NEWS DESK Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty. Ltd
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Editor: Brodie Cowburn 0401 864 460 Journalists: Brodie Cowburn, Stephen Taylor, 5974 9000 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Anton Hoffman 0411 119 379 Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production and graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Dannielle Espagne Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Craig MacKenzie, Ben Triandafillou ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@baysidenews.com.au Web: baysidenews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2022 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2022
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We are the only locally owned and operated community newspaper in Frankston City and on the Mornington Peninsula. We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential to a strong community. We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.
Students returning
Code brown called
STUDENTS have returned to on site learning this week, with contingencies in place in case of COVID-19 outbreaks. The state government recently confirmed that students will return to classrooms for term one despite the ongoing COVID-19 wave. As part of the return to school, 14 million rapid antigen tests will be delivered to schools and early childhood education centres so that they can conduct regular testing on students. A roster of retired teachers, education support staff, and surge administrative support staff will be called upon to help if teachers test positive and are forced into quarantine. The state government says that 99.7 per cent of school staff have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. School and early childhood staff must get a booster by 25 February, or within 3 months and 2 weeks of their second dose to continue working on site. Students in grade three and above must wear masks indoors. Teachers must also wear masks. The state government has called a return to remote learning a “last resort”. Premier Daniel Andrews said “face-to-face learning is the best option for our kids’ learning and wellbeing. That’s why we’ve done the work to get students safely back in the classroom from the start of term one, and make sure they stay there.” Education minister James Merlino that the return to school would be made safer with “vital COVIDSafe steps in place like surveillance testing, improved ventilation and high rates of vaccination.” Children aged five to 11 are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. Brodie Cowburn
PENINSULA Health has enacted its own code brown in line with the state government’s emergency alert to relieve pressure on the hospital system. From Wednesday January 19, Peninsula Health has been able to redeploy workers to areas of greatest need, postpone leave to boost staffing numbers and redistribute resources to ensure critical patients are prioritised. It can also call on the Australian Defence Force for help and to drive ambulances. Peninsula Health’s acting executive director medical services, Dr Chris Bowen, said the organisation was managing the pressure on its health system, but was asking the community to keep COVID-safe as that would make a “significant” difference to the hospital system. “We strongly encourage everyone to wear masks, practice good hand hygiene, and get your booster vaccination as soon as you are eligible,” he said. “If you had your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine more than three months ago, you can now get your booster vaccination to protect yourself and our community. Our vaccination clinic at Frankston is open for bookings, including for children aged five to 11. “We have plenty of appointments available for children in this age group, who are now eligible for vaccination. “People can book an appointment for children online at coronavirus.vic. gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment or by phoning 1800 625 389. There is no need for adults to make an appointment. Dr Bowen said the hospital had strategies in place to manage the demand, which he described as “stable”. Liz Bell
THE Michelle Nicolle Quartet jazz ensemble. Picture: Supplied
Music at McClelland MCCLELLAND Gallery is hosting a new series of musical performances curated by a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra violinist from this week. The new monthly Sunday Soirees are curated by Monica Curro, who is a violinist with the MSO and co-artistic director of the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival. She said she is “thrilled to be working with McClelland in its 50th year to bring a smorgasbord of musical events into the artistic fold of this unique Australian cultural asset. Through its cross-disciplinary artistic collaborations, McClelland ensures the continuing nourishment and vibrancy of its community”. Among the performers this year will be jazz ensemble Michelle Nicolle Quartet, and the Stiletto Sisters McClelland director Lisa Byrne said it is “wonderful to be able to support musicians as well as artists with these performance opportunities and to offer our community experiences that promote social connectivity and positive well-being”. Sarah & Baillieu Myer Education Pavilion at McClelland hosts the Soirees on the first Sunday of each month. The first performance is on 6 February. Visit mcclellandgallery.com/programsandevents for more information.
DINE WITH DEMONS IT’S been 57 long years since Melbourne Football Club were last crowned Premiership Champions but 2021 saw them finally bring home the trophy. With ongoing restrictions and lockdowns, Dees fans were not able to celebrate with their premiership heroes. Thankfully with lockdowns over, longsuffering Melbourne fans and supporters have the chance to celebrate with several of the Premiership stars in Rosebud! Join us at Rosebud Hotel on Thursday 17th February for “A Night with The Demons” with your chance to meet & hear from Jake Lever, Tom McDonald & Steven May.
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Frankston Times
1 February 2022
Hosted by Dougal Austin & Phil Splitter, you’ll have the chance to hear tales & exclusive behind the scenes news from one the greatest football stories of all time, take part in exclusive 2021 premiership memorabilia auctions & an opportunity for an exclusive framed photograph with the premiership players. Less than 50 tickets remain available! Doors Open 6.30PM with live music til 7.30PM Show commences 7.45PM Bookings - https:// anightwithdemonsrosebud.eventbrite.com.au