LETTERS
Letters - 300 words maximum and including full name, address and contact number - can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: team@mpnews.com.au
Privacy, sadly, is no longer a priority in banking I went into the Mornington Commonwealth Bank’s new location to discuss my finances. To my disbelief I was guided to a computer screen sitting on a bench totally exposed for everyone to see my private details and listen to our conversation. I have always discussed such private business in a closed office, which one would automatically expect. On asking for such privacy I was told in a rather dismissive manner that I couldn’t be told when an office would be available. I waited for 20 minutes before walking out. While waiting I saw one single teller at a desk with no bars or security and wondered how I would feel next time I make a significant withdrawal or deposit. Having been a Commonwealth Bank customer for more than 45 years, 25 being with Mornington branch, I am staggered at how the bank has trivialised its customers. I remember back when my financial adviser was my bank manager in whom I had absolute trust. That same manager actually paid us a courtesy call to our house one night to check that we were satisfied with the customer service. Hard to believe after the bank’s recent much publicised financial adviser rip-off scandal. Austin Sadler, Mornington
Shared project John Cain’s concept of a public private partnership pool in Colchester Rd, Rosebud has merit, however our previous [Mornington Peninsula Shire] council also had that bright idea and commissioned a study into the benefit (or otherwise) of such a project (“Public, private pool” Letters 4/4/17). Despite committing $50,000 to the study, the report does not appear to have seen the light of day. Perhaps the findings did not suit the recommending councillor(s) ambitions? Irrespective, the current council should, for transparency, release those findings for all to see. Additionally, given the RACV is constructing a 25 metre lap pool as part of its Cape Schanck project, maybe that facility could be a candidate for a joint venture for the shire to consider; on the basis of a user subsidy rather than capital injection? Given the research analysis undertaken for SPA (Southern Peninsula Aquatic centre0 indicated that 61 per cent of respondents would not visit SPA and of the remaining 39 per cent who would use it, 62 per cent currently use Colchester Rd or Pelican Park [Hastings], maybe the amount of subsidy paid by council would not be that much. Stuart Allen, Dromana
Pool the effort What has John Cain got against water safety for school children, hydrotherapy for seniors, lifesaving training for Nippers and employment for members of the local community (“Public, private pool” Letters 4/4/17)?
Now that the Andrews Labor government has mandated swimming lessons for primary students (without funding) does he expect families, many who are disadvantaged, to fork out for bus travel plus the cost of swimming lessons, to the nearest pool at Frankston which has the capacity to cater for all those children? The lifesaving clubs advise that it is crucial to have access to a pool in order to train children in the basic skills long before they test these skills in open water. The only way the local, private pool in Colchester Rd could cater for those thousands of extra children having swimming lessons and for locals who require proper hydrotherapy facilities would be to make it a high rise facility. Then, of course, Mr Cain and his anti-everything friends would be the first to complain about high rise development on the Mornington Peninsula. The southern peninsula needs a proper swimming centre for all members of the local community; all ages and all health needs. It would be so much more productive if all members of the local community worked together for a realistic solution to provide a world class aquatic centre that would service the needs of the whole community and for future generations to utilise. Martin Dixon, MP for Nepean
Rocks not answer Perhaps I should advise Brian Mitchelson that civil engineers found some thousands of years ago, in Europe, and more recently in Australia, that rock or concrete dumped harbour walls created stagnant water which, in turn, create siltation, sand banks and eventual blockage of the proposed refuges (“Fixing the pier” Letters 4/4/17). Witness in Port Phillip, St Kilda, Brighton and Sandringham breakwaters constructed in the 1950s and 1960s. I find no sympathy with Mr Mitchelson’s civic attitude regarding the ruination of Mothers Beach and the foreshore, the “odd” deaths, together with his often expressed dislike of sailors, young and old, using Mornington harbour and, in fact, Port Phillip and Australia’s surrounding waters for their enjoyment and recreation. Mr Mitchelson appears to have forgotten that Australia is an Island nation, surrounded by ocean, and has often used our knowledge of seafaring experience to not only feed our nation but defend it. Persistent criticism does not help those who are trying to save and protect the Mornington Peninsula as we know it. If Mr Mitchelson does not enjoy living here and being positive about the place, perhaps he should find somewhere else to live. Maybe the Simpson Desert, where there is no water. Edmund Burke, Mornington
Thanks for help I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Morn-
