Mornington News 11 October 2022

NINETY-year-old Mornington ta ble tennis player Moya Macpher son has no plans of slowing down any time soon.

After decades of playing the game, Macpherson, of Somerville, says she enjoys the social and fitness side of the sport as much as ever and is still one of the first to arrive at the Mornington Peninsula Table Tennis Centre every Tues day morning at 9.30.

The club member is proof that age does not have to be a barrier to fun and fitness, and that exercise and social connection are a great mix.

Macpherson fist played table tennis as an 18-year-old but had a break after marrying at 22, before returning to the sport 33 years ago.

“It’s very good for your health and your reflexes,” she says.

“And you make friends and have a lot of fun.”

Macpherson, who says she doesn’t feel her age when she’s playing, encourages other older peninsula residents to stay con nected and keep in good health through social activities.

MOYA Macpherson, 90, is not ready to put away her table tennis bat.

Picture: Gary Sissons

Batting away the years

Tracking roadside rubbish dumpers

Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au

RESIDENTS and authorities are growing increasingly frustrated by people illegally dumping rubbish on the Mornington Peninsula.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s climate change and sustain ability manager Melissa Burrage says the council shares the community’s frustration and disappointment around the issue of illegally dumped waste, particularly on roadsides.

Mount Martha resident Katrina Mann drives along Moorooduc Free way to work every day and says she is horrified by the amount of rubbish that

appears to be deliberately dumped.

Getting authorities to take respon sibility has added to her frustration, she said.

“This is the gateway to the penin sula and it’s so distressing that people treat the environment like this, I’ve tried VicRoads and I’ve tried local council but the mess is still there, every day.”

Some of the dumped rubbish ap pears to be trade waste, including discarded plastering and rendering buckets, but there’s also clothing, furniture and general rubbish.

Burrage said the shire’s litter prevention team was aware of the rubbish dumping on major roads and was actively working to help ensure

that the dumped material is removed as a priority by VicRoads, which is the responsibly government authority for the roadside reserve along Moorooduc Highway and other major roads.

She said the shire’s litter prevention team would continue to support the team at VicRoads by referring and es calating illegal dumping incidents that occur within roadside reserves under their management.

“The shire’s team is of course hope ful that this, and any future roadside dumping incidents can be resolved swiftly,” she said.

Burrage said the shire was commit ted to the “timely resolution” of illegal dumping incidents, with three officers working full time to ensure prompt

waste removal within the shire’s jurisdiction. She said the removal of rubbish from major roads such as Moorooduc Highway must be done by VicRoads.

Department of Transport spokesman Paul Rogers said the rubbish on and around Moorooduc Highway would be cleaned up this month (October).

“Illegal dumping remains an ongo ing challenge for both the Department of Transport and local councils. Our crews carry out regular maintenance inspections of the arterial road net work, including around the Morning ton Peninsula to ensure it remains safe and clear of any hazards,” he said.

Rogers said the department moni tored the road network and priority

was usually given to dangerous sub stances and in locations where offend ing was likely to encourage others to also dump rubbish there.

Anyone who sees illegal waste dumping or has any information that may help in holding offenders accountable can contact Mornington Peninsula Shire Council at mornpen. vic.gov.au/Contact-Us/Report-a-prob lem or EPA Victoria on 1300 372 842.

The EPA works with govern ment, industry and the community to identify illegal rubbish dumpers. Its operations include using drones.

Anyone found guilty of illegal waste dumping on the peninsula can be fined up to $44,380.

The pinnacle in elder care living

LIVE each day your way in the luxurious surrounds of Western Port Bay, Somerville Gardens and Mornington Bay Care Communities.

These three modern and homely Care Communities are located on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula and offer high quality residential aged care services including permanent, respite and dementia care.

Part of the Opal HealthCare family, they’re known for being warm and welcoming residences where friends and family are always welcome. Visit and spend time with loved ones in the generous indoor and outdoor areas.

Each Care Community offers single bedrooms with ensuites, many opening onto shaded balconies or gardens, and have a dedicated Wellness Centre to promote reablement and rehabilitation.

Care that feels like home

Residents are encouraged to socialise and participate in things they enjoy, creating a sense of kinship where staying connected with friends and loved ones is truly valued. All while receiving personalised care focused on their individual needs and preferences.

“With registered nurses on duty 24/7, we believe that health - physical, emotional, spiritual and social - is central to residents living their best lives,” says Jerome Jordan, Regional General Manager. “So our team will care for your clinical needs and support you to enjoy the interests, relationships and food you love, within a warm, caring environment”.

Freedom to enjoy the joys of life

Food is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Food is passion, culture, an expression of love, a great connector. Western Port Bay, Somerville Gardens and Mornington Bay Care

Community each have a qualified, in-house chef who prepares nutritious home-style meals, cooked fresh each day, and works with residents to design seasonal menus featuring meals they love to eat.

“Our lives are enriched by eating and sharing food with one another. That’s why we always strive to deliver exceptional dining experiences for our residents,” Mr Jordan said.

“The enjoyment of food also plays a key role in ageing well. We offer three main meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - and three lighter selections daily including morning tea, afternoon tea, and supper”.

A varied, engaging lifestyle program

Residents are at the heart of vibrant community

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“We believe everyone should have something to look forward to each day. That’s why we enable a lifestyle where residents can enjoy their hobbies and interests, continue to learn and try new things and participate in meaningful activities,” Mr Jordan said.

“Whether you’re interested in art, craft, music, gardening, sport or adult learning, we encourage each resident to pursue their passions and stay connected to the local community.”

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Aero club given clear air to operate

Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au

PENINSULA Aero Club has won its battle for legitimacy after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal declared that Tyabb Airport does have permit rights to operate.

After years of tension over planning controls around the airport and resi dents’ complaints about its operating hours, the aero club went to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in September and then in March 2022 to seek a declaration that its permits authorise its operation.

PAC president Jack Vevers said the tribunal ruling last week (5 October) was a fantastic win for PAC and everyone at the airport.

In a statement, Vevers told support ers he had “great pleasure to inform you that we have received the muchawaited decision by VCAT in relation to our application for a declaration of our permits”.

“VCAT has declared that we are an airport and have always been an airport, which is consistent with the planning scheme definition of a trans port terminal,” he said.

“We can continue to operate as we have done previously, which includes the use of the east-west runway, fly at night, operate a flying school, sell fuel, operate both fixed wing aeroplanes and helicopters, and run air shows.”

The ruling means that only aircraft over 2041 kilograms are subject to a night curfew (except in the case of

emergency) and are prohibited from using the east-west runway. Other key outcomes include permission for small aircraft to fly at night, use of the airport for planes and helicopters, limitations around movements of large aircraft (over 4500 pounds) and clarity around definitions of “night”, “emergency” and “airport”.

Vevers said it “puts to bed for once and for all the question of our legiti macy to be an airport” and forever

more protects its operations”.

“This decision provides PAC and all of the businesses on the airport the full protection of planning law and the National Airport Safety Framework policy as well as providing certainty for council and the community,” he said.

He said it was now time for all to move forward, accept the decision, “get back to flying, and share our airport with our community”.

Despite long-running simmering tensions between the airport – which has been in operation since the 1960s - and Mornington Peninsula Shire, the council has “welcomed” the VCAT findings. The mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said it was good to “finally have a definitive position from VCAT as the independent umpire”.

“VCAT’s decision provides council, the Peninsula Aero Club and everyone in the community certainty into the

future,” he said. “We look forward to working with the Peninsula Aero Club and seeing our local aviation sector thrive as they move forward with confidence about their opera tions.”

Some anti-airport residents are not so pleased with the VCAT decision, and say they will consider an appeal, despite the hearing being between the council and the airport.

Spokesperson for Sensible Aircraft Noise (in and around Tyabb), Brewis Atkinson, who has led a campaign since 2018 to restrict aircraft op erations, said the decision opened residents up to the possibility of aircraft noise at unlimited levels “24 hours a day from increased aircraft”, including helicopter activity in all directions, including east and west of the airfield.

Atkinson said one win for airport opponents was that permit conditions could not be breached if the pilot deemed it "operationally necessary", as PAC had sought.

He said other “wins” were that night starts at sunset and finishes at sunrise, reducing the legal operating time of aircraft over 2041 kilograms (4500 pounds) by about 50 minutes a night, and were limited to 10 movements a day and not 20 as sought by PAC.

