NEWS DESK
Lions Club celebrates Cyclist on the move THE 75-year anniversary of Lions Clubs in Australia was recently celebrated at the Frankston branch of the organisation. A plaque has been unveiled at the George Pentland Gardens to commemorate the milestone. Frankston Lions Club president Julie Swan said the club is “very excited to be unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the 75 year anniversary of Lions in Australia.” “Lions are a group of volunteers with a passion for helping people in need and making a difference in the community. Frankston Lions Club has been serving the local Frankston community for over 62 years now,” she said. “Our club has been involved with a range of different projects that have made a significant contribution to the local community.” For more information about Frankston Lions Club contact frankstonlions@gmail.com or 0473 516 538
JOHNNY Famechon at his statue unveiling in Frankston, and in his younger days (inset). Pictures: Gary Sissons, Supplied
Fammo’s farewell at Festival Hall Famechon’s boxing career was his WBC world title win over Jose Legra at Royal Albert Hall in 1969. Famechon’s title defences against Japan’s Fighting Harada cemented his place in sporting folklore. In 1970 Famechon hung up the gloves. He retired with a 56-5-6 record. Shortly before his death, Famechon was made a Member of the Order of Australia. He is an inductee of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the World Boxing Hall of Fame, and a legend in the Australian National
Boxing Hall of Fame. Famechon’s impact was felt among his hometown community as well. He established the Blue Light Boxing Club, and continued to contribute to local boxing clubs after his retirement. The state memorial service for Johnny Famechon at Festival Hall will take place on 11 October. Doors will open to the public at 5pm, and the event will be livestreamed from 6pm. To access the livestream visit vic.gov.au/john-famechon. Brodie Cowburn
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A STATE memorial service for legendary boxer Johnny Famechon will be held this month. Famechon died on 4 August aged 77. The former world champion featherweight called Frankston home for five decades. The memorial service for Famechon will take place at Festival Hall, a fitting location for his farewell. Famechon had his first professional fight at the iconic venue, and ended up boxing there on more than 50 occasions. The crowning achievement of
FRANKSTON Lions Club president Julie Swan unveils a plaque. Picture: Supplied
A FRANKSTON South cyclist will ride 300 kilometers around Port Phillip Bay to raise money for The Smith Foundation. Ben O’Brien is planning to complete the loop on 9 October. Around 10,000 cyclists are expected to complete rides on the day for United Energy’s Around the Bay event. O’Brien said he is completing the ride to ”help kids in need”. “This is my second time doing the Around the Bay ride. In 2019 I rode the 300km loop,” he said. “I do a lot of Mornington Peninsula bike riding which includes part of the Around the Bay route. The 300km ride goes up the back of Arthurs Seat. “My advice for first timers is to not neglect nutrition. Many riders forget to eat before they are hungry or drink before they are thirsty. Around the Bay is a really big day if you choose the 210 or 300km option. It’s best to stick in a group where you can chat and meet nice people. It will help take your mind off it. “I am riding in Team Vanguard and this year we have about fifteen riders raising money for The Smith Family. 1 in 6 Australian kids are growing up in disadvantaged homes, where even the basics in life are hard to come by. But by supporting their education, they can break this cycle of disadvantage.” The event has raised more than $12 million for The Smith Family since 1993. The funding goes toward helping disadvantaged kids with their education. For more information visit aroundthebay.com.au
Giving Victorian children the best start in life Free Kinder from 2023 will give Victorian children the best start in life. Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder will be FREE across the state at participating services. In 2022, funded Three-Year-Old Kinder continues to roll out across the state. And over the decade, we’ll transition Four-Year-Old Kinder to Pre-Prep and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres. Learn more at vic.gov.au/kinder
Frankston Times
4 October 2022
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