NEWS DESK
Bay becomes a regular stop-off for killer whales Keith Platt keith@baysidenews.com.au KILLER whales, or orcas, have returned to Port Phillip. A group photographed off Point Nepean included a male known as Ripple, who has been tracked and catalogued by whale watchers since 2005. Marine wildlife consultant with the Dolphin Research Institute David Donnelly said Ripple was last sighted in Port Phillip in 2015, but has also been recorded in waters off southern NSW, western Victoria and south eastern Tasmania. “Australian killer whales are highly mobile and on the east coast rarely spend longer than a few hours to a day in any one location,” Mr Donnelly said. While killer whales were often in Port Phillip and reported sightings were becoming more frequent, Mr Donnelly said they were still regarded as being relatively uncommon. “This is probably as a result of improved reporting rather than a population increase,” he said. “They enter the bay from time to time and occasionally travel as far as Mornington.” He said the killer whales were identified by their fin, saddle and eye patch. “Using photos with these features we compare with other killer whales to determine an individual. Once an individual has been identified, it is given a unique ID number and added to the Killer Whales Australia catalogue.” The Hastings-based Dolphin
Point visit: Killer whales off Point Nepean, Portsea. Picture: Karen Pecar
Research Institute this week reported dolphins being seen in Patterson River, Carrum as well the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers. Institute executive director Jeff Weir said the dolphins “provide an exciting reminder of Melbourne’s close connection to our wonderful bay”. “This [the river sightings] is not an everyday event, but we do have
sightings in our database going back nearly 25 years. Dolphins have been seen as far up the Yarra as the Chapel St Bridge and in the Maribyrnong far beyond the racecourse.” Mr Weir said it was believed the dolphins followed migrating bream into the rivers. “Researchers believe the river visitors are bottlenose dolphins, possibly a
mother and calf. Port Phillip is home to resident communities of approximately 120 bottlenose dolphins and more than 30 common dolphins,” he said. “It is remarkable to have these dolphins living in our backyard, when many coastal communities around the world are losing their resident dolphins. “It’s natural for dolphins to explore
rivers and there is no need to intervene.” Regulations stipulate that people should not deliberately approach dolphins closer than 100 metres in boats, 300 metres on jet skis and 30 metres for paddlers or swimmers and should keep their speed below five knots. Dolphin sightings can be reported to: dolphinresearch.org.au or by calling 1300 130 949.
For Sale by EOI closing Wednesday 28th June at 2pm 55 Grant Road, Somerville
Take The Plunge
Picture: Yanni
Ceremonies mark ‘new connection’ PUPILS at Somerville Rise Primary School have been given an insight into Aboriginal culture as part of the school’s respectful relationships program. Adam Mageness, above, of the Bunurong community was at the school last Friday week to perform a welcome to country and smoking ceremony. “Respectful relationships is at the forefront of [our] school values,” teacher and course coordinator Di Wheeler said. Mr Mageness had been asked to the school as “recognition of the Indigenous people as the first Australians and to promote an awareness of the history and culture of the Indigenous people in the area”. The pupils had been “delighted” by a yidaki performance, which involves using a digeridoo
to mimic the sounds of Australian animals. “Then the smoking ceremony began, using the leaves of three native trees,” Ms Wheeler said. “The native cherry, a natural fire retardant, creates the smoke. This represents family, as the small red berries need another plant as a host in order to grow. “The eucalyptus tree has many varieties, representing all people, and of course the leaves burn well. Finally the black wattle represents the elders of the land.” The school has renamed junior school building Djilak Djirri, a Bunurong word meaning to play, explore and learn. “This is just the beginning of our school’s new connection with the Bunurong community as part of our respectful relationships program,” Ms Wheeler said.
Land Area: 5,037m2 approx. Returning $181,959 PA (net) Further 3 year option
Building Area:1,841m2 approx. Lease expires 02/04/2019
Tenant: YMCA
Terms: 10% deposit, balance 60 days
9775 1535 nicholscrowder.com.au
Tom Crowder 0438 670 300 Michael Crowder 0408 358 926
1 Colemans Rd, Carrum Downs Frankston Times 29 May 2017
PAGE 19