NEWS DESK
End of the line for net fishing the bay NET fishing is now banned in Port Phillip. In 2014, the state government announced that it would phase out commercial netting in the bay by 2022. The ban came into effect last week. The Victorian Fisheries Authority website states that 35 of the original 43 net fishers at Port Phillip Bay have left, with eight commercial operators now remaining. Those staying will be directed to not use nets. The state government has spent $27 million in taxpayer funding on converting the Port Phillip commercial fishing industry to a hook and line snapper fishery. It hopes that fishers will now have access to another 600 tonnes of fish a year after the change. Fishing and boating minister Melissa Horne said
“ending commercial netting in Port Phillip was a promise we made when we were elected eight years ago, and it’s a promise we’ve kept, signalling a bright future for fishing in Victoria”. “We have listened to recreational fishers who were seeing fewer fish in Port Phillip Bay as a result of commercial trawling and have worked to maintain the right balance between what that sector wants, while still ensuring a robust alternative supply of fresh seafood for Victorians,” Ms Horne said. “We know how important Port Phillip is to recreational fishers which is why we are also investing in better facilities like fish cleaning tables, boat ramps and trailer parking.” The state government says it will work with Jobs Victoria to support workers affected by the change.
STEVEN Relf and Ben Scullin from VRFish, Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny, fishing and boating minister Melissa Horne, David Kramer from Future Fish Foundation, and Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson (L to R) at Patterson River. Picture: Supplied
Zero signs rubbed out MEMBERS of the Flinders Zero Carbon Community were disappointed to see newly erected signs displaying the town’s move to net zero emissions by 2030 painted over. Mark Aarons said the vandalism had cost ratepayers’ money and was against the community sentiment for taking local action to make a difference to climate change. “It would seem to be done by someone who doesn’t agree with the net zero message,” he said. Installation of the signs, as well as other work of the group, are supported by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and another volunteer group called eMPower. Flinders is the first satellite community as part of a future decarbonisation and renewables energy network in the shire. “It’s disappointing to see someone felt the need resort to vandalism, forcing the council to redo the designs and leaving the cost for ratepayers,” Mr Aarons said.
The mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said the signs had been taken to the shire’s depot to see if the paint could be removed. “While it’s disappointing that the sign has been defaced, we’re thrilled our community is taking a proactive approach to climate change,” he said. “We were happy to partner with the Flinders Community Association to install these signs as part of our commitment to providing direct support for community climate action. “It’s great to see the association fully supporting council’s goal of net-zero emissions across the peninsula. Flinders Zero Carbon Community’s next planned event is on Easter Saturday 16 April, and will focus on providing information on electric cars. For details about climate action got to mornpen.vic.gov.au/climatechange or Facebook, Flinders Zero Carbon Community Liz Bell
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Mornington News
12 April 2022
THERE’S a new employment services provider coming to town, aiming to transform the lives of residents of the Mornington Peninsula, and they’re looking for readers of the Mornington News to join them. Asuria has been helping people to reach their job and career goals for over 25 years, and from July, they’re going to be bringing their expertise to job seekers on the Mornington Peninsula. To make