It is still unclear what the latest hearing will cost the council, but as part of the dispute over the airfield permits the shire had to pay out $32,000 in 2021 to PAC for costs incurred over a dispute over permit conditions (“Shire’s $32,000 payout to aero club” The News 23/2/21).

Social Access Community

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh at Tyabb Airport with Peninsula Aero Club president Jack Vevers. Picture: Supplied

CHÂTEAUX, RIVERS & WINE

PARIS & THE HEART OF NORMANDY

CITIES OF LIGHT

FRANCE’S

‘Stranded’ elderly await better buses

Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au

ELDERLY residents living in retire ment centres four kilometres from central Mornington say they have been left stranded by the lack of public transport.

In the lead up to the November state election, Mornington Penin sula Shire Council has increased its pressure on the state government to increase public transport services on the peninsula.

But resident Don Robinson, who lives at Beleura Village in Bun gower Road, said he and others at the nearby Australian Unity centre in Racecourse Road felt nobody had been listening after campaigning for years for a bus service to Frankston and Mornington.

In 2019 Mornington MP David Morris tabled a 472-signature petition in parliament calling for better bus services in the Mornington northBungower Road area.

He told parliament that bus services in the area had not changed since the area was “a sea of paddocks”.

“There were no services then and there are none now. The area has been completely ignored by public transport planners and by the govern ment,” Morris said. Despite Morris’s call, nothing had changed.

“There are two aged care villages in this area, Beleura Village in Bungow er Road and nearby Australian Unity in Racecourse Road, but not one bus that services us, and around 1000 residents,” he said.

“There are two buses that pass the area, and surely one of them could be diverted to access the villages. It’s a simple solution.”

Robinson said the nearest bus stop was in Robertson Drive, which was too far for most of the elderly resi dents to walk.

“We are tired of nothing being done and now want answers,” he said.

Department of Transport executive director modal planning Stuart Johns

gave no indication of immediate plans for an extended Mornington bus services but said the bus network was continually being reviewed to identify where improvements could be made, including on the peninsula.

“We know that public transport provides important connections to employment, education and recrea tional activities, and we welcome any feedback from the community on our bus services,” Johns said.

He said the requests from residents in Mornington about bus services in the area had been heard and would be considered as part of ongoing reviews of the bus network.

In June 2021, the state government released Victoria's Bus Plan which sets out how it will start to deliver a “modern, productive and sustainable bus network” that allows increased patronage.

Counting birds

THE annual Aussie Bird Count held by BirdLife Australia will be held 17-23 October.

The count is designed to gather data to help the organisation track and protect native birds.

The count, held since 2014, is the nation’s largest conservation event and requires people of all ages to spend 20 minutes counting birds at their chosen outdoor space.

Organisers say the count can be done from anywhere - a suburban backyard, a local park, a patch of for est, down by the beach, or the main street.

BirdLife Australia’s national public affairs manager Sean Dooley said there was an urgent need for new bird data due to inconsistent trends across the nation, particularly among parrots.

There are more than $10,000 in prizes being given away as part of this year’s count. For more informa tion on the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, go to aussiebirdcount.org.au.

Ferry to museum

THE Friends of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery are organ ising a return trip by bus from Morn ington and the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff for a guided tour of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.

The $60 tour will be held Monday 31 October with the bus leaving Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery at 8.30am to catch the 10am ferry. The bus will return to the gal lery at 5pm.

Bookings: eventbrite.com.au/e/ queenscliffe-maritime-museum-tick ets-416460272887

Right now, there are community services jobs available where you can make a difference, helping people who have a disability, families fleeing violence, and children and families who need care and support. Plus, there is a jobs guarantee for new graduates in priority areas.

Picture: Yanni

Promise to pay for Baxter extension

Brodie Cowburn brodie@mpnews.com.au

THE Victorian Liberal Party has promised to electrify the Frankston rail line to to Baxter if it wins the November state election.

The opposition says it will cost $971 million electrifying and duplicating the line and build new stations at Langwar rin and Baxter.

The previous LIberal federal govern ment said it would contribute $225m towards the project.

Six level crossings would be re moved and both Frankston and Baxter stations would be upgraded. The opposition says the project would be delivered in the next four years.

Opposition leader Matthew Guy said the project will “deliver better transport options and ease congestion for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula”.

“Once we deliver this much-needed extension, thousands of families will

have better connections both to and from the CBD,” he said. “We will elec trify, extend, and duplicate important parts of the Metro network to ensure commuters get to where they need to go more quickly and more reliably. Our plan is a real solution to the growing pains the southern suburbs are feeling after years of being left behind.”

Liberal candidate for Frankston Michael O’Reilly said extension of the train line was “so long overdue”.

“This doesn’t just extend the train line, but it actually gets people out of cars. One of the biggest issues we have in Frankston is congestion in the CBD and a lack of parking at Frankston station, which is right at the end of the line,” he said. “This extension will not only service the hospital and the uni versity, but it will also help kids get to major sporting infrastructures that will be underway soon.”

In 2020, a business case for the project estimated $1.5 billion could be needed to extend the line to Baxter.

Guy made the announcement at Bax

ter last weekend alongside O’Reilly, Mornington Liberal candidate Chris Crewther, Nepean Liberal candidate Sam Groth, transport spokesperson Matthew Bach, and Hastings candidate Briony Hutton.

A report released by the McKell In stitute ranked Frankston and the Morn ington Peninsula as the areas with the lowest percentage of public transport use compared to private vehicle use.

Committee for Greater Frankston president Rod Evenden said “com ing second-last and last on the public transport ladder is appalling, but not surprising. For instance, everyone knows the present train service from Stony Point to Frankston, which is supposed to service Langwarrin and Karingal, is infrequent and notori ously unreliable”.

“While we languish after years of neglect, governments and transport planners lavish free trams and grand visions of new train tunnels on inner and middle ring suburbs. It’s simply not fair,” he said.

Liberals full of promise, all quiet on Labor front

Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au

LABOR Party candidates for the three state seats on the Mornington Penin sula have made no election promises while their Liberal opponents, by last Wednesday, had pledged $370 million.

The ability of the candidates to make their promises come true will depend on the election fortunes of the Matthew Guy-led Liberals forming government after the poll on Saturday 26 November.

The numbers in the current state lower house are 55 Labor, 27 LiberalNationals coalition, three Greens and three independents.

Labor’s Chris Brayne (Nepean) is the only sitting MP seeking re-elec tion. He is being opposed by Lib eral Sam Groth, the Greens Esthner Gleixner, and independents Elizabeth Woolcock and Charelle Ainslie.

Former Liberal Party member Wool cock says her preferences will flow to Groth (“Liberal turns independent” The News 13/9/22).

Of the two Liberal held seats, David Morris (Mornington) has been passed over by his party in favour of former federal MP for Dunkley Chris Crewther, who lost to Labor in 2019, while Hastings MP Neale Burgess did not to seek party endorsement.

Briony Hutton is now standing for the Liberals in Hastings against Labor’s Paul Mercurio, a Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor, and the Greens Paul Saunders.

Kate Lardner, a doctor at Frankston

Hospital, is standing as a teal can didate for Mornington and Harry Sinclair is the Greens candidate (“In dependent bid for Mornington” The News 30/8/22).

Labor on Sunday announced its can didate as Georgia Fowler, a nurse.

Mornington appears the safest Liberal seat on the peninsula with a nearly 10 per cent two-party preferred majority, with Brayne holding Nepean for Labor with a slim 1.1 per cent.

Hastings, won by Burgess in 2018 with a 2.1 per cent majority, is now regarded as being marginally Labor since a redistribution of boundaries.

Each candidate is asking voters to put them into a four-year job with a starting salary of $192,115 a year, plus electorate allowances of $42,155.

The MPs can also claim, if eligible, accommodation while parliament is sitting, $26,609; motor vehicles, $22,353; $5000 commercial vehicle allowance and $10,080 for interna tional travel.

Groth, the Liberals Nepean candidate, tops the list of campaign promises with $351.3m ($340m for Rosebud Hospital), followed closely by Crewther, $11m and Hutton $7.7m.

Hutton caused some confusion last week with a pledge of $3m for Somer ville Sporting Precinct, which does not exist under that name.

When Hutton was asked several times by The News to clarify where Somerville Sporting Precinct was, her campaign manager, Simone Clencie, accused this writer of “being belliger ent, rude and unprofessional” and said the Liberal Hastings office “will not

WHEN

NEED

deal with the [Mornington Peninsula News Group] on any level”.

