NEWS DESK
Footy’s back at home of Dolphins FOOTBALL will return to Frankston Park during the Dolphins’ exile from the VFL. AFL Victoria has decided to stage two VFL games at the home of the Frankston Dolphins Football Club and several TAC Cup matches and practice games. Essendon Football Club’s VFL team will take on Port Melbourne on Saturday 6 May and Richmond’s VFL side will play Werribee in a round 13 clash on Saturday 15 July. Frankston mayor Cr Brian Cunial said council welcomed AFL Victoria’s decision and said it is an encouraging sign for the future of the Dolphins.
The Dolphins went into voluntary administration in August last year before administrators Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants negotiated a deal with unsecured creditors to accept between 4.5 and 7.9 cents in the dollar as payment for about $1.5 million in debt. The club came out of administration in November but was stripped of its licence to play VFL football in the 2017 season. “This announcement comes at a critical time for the club, who are moving forward with achieving their goal of regaining a VFL Football Licence for the 2018 season,” Cr Cu-
nial said in a statement. “The club have received great support from the Frankston community during this difficult time and it is great to have AFL Victoria on board in getting the club back on stable footing, whilst keeping a high calibre of football alive in Frankston.” Council has helped the club by giving the Dolphins $50,000 worth of rent relief on a $67,600 bill. See frankstonfc.com.au for details of fundraising events to support the Frankston Dolphins bid to return to the VFL in 2018 or call the club on 9783 7888. Neil Walker
Taking to the field: Frankston Dolphins players train at Frankston Park last year.
Help for leprosy sufferers needed A GROUP of Frankston and Mornington Peninsula residents are making a difference to the lives of leprosy sufferers around the globe, and are inviting others to join the cause. The Peninsula Leprosy Mission Support Group, a group of 12 people from around the peninsula, has raised more than $12,500 this year, beating its target and fully funding four projects in India, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Nepal. Hastings member Don Johnston, who joined the group in 2008, said he was moved to tears when he and fellow members travelled to Nepal and saw the suffering and social rejection of leprosy sufferers. “In Australia a lot of people don’t realise it is still such a huge problem, but it’s a disease that’s still causing
huge problems and causing severe amputations and other health problems,” he said. “When you visit places away from the tourist crowds you see that it is devastating,” he said. Mr Johnston said the peninsula group raised money by holding a range of social functions, including restaurant nights, quiz competitions and movie sessions, throughout the year. The money raised will fund training programs for health workers, surgery and health care, rehabilitation and medicine. “You can cure leprosy with two weeks of treatment, but there are major long-term rehabilitation and medical costs required, and because of amputations and the need to help
people become independent, the costs are ongoing,” Mr Johnston said. Leprosy is a long-term bacterial infection that kills the nerves, and usually results in permanent damage to the skin, limbs, and eyes. More than 2 million people are affected by leprosy in India alone, and according to Leprosy Mission Australia, one person is diagnosed with the disease every two minutes. The PLSG meets monthly at various places around the peninsula, including Hastings, Mornington, Mt Eliza and Frankston. Details: Don Johnston, 5979 2370. Building bridges: Infrastructure is basic in Nepal, where leprosy is still a major problem, hidden in villages and away from tourists.
Saturday 14 January 11am–10pm
Pier Promenade Frankston
Sunday 15 January 11am–6pm
frankston.vic.gov.au 1300 322 322 The Waterfront Festival
Mornington Peninsula’s biggest free summer festival is back at the Frankston Waterfront. Live music all weekend over 3 stages! Live ‘n’ Local Main Stage Featuring: STONEFIELD THE KITE MACHINE SUPER SALOON BIG CREATURE PRETTY CITY KATTIMONI JAMES FRANKLIN TIANA V AND MORE
Garden Bar – beer, wine and cider
Lifestyle Zone Proudly presented by Core24 Health Clubs
Proudly presented by Bay City Holden
The Lifestyle Zone really does have it all including a Twilight Yoga Session (7.30pm Saturday evening, bookings at frankston.vic. gov.au), giant lawn games, scuba dive tank lessons, live music from The Voice of Frankston Stage and kids can take part in the interactive Messy Shed Children Art and Craft Zone. Be sure to visit the Channel 9 activation where you can have a photo with a Giant Gold Logie and kids can enjoy colouring in. Open from 11am–6pm.
The Banana Boat Beach
Whether you like locally brewed beer, cider or wine, The Garden has got you covered with Mornington Peninsula Brewery, Grand Ridge Brewery, Rebello Wines, Jetty Road Brewery and Dromana Estate. A crowd favourite each year where you can grab a bite to eat, sit back and enjoy live music on the Live ‘n’ Local Main Stage.
Head down to the beach to have a go on the giant Banana Boat Beach Obstacle Challenge, try fishing or get involved in the water’s edge activities including snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, fly boarding, the Frankston Bay Challenge swim and scuba diving. See frankston.vic.gov.au for a full timetable, booking information, times and prices. Don’t forget your bathers!
FREE ENTRY • GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS • WATER SPORTS • GARDEN BAR • MARKETS • ART AND CRAFT SHOW
PAGE 4 Frankston Times 9 January 2017