NEWS DESK
Walkers reap the rewards
Have a say on future electricity plans ELECTRICITY distributor United Energy is in Rosebud this week giving locals an opportunity to have their say on the company’s power plans for the Mornington Peninsula. The distributor will be at a pop-up shop at Rosebud Plaza shopping centre until Sunday 15 September. Customers an have their say and provide feedback on the company’s energy plans, including any investments in the network, pole and wire maintenance, and affordability.
Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au THE benefits of walking in a group are well documented, but the “hidden” benefits – such as creating friendships, having someone to talk to, sharing a coffee, finding out about other activities and getting involved in volunteering opportunities – are equally valuable to participants. That’s what makes the Mornington Central Mall Walking Group so special to its members after a decade of exercise. The group began with a handful of members as Centro Mornington Walks in February 2009. They had the backing of Mornington Peninsula Shire and Peninsula Health. Word spread and by 2012, about 25 walkers were on the books with 10-15 weekly walkers participating. Now – with the increased popularity of regular exercise – the group has about 80 members with 40 to 50 donning their active wear and joggers each week. “This group has become a mall walking community with members supportive and caring for each other through difficult times,” secretary and longstanding member Joan Law said. “The program is run with the sponsorship of the shopping centre and the shire’s port and leisure section, and supported by a trained walk leader and team of volunteers.” Ms Law said the shopping centre sponsors the trained instructor and provided a desk, t-shirts, rack for jackets, printed information sheets
‘Friendly’ game
A TEAM from Mornington Secondary College will play an AFL Rules game against Clontarf Foundation at Alexandra Park, Mornington, 11.15am, Wednesday 18 September. The college’s Ben Hall said Clontarf was a group of 14-15-year-old indigenous boys from across Victoria.
Fitness helps charity
Off they go: Mall walkers pace themselves on their weekly workouts. Picture: Yanni
and name tags. Walks are held 7.45am-8.45am on Thursdays, before most shops open. They go from early February after schools resume until the end of November when some shops open early for Christmas trade. The supervised and supportive walking program is designed for older people but is suitable for all ages, Ms Law said.
“There are warm-up and cool-down stretches at the start and end of each walk, as well as some strength and balance exercises after every five or so laps.” Walk leader Sandy Dillon has guided walkers through each week’s session since 2013. He works with the shire and has been trained under Council of the Ageing guidelines. Volunteers Brian Baker, Beris
Connell, Lesley Fawcett, Kimberley Turner and Chris Withers assist the walk leader and attend to the weekly administration at the centre at 78 Barkly Street, Mornington. Anyone wanting to join the group should call Mornington Central’s centre management on 5976 1299 or Mornington Peninsula Shire 5075 0133.
ANYTIME Fitness Mornington members raised $21,026 in the annual 24-hour treadmill challenge Tread As One, in May. This was the most raised by any of the fitness chain’s 250 clubs across Australia. In total the chain raised about $1.1 million for suicide prevention charity RUOK.
Night work
SOUTH East Water says its crews are working at night whenever possible to minimise disruptions to motorists in Main Street, Mornington. They are renewing the mains as part of the upgrading of underground infrastructure. Works are taking place 7pm-6am, Sunday to Thursday, until next month.
Curtains Awnings Blinds Shutters
You’ll love what we do
Enhance Your Outdoor Living Quality window décor at affordable prices For a free, no obligation in home measure & quote
call 03 5975 9366
Shop 8a, 1-13 Mornington - Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy)
MORNINGTON
www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Mornington News
10 September 2019
PAGE 3