Clencie was twice asked to provide examples of our belligerence, rude ness and unprofessionalism, but did not respond. She also failed to respond to questions about Hutton’s reported links to church groups, opinions on abortion and assisted dy ing and an alleged “turf war” between Liberal Party factions on the peninsula (“Turf war splits peninsula Liberals”

The News 24/8/22).

In an email to an advertising rep resentative from The News Clencie, after claiming there was an “ongoing fractious relationship between the Victorian Liberal Party”, stated: “… it would not be appropriate for our Lib eral candidates to engage and support the paper in the face of blatant bias”.

Seemingly unaware of Clencie’s threat (or was that a promise) Liberal Party headquarters continues to regu larly send news releases to The News Mornington Peninsula Shire added the promise of $3 million to the nonexistent Somerville Sporting Precinct by Hutton and Liberal sports spokes person, sitting MP Cindy McLeish, to its online pledge tracker.

The pledge tracker includes a link to the Liberals’ announcement along with a disclaimer: “Please note: all pledges are conditional and depend on the outcome of the election and future party budgets. The shire has published these pledges in good faith, based on the formal commitments made by election candidates.”

However, the shire also states that candidates’ promises: “Be sufficiently

detailed so that we can ascertain what is being funded.”

The shire’s advocacy, communica tion and engagement manager Randal Mathieson agreed The News was mak ing a “fair point” to say a candidate or political party could avoid honouring a $3 million promise to a non-existent entity.

“They’ve wrapped up the foot ball, netball and cricket clubs under the banner of Somerville Sporting Precinct - but let’s see what they come back with,” Mathieson said.

“If the Liberal government gets elected we will be expecting a 3M investment in these facilities.”

What Clencie, Hutton, McLeish or even Mathieson would not state, is that the sporting clubs being men tioned are based at Somerville Recrea tion Reserve.

Changing the name of a pub licly owned reserve involves a set procedure and cannot be made at the whim of a sporting group, a political candidate or a political party.

In Mornington, McLeish and Crewther have promised $2.5m to Mornington Soccer Club.

They said the money would go “to wards a major facilities and pavilion redevelopment - the first since its con struction in 1977”. A function centre was also be included.

Mornington Peninsula shire council lor and Liberal Party member Steve Holland said the shire’s plans for the soccer club “are not even at the concept stage”. “The cost will be three times what they’re [Crewther and McLeish] offering.”

Labor ‘star’ for Mornington

MOUNT Martha mental health nurse and mother of three Georgia Fowler, on Sunday launched her campaign as Labor candidate for the seat of Morn ington at the Victorian state election in November.

Corrections, Youth Justice, Victim Support, and Fishing Minister, MP for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny described Fowler as “an absolute star candidate”.

About 70 supporters at her cam paign launch at the Dava Hotel, Mount Martha heard Fowler’s praise the current policies of the current state Labor government led by the Premier Daniel Andrews.

“There are still many more com munity challenges that need to be addressed in this electorate, such as homelessness, rental affordability, public transport and road infrastruc ture,” Fowler said.

“These issues are of very high priority, and I will work collabora tively with the community groups and public agencies to advocate and initiate change and progress.”

Ramping up

BOAT ramps at French Island and Stony Point will be upgraded with money collected by the state govern ment from boaters’ registration and licence fees.

MP for Eastern Victoria Tom McI ntosh said the two Western Port boat ramps would be included in a $3.45 million allocated across 22 locations “to progress planning and approvals to facilitate future upgrades”.

Details at betterboating.vic.gov.au

, BUT NOT THE SIRENS

Guy’s hospital protection plan rejected in 2011

Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au

PROTECTIVE Services Officers

could be trialled at Frankston Hos pital to tackle escalating violence in the state’s health care system, under a plan outlined by state opposition leader Matthew Guy.

Guy said that if elected, a Liberal National state government would pay for a two-year trial at five hospitals to support the recruitment, training and deployment of 75 new PSOs to provide around-the-clock support from mobile stations.

The Premier Daniel Andrews said there was no evidence Guy’s PSO trial would solve the problem and a 2011 parliamentary inquiry also rec ommended against deploying PSOs to hospitals.

Guy said PSOs would be able to respond to calls for back-up and provide immediate support to hospital staff or police to assist with mental health patients or those influenced by drugs and alcohol.

The trial announced by Guy would be implemented at Frankston, Dande nong, Box Hill, Sunshine and Royal Melbourne hospitals.

Hastings resident and former hospi tal worker Fran Henke told The News that violence in hospitals – particu larly emergency departments – was an ongoing problem.

She said while working at

Frankston Hospital 20 years ago, an emergency department doctor had shown her a drawer full of weaponsknives, iron bars, even shards of glass - confiscated from patients.

“Staff and patients do need protec tion, not just from the drug and alcohol affected, also from those experiencing fear, grief and sheer frustration,” she said.

Guy said the proposal would free up police resources by allowing them to return to normal operational duties.

“We also know that our dedicated healthcare staff often walk lengthy distances to and from their cars at night and early hours of the morning, and sadly, so many have experienced verbal and physical abuse during these times and while carrying out their lifesaving work in wards,” he said.

Guy said the safety of both staff and patients at hospitals was vitally

important.

Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, said that as a former nurse and midwife, she had experi enced and seen what can happen “and it is not okay”.

The Premier Daniel Andrews said there was no evidence Guy’s PSO trial would solve the problem.

A parliamentary 2011 parliamen tary inquiry into violence and security arrangement at Victorian Hospitals found that appointing PSOs to hospi tals would be “contrary to the good management of security in hospitals” and could be a greater safety risk.

The committee investigating the issue noted that violence and aggres sion toward hospital staff was largely under reported and made a number of recommendations aimed at encour aging reporting and improving data collection.

The committee recommended against using PSOs in hospitals, and in its executive summary noted that security strategies should be underpinned by a “patient focused” approach that draws on interpersonal skills to defuse, minimise and manage aggressive behaviour.

Assistant secretary of the Victorian branch of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Paul Gilbert, has told the media that the trial would only provide about 3.5 PSOs for each shift across five hospitals, and would not work as a health response.

Picture: Supplied

Sikhs serve food for hard times

HOMELESSNESS and increasing hardship on the Mornington Penin sula have prompted a south eastern food charity to expand services to the peninsula.

Langwarrin-based Sikh Volunteers Australia has started a food run in Hastings, providing prepared meals every Sunday from the Fred Smith re serve car park between 1pm and 2pm.

Jaswinder Singh said the charity had recognised the need for support on the peninsula and that it was part of the Sikh philosophy to help people in need.

He said the first Sunday in Hastings three weeks ago saw around 40 meals provided, but that had almost doubled every weekend since.

“We are proud to do what we can to relieve distress in all communities,” he said.

Sikh Volunteers Australia vans have become a familiar sight in recent years and times of crisis, providing vegetarian meals to people in need across the country.

Singh said the organisation cooked, packed and delivered around 140,000 meals a year across the state.

AT the first Hastings food van two weeks ago, volunteers Manpreet Singh, Divjot Kaur and Amandeep Singh provided around 40 meals.

Finding furever homes

MORE than 60 unwanted cats have found their forever homes thanks to the tireless work of Bethany Swiggs.

The passionate animal enthusiast founded her own cat rescue organisa tion last year, hoping to turn stray cats and unwanted cats into beloved pets.

Big Dollan’s Fur Rescue has now been operating for 18 months. Swiggs said the organisation specialises in “rescuing, rehabbing, and rehoming cats and unwanted kittens in the local areas of Frankston and the Morning ton Peninsula.”

“I’ve been working in lower socioeconomic places in Frankston like the Pines, working with residents to desex cats. We also take kittens into foster care as well and through that we find them forever homes,” she said.

Swiggs said she was compelled to start the not-for-profit after volun teering in animal welfare. “This is a passion of mine - I fell into it at start

2021 when I became a volunteer and found there weren’t many resources. Vet clinics were often out in the east ern and northern suburbs. I wanted to focus on our community, so I went out and started our not-for-profit.”

Big Dollan’s Fur Rescue was re cently named a national finalist for Pet Insurance Australia’s outstanding new rescue group award. Swiggs said the honour left her “shocked”.

“Really it was the acknowledge ment that if just one person is playing their part, the impact can be quite large. If you’re thinking about doing something, just do it. You are making a difference.”

The cat rescue not-for-profit has helped find homes for 62 cats so far. To access Big Dollan’s Fur Rescue’s services visit bigdollansfurrescue.org or contact @bdfurrescue on Insta gram.

