NEWS DESK Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty. Ltd
PHONE: 03 5974 9000
FRANKSTON councillor Steve Toms. Picture: Supplied
Published weekly and distributed to Frankston, Frankston South, Karingal, Langwarrin, Seaford, Baxter and Somerville
Circulation: 28,320
Audit period: Apr 2018 - Sept 2018
Source: AMAA; CAB Total Distribution Audit for further information visit auditedmedia.org.au
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 5 DECEMBER 2019 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER 2019
Suspended councillor appeals bullying finding Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au
An independent voice for the community
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.
SUSPENDED Frankston councillor Steve Toms has confirmed that he has appealed the findings of a councillor conduct panel to VCAT. A councillor conduct panel upheld a bullying complaint against Cr Toms in September, and handed him a four month suspension. Cr Toms was found guilty of “serious misconduct” for allegedly bullying colleague Lillian O’Connor.
IN THE
The panel was asked to investigate an allegation that “Cr Toms had repeatedly behaved in an intimidating, offensive and disrespectful manner toward a fellow councillor, Cr Lillian O’Connor, which adversely affected Cr O’Connor’s health, and that these actions constituted the bullying of another councillor (“Councillor suspended after bullying allegation”, The Times, 9/9/19).” Cr Toms confirmed that he has applied for a VCAT appeal, and will go to an initial directions hearings on 2 December.
specialists HANDS
“Whilst my spirits have been keeping high and I’m thankful to have a good group of friends around me, I also am quite eager to fight for the damning findings and allegations of the conduct panel in VCAT and give me a chance to clear my name,” he said. “It’s been quite heartwarming to receive support from the community, given it has been a very distressing troubling time for me and my family. It is quite appreciated.” Cr Toms’ suspension is due to finish on 5 January.
Bright new NDIS equipment showroom opens MEDIMART is the one stop shop for all of your medical, disability and aged care equipment and product needs. Customers who visit the new showroom are pleasantly surprised by the massive range of products and equipment, including medical beds and mattresses, lift chairs, bathroom and kitchen aids, daily living aids, orthopaedic footwear, breast prostheses, bras and wigs, maternity binders, moon boots, CPAP machines and masks and much more. When it comes to mobility solutions Medimart has it all. They are a distributor of all major scooter brands including Shoprider, Merits, Pride, Invacare and Drive, and stock a full range of transit and self-propelled wheelchairs, mobility walkers and walking sticks to help keep you mobile while reducing the risk of falling. Medimart also have an extensive rental equipment program. They hire everything large and small. Medimart Showroom Manager, Isabelle Szwarcbord says “Patients discharged from hospital often need walkers, shower chairs or bathroom aids while convalescing, we hire at a fraction of the cost to purchase”. Medimart is a DVA contractor and can help veterans with product and equipment needs through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). As an NDIS registered provider of assistive technology, mobility and core supports, Medimart staff are the experts at helping people
PAGE 6
Frankston Times
get the products and equipment then need through their NDIS plans. Paul Adolphi, Managing Director of Medimart, says “Navigating the NDIS on your own can be very challenging. Our staff work closely with local occupational therapists, support co-ordinators and disability care workers to ensure our customers have a supportive local network to help them with their daily living needs”. The bright new showroom is located on the southern side of the Frankston Homemaker Centre across the road from Bunnings Warehouse. Next time you have a need to rent or purchase medical, mobility or therapy equipment why not consider Medimart?
3 December 2019