Frankston welcome: Tony Abbott supporter Iris Davis makes a point to the Prime Minister last Thursday.
PM escapes leadership woes PRIME Minister Tony Abbott made a flying visit to Frankston last Thursday afternoon, leaving behind rampant Liberal Party leadership speculation in Canberra, for “an afternoon tea with community members”. Mr Abbott addressed the invited guests - including Liberal Party members, school principals and council representatives - at Frankston RSL flanked by Dunkley MP and Small Business Minister Bruce Billson. Mr Billson has been highly visible in his support for the embattled Prime Minister both before and after this month’s failed Liberal leadership spill vote last Monday (8 February). Mr Billson told The Times he knew the Prime Minister would be visiting Frankston “a few weeks ago”. Mr Abbott made certificate presentations to the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Shire citizens of the year recognised by their respective councils on Australia Day. “It was an opportunity to convey thanks and
appreciation to the selfless individuals who contribute a great deal to the wellbeing and vitality of our community,” Mr Billson said. “Beyond that he mingled for about an hour with the people who were present.” “It’s a key priority for us ... it’s very much in the frame of the government’s agenda for the year ahead. The message I get is ‘get on with it’ ... we’ve got a plan that the nation needs,” Mr Billson said. He insisted “we’ve got an experienced and stable team” despite the leadership speculation this month. “We’ve got some runs on the board already with the abolition of the carbon tax, the re-establishment of proper border protection arrangements and infrastructure projects. “The best thing we can do is knuckle down, get on with it and lift our performance.” Media was invited to attend the afternoon tea at Frankston RSL to take photographs but was advised Mr Abbott would be making “remarks” and would not be taking questions at the event. Neil Walker
The Winged Wonders take to the skies over Rosebud! You’re in for a treat if the breeze is up, as festival organisers are planning an even greater spectacle over the skies in Rosebud at this year event. In its eleventh year, the festival not only is packed with free family activities, circus workshops, kids carnival and roving entertainment but is also hosting a team of interQDWLRQDOO\ DFFODLPHG NLWH Á\LQJ GHVLJQHUV IURP ERWK PDLQODQG Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. This year’s aero theme is the ‘Winged Wonders’ and the crowd won’t be disappointed with the appearance of Toothless, from ‘How to Train a Dragon’, Puff the Red Dragon and the graceful white Pegasus horse. These creatures will be supported by a collection of underwater sea creatures, dogs and cats, cartoon characters, spacemen and sharks. Flying high in the sky, against a backdrop of blue and with the Rosebud foreshore below, they never fail to impress. The big yellow circus tent will be there again packed with circus skills workshops, magic shows and story telling and right next door will be Blacksnake Productions with their reptile display – plenty of touchy opportunities for those with a brave heart! Meet Gemma the Giraffe, Coralie the mermaid and Tubby the Robot, as they wander through the festival, or chill out in front of the main stage for the great line up of local talent, including Trudy and the Cowboys, SugaTree and Heidi Luckhurst. Visit the Rosebud Kite Festival on Saturday 7th March for a preview of Maxi Kite displays from 10am-1pm while the main event is on Sunday 8th March from 11am-5pm will have a full program of entertainment. For more information www.rosebudkitefestival.com.au or 0403 889 559
McCormicks Road
Family Medical Centre &
MELANOMA & SKIN CANCER CLINIC
NOW OPEN alk in w e s a e l P an or make ment appoint
Open O p from 9am till 6pm 7 Days a Week
BILLING
BU L K GENERAL PRACTICE MEN’S HEALTH WOMEN’S HEALTH CORTISONE INJECTIONS C O MOLE MAPPING WORKERS COMPENSATION PATHOLOGY ON SITE $10/UNIT FOR UNIT WRINKLE TREATMENT
PRESENTED BY: PLATINUM SPONSOR:
GOLD SPONSORS:
SILVER SPONSOR:
McCORMICKSROADFAMILY
MEDICALCENTRE 21 McCormicks Road, Carrum Downs Ph: 8796 3679
BRONZE SPONSORS:
CHARITY PARTNER:
Proudly presented by Rosebud Chamber of Commerce www.rosebudkitefestival.com.au More info: 0403 889 559 Frankston Times 23 February 2015
PAGE 9