Brodie Cowburn

BETHANY Swiggs has been awarded for finding homes for more than 60 cats. Picture: Supplied

The ‘boys’ are back on healing trail

AFTER two years, therapy dogs are back at Peninsula Health, and staff and patients are celebrating their return.

Jeff and Judy Johnston have started their fortnightly visits to Frankston Hospital and the Psychiatric Assess ment and Planning Unit with their golden retrievers, Benson and Sam.

Judy said six-year-old Benson and Sam, eight, must be among the most photographed of dogs.

“Once it took us an hour to get back to the car from the hospital because staff, patients and visitors would stop us to say hello and take cute photos of the dogs,” she said.

“Our last visit was very success ful, with lots and lots of smiles, a few tears and loads of cuddles and photoshoots.”

The Johnstons say taking their ther apy dogs to the hospital is “extremely rewarding”.

“We have seen so many rewarding things and know we are making a difference. This is why we keep doing it,” Jeff said.

Jeff has been a Peninsula Health pet therapy volunteer for six years and Judy has been volunteering for 10 years.

“COVID-19 restrictions meant that

we weren’t able to visit,” Judy said.

“It is so great to be back and see the program up and running again.”

Dogs must meet specific criteria to be therapy dogs, such as being wellsocialised with other dogs and obedi ence trained. Their owners are also assessed to become volunteers.

“Dogs have amazing instincts. Ben son has to say hello to every person who enters the room. He just has a knack for it,” Jeff said.

“The way the dogs are able to bring smiles to patients faces and help them socialise or feel calmer is incredible.”

Liz Bell

MPNG is looking for an advertising sales person for the popular Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids magazines.

The role includes managing an existing client base and sourcing new business. Depending on the candidate, this can be either a full or permanent part time role based at our Mornington office.

Advertising or general sales is an advantage, but not a prerequisite.

A current drivers licence and reliable car are required.

An attractive salary package is offered to the right candidate.

To apply, email your resume to anton@mpnews.com.au

THE EASY BREAKFAST

with Jon & Julie

Welcome return: Therapy dogs Benson and Sam and their owners Jeff and Judy Johnson bring smiles to the patients at Frankston Hospital. Picture: Supplied

Quarantine fit for heritage travel

SORRENTO Rotary Club is staging the inaugural Point Nepean Heritage Motor Show on Sunday 30 October after its COVID-related cancellation in 2021.

Historic Point Nepean quarantine station will provide a backdrop for the display of 200 of the state’s most significant heritage motor cars and motorcycles.

Music and refreshments will be available at the event which is expected to attract more than 1500 people from across the state.

Rotary club president Brian Stacey said the motor aimed to promote Sorrento and raise the profile of the region.

Held over the cup weekend, it will be a starting point to the club’s strate gic direction of developing a ‘festive Sorrento spirit’ over future holiday seasons.

The show, followed by the January 2023 art show - opening with a black tie event - is envisioned to evolve into a Sorrento street festival.

Stacey said that despite the affluent image of the peninsula, most locali ties – including Sorrento – had its share of hardship.

With the southern peninsula being the sixth largest rough sleeping area in Victoria, shelter, personal hygiene, clothing and food supply were “of daily concern” to many.

Money from the heritage motor show will support Southern Peninsula Community Support, an organisation that offers support to people in crisis providing food and material aid, sup port with certain expenses, informa

tion, referral and practical assistance.

“Confronted with the sobering reality of these facts, Sorrento Rotary Club decided to channel the profits of the motor show towards sponsoring SPCS,” Stacey said.

He praised the generosity of busi ness sponsors that had made the event

possible.

“Over and beyond the relevance of the financial contributions – without which the project would not succeed –this is an initiative that is bringing the community together, solidifying and strengthening the invisible ties of the spirit of Sorrento,” he said.

More than 67 car clubs have been invited, and highlights on show will include a 1926 bus, Ferret scout car, vintage fire engine and gull-wing Mercedes.

The event will be open to the public from 10am to 2pm.

Foreshore plan for Hastings

A DRAFT master plan for the Hastings foreshore is open for public comment.

The foreshore is used daily by people exercising, fishing, play ing and socialising and is also home to occasional large-scale events such as concerts and festivals.

The area covered by the draft plan stretches south from the northern end of Fred Smith Reserve and includes a playground, fitness stations and Western Port’s busiest boat ramp.

Mornington Peninsula Shire says the “five key themes” resulting from nearly 300 com munity responses are: playful destination; connected fore shore; resilient coast; enhanced natural environment; collabora tive and engaging processes.

It says the draft master plan uses these themes and “shapes future development to provide more attractive, accessible, safe and sustainable foreshore”.

The master plan also tackles such challenges as the Fred Smith Reserve being used as a tip in the 1970s and 1980s and the foreshore being a low-lying coastal area that could flood during storms and king tides.

Residents and foreshore users can have a say before 20 November online by visiting mornpen.vic.gov.au/hast ingsforeshore or picking up a feedback form from a shire customer care centre.

Liz Bell

CARS and their owners that will be included in the inaugural Point Nepean Heritage Motor Show are John Stevenson with his Jaguar, Rob Koller, MGA and Laurie Oliver, Porsche. Picture: Supplied

Murder charge follows hit-run death

A HASTINGS man, 34, has been charged with murder after a fatal hitand-run in Hastings on Saturday.

Police said a 23-year-old male pedestrian was with friends when he was hit by a white SUV at the intersection of McCallum Street and

Cool Store Road about 11pm. He died at the scene.

Police allege the driver of the vehi cle did not stop at the scene. He was arrested later that evening.

A crime scene was set up where in vestigators remained into the morning.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are still working to find out the exact circumstances and are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.

Beach walker stubbles across mystery

WHILE enjoying a walk at Mothers Beach, Mornington Jodie Richmond-Smith came across a strange object that has become something of a mystery.

Piquing her interest, the odd-looking object resembled a skull or body part of a marine creature.

“I’ve been walking the beach every day for years and I often find strange things on the sand,” Richmond-Smith said.

“But this one has me and everyone else I’ve shown baffled, and even the Melbourne museum didn’t know what it was.

“I’ve found all sorts of things, and this one is certainly a conversation starter.”

Richmond-Smith said the museum had shown her photos of the object to its anatomists, but they admitted to being stumped.

The museum told everyone had agreed it was a chunk of a much larger animal, but that the flesh was obscuring the bones, which would be

the most useful diagnostic tool.

While Richmond-Smith originally thought it might be the skull of a rare narluga whale, the museum ruled that out, as it did not have an teeth or sockets, and was unlikely to be a skull.

The museum’s best guess was a pectoral gir dle or a pelvis from a dolphin or large fish, but without genetic testing the object will remain a beach mystery.

Family alerted by alarm

A SOMERVIILE family was lucky to escape unharmed after a fire broke out at their Eramosa Road home Monday 3 October.

Somerville CFA was called to the fire just before 6.30pm, supported by units from Baxter and Moorooduc.

Somerville captain Josh Caron said the fire was contained to one room by CFA firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, with damage limited to some furniture, ceilings and walls.

He said the fire was believed to have started by a scented candle that had fallen over, and firefighters spent some time removing smoke from the house and monitoring carbon monox ide levels.

Caron said a smoke alarm alerted

the young family living in the house to the fire. While evacuating the house, a family member had closed a connecting door, which confined the fire and smoke damage to one area of the house.

“This is yet another example of how a working smoke alarm has saved lives,” he said.

“If you must use candles, please ensure that you keep an eye on them. We had a good outcome today, but many serious house fires have been started by candles.

“The family did a great job today. They evacuated promptly and shut doors on the way out which limited the spread of fire and smoke.”

Liz Bell

Picture: Gary Sissons

Liz Bell

RYAN Eastland pumps water through the hoses to firefighters who are attacking the fire at the rear of a Somerville house.

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TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK

THURSDAY KURT FEARNLEY’S ONE PLUS ONE

ABC TV, 9.35pm

Paralympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kurt Fearnley (left) has found his second calling as an interviewer, with his third season of One Plus One featuring former AFL player Eddie Betts and conservationist and animal lover Robert Irwin, among others. Tonight, celebrated Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero opens up about her childhood and her drive for people to embrace Indigenous, seasonal and local ingredients.

