NEWS DESK Police patrol
with Brodie Cowburn
Police cars hit, man arrested
JENNY Pickering and Ben Fenwick from PKCF, David Willersdorf and Farrah Buckland from CCEF, Essendon FC premiership coach Kevin Sheedy, and PKCF chair Glenn Fernandez (L to R). Picture: Supplied
A MAN was arrested after allegedly driving into three police cars while drunk. The 21-year-old-man allegedly struck the cars in Frankston just before 4am on 3 July. Police were told that a driver was doing burnouts on Frankston-Dandenong Road and went out to investigate. When they arrived at the scene the driver allegedly reversed into a police car, then hit another two police cars. Nobody was hurt in the crash. The 21-year-old P-plater returned a breath test reading of 0.115, police say. Police also allege that he had cocaine in his car. The man was charged with 11 offences. They included reckless conduct endanger life, recklessly endanger emergency service worker by dangerous driving, drink driving, and intentional loss of traction.
Donation helps TAFE students
Alleged booze thefts A MAN has been arrested for allegedly stealing $30,000 worth of booze from bottle shops over a six month period. Police allege the 52-year-old stole high-end whiskey and scotch from bottle shops between December 2021 and July 2022. The 60 alleged thefts occurred across 19 suburbs, including Karingal, Chelsea Heights, and Cheltenham. The man was charged with 60 counts of theft. He has appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Teenagers rob elderly woman A GROUP of young boys are wanted for brazenly robbing an elderly woman in Langwarrin. The 87-year-old was driving her mobility scooter on Southgateway at around 10.30am on 29 June when she was approached by a group of boys. The group of around six to eight teenagers asked the woman for money. She took out her
purse to give them cash, but it was grabbed out of her hands. One boy struggled with the elderly woman to steal her belongings. The group set off towards Centre Road. The victim later reported the crime to police, who are looking into it. Anyone who witnessed the robbery can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A FOUNDATION which helps students at Frankston Chisholm complete their studies has received a $20,000 donation. The donation to the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation came from the Peninsula Kingswood Community Foundation. The CCEF provides funding for TAFE students to help them study, with money going towards their fees. CCEF executive officer Farrah Buckland said the donation would make a big difference. “This donation will improve the lives of many Chisholm students across the south-east who may otherwise not have the funds to access education,” she said. “We are delighted to be partnering with PKCF to help marginalised students achieve their education and career goals.” PKCF chair Glenn Fernandez said “when we considered CCEF we noted that more than 60 per cent of its scholarships are granted to women to acquire skills and education.” “We know that this donation and formed partnership can lead to positive long term economic outcomes and change the trajectory of lives, away from inter-generational poverty and disadvantage for individuals,” she said. To learn more about CCEF scholarships visit chisholm.edu.au/ccef
OAM for community helper Liz Bell liz@baysidenews.com.au
BRENDA Thornell
SOMERVILLE resident Brenda Thornell has spent her life doing things for her community, but recognition for that has come as a bit of a “shock”, said the 88-year-old. Thornell has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to the community of the Mornington Peninsula. “I certainly didn’t expect this, I just got involved in things because that’s what you do in small communities,” she said. “When you live in a small town all your life, you know everyone, and you help everyone out if you can. “I didn’t think about it much, I just did. “I remember one of the first things I got involved in for the community was the push to get a basketball court for Somerville, but back when netball was called basketball, “And then when I got married in the 1955, the basketball girls formed a guard of honour at my wedding, it really was lovely.” Thornell has been involved with the Somerville, Tyabb and District Heritage Society since 1966 and has been secretary since 1997. Her late husband George was a builder and, after he semi-retired from building and in 1963 they opened a hardware store in Somerville to service the growing population and provide the materials for all the new houses going up. “When I was a girl Somerville only had a couple of hundred people, but later lots of people moved and there was nowhere to buy hardware, so
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Frankston Times
12 July 2022
that’s what we did and we got to know a lot of new families through it,” she said. Thornell also formed a choir with friends in 1963 and would perform for free with the group at community events for close to 40 years. “We sang at Red Cross events, sang for the Lions Club and a whole lot of other community events, it was enjoyable and a way of giving back,” she said. The mother of two, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of four was also a councillor at the former Shire of Hastings. “We really wanted a swimming pool for Somerville, so I guess it was because I used to poke my nose into things that I got on council to push for
a pool,” she said. “It took a long time, but Somerville finally got a rec centre and so after one term on council I felt my work was done.” Over the decades she has been involved with the Mornington Peninsula Shire through her community memberships, she helped get the fruit growing machinery shed project up and running in 2011, and has been involved with the Somerville Tennis Club, the Somerville Bowling Club, and the Somerville Baby Health Centre (1960-1962). She also helped raise money to build the Somerville Scout Hall and was treasurer for the Somerville Social Set.
Picture: Yanni
Celebration of a century RETIREMENT village, Southern Cross Care’s The Mornington, has celebrated the birthday of resident Marjorie Brooks, who turned 100 on 7 July. About 20 residents and family members turned up for the small
party, and Ms Brooks enjoyed the opportunity to join in the birthday bash. Resident liaison admin coordinator Isabel Lyon said everyone enjoyed the afternoon, especially during the singing of Happy Birthday.