Frankston Times 28 July 2020

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NEWS DESK COVID forces closures

FRANKSTON councillor Steve Toms. Picture: Supplied

Councillor censured for Facebook post A CENSURE motion has been passed by Frankston Council against Cr Steve Toms. Cr Toms had posted a video to his Facebook page spruiking council’s new free parking scheme. The video was later removed, and on 20 July councillors voted to censure him for it. It is understood this is the first censure motion moved at Frankston Council since March 2004. The motion read that Cr Toms was formally censured for “his recent social media post that has potentially contravened Frankston City Council policies and the Councillor Code of Conduct.” “Councillor Toms’ actions are in the opinion of this council unacceptable and potentially extremely harmful given the current COVID-19 pandemic and could cause extreme risk to the health and wellbeing of members of our community. His actions are not in keeping with current state and federal recommendations pertaining to social

distancing and COVID-19 mitigation measures,” the motion read. Cr Brian Cunial, who raised the censure motion, said “there was some concern raised by people that Cr Toms apparently had shaken hands with a trader in the video and encouraged people to come into the city centre.” “The fact that Cr Toms and a trader had shaken hands is a worry because of COVID, but it’s not completely unacceptable. (...) The issue is the posting of a video that was seen by public and mainstream media as very concerning, particularly during these stage three COVID restrictions.” Cr Toms told council the censure motion was “designed to do maximum impact and damage to me as an individual”. “I’m sick and tired of being targeted relentlessly by individual councillors because of who I am, the decisions I make, and how I communicate with the community on Facebook,” he said.

“Much has been said of me breaking the code of conduct and communications policy, and I’d like to add I have received advice from governance officers of this council that I haven’t broken the code of conduct.” Debate about the censure motion took up over half an hour. Crs Cunial, Colin Hampton, Kris Bolam, Lillian O’Connor, and Michael O’Reilly voted to censure Cr Toms, while Crs Glenn Aitken and Toms voted against it. Cr Sandra Mayer abstained. This is not the first time Cr Toms has found himself in trouble. Last year he was suspended for four months after a bullying complaint against him was upheld at a councillor conduct panel. Further disharmony at council has been highlighted in a report prepared by a state government appointed municipal monitor, who sat in on council meetings for over a year. Council elections take place in October this year. Brodie Cowburn

A FRANKSTON primary school and early learning centre had to shut last week after they were linked to positive COVID-19 cases. Overport Primary School was shut on 20 July after a COVID-19 case was identified within the school. The Hope Early Learning Centre in Frankston Heights shut earlier that week after an educator tested positive for coronavirus. A statement on the Hope ELC Facebook page read “we would like to inform you that our Hope Frankston Heights, Robinia Street Centre has been temporarily closed from Thursday 16th of July due to an educator testing positive to coronavirus.” “The educator was last in the centre Friday the 10th of July. We wish to advise that the educator at no time attended our other centres nor does she have children or family members at any of our other centres. “We are working closely with The Department of Health and Human Services to assist with contact tracing and deep cleaning the centre ready to reopen when possible. So far, all staff, families and children that have been tested and received their results have had them return negative.” A statement released by Overport Primary School on social media read “as you will all be aware by now, COVID 19 infection has been identified within our school. This is being dealt with at the highest level and we are being advised daily on recommendations for safe and effective management.” “When I receive any information that may impact personally on the health and wellbeing of your children and family I will be in contact with you directly. Please rest assured that

everything to make our school safe for a return is being undertaken. In the meantime, I ask you not to speculate, as incorrect information passed to our community can cause undue stress and alarm. “We will continue to keep you advised about the management of the situation and look forward to the reopening of the school as soon as it is safe to do.”

Centrelink changes a ‘disappointment’ Continued from Page 1 “The Morrison Government must reverse its decision, announced on 25 March this year, to close Mornington Medicare and Centrelink in September. To do so would leave the community with a satellite service of one desk for 15 hours per week in the local post office, despite increased demand during the pandemic,” Ms Murphy said. “Apparently the Morrison Government thinks that one desk can replace the service provided from 16 staff members at Mornington Medicare and Centrelink. How on earth will one desk service all the people who used Mornington Centrelink before the pandemic? And what about all the additional people who have lost their jobs? How would Frankston Centrelink cope with having to service people who would have gone to Mornington? “This Morrison Government needs to consider the elderly and vulnerable members in our community who rely on Mornington Services Centre to make ends meet. And the large number of people who now are reliant on allowances to survive during this pandemic. This decision to cut off face to face services for some of our community’s most vulnerable is very disappointing.”

Keep reporting illegal hoon driving Help keep our streets safe for us all. Download the Crime Stoppers app or phone: 1800 333 000 In an emergency phone: 000

Frankston Times

28 July 2020

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Frankston Times 28 July 2020 by Mornington Peninsula News Group - Issuu