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Difference of opinion: Federal Dunkley Liberal MP Chris Crewther, left, wants his electorate boundaries to remain the same while Frankston mayor Colin Hampton, right, holds the opposite view. Picture: Gary Sissons
Boundary changes ‘best for basketball’ Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au A SPORTING group criticised by federal Dunkley Liberal MP Chris Crewther in Parliament earlier this year wants electorate boundaries changed in a move that would put the seat within reach of a Labor Party win at the next federal election. The Frankston & District Basketball Association (FDBA) wrote to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) on 14 May to support a proposed Dunkley electorate boundaries redistribution that would see Dunkley lose Mornington and the north of Baxter in the south to the Flinders electorate but gain Sandhurst in the north from the Isaacs electorate. The FDBA’s stadium is located at councilowned land at Bardia Avenue in Seaford. Association president Gary Emery’s letter to the AEC said: “Frankston basketball’s catchment zone is linked to the municipal boundaries of Frankston City as well as capturing aspects of Mount Eliza. “Frankston basketball encourages that the redistribution is endorsed for the betterment of the sport of basketball in our region.” The submission to the AEC comes after Mr Crewther made several allegations under parliamentary privilege in Canberra about possible misconduct at the Frankston & District Basketball Association. The FDBA denies the allegations. Basketball Victoria is investigating the allegations.
Mr Crewther’s comments were made in Parliament the week after hosting last-ditch talks between the FDBA and Frankston Council in a failed bid to try to resurrect a $12.7 million upgrade of the stadium. Council and the association could not agree on lease terms for an upgraded stadium. Frankston mayor Cr Colin Hampton has also made a recent submission to the AEC supporting Dunkley boundary changes. “As councillor representing the North East Ward of Frankston — encompassing Carrum Downs, Sandhurst, Skye and Langwarrin — I look forward to the communities I represent finally being brought within the same federal electorate.” Cr Hampton, a Labor Party member, stated in his correspondence that “I make this submission in my capacity as a long-term councillor and resident, not as mayor. It reflects my personal views.” Neighbouring Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bryan Payne made a 4 May submission opposing the AEC proposed changes (“Electorate change objections mount”, The Times 21/5/18). “In particular, we are concerned about the separation of Mount Eliza from the neighbouring township of Mornington,” Cr Payne stated in a letter to the AEC. “Mount Eliza benefits from being part of the same federal electorate as the township of Mornington, which is a major activity centre for Mount Eliza residents”.
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Frankston Times 28 May 2018
STUDENTS from local schools visited Schnapper Point, Mornington, last week as part of their research into the resident dolphin population. It was all part of the Dolphin Research Institute’s ‘I sea, I care’ secondary school program which follows on from the successful primary school program for grades 5 and 6 pupils from 97 primary schools. The latest project involves 39 Year 10 students from six schools who are either part of an advanced science, technology, engineering and maths class or who are regarded as environmental leaders at their schools. The program is an alternative to work experience allowing students to meet others with similar interests. Most aspire to a career in STEM subjects, with many planning to study biology or work with wildlife. They attend six workshops over the school year, led by the marine research and education
mentors at DRI, and learn how to collect robust scientific data and present effective sciencebased presentations. Workshops include a dolphin swim from the tour boat Moonraker – so they can experience the marine environment first hand – and watching while contractors clean out a litter trap to gain an understanding of the impact of litter in our bays. Students also visit Monash University to take part in a laboratory biology session and hear from academic staff. The Dolphin Research Institute is looking for other schools to join in next year. Those interested can contact research director Dr Sue Mason via email at research@dolphinresearch. org.au or call 5979 7100. I sea, I care: Dolphin Research Institute director Sue Mason with students from Lyndhurst and Patterson River colleges at Schnapper Point last week. Picture: Yanni