FRIDAY

GARDENING AUSTRALIA

ABC TV, 7.30pm

Bearded host Costa Georgiadis’s (right) enthusiasm and passion for greenery and community spirit can fill anyone’s cup with joy and optimism – and you might even learn a thing or two about horticulture. Tonight, Georgiadis meets a turf technician to learn about creating nature’s green carpet. Jerry ColebyWilliams also visits a cloister garden and Sophie Thomson learns a topiary technique to give outdoor space the wow-factor.

To Peer.

Great Lighthouses Of Ireland.

Along Ireland’s Shores. 12.00

The

Little Bang’s New

(PG,

3.25

Freeways, Railroads. (Premiere,

The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG,

Jeopardy!

Letters And Numbers. (R)

SATURDAY SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING

NINE, 7.30pm

A marriage between Sony and Marvel Studios, Spider-Man: Homecoming marks the return of the lycra-clad superhero to the Marvel universe. Starring babyfaced Tom Holland (above) as the titular hero, we jump in after the events of Captain America: Civil War as Peter juggles schoolwork, friends and teenage issues while crafting his crime-fighting skills. Peter has a chance to prove himself when villain Vulture (Michael Keaton) arrives. Funny and lighthearted, Homecoming is a breezy, refreshing return to fun.

MONDAY CELEBRITY LETTERS AND NUMBERS

SBS, 7.30pm

Some very funny guests are dropping to take part in this light-hearted game show this week, as comedians Gen Fricker, Harley Breen and Concetta Caristo put their brains to the test. Host Michael Hing always keep things bright and breezy and the affable David Astle and Lily Serna (below) inject plenty of wit along the way. Fricker and Breen might have a tough time defeating Caristo, a veritable veteran of the show now, with this being her fifth appearance so far as a contestant. Expect plenty of laughs as the trio battle it out to win the episode’s prestigious prize – a single volume of the long-defunct Oceaniapaedia encyclopedia.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Jesse Stone: Benefit Of The Doubt. (2012, Mav, R) 2.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. 2.30 Motorbike Cops. (PGl, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG)

11.30 Morning News.

12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG, R)

Pointless. (PG)

Tipping Point. (PG)

Afternoon News.

Millionaire Hot Seat.

6.00 The Talk. (PGa) 7.00 Judge Judy. (PG, R)

The Bold And The Beautiful. (PG, R) 8.00

News First: Breakfast. 8.30 Studio 10. (PG)

Dr Phil. (PGadl, R) 1.00 To Be Advised.

Lily Serna is the maths whiz on Celebrity Letters And Numbers.

France.

Art Works. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

(R)

6.30 Frankly. (R) Presented by Fran Kelly.

7.00 ABC News Sunday.

7.40 Spicks And Specks. (Final, PG) Hosted by Adam Hills.

8.30 Significant Others. (Premiere, Mdl) Estranged siblings are reunited after one of them disappears, leaving behind two teenage children.

9.25 Silent Witness. (Ma) With their suspect in a coma, Nikki calls on Adam’s expertise to help solve the case.

10.25 The Newsreader. (Final, Ml, R)

11.15 Shetland. (Mal, R)

12.15 The Heights. (PG, R)

3.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.15 The Recording Studio. (PG, R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Ageless Gardens. (PG) 10.00 The World From Above. (Return) 11.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Countdown To Qatar 2022. 3.30 Sportswoman. (R) 4.00 Cycling. National Road Series. Battle On The Border. Highlights. 5.00 Destination Flavour China. (R) 5.10 Going Places. (R) 5.40 Secret Nazi Bases. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Curse Of The Ancients: Roman Empire. (PG) Part 2 of 5.

8.30 Ancient Egypt’s Darkest Hour. (PGa, R) Part 1 of 2. Takes a look at the story behind an ancient mass grave found outside Luxor, Egypt.

10.10 Dolly: The Sheep That Changed The World. (PGa, R) The story of the scientists who created Dolly.

11.20 Murder Case: The Disappear ance Of Julie Reilly. (MA15+l, R)

2.45 The Man Putin

Couldn’t Kill. (Malv, R)

4.00 Food Safari. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00

NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 8. Western Bulldogs v St Kilda. 3.00 Motorbike Cops. (PGl, R) 3.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australia’s Got Talent. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee.

8.45 Murder In The Goldfields.

(M) Caroline Overington investigates three murders in the sparse desert of the Western Australian Goldfields.

10.45 Born To Kill? Patrick Mackay

“The Devil’s Disciple”. (MA15+av)

A look at the case of Patrick David Mackay.

11.45 Police: Hour Of Duty. (Malv, R)

12.45 Behave Yourself. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Seven Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO

6am Morning Programs.

Business Australia.

6.00 Fishing Australia. (R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00

Today. 10.00 Sports Sunday. (PG) 11.00 Women’s Footy.

12.00 Fishing Australia. 12.30 Bondi

Lifeguard World Adventures. (PG, R) 1.00 The Block. (PGl,

3.00 Drive Electric.

Bondi Vet. (PGm)

News: First At Five.

6.00 Nine News Sunday.

7.00 The Block. (PGl)

8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.30 Nine News Late. A look at the latest news and events.

10.00 The First 48: Bad Romance/Out Of Control. (Malv) Takes a look at two deaths.

11.00 Killer Couples: Ny Nourn

And Ronald Barker. (Masv)

11.50 First Responders. (Malm)

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Take Two. (R) 5.00 News Early Edition. 5.30 Today.

9GEM

In Touch.

6am Morning Programs.

Today.

10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 Garden Gurus. 11.00 Getaway. 11.30 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 12.45pm MOVIE: Father’s Doing Fine. (1952) 2.30 MOVIE: Passport To Pimlico. (1949) 4.15 MOVIE: Rio Grande. (1950) 6.30

The Bizarre Pet Vets. 7.30 Mega Zoo. 8.30 To Be Advised. 11.30 Late Programs.

Morning Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am

6am Children’s Programs. 1.30pm

6.30 The Sunday Project.

A look at the day’s news.

7.30 The Traitors. (Premiere, PGl)

Four Traitors infiltrate a group of 24 players and use their skills to eradicate “loyal” contestants.

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Final, Mav) Captain Milius continues to work with the team in the aftermath of the prisoner exchange.

10.00 FBI. (Mv, R) The team investigates a shooting.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R)

A look at the day’s news.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Stranger At The Door. (2004, Mv, R) 2.00 The Real Manhunter: The Murder Of Bridie Skehan. (Mav, R) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 Morning News. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.30 Getaway. (PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 Afternoon News. 5.00 Millionaire Hot Seat.

Nine News.

Current Affair.

Block. (PGl)

Under Investigation: The Highway. (Ma) Presented by Liz Hayes.

6.00 The Talk. (PGa) 7.00 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 7.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. (PG, R) 8.00 10 News First: Breakfast. 8.30 Studio 10. (PG)

S.W.A.T. (Mav) The team searches for a group of extremists.

The Latest: Seven News.

Heartbreak Island Australia. (Mls)

Medical Emergency. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today.

Seven Early News.

Suburban Gangsters: Lennie McPherson And Stan Smith – The Team. (MA15+l, R) A look at Lennie McPherson and Stan Smith.

Nine News Late.

Fortunate Son. (Mdv)

Emergence. (Mhv, R) 1.00 Hello SA.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s

up her sleeves and got stuck into those issues instead of issuing pretty glossy pamphlets.

John Cain, McCrae

on community’

I note with some interest that Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is listing affordable housing as one of it’s priorities (“Shire ‘shouts’ for money” The News 4/10/22).

People may be aware that both the state and federal governments have committed billions to building additional housing. However, to do that they need to work with councils and the organi sations to find suitable land and develop partner ships to build. The problem we have here is that the council has crab-walked away from options for affordable housing to be built on council owned land that have been identified. The big gest one was at Capel Sound where council gave in to a local campaign to stop affordable housing being built (“Social housing site rejected” The News 13/9/22). The saddest thing was that the council had not even identified what type of affordable housing it would be or who would be the targeted population to occupy it.

It is the reality that even those on median incomes like nurses, childcare workers, hospi tality workers are now unable to afford rental properties on the peninsula. While one answer is to encourage those who have houses that are unoccupied for a significant part of the year to make their properties available for rental, the other is to build more housing.

to even low intensity fire”.

The risk to human life caused by a bushfire if this highly flammable weed catches on fire during the fire seasons of spring, summer and autumn is one that needs to be mitigated by VicRoads urgently.

As we are aware there are huge numbers of visitors to the tourist attractions of the Eagle Chairlift, the Enchanted Maze and Seawinds Gardens over most weekends and holidays, therefore the risk to these tourists becoming trapped by a bushfire at the top of Arthurs Seat is alarming.

