NEWS DESK Happy birthday: Carrum Coast Guard members and family came together to celebrate 50 years of service. Picture: Gary Sissons
Carrum Coast Guard passes half century Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au THE Carrum Coast Guard have blown out the candles in celebration of their 50th birthday last week. The Coast Guard was established in a chook shed half a century ago, and has now grown to a membership of around 50 volunteers. Carrum volunteer Matt Semmens said the 50 years had been full of history.
“We started in a chook shed at the Patterson River Marina 50 years ago, now we’re quite lucky to have the building we’ve got today at the Paterson River boat ramps. That was purpose built and opened in 1990, so we’ve been there 28 years and still going strong,” he said. “We’re keeping very busy, we’re based at the busiest boat ramp in Melbourne, so we’ve always got lots of activity going on and lots of calls for help. Mr Semmens said that changes to
the Coast Guard were always occurring, with a few big developments in recent times standing out. “We’ve come a long way with funding. In the last couple of years with the help of the government, we’re now partially funded for our operation expenses. We’ve renovated and upgraded our buildings and vessels, and we’ve now got a new secondary vessel as well,” he said. In addition to their work on the water, the Coast Guard gets involved with community events as well.
“We’ve done a lot of public events over the years. We often help with sausage sizzles at local community events, like at the opening of the [Carrum to Bonbeach] bridge a couple of months ago,” Mr Semmens said. The longest serving members of the Carrum Coast Guard have been there for up to 30 years. Mr Semmens said the Coast Guard is searching for new members. Volunteers can apply at coastguard. com.au.
Consultation on freeway plans KINGSTON Council is appealing for members of the community to come forward and provide feedback for how they would like to see the Mordialloc Freeway project delivered. Earlier this year the $375 million project was announced as a “nine-kilometre freeway that will link the Mornington Peninsula Freeway at Springvale Road in Aspendale Gardens to the Dingley Bypass in Dingley Village.” Two contractors were being considered in May, with an announcement on the successful bidder to be made by the end of the year. A Kingston Council statement has outlined that they would like to see that “sensitive interfaces of Braeside Park, Dingley Village, Aspendale Gardens and Waterways communities are wellmanaged,” that “the design incorporates high quality, visually recessive bridge structures to reduce visual impact,” and that “effective visual and acoustic screening” is provided to prevent disturbance to surrounding homes. Council also said they want to make sure that “ important community connections should be maintained and designed to allow for future connections,” “the development should tell a clear, cohesive story that reflects the area,” and that “links and journeys are integrated, direct, accessible, legible, attractive and safe.” The statement from council criticised the current design as having “no clear theme”, and said it “does not showcase views of neighbouring wetlands and open space.” Submissions can be made at planning.vic.gov.au
FREE EVENT
Australia’s leading lady brings Christmas cheer to Chelsea MARINA PRIOR
6.30PM SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER
BICENTENNIAL PARK * CHELSEA
new location!
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
28 November 2018
MARINA Prior will head a star-studded evening to celebrate the Christmas season at the much-loved annual Carols by Kingston event on Sunday 9 December. This year Carols by Kingston will be held in a new location, Bicentennial Park in Chelsea. Mayor Steve Staikos said that Kingston has a reputation for booking outstanding performers at the free carols event. “This year we are delighted to announce that Australia’s ‘leading lady of musical theatre’, Marina Prior, will head the line-up,” said Cr Staikos. Alongside Marina Prior, Carols by Kingston will feature: • performances by Kate Amos, Alinta Chidzey, Bernard Curry, Nina Ferro, Patrick Harvey, Ross Irwin, Chelsea Plumley and Wendy Stapelton • the Mordialloc Jazz Orchestra • artisan Christmas market stalls including jewellery, homewares, ceramics, giftware and a range of handcrafted items • food trucks, offering a wide range of food
• accessible services including Auslan signing. The Christmas gift market will give visitors the chance to shop for last-minute gifts and a ‘Kids Zone’ will offer a range of activities for children as well. “Visitors will enjoy the wide selection of food available, including a community barbecue. And a spectacular fireworks display will finish off the night,” said Cr Staikos. The event is sponsored by Quest Cheltenham, Barry Plant, Costco Moorabbin and South East Water. Candles are available for purchase onsite, and the program is available to download online. Some reserved seating is also available for $15 per seat. Carols by Kingston 2018 will be held at Bicentennial Park on Thames Promenade in Chelsea, on Sunday 9 December. The market opens at 6pm and performances run from 6.30-9.30pm. Find out more at: kingston.vic.gov.au/carols