NEWS DESK
Footy champs back cancer services THE loss of his mother just before turning 60 means Hawthorn premiership player Gary “Bucky” Buckenara knows all too well the devastating impact cancer can have on families. Buckenara, Frankston Football Club general manager and Rosebud resident, is joining with ex-Hawks teammate Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico to Take a Break for Cancer and host a special luncheon this month to raise funds for cancer services at Frankston and Rosebud Hospitals. “When you get the opportunity to help a cause that is dear to your heart, you do everything you can to support it,” Buckenara said. “Cancer is something that touches a
lot of people – it certainly touched our family. My mother passed away with ovarian cancer when she was 59, it was quite young. “Our children were just babies then. It would have been nice for her to get to know them and vice versa, but, unfortunately, that didn’t get to happen.” “Bucky” will share more of his mum’s story and tales from his playing days at the luncheon at Frankston’s Functions by the Bay on Wednesday 20 June. One in four people on the Mornington Peninsula will be affected by cancer. As demand continues to grow for the oncology service, Peninsula Health is asking the community to Take a Break
for Cancer and raise funds to expand local cancer services. “It’s really important to be able to access the best services close to home so people don’t have to trek into town for treatment,” Buckenara said. “Robert is a real character and we have some really funny stories to share about our footy careers and we’ll also talk about how cancer has affected us.” Tickets for the Take a Break for Cancer with Dipper & Bucky luncheon on Wednesday 20 June, midday-2pm at Functions by the Bay, Young Street & Plowman Place, Frankston are available at takeabreakforcancer.org.au or by calling Peninsula Health on 9784 7777.
Fundraiser: Gary Buckenara set to raise money for cancer services in memory of mum.
Deputy mayor leave
Looking forward to an active later life? Start thinking about it now.
Australians are living longer. And that means there’s a lot more life to enjoy. Whatever you’re looking forward to, the government has programs to assist Australians to be better prepared. The government is providing over $22 million to sporting and other local organisations to help you stay healthy, active and connected. There are lots of ways to live the life you want.
Visit longliveyou.gov.au
NORTH-WEST Ward councillor Lillian O’Connor has stepped down as deputy mayor of Frankston Council and has taken leave of absence for several months. The mayor Cr Colin Hampton said Cr O’Connor has taken leave for personal reasons. “We have approved Cr O’Connor’s leave and would like to ensure she is given adequate space,” Cr Hampton said in a statement. “During this time, she will not have any responsibility to respond to emails or councilrelated phone calls.” North-West Ward covers Seaford, Frankston, Frankston North and Karingal. Crs Glenn Aitken and Kris Bolam are also North-West Ward councillors. Cr O’Connor is a first-term councillor elected to council in October 2016. Councillors will decide who will take over deputy mayor duties at the 2 July council meeting.
Centrelink reopens CENTRELINK and Medicare services can be accessed at the newly refurbished Frankston Service Centre at 20 Davey Street. A fire in April last year badly damaged the offices and saw temporary services elsewhere put in place. The Frankston Service Centre on the corner of Davey Street and Young Street is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm.
Choir and band unite THE Australian Welsh Male Choir will join with the Victorian Police Pipe Band at the Frankston Arts Centre for A Celtic Experience on Wednesday 20 June. A highlight will be the choir and pipe band performing Amazing Grace together in two concerts at 10.30 pm and 1.30 pm. Lunch available at noon. Tickets available from Frankston Arts Centre, Davey Street, Frankston. Call 9784 1060 or see artscentre.frankston.vic. gov.au online.
Premier brunch
longliveyou.gov.au
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
PAGE 8
Frankston Times 11 June 2018
PREMIER Daniel Andrews will be guest speaker at a Committee for Greater Frankston hosted brunch at the 90-seat McClelland Gallery cafe in Langwarrin on Wednesday 27 June. The Premier is likely to be asked if his government supports the proposed Frankston medical teaching and clinical research hospital – a partnership between Monash University and Peninsula Health. Committee president Fred Harrison said it would create 1000 jobs including 500 long-term jobs for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and administrators. “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would transform our region with a biomedical hub serviced by a metro train station,” he said. “The Premier and our local MPs know how important this is for jobs for our future generation.” The electrification of the Frankston to Baxter rail extension is also likely to be on the menu. See c4gf.com.au for more information.