VicRoads is shunning its responsibility to tour ists using this road if does nothing to eradicate this weed which has almost completely infested the roadside.

There appears to be no past or future plan to remove the Boneseed by VicRoads.

I have written to VicRoads about this issue, but I have received no response.

Mary Waterman, Arthurs Seat

Running at loss

There is much debate about public transport on the Mornington Peninsula (“Push for improved public transport” The News 27/9/22).

Still no care

Mornington Peninsula Shire has done it again.

So many people still have not had any In home support since our illustrious councillors voted to ditch us. We were referred to as “scaremongering activists” by one councillor, when we raised it.

There has been no response or acknowledge ment of the damage caused by their decision, from the CEO or councillors.

To add insult to injury the shire has now asked for nominations for the Delys Sergeant Age Friendly Award, to recognise the contributions older people make to our communities.

Without support, many of us are less able to do what we formerly did. What a joke.

Barb Rimington, Balnarring

A private matter

One cannot help but sympathise with the resi dents of Martha Cove having to contend with hordes of fishermen who regularly invade the area. I have seen them myself passing in our boat and often get abuse for proceeding through their lines.

However, I do not think that this is a problem that should be shunted solely to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.

age” nor of a “broken heart” for that matter. What they actually die of is the medical prob lems that come with advanced age or with the real misery of suffering a broken heart. To say a person dies of “old age” is just too simplistic.

Mary Lane, Mornington

Successfull grocery grab

Mornington Lions Club recently participated in the Lions Cord Blood Foundation Grocery Grab 2022.

Money raised will be divided between the foundation and the local Mornington Lions Club which will donate to those in need in the com munity.

The foundation supplies funding for the ongo ing research of cord blood collected from the umbilical cords of newborns. The stem cells, when processed from the cord blood, help chil dren in their fight against leukaemia.

The lucky Grocery Grab winners winners were Mason ($400 Woolworths voucher donated by the Lions Cord Blood Foundation), Christine and Bob ($100 and $50 Bunnings vouchers do nated by Mornington Lions), and Lena and Sue ($50 Woolworths vouchers donated by Wool worths Bentons Square).

Mornington Lions Club president Aileen Shaw extended thanks to the generous community for supporting this cause and the much appreciated co-operation of Bentons Square management in providing the venue for this fundraising event.

Patricia Forsyth, Mornington Lions Club

Birds make a mess

Far from funny

Marg D’Arcy, Rye

However, it appears that on the peninsula noone wants affordable housing in their neighbour hood and the council is unable to convince them otherwise. That is a sad indictment on our com munity.

Surely they are kidding? Mornington Peninsula Shire “shout out” campaign to secure promises of money in the lead up to the November state election (“Shire ‘shouts’ for money” The News 4/10/22). More grist for the mill on the “worst ever” satisfactory survey (“Shire hits ‘all time’ low in satisfaction” The News 4/10/22). Right wing political nonsense from our born to rule councillors, not forgetting the dumping of our cleaning people, our handyman services and the ridiculous expenditure on the coloured brochure in our letter boxes.

If it wasn’t so outrageous it could be funny but, alas, far from it. Vultures come to mind. Breathing slowly from the diaphragm. “They may look like idiots and talk like idiots, but don’t let that fool you. They really are idiots,” Groucho Marx. Cliff Ellen, Rye

Boneseed fire risk

I am extremely concerned about the fire risk of the highly flammable South African noxious weed called boneseed. This yellow flowering weed is growing all along Arthur’s Seat Road which winds up from the bottom to the top of Arthurs Seat as well as at the lookout areas. VicRoads is responsible for any foliage growing within two metres of the roadside.

The Department of Agriculture states that “boneseed is well adapted to fire, responding more rapidly than native species and responding

I wonder how the [east-west] bus service is even financially viable, since few people seem to pay any longer.

Martha Cove is private property and the residents have it within their power to engage whatever security measures are needed to en force compliance with the body corporate rules at their own expense.

Tina Bennett, Tyabb

Driver responsibility

Both the first full speed hump and the smaller ones close to the intersection of Myers and Hen dersons roads, Bittern that have 20kmh speed signs on them do not cause any problems if the driver slows to the suggested speed or below (“Bumpy ride for wheelchairs” Letters 4/10/22).

If the driver of a vehicle has a wheelchair patient on board then it is their responsibility to drive to the conditions and at such a speed they don’t throw their passenger around.

If they cannot do that then they should hand their license in.

Job for an MP

Brian Fox, Bittern

The Liberal National Party gives money to wealthy developers but only “fights” for funding for projects affecting their electorate. Perhaps [Flinders MP] Zoe McKenzie should ask [her predecessor] Greg Hunt just where in the office did he put the phantom $70 million for the Jetty Road, Rosebud overpass. That could then be one less item she’ll have to fight for.

Good luck with the electrification of the Frankston to Baxter rail line. The internal road system is a shire responsibility, only the major roads are maintained by VicRoads, a state responsibility.

The LNP have held this seat since way back when Bob Chynoweth held it for Labor, so they have had all those years to improve telecommu nications.

It will be interesting to see how Zoe performs in her first term. It would be better if she rolled

If there is non-compliance with planning permit conditions, then the council has a role to ensure that these conditions are observed.

The photo shows a large number of residents lined up against four fishermen (“Petition to tackle fishing ‘problem’ at marina” The News 27/9/22). Apart from looking and tut-tutting, what did they do?

The police will not respond to calls from residents in these circumstances, so the alterna tive is for council to request police support to enforce planning permit conditions. If there is wide-spread defecation and physical threats with knives occurring complaints could be made to the police for this and indecent exposure.

A more effective approach would be to engage security people or patrol the canal on a jet ski to scatter the fish. I don’t know what the legal status of the breakwater is, but if they are to be confined to that area at least the residents will get some substantial relief. Excess bag limits can also be policed by Fisheries officers. Constant harassment is an effective tool.

Barry James Rumpf, McCrae

Simplistic diagnosis

When we consider just how Queen Elizabeth II was when she died recently, there seems to be three factors.

Firstly, she had recently lost her husband, the love of her life. Secondly, she caught COVID, who knows what effect that had on her health?

Thirdly, she was 96 and no doubt had some health issues as a result of reaching that age.

However, what have the doctors put on her death certificate? She died of “old age”.

I thought no one was supposed to die of “old

If Mornington. Peninsula Shire Council wishes to clean up some excrement, I suggest a visit to Main Street, Mornington, particularly at the bus stop outside The Village shopping centre (“Cost ly outcome for not cleaning up dog poo” The News 4/10/22). Birds roost in the very pleasant tree that grows there, and they do what creatures do before bed or maybe when they wake up.

Instead of some of the half-baked projects the council happily spends our money on, perhaps it could ensure the pavement on Main Street is subject to regular cleaning, and I don’t mean quarterly.

There are several trees lining Main Street, and the problem is common to them all. Not pleasant for a tourist town.

Jack Wheeler, Mornington

Questions not asked

Frankston Council claims its recent satisfaction survey is a good guide to the public’s perception as to how it is performing.

It should be noted only 800 people were surveyed, which is less than half a percent of the population, and one must question as to whether the responders were handpicked. Was the survey taken before or after it was made public about two councillors spending $30,000 of ratepayers money on legal costs?

If the council wants an honest appraisal then it should be far more transparent on these matters. I realise it has met its legal obligations, but why not be proactive instead of defensive.

I hope it does not hide behind the excuse of cost as one could be done entirely on line on a voluntary basis.

John Roberts, Frankston

All Hail Me: Mega Bowling-Lord Extraordinaire

By Stuart McCullough

was, to put it mildly, unexpected.

an evening on which I anticipated keeping a very low profile, I ended up being crowned king and supreme ruler. Had I known that a simple after noon at a lawn bowls club would end with my coronation if not deification, I would probably have worn a better shirt. But some are born to greatness. Others have greatness thrust upon them. And then there’s the rest of us for whom greatness just rolls along as it pleases until it comes to a gradual resting touch. So it is with lawn bowls. This was the second time I’d ever set foot inside a bowls club. The first was decades ago in St Kilda to see one of my all time favourite bands, You Am I, play. Although they may well be terrific lawn bowlers for all I know, they stuck to playing rock music. And, as music goes, it was a great gig but it wasn’t much of a sporting event. Which, in retrospect, made my deci sion to dress in bowling whites all the more unfortunate. I’ll only say that I was misinformed as the venue entry requirements. Besides the ensuing mockery, I’ll simply say that bowling whites will always come off second best in a mosh pit. Always.