ington Peninsula Legacy’s Lynne Twaites and colleagues plus Frankston RSL’s Tony for support received following the theft of my mobile scooter. As an 87-year-old mobility impaired person I was devastated and in desperation and purchased one online from a con man. It conked out first trip to town. However, I received tremendous support from these wonderful organisations I am happily back on the road with my little scooter. Once again, thanks and bless them all. Kathleen Poulson, Hastings
Smokers’ rest stop According to Health Victoria more than 73 per cent of Victorians support the introduction of a ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas. Apparently this ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas will come into effect on 1 August. So where does that leave the remaining 27 per cent? The shopping strip between Lyons and Napier streets in Rye has one public seat outside the newsagency. The Rye township plan is currently under discussion and I suggest someone take pity on ageing types like me who would appreciate a rest (and the odd cigarette) soon to be outlawed at cafes. Kindly include the proposition to add two more public seats between Lyons and Napier streets and an additional two between Lyons and Hunt Av. Or, being in the minority, must we hide in the bushes? Cliff Ellen, Rye
each as well as the government legal aid. This effectively means that anybody who has need of Legal assistance against such a client, regardless of their financial position, has nothing available to them within a large area such as the whole peninsula. In some cases it is not only the needy that have access to this service. A person with a property portfolio of several houses can have the help of this service, whereas a person who lives solely on a pension is denied help and has to place themselves at the mercy of the courts without professional help and, in some cases, allowing injustices to occur. To some, $1200 - $3000 a day may not be much, but if you survive on a pension of $900 a fortnight it is an insurmountable figure. While government funding should be increased, the system should be reviewed to stop people exploiting it at grave cost financially and mentally to others. John Bryce, Crib Point
Scouting growing Thank you, Rod Brown, for your letter regarding your time in Scouts (“Committed scout” Letters 14/3/17). Scouting is very much alive on the Mornington Peninsula with more than 700 youth members and 100 plus leaders. Numbers continue to grow every year. For information about Scouting locally call 0419 131 489. Tina Bennett, district commissioner, Tyabb
Pause before print I really wish people would read letters properly before racing to print with a reply. I let John Cain’s letter completely distorting what I had written with regard to Brian A Mitchelson’s right to state his opinion, go through to the keeper, but this week they are at it again (“Socialism needed” Letters 28/3/17). Cliff Ellen (“Wide coverage” Letters 4/4/17) writes “Michael G Free chips in calling for a return to the good old days”. I hope Cliff has kept last week’s paper. The future Cliff, not the past. Leadership Cliff, not movers and shakers. I have no problem with people with nothing of their own to write having a little try at sarcasm, but a reference to what was actually written wouldn’t go astray. Michael G Free, Mt Martha
Legal drawbacks Legal centres can be of great benefit to the unfortunate members of our community where the high cost of legal assistance is beyond many, especially those who need to survive on a government pension (“Legal centre gains high profile support” The News 28/3/17). Like everything else, as soon as these services become available some bright spark will exploit them to the fullest. As soon as a person becomes a client of such a centre it can no longer help anybody who is in opposition to that client, effectively giving this first client legal assistance for life. This also allows them to continue dragging people before the courts knowing that they have exclusive free help available that their opponent does not have. In some instances it is known of people visiting all the local centres and becoming a client of
Taking a break THE Mornington Peninsula has been ranked as the second leading travel destination for the Easter long weekend. The Great Ocean Rd came first in the listings published last week by online travel site Wotif. com. Phillip Island was sixth on the list, while the peninsula was also ranked tenth nationally. The most in demand Victorian regional Easter long weekend destinations listed by the site are Great Ocean Rd; Mornington Peninsula; Daylesford and Macedon Ranges; Geelong; Gippsland; Phillip Island; Bright; Grampians; Ballarat; and Bendigo. Wotif’s Kirsty La Bruniy said the company’s research shows shorter breaks outside of the major capital cities will be popular this year, “with two thirds of people admitting they prefer to holiday in their own backyard as it has some of the best travel experiences in the world”.
Foundation support MORNINGTON Freemasons will present a cheque for $10,000 to the Luke Batty Foundation at its next meeting on Thursday 20 April. Guests will be Rosie Batty and Jane Sydenham-Clarke, CEO of Freemasons Victoria. After the presentation, members will conduct the “Vacant Chair” ceremony, a regular Masonic Anzac activity. The 7.15pm meeting will be attended by nonFreemasons and family members. Afterwards, supper will be served in what Freemasons refer to as “The South”.
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BLAIRGOWRIE • DROMANA • MORNINGTON • ROSEBUD • SEAFORD • TOORAK PAGE 18
Mornington News 11 April 2017