NEWS DESK
Hall of fame for 3 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
VHF radio course COAST Guard Western Port is running a VHF radio exam, 12.30pm, Sunday 13 December at its base at Hastings. Those attending must return registration forms by Monday 30 November. They should bring a passport photo and driver’s license or another form of photo ID to the exam, which will be held over three hours at the base. A practical run through of VHF marine usage will be held on Western Port Bay afterwards. Cost of the exam is $120. Details: Brad 0451105382 or John 0434720006.
Good food guides: Charlie and Molly of St Joseph’s in Crib Point get set to tuck into a healthy lunch made with produce grown in the school’s kitchen garden. Picture supplied
Time to test top tucker for tykes IT'S food, glorious food as the judging of finalists in Mornington Peninsula Shire's food awards program Best Bites starts. The category for best school and childcare centre canteen is popular with all canteens on the peninsula entering. The shire started Best Bites in 2011. The program assesses peninsula food businesses for aspects such as providing safe and healthy food, environmentally sustainable business practices, nutrition and allergen awareness, waste and recycling, energy and water efficiency, tobacco and alcohol compliance, and access for all. The shire has enlisted the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Founda-
tion to help judge canteen finalists. Foundation CEO Ange Barry and public relations officer Stacey Allen visited two finalist last fortnight – St Joseph's Primary School in Crib Point and Balnarring Early Learning Centre – to assess their kitchen gardens and sustainable food practices. Ms Barry said Best Bites "encourages schools, learning centres and businesses to introduce sustainable food programs such as kitchen gardens". "We see important links with the work of the foundation, which is bringing pleasurable food education to schools and learning centres across Australia." Best Bites winners will be announced at Hastings Hub, 1973
Frankston-Flinders Rd, 3-5pm on Wednesday 2 December. The 2015 Best Bites Food Guide will be launched. It will contain more than 400 peninsula food businesses with safe, healthy and sustainable practices. Earlier in the day will be an information session for food business owners and managers covering topics such as food safety, allergen awareness and access. It starts at 9.15am. Entry is free of charge for peninsula businesses. Places are limited. RSVP to shire environmental health officer Peter O'Brien by tomorrow (Wednesday) on 5950 1865 or email obripm@ mornpen.vic.gov.au Details are on the shire's website: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au
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Western Port News 24 November 2015
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