But this time, my visit to a lawn bowls club was different. This was no late night gig but an afternoon that would casually slip into the evening by which time spirits would be high and great sporting achievements would be honoured. My partner plays football.

In fact, she plays football really, really well. And this year, her football club’s end of season shindig was being held at a local bowling green. Naturally, I

went as her ‘plus one’.

I say ‘football’ instead of ‘soccer’ because I quickly learned that refer ring to God’s own game as ‘soccer’ is akin to referring to Penfold’s Grange

as ‘go-juice’ while drinking it from a plastic sippy cup, and is something that only the most ignorant of neo phytes would do. I’ve also learned to refer to potato chips as ‘crisps’ and

to ‘Eurovision’ as awesome. There’s been a lot of talk, too, about the World Cup but, to be honest, I’m still trying to get my head around that one. All I can tell you is that Meat Loaf won’t be playing at half time. I know because I expressly asked.

The end of year knees-up was dedicated to celebrating the sporting achievements of the club, whatever form they took. From great victories and bags of goals and glory, through to narrowly avoiding relegation – the teams within the club had experienced it all. For my part, I was there as the partner, not the star attraction, which is the role I feel I was born to play.

In attending, my mission was simple: don’t get sunburned and don’t do or say anything embarrassing that would result in being disowned. It was, with out a doubt, a low bar. As it happens, there was also a low bar directly be hind the bowling green that was doing a roaring trade, but I took up a discreet position against a wall and watched.

Early on in the pandemic, I stopped drinking alcohol. I’m not sure why. It was event without drama – there was no bottom of the barrel (or bottle) mo ment. Rather, it was a gradual loss of interest that was hurried along by a general sense that the world was spi raling out of control. That was more than two years ago, and I’m still very much enjoying life without it. But when it comes to lawn bowls, would being sober give me an unfair advan tage?

room, some of the teams were large, loud and were limbering up. Given the warm up exercises they were doing, I could only assume that some of them were intending to bowl over-arm off a long run-up. I was nervous.

I’ll admit there was a learning curve. One that saw my bowl skive off the green and into the path of someone else’s before high-tailing it to the gut ter. But the next one was better and, by some miracle, we won our match. And the next one and the one after that. Within an hour, we were in the grand final. The atmosphere was electric. The other team was taking things very seriously indeed, but our team held its nerve and we ultimately prevailed.

As the medal declaring me ‘Lawn Bowls Champion – 2022’ was being hung around my neck, it occurred to me that I may have made a mistake. Attending a sporting club function as the ‘plus one’ and designated driver, I had no business winning anything. Much less winning against a group of highly competitive humans. Mind you, I suspect I’ll have to return the medal once the results of the random drug test come back and it’s revealed that I was stone cold sober.

I wasn’t the only winner that night. As I sat at our table, I watched as my partner collected a ‘golden boot’ award. Unlike my medal, her trophy was hard earned and richly deserved. It was quite a night. And if you’d asked me a year ago whether being a ‘plus one’ at a sports team function held in a bowling club would be a glo rious experience, I’d have thought you were mad. It’s funny what time does.

Looking around the

We were broken up into teams. One of our players had played the game be fore and another had seen the movie ‘Crackerjack’.

Archbishop Mannix visits Hastings

Compiled by Cameron McCullough

AT 3.15 on Sunday afternoon

Archbishop Mannix arrived by car at Hastings.

His arrival was the signal for a cheer by the children attending the Catholic School.

He went straight to the Convent of the Sisters of St. Josephs and there performed the ceremony for which he had come from town – that of blessing the new building.

The ceremony over, His Grace as cended to a platform erected between the Convent and the school accompa nied by Father O’Hagan, Dean Carey and several other clergy.

Father O’Hagan, in outlining the reason for the visit of His Grace, Archbishop Mannix, said that though the school of which they were all so proud and had worked so hard for was now clear of debt, the other build ing – the new Convent – was rolling in debt.

The building cost £1600, £290 of which had been paid.

That was a lot of money, a large sum easily slipped of the tongue, but very hard to wipe off the slate.

A collection, however, was being made as he spoke, he said, and before His Grace spoke he would read out the list of subscribers.

The people, though not wealthy, had already done marvels, but he knew they would again rise to the occasion.

Dean Carey followed Father O’Hagan. He spoke most interestingly on Hastings as he knew it many years ago, when he had administered it as part of the Parish of Elsternwick, and

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the only way of getting to it was by Cobb & Co’s coach.

Today there were 21 clergy where he had reigned and as the Archbishop mentioned later, all he recognised in the district was the seal.

Dr. McGuire, a missionary from China, spoke briefly, thanking sin cerely the Sisters and the children, with their parents, for the keen and practical interest which they were tak ing in the mission field.

Father O’Hagan then read out the subscription list, headed by His Grace and himself with £20 each. The total donations received amounted to £170.

His Grace on rising, received a warm greeting from his people gath ered to hear him.

Catholics, he said, the world over, did great things, and he doubted whether anywhere they had done as much as the people of Hastings had done.

He was glad to see Father O’Hagan restored to health, and in such good humor, and also to see so many mem bers of the clergy present.

He could talk a great deal on the school and about the Sisters.

The Sisters of the Order of St. Jo seph were second to none. The Order was an Australian Order, and being such should find a warm corner in the hearts of all Australian Catholics.

As teachers they undertook duties and work that others were afraid to face.

It was never an easy matter to find teachers, but where they were required there were the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Theirs as a great work, for it was from the backblocks of Australia where they labored that the future magnates of the city would be re cruited.

It was a matter of special credit to the Sisters that the Hastings school stood on terms of equality with Mel bourne schools, as Father O’Hagan re ported from the Inspector of Schools.

“We,” he continued, “are suffering from a burden almost too great to bear. For 50 years we have contribut ed every penny to keep in our schools, while at the same time we have been taxed for the upkeep of State Schools.

“We have contributed in order that these schools may now celebrate their jubilee.

“The first day I ever arrived in this country I had the hardihood to say that this was a disgrace to all Australians who are otherwise fair and broadminded in their outlook.

“We are compelled for conscien tious reasons to put up our own schools, and we should therefore either be assisted by the State or set apart and freed of such taxes.

“If we get such a concession we will engage to keep our schools up to standard. If not, we will certainly never give up our schools.

“State Schools are celebrating their Jubilee. I received an invitation to be present. Probably it was sent without thought or malice, but I could con sider it an offence to be asked to be present at such a celebration.

“When they established this system they thought they were going to upset Catholicism in Australia.

“It was to be the thin end of the wedge that was to rend us asunder.

“Fifty years have passed and we are more united than ever, more ready to make sacrifices.

“Our need now is more Australian priests, or Irish, if they are not avail able.

“And these people – what have they to say. Their churches – free seats, all welcome – are empty – it is their own statement.

“Sorry to say our seats are not free, but if anyone cannot afford it they come just the same.

“Their churches are empty – ours are full; and the reason is not far to seek, for ours is the True Church and theirs – is not.

“And to a great extent because they do not teach their religion in their schools. Their own Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne referred to the Act as the most desolating piece of legislation he had ever heard of.

“Nor could he see how the church could support such an Act, and not turn their backs on Christ their Master.

“His prediction had come true. Des olation has come in their churches, and on themselves.

“I did not go to the celebration, but I shouldn’t be surprised if the Anglican clergy and others were there. “Cer tainly the schools deserve great credit for their secular work, but then side by side with that see how the system has helped to Paganise Australia.

“We pay heavily for our schools, but thank God our church 50 years ago did not accept the State School system.

“We are doing our duty by God and our church. The ground once ruled over by Dr. Carey is now ministered to by twenty-one priests. I wish that the secular rulers had copied the church in this.

“Had they, Australia would now have 20 to 30 millions of people, as against her 5 and 6.

The cry now is to bring people out. There is plenty room for them if the country is properly divided, but the people who have first claim are the people who have been bred and born in Australia.

“I have just travelled the Riverina and coming from Balraneld across the Murray traversed over 3000 miles by car.

“I was told that all that land comprised seven stations. God never intended that to be.

“All that land should not be held by seven people, nor 70. There are young Australians living there accustomed to earning their living on the land look ing for ground.

“They put in for a plot and 100 to 300 compete against them, and yet there is land and to spare if properly divided up.

