely be attending! PS. Did you remember to get your permits from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council?” At the time, 99 people had signalled their interest in the event, 188 were going and 916 invited. It was looking like being a big night, but interest faded when it became known the police were also keen on attending. While the Facebook description did initially make reference to alcohol, and instructed guests to eat before they arrived, it was stripped clean of all party details by Friday afternoon. Police say their univited comments achieved what they set out to do and the event was cancelled.
Carols on the park
Harder, better, faster, stronger: Luke Davies-Uniacke has ticked every box on his journey to a possible AFL playing career. Picture: Yanni
RYE Beach Community Centre staff members are busy organising Carols on the Park to be held on the foreshore, 7pm, Friday 11 December. Children attending the three-yearold groups are practising their singing and looking forward to seeing Santa and the fireworks. Food, drinks, candle and novelties will be on sale from 6.30pm and Rye Lions Club members will man the barbecue. “The carols allow talented young people to perform for the community,” manager Kerryn Ladell said. “Santa will be there, and a great Christmas hamper raffle will be drawn before a wonderful fireworks display concludes the evening.” Rye Beach Community Centre has run the free community event for years. Supporters including the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Bendigo Bank and traders have donated money and goods to make this event a success. Details: call 5985 4462.
WHAT’S ON AT THE ROSEBUD RSL FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27TH
CRAIG AMY & LEE OWENS
Celebrate
New Years Eve Come celebrate New Years Eve with us here at the Rosebud RSL “The Missing Links” will be playing live from 8.30pm-12:30am Regular Poppies Bistro Menu from 5:30pm
Acoustic duo playing songs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s & Today
Cover charge of $10 applies for all Bistro Bookings
PIZZA & PASTA DEAL
schnitzel deal
WEDNESDAY thursday PASTA BOLOGNESE, CARBONARA, VEGETARIAN, MATRICIANA, NAPOLITNA PASTA’S INCLUDE: PENNE, SPAGHETTI, PAPARDELLE
PIZZA AMERICANA, MEAT LOVERS, HAWAIIAN, VEGETARIAN, MARGHERITA, MEXICANA
ALL
$15.00
ADD GA LRIC BREAD FOR $2
ϭϭ ŝīĞƌĞŶƚ WŝnjnjĂ dŽƉƉŝŶŐƐ ƚŽ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ ĨƌŽŵ͗ ŚŝĐŬĞŶ WĂƌŵŝŐŝĂŶĂ͕ ,ĂǁĂŝŝĂŶ͕ dĞdžĂƐ͕ DĞdžŝĐĂŶ͕ 'ĂƌůŝĐ͕ EĂƉŽůŝƚĂŶĂ͕ ĂƌďŽŶĂƌĂ͕ ŽůŽŐŶĞƐĞ͕ DĞĂƚďĂůů͕ /ƚĂůŝĂŶ͕ ^ĐŚŶŝƚnjĞů
WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY 4PM - 11PM
PH: 0409 193 285
ALL $16.50READ
B ARLIC ADD G OR $2 F
COURTESY BUS
CONDITIONS APPLY
Call to book now!!! 117 EASTBOURNE ROAD, ROSEBUD OSEBUD PH PHONE: 5986 1 1066 066 Southern Peninsula News 24 November 2015
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