NEWS DESK
Counting rare, and common, fish
Bay watch: The whitebarred boxfish seems to be a ‘fish on the move. Recorded from Western Port to Dongarra, WA, it has only been sighted in Port Phillip in relatively recent times. It is one of the fish participants in the Great Victorian Fish Count will be asked to keep a look out for. Picture: Rick Stuart-Smith
WATCHING goldfish in a bowl can be restful or compared to waiting for grass to appear. But that won’t be the outcome for hundreds of divers and snorkelers in the water at Rye and Flinders this summer as part of the biggest citizen science event on Victoria’s marine calendar, the Great Victorian Fish Count. “The huge amount of enthusiasm volunteers have for the Great Victorian Fish Count reflects the deep knowledge and passion that exists in local communities for our marine life,” Caitlin Griffith from the Victorian National Parks Association said today. “This enthusiasm makes it possible to contribute large amounts of real, usable data to marine managers and improves our understanding of Victoria’s waters.” Now in its 11th year, the fish count is organised by the VPNA, Parks Victoria, Museum Victoria, Coastcare Victoria, dive operators and community groups. It will run from Sat-
urday 21 November to Sunday 6 December. This year’s count is looking for “fish on the move”, and will focus on species that may be expanding their distribution and populations as a result of changes in the marine environment, such as ocean warming due to climate change. Fish counters will be asked to watch for well-known fish as well as species that may be new or unusual to the area, logging unusual or rare sightings on the Redmap project (redmap.org.au). Redmap is a national citizen science project that records data and maps marine species that may be extending their range in Australia in response to changes in the marine environment. Registrations for the Great Victorian Fish Count are open to dive clubs and community groups. Details: fishcount.vnpa.org.au or call 9347 5188.
Couples make move after fire ends a dream Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au THE razing of popular Sorrento restaurant and function venue The Baths has devastated wedding couples. But steps have been taken to minimise their loss with a list of alternative peninsula venues posted on social media. “The Melbourne wedding industry prides itself on being incredibly supportive in times of need, so if there is anything we can do to assist brides and grooms at this time, please do not hesitate to contact us,” the post by ownermanagers James and Helene Gibson says. That positivity helped them relocate the three weddings booked for last weekend to the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, Sorrento Golf Club and Sorrento Hotel. Mr Gibson said online on Monday: “We are devastated that The Baths restaurant has burnt down. Thankfully no customers or staff were injured, as it was a Sunday evening and the restaurant was closed. We would like to thank the CFA volunteers for fighting the fire.” On Thursday he added: “It’s been an emotional and tough few days and we want to thank everyone for all of
their support. Tonight the team caught up for a drink one last time. Thank you to the staff. We are and always will be one big family. What a send-off; we will rebuild, we will be back. Watch this space.” Sorrento Chamber of Commerce business development manager Natalie Garner said the community was “coming together and looking to rebound as soon as possible”. “There’s lots of support for James and Helene and we are all concentrating on getting the weddings rehoused. That side of things is really positive,” Ms Garner said. “The good news is that no one was in the building and no one was injured.” Mornington Peninsula Wedding Association president Mary-Anne Brasacchio said its 80 members had volunteered to assist the Gibsons find other venues for their wedding bookings. “No one’s panicking,” she said. “We are trying to find venues with similar attractions, but it’s been a long week. “This is not a happy thing but we are giving a high level of customer service and people appreciate it.” Fallout from the fire on 18 October will have a ripple effect on the town, with chamber vice-president Marc Clavin saying the loss of the popular wedding venue would be hard-felt be-
Morning after: The baths were a forlorn sight after the Sunday night fire had been extinguished. Picture: Yanni
cause it attracted custom to the region year-round. “It will have a big impact here – and not just over summer,” he said. “[Weddings] put people into the precinct in the quieter months and an awful lot of people are now seeking alternative venues.” Mr Clavin said retail and service outlets did well out of wedding visitors, particularly those staying overnight. “We get lots of guests here shopping in the street, processing photos, buying
food, petrol and mementoes – and then enjoying recovery coffees. “There is also the big picture stuff, such as the nights out before and after, the accommodation and restaurants.” He described The Baths’ proprietors as “specialists in their area”. “The popularity of their venue means it was booked out 12-18 months in advance.” Mr Clavin said the loss of jobs at The Baths would disrupt “the merrygo-round of local employment”.
Sorrento, Rosebud and Rye CFA crews fought the blaze for 90 minutes from 8.15pm, with specialist crews called in from Frankston and Mt Martha. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in a storage area near the kitchen. Fire chief Arthur Haynes said the thickness of the laminated glass windows hindered access, adding to the difficulty of fighting the fire. The Baths is named after the original sea baths built on the site in the 1880s.
WHAT’S ON AT THE ROSEBUD RSL
Family Fun Night
Bring the whole family along & enjoy a scrumptious meal while the kids are entertained by
Every Saturday Night is “Family Night” at Rosebud RSL d party platters l Kids catered for on request Bottomless soft drink for the kids all night (after the first drinks purchase)
Reservations are essential.
Popular Kids & Adult Menu
The Mushroom Family Show Balloon animals Singing, Dancing & Prizes Indoor Play Zone
Christmas Day Lunch
Entree (to be served 50/50) Salt & Pepper squid served with fresh garlic aioli set upon a wild roquette salad
Roast chicken & spinash ballotine drizzled with a roasted capsicum puree. Main Traditional Christmas roast pork, turkey, glazed ham, served with roasted seasonal vegetables & all the trimmings. Dessert Buffett A large selection of hot & cold desserts
COURTESY BUS
Adults $80 Children 12 & under $35
WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY 4PM - 11PM
PH: 0409 193 285 CONDITIONS APPLY
117 EASTBOURNE ROAD, ROSEBUD PHONE: 5986 1066 Southern Peninsula News 27 October 2015
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