“These things have been on my mind since my recent tour, and I felt I must ventilate them. If they are not in accord with your ideas then find a bet ter policy and stand up to it, and see that Australia’s flag is top of the pole.” ***

From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 13 October 1922

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Brittain wins it for Langy, collapse costs Somerville, opener's knock secures Carrum Downs the win

By Brodie Cowburn PROVINCIAL

AN unbeaten knock of 95 from Chris Brittain proved the difference between Langwarrin and Red Hill last week end.

Red Hill were first in to bat on Sat urday. They played well, setting Lang warrin a target of 201 to win.

Luke Robertson and Simon Dart were Red Hill’s best, scoring 42 runs each. Matthew Prosser’s three wickets helped to restrict Red Hill’s total.

Prosser backed up his good show ing with the ball with a handy innings as opener. He got Langwarrin off to a good start with a knock of 36.

First drop batter Brittain took the game by the scruff of the neck. He smashed 95 runs during his innings, hitting eight fours and three sixes.

Brittain’s efforts proved the differ ence. Langwarrin chased Red Hill’s total down with four wickets and three overs to spare.

Old Peninsula picked up a hard fought win at home over Pines on Saturday. They chased down a target of 127 with just three wickets left to spare.

Long Island and Baden Powell rounded out the winner’s list with victories over Baxter and Sorrento re spectively.

PENINSULA

A MIDDLE order collapse cost Somerville the game against Heather hill on Saturday.

The two sides faced off at Somer ville Reserve. Heatherhill batted first and faced some struggles at the crease.

Heatherhill lost 4/10 at one stage. They finished their innings on 120, leaving the door open for Somerville to get the win.

Jack Kennedy bowled beautifully for Somerville. He posted figures of 6/28.

Somerville’s run chase never gath ered any momentum. After number four batter Leigh Lowry was dis missed for 27 the wheels fell off.

Somerville’s next five batters were dismissed for scores of 4, 11, 6, 1, and 5. They ended up all out for 116, five runs short of victory.

Seaford Tigers picked up a seven wicket win over Flinders at home last weekend. On the road, Mornington picked up a good win over Dromana.

Mt Eliza had little trouble dispatch ing Moorooduc on Saturday. They won by nine wickets.

DISTRICT

OPENER Brad Lockhart’s sensa tional unbeaten 98 secured Carrum Downs a win last weekend.

Carrum Downs played Seaford at RF Miles Reserve on Saturday. Sea ford batted first and were bowled out for 173.

Lockhart opened the batting for

Carrum Downs, and took control of the match. He smashed 98 runs from 100 balls, carrying his bat through the innings.

Lockhart’s mammoth effort helped Carrum Downs pick up a five wicket win with just over three overs to play.

Delacombe Park had an excel lent day at home in their round two matchup against Hastings. The home side scored freely, making 245 runs and losing just three wickets. Hast ings were dismissed for 165, 80 runs short of a result.

Rosebud picked up a comfortable win over Crib Point on Saturday.

SUB DISTRICT

RYE have picked up a narrow win over Frankston YCW.

Rye played YCW at RJ Rowley Re serve on Saturday. Frankston YCW batted first and set their opponents a total of 134 to chase down.

Justin Barnes was pick of the bowl

ers for Rye. He took 3/15 off eight overs.

Rye had some early difficulties at the crease, but the efforts of opener Nathan Hunt kept them in it. Hunt made 53 runs while early wickets fell around him.

A strong showing from the middle order kept Rye chugging along, but a late collapse threatened to sink them.

Despite losing 3/7 late in the game, Rye managed to scrape over the line. They won with two wickets to spare and one over left to play.

Tootgarook had it easier on Sat urday. They smashed Skye by nine wickets, winning with 17 overs left to play.

Balnarring picked up a good win on the road against Ballam Park on Sat urday. Mt Martha and Boneo scored victories over Tyabb and Pearcedale respectively.

Bailing out: Rye couldn't get to Frankston YCW's 102 in their run chase in Sub-District 2nds. Picture: Craig Barrett

Elliott, Steedman join Strikers

SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie

PENINSULA Strikers announced on Friday that they had signed Steve El liott and Campbell Steedman from Mornington.

There’s a sense of unfinished busi ness at Centenary Park after just missing out on promotion from State 2 this year and both new signings are expected to play pivotal roles in the club’s title tilt in 2023.

Strikers now have joint senior coaches in Donn Delaney and Scott Morrison with the latter switching from Mornington so he’s well posi tioned to assess the newcomers.

“There’d been initial contact with Campbell before I got involved (with Strikers) but obviously when I got in volved it was a no brainer to get him on board,” Morrison said.

“He brings attacking flair which is pretty exciting, he’s quick as and he’s going to cause some teams real head aches with his speed and how danger ous he is going forward.

“It’s exciting to think about the di versity he brings as he can play on ei ther wing or through the middle.”

Morrison describes Elliott as “a massive signing” both on and off the pitch.

“Stevie flagged his interest over a week ago and as soon as I found out I got straight onto the phone.

“On the pitch he gives us the quality of his football and his leadership but just as importantly off the pitch it’s what he brings to the group especially the young boys in terms of teaching them and guiding them.”

Steedman, 21, started his football journey at Mount Eliza before joining Bulleen’s NPL under-18s and making his mark in impressive fashion.

He spearheaded a successful cham pionship tilt in 2018 and won the league’s Golden Boot award with a 27-goal haul.

He played in Bulleen’s under-20s the following year with the team fin ishing second to Melbourne City.

It was with the under-20s that he switched from playing through the middle to often being used in a wide role.

He joined Mornington for the 2021 season and it was as a winger that Steedman was primarily called upon.

“When I first met with the people at Strikers they asked me what posi tion I preferred to play and I told them I liked playing out wide,” Steedman said.

He seems certain to get more game time at Centenary Park but switching to Strikers and playing in a division

below Mornington was prompted by other reasons too.

“I know a few of the players there and they’re good guys and I like the direction the club is taking.

“They don’t expect much of a play er turnover so if they keep the squad and maybe add a couple more sign ings I think they’ll be well positioned to challenge for promotion.”

Elliott, 34, didn’t take long to estab lish himself as a top-class defender with Mornington after arriving from England in November 2014.

He won the players’ player of the year and best and fairest awards in his first season at Dallas Brooks Park as Mornington captured the first of backto-back titles in State 1 South-East.

Elliott switched to Doveton in 2019 for a short stint before returning to Mornington but he stepped away from the sport last season choosing to concentrate on parenting his young

Sudoku and crossword solutions

family.

Watching the exciting climax to the State 1 season with both Mornington and Strikers just missing promotion in the final round of matches sparked his interest in returning.

He spoke with Strikers assistant coach and good friend Jason Symonds and met with the club early last week.

Three days later it was a done deal.

“I’m excited by the challenge and I’m excited about what the future could hold for Strikers,” Elliott said.

“I’m impressed with the club not just on but off the field.

“They want to go for promotion, they want to be successful and they want me to be a part of that.”

Strikers are likely to have 19 to 20 players in their senior squad and are understood to have two more signings on their radar.

The buzz about the club is in stark contrast to the previous pre-sea

son when critics decried the senior squad’s quality and thought the team would be fortunate to avoid relega tion.

Delaney was in his first year as a senior coach and these critics knew little of his extensive NPL junior knowledge and his ability to put to gether an exciting and competitive young side.

“Donn has a wonderful relation ship with those younger guys around the ages of 20, 21 who have been in volved with the NPL program,” Mor rison said.

“He built trust with his players and everyone tells me the culture in the dressing room was amazing.

“They had an unbelievable season and played good attacking football and got on a roll.

“I think when injuries hit they stum bled a bit and probably lacked experi ence in closing off some games.”

No doubt Strikers hope Elliott’s capture goes some way to addressing that issue.

In other news the Mount Eliza Cup kicked off last weekend with 172 jun ior teams competing in the annual tournament.

Boys’ teams from under 7s to un der 15s were in action at Mount Eliza Secondary College and the under 14 and under 15 finals will take place this Saturday at Frankston Pines’ Monterey Reserve headquarters start ing at 11.30am.

This weekend is a girls-only event at the secondary college with teams from under 8s to under 16s in action.

Mount Eliza director of football Gary Talbot believes that “around 50 clubs” are represented.

“It’s the biggest junior tournament on the peninsula,” Talbot said.

“It’s been going for 10 years now and continues to grow.”

Strikers signings: Steve Elliott (left) and Campbell Steedman have joined Peninsula Strikers. Pictures: Supplied