Frankston
& ASSociAteS PtY LtD public accountants
Tax Returns Advisors Business Under 21 Half Price On The Spot Tax Refunds Basic, Business, Rental Properties
YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND FOR PENINSULA FAMILIES
Ph: 9769 6660
FACEBOOK:
peninsulakids.com.au INSTAGRAM: mornpenkids
Shop 61 Station St Mall, Frankston
An independent voice for the community
Your weekly community newspaper covering Frankston, Frankston South, Karingal, Langwarrin and Seaford For all advertising and editorial needs, call 03
Open Evenings & Saturdays
FREE
Tuesday 18 December 2018
5974 9000 or email: team@baysidenews.com.au www.baysidenews.com.au
$10k of free tickets for councillors Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au FREE “house seat” tickets to the Frankston Arts Centre taken by Frankston councillors since the November 2016 election have surpassed a total value of $10,000. Council and council officers were previously able to access free house seats for the venue without any cap or limit. A cap of eight tickets per year was introduced at a 22 October council meeting. Figures seen by The Times show that Cr Steve Toms has claimed the most free tickets since the November 2016 election, attending 26 shows in the last 18 months. The total value of those tickets declared as taken by Cr Toms exceeded $3,500. Cr Sandra Mayer, who has served on the board of the Arts Centre since the November 2016 election, attended 16 shows for free, with the value of her tickets exceeding $2,100. Crs Brian Cunial and Kris Bolam have also claimed free seats since November 2016 at a total value of over $1,000, while Cr Michael O’Reilly attended 6 shows with tickets to the value of $960. The value of house tickets claimed for free by councillors has previously not been included in council’s annual financial report. As part of a motion passed at the 22 October council meeting, they will be included in the report going forward. Cr Toms said he used the tickets to take guests to the centre who “may not have always been able to enjoy shows or
Looking down the sights: Baxter only had a handful of runs to make up to claim a first innings win over Mt Eliza. See sports page 20. Picture: Andrew Hurst
This Week’s
HOT
OFFERS
Ki Allergy & Hayfever Control Formula 30 Tablets
1899
$
ea
Save $12 off RRP
Zaditen Eye Drops† For Itchy Allergy Eyes
1099
$
ea
5mL
Nasonex Allergy †
afford to go to shows”. “It was my understanding that councillors were, under the old system, allowed to take guests from the community. I’ve taken various community members along to shows at the arts centre, as it’s my view that community members who may not be able to go to shows should be able to enjoy them. I understand that there may be a view that councillors shouldn’t be going to the Arts Centre and having tickets on behalf of the ratepayers. The Arts Centre is to entertain and culturally engage and inform the community. That includes councillors,” Cr Toms said. “I understand there are council members who have done exactly as I have done. In my view, I have been targeted by a force of people who don’t see that as the right thing to do for the community, which I disagree with. In the end council did make a decision [to cap tickets], and I respect the decision that council made. “I don’t see it as excessive when I’ve used it as a means to, in my role as a councillor, assist the community in cultural engagement and development in the arts in our local community. The Arts Centre was set up for the community. The community has a right to enjoy shows at the Arts Centre. I wasn’t breaking in the rules, I wasn’t breaching any guidelines, and I certainly don’t feel it was excessive or a rorting of the system. “I will be following the guidelines that have been set out now.” Cr Toms has not served on the board or committee of the Arts Centre. Continued Page 5
Hayfexo 180mg † Non-Drowsy
1899
$
ea
140 Dose
Shop 159, 28 Beach Street, Frankston
03 9783 4110
1499
$
ea
70 Tablets
OPEN Monday - Wednesday: 9am - 6pm Thursday & Friday: 9am - 9pm Saturday: 9am - 6pm Sunday: 10am - 5pm Available at Pharmacy 4 Less Frankston only. Valid 17th - 23th December 2018 while stocks last. No photocopies accepted. Coupons must be surrendered at time of transaction.