NEWS DESK
Crisis
Startups boost A BUSINESS that helps startup businesses is leading a push to see Frankston become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship across the Mornington Peninsula. Frankston Foundry, a co-working space and startup incubator for entrepreneurs and technical professionals, will receive $154,500 in state government funding to help build networks between regional entrepreneurs and Melbourne’s startup community. The company opened last year after owners Cam Rambert and James Bertschik, both 28, recognised the need to encourage innovation and help young professionals build networks. The Foundry has now appointed dedicated community managers and has put together a program of events, including an annual hackathon, in a bid to foster innovation. The funding is part of a $4.9 million boost to Victoria’s booming startup sector. Small Business, Innovation and Trade Minister Philip Dalidakis and LaunchVic chair Ahmed Fahour with CEO Kate Cornick announced seven projects will each receive up to $1 million as part of the Round two funding from LaunchVic – a $60 million startup initiative. Projects funded through LaunchVic aim to act as a catalyst for innovation, helping to stimulate new business growth and create jobs through mentoring, training and improving access to venture capital networks. Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said investment in young businesses supported future local job creation and strengthened Frankston’s growing reputation as a regional tech hub.
Keith Platt keith@baysidenews.com.au
Ablaze again: Firefighters were on Sunday called to a fire at the Somerville Recreation and Community Centre which was destroyed, above, less than a year ago. Picture: Gary Sissons
Second fire at sports centre FIRE crews fought a “small” blaze at the Somerville Recreation and Community Centre on Sunday 5 February. Detectives from the Somerville CIU are investigating the blaze which started in the kitchen and office area of the Edward St premises about 4.55pm. Incident controller Jason Fevola said two officers used breathing apparatus to enter the building. He said office materials may have been used to light the fire which was restricted to benchtops. The recreation centre and basketball stadium is being rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in May 2016. A 14-year-old Somerville girl was charged with lighting the fire which destroyed the Somerville Community & Recreation Centre, causing damage estimated at $1.5-$2 million. It was claimed the girl was one of four friends in a teen hangout under the stadium called “The Shack”
when they lit a small fire to keep warm. Somerville CFA was supported at this latest blaze by Baxter, Langwarrin, Tyabb and Hastings crews.
Cars, bike stolen A JEEP Cherokee, Audi sedan and a Ducati motorcycle were stolen from a Mt Martha house during a series of break-ins overnight Saturday 4 February. Thieves broke into the Cornwall Crescent house and stole keys to the vehicles before driving off. Another car, of unknown make, was stolen from Somerset Drive. Detective Senior Sergeant Allan Paxton said up to 10 cars were broken into during the raids in Sherwood Crescent and Somerset Drive, from 11pm Saturday to 6am Sunday. At this stage it is not known what items were stolen.
WITHOUT an urgent injection of funds the Western Port Biosphere could collapse within two months. Dire financial circumstances being faced by the biosphere were outlined last week at an extraordinary general meeting which gave the board of directors the power to wind up the “company” if money is not found by the end of this month, February. With only four of the five “partner” municipalities contributing towards its annual income the biosphere has been forced to use its cash reserves to make up the shortfall. Executive officer Cecelia Witton told the Tuesday 31 January meeting that the biosphere looked like being “insolvent sometime in April”. “Depending on the outcome of current negotiations, and with confirmed commitments for $7000 and a possible additional $5000, this would still leave $8000 short ... for the remainder of the year,” Ms Witton said. Since its inception 12 years ago, annual grants have been made to the biosphere by Mornington Peninsula Shire, Bass Coast, Cardinia and Casey, but the withdrawal of funding by Frankston Council has left it $20,000 a year short for several years. The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve (operating as Western Port Biosphere) is run from an office in Salmon St, Hastings, and its latest annual report shows $31,500 in “occupancy expenses” and $86,000 “employee benefits” among its $600,000 yearly running costs. Chair of the biosphere board Duncan Malcolm, in the October 2016 annual report,
New generation TOP-UP hearing aids now FREE* Eligible pensioners and veterans are entitled to FREE hearing aids through the government’s hearing services scheme*, or they can pay extra (TOP-UP) for hearing aids with additional or more advanced features or for a smaller size. As an EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER, Hidden Hearing is providing eligible pensioners and veterans
with certain TOP-UP hearing aids incorporating the latest generation technology FREE OF CHARGE until the END OF FEBRUARY. The choice is yours, either a discreet deep canal aid or a miniature receiver in canal aid. In both cases the aids will be small and discreet, and programmed to your specific hearing levels and unique personal needs.
CALL NOW to book your FREE hearing assessment and start hearing better again.
FREE CALL
1800 717 717 HIDDEN,, UH EARING "A hearing loss is more noticeable
www.hiddenhearing.com.au
than a hearing aid"
*Conditions and eligibility requirements apply under the Commonwealth Hearing Services Voucher System. Offer ends February 28th, 2017.
BLAIRGOWRIE • DROMANA • MORNINGTON • ROSEBUD • SEAFORD • TOORAK
WIN
M OS FR A T G C E E V IR AS D L
A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO
FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE
TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2017 at 8.00pm
One of 5 VIP ‘Meet the Stars’ DOUBLE PASSES with CD. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Bookings: 9784 1060
www.OhWhatANightAustralia.com.au
Oh What A Night! is giving you the opportunity to win one of five Oh What A Night! VIP performance packages including a double pass with CD to the Tuesday February 28th performance. Email: “Oh What A Night! VIP Competition” Email Address: “vip@ohwhatanightaustralia.com.au” Entries must be received by: Tuesday, 14th February 2017 Winners will be notified by: Saturday, 18th February 2017
For you chance to WIN to see Oh What A Night! email "Oh What A Night! VIP Competition" along with your name, address and mobile number to “vip@ohwhatanightaustralia.com.au” Entries close 14/02/2017. Winners will be notified. PAGE 8
Frankston Times
13 February 2017