NEWS DESK
Robotics leader wins award A YOUNG robotics enthusiast has been named the 2023 young citizen of the year by Kingston Council. Josie Thornton, a 16-year-old student from Parkdale Secondary College, was handed the award last week. She is a member of an all-female robotics team who recently competed in Houston in the United States. Kingston mayor Hadi Saab said Thornton was selected from a group of seven outstanding finalists - people aged between 12 and 25 were eligible. “We encourage our youth to take an active role in our community and we’re proud to host this event to shine a light on their positive contributions,” Saab said. “It’s always inspiring to hear the stories of our outstanding nominees and how they are working hard to create better lives for themselves and others. This group are passionate about a cleaner, greener planet and are strong, resilient, outspoken advocates for improvements in their schools and communities. “They have achieved great things across a wide range of fields and are each making our city an even greater place to be. Congratulations to you all.” Other finalists were graphic designer Naketra Mendes, community worker Tharial Ter, ADF future innovators award winner Caitlin Hughes, Universal Magazine volunteer Harley Wood, and students Skye Sutton and Olivia Ayyuce.
Cricket club boost MENTONE Cricket Club has received $15,000 from Cadbury to help run the club. Club stalwart Peter Duffy was named one of ten winners of Cadbury’s volunteer values awards last month. He received $15,000 for the club’s operations and management, and $2500 for himself. Duffy (pictured above with club members) has been a member of the cricket club for 40 years - his four decades have included stints as president, junior coach, and curator. He has been on the committee of the club for 30 years.
Budget spending approved KINGSTON Council has had to find an extra $3.1 million to fund projects from its 2022/2023 budget. Around $16 million is needed to fund works that have carried over from 2022/2023 to 2023/2024, although most of that can be covered by an underspend on projects. A report prepared by Kingston Council officers read that council spent $69.1 million of its planned $80.1 million capital works budget. The $10.9 million in unspent capital funds, paired with $2 million in grant revenue, will make up $12.9 million of the carryover budget. At their most recent public meeting, Kingston councillors approved the carryover budget. The remaining $3.1 million will be funded using a $1.5 million 22/23 surplus, $1.2 million from its reserve, and $400,000 from a newly created capital reserve. The funding will be used on works at Peter Scullin Reserve. Money is also being spent on the Mentone Foreshore precinct, foreshore infrastructure renewals, and Don Tatnell site management.
JOSIE Thornton with the mayor Hadi Saab. Picture: Supplied
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
4 October 2023
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