NEWS DESK
New clubhouse up for summer A NEW $4 million lifesaving clubhouse at Mordialloc has been officially opened in time for summer. The new clubhouse includes an Indigenous Gathering Place and space for schools and community group to use for sports training and programs. More than 600 people are members of the Mordialloc Life Saving Club. A new observation tower will enable lifesavers to watch over swimmers offshore between the flags. The new clubhouse was opened by Victorian Emergency Services Minister James Merlino on Monday (19 December). “While lifesavers do incredible work, they can’t be everywhere,” Mr Merlino said. “All Victorians need to remember when enjoying the water to always swim between the flags and never swim alone.” The project was funded a ratepayer-funded contribution of $2.94 million from Kingston Council, $1 million from the Life Saving Victoria capital works program. Mordialloc Life Saving Club raised $100,000 for the construction of the new building.
New dawn: Mordialloc Life Saving Club nippers Brayden, left, Jack, Jemma, Paige and Stephanie will have more room to practice lifesaving skills at the club’s new clubhouse. Picture: Gary Sissons
Police patrol Knocked over
A WOMAN shouting “Get out of the way, old woman,” pushed a 93-yearold Mentone woman to the ground in the Southland shopping centre car park last week, police said. The incident occurred when the older woman’s son was parking in the lower level car park, off Chesterville Rd, 11am, Friday 16 December. Police are examining CCTV footage of the random attack. The unknown woman is described as Caucasian, about 30, wearing a striped top. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000.
Unwanted visitors
TWO men allegedly found robbing a Mordialloc house at 3am told the female occupant, “Don’t worry, we’ll be going soon” when challenged, Monday 19 December. The woman, 57, told Mordialloc police she awoke to the sound of noises in her hallway and got up expecting to see one of her children. Instead, she saw a man whom she thought she recognised manhandling her grandfather clock. She told him: “You aren’t supposed to be here,” prompting the man to say he and an alleged accomplice would soon be leaving. The woman woke her husband who told police they were unsure what had been stolen but that their German Shepherd dog was missing. The description of the offender matched that of a man living in the same street and known to police. At his address – where the lights were on – they allegedly found ornamental statues and items stolen from the victim’s car. The dog was asleep at the front door. A 69-year-old Mordialloc man and
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a 44-year-old Parkdale man were both charged with aggravated burglary and bailed to a date to be fixed.
Knives prompt charges A FOLD-UP knife was allegedly found on a man police intercepted in Mordialloc, 8.30am, Tuesday 13 December. When the 34-year-old was brought back to Moorabbin police station for interview another smaller knife was allegedly found in his belt. The Mordialloc man was being sought on outstanding warrants on a range of offences. He was remanded to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court last week and further remanded to a date to be fixed.
Festival season kicks off with carols CAROLS by Kingston went off with a bang with thousands of people flocking to enjoy a star-studded line-up, a fireworks display, Christmas market stalls and a visit from Santa. More than 8000 people joined together for a fantastic night featuring headline performer Kate Ceberano, jazz singer Nina Ferro, Greg Champion performing his Australian versions of Christmas favourites and children’s entertainers The Kazoos. Kingston mayor Cr David Eden said the much-loved annual event attracted a record crowd this year and was a great community celebration.
“Council is proud to present four major festivals each year as a chance for our community to join together,” Cr Eden said. “It was great to see so many local friends and families come together to celebrate the festive season.” Cr Eden said Carols by Kingston marks the start of Kingston Council’s popular Season of Festivals with three more great events planned for the coming months: Globe to Globe World Music Festival, Mordialloc Food, Wine & Music Festival, and the Harvest Festival. See kingston.vic.gov.au/festivals or call council on 1300 653 356 for details.
Man in the house A MORDIALLOC woman awoke to find a man standing in her lounge room in direct sight of her bed, 5.40am, Wednesday 14 December. The woman, 25, told Mordialloc police she heard her dogs barking and got up to investigate. Not seeing anything she brought the dogs inside and went back to bed. When the dogs started barking again she looked up to see the man staring at her. She screamed and the man ran off. The woman saw he had gone through her handbag stealing $70 and also rummaged through hallway drawers and a desk. The woman’s brother, who was asleep in another room, chased the man who jumped a side fence into a car park and fled. He is described as slim build, 172cm, wearing a back cap and black hoodie. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000.
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 21 December 2016
Come together: Carols by Kingston goers enjoyed hearing headline act Kate Ceberano sing at the festival.