NEWS DESK
Let there be lights Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au MATCHING funding announcements from both major political parties seem set to be a political tactic in the lead up to November’s state election. Premier Daniel Andrews attended the Frankston Dolphins’ first game back in the VFL last Saturday (7 April) and announced a re-elected Labor state government would include $700,000 towards new lighting at the club’s stadium. The lighting followed a similar pledge by Liberal opposition leader Matthew Guy late last month when Mr Guy said $650,000 of taxpayers’ money would go towards new stadium lights if the Coalition wins government (“Friday night lights for Dolphins’ stadium”, The Times 26/3/18). Dolphins general manager Gary Buckenara said the lights will cost about $1.9 million in total and the club hopes Frankston Council and the federal government will also contribute towards the project. “It will be great for the whole region because it would bring an opportunity for Friday night or Saturday night games or VFL games of the week to be played here,” Mr Buckenara said. “That brings more people into the business area of Frankston so it’s a win for businesses within Frankston.” He suggested ALFW games could be televised at the stadium since the lights ensured evening play is “broadcast quality”. Mr Andrews said in a statement: “The Dolphins are a proud part of Victoria’s football history and a cornerstone of this community – this funding will en-
sure they have the facilities they need to train, win and grow. “The Dolphins are Frankston, through and through. With this investment, we’re backing the club and the community.” Frankston is one of four “sandbelt” seats along the Frankston line that are pivotal to each parties’ chances of forming government in November. Frankston, Carrum, Mordialloc and Bentleigh are all marginal seats. “This investment will help strengthen our club and our community – building success on and off the field,” Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said. “It’s great to see the players back out there, and I’m looking forward to cheering on the mighty Dolphins this season.” Mr Edbrooke faces Liberal candidate Michael Lamb, a police officer based in Frankston and latterly Mornington as part of new police unit in Mornington to tackle drug dealing and trafficking across the region, in November’s election. The Labor MP won the seat at the 2014 state election with a margin of less than 1 per cent so the electorate is regarded as being ultra-marginal. The Dolphins’ Frankston Park stadium is named SkyBus Stadium for its first season back in the VFL after coming out of voluntary administration last year. Federal Liberal Dunkley MP Chris Crewther late on Friday (13 April) switched on new lights at the Frankston Dolphins Junior Football Club at Overton Road in Frankston South. The lighting for juniors was funded by $300,000 in federal funding, a state contribution of $100,000 and $27,000 from Frankston Council.
A day for dogs
Lights up: Dolphins under 11 player Ed takes a screamer. Picture: Gary Sissons
DOGS of all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes will be the centre of attention at Mt Eliza Rotary Club’s third Bark in the Park Dog Expo on Sunday 22 April. This event will be held 10am-2pm in John Butler Reserve, Mt Eliza Way, Mt Eliza. Fun competitions include best trick, “waggiest” tail, best dog hair style, most alike dog and owner and best golden oldie. Dogs can be entered into more than one competition. The expo will also include market stalls specialising in pet products, training aids and dog-friendly items, children’s activities, a sausage sizzle and other refreshments. Owners will be able to pose for a photo with their dog. Entry is free and there is a small entry fee to take part in the competitions. Money raised will go to Rotary’s community service projects including Dogs for Kids with Disabilities, planting trees in the John Butler Reserve and helping pay for two teams of year 11 students to participate in the Model United Nations Assembly to debate their solutions to some of today’s world issues. “The the Bark in the Park Dog Expo will certainly appeal to children with their dogs but parents and grandparents will also really enjoy the day,” Mt Eliza Rotary president David Rew said. “It is intended as a light-hearted day for the local community to get together and have fun in the company of their best mates.” Photos of dog can be uploaded to Facebook and be in the running for prize before the expo by gaining the most likes. To upload, go to Facebook: Bark in the park 2018 Mt Eliza Dog Expo. Registration for the online competition closes midnight Friday 20 April.
Mornington • Rosebud Seaford • Toorak *Terms and Conditions apply. Moxi Fit (RIC) are used for the technology trial. Your (JTE) if you are eligible, will be custom made after the trial. Individual results may vary. ^Offer ends Saturday, 30th June 2018 © 2018 Unitron. All rights reserved
Frankston Times
16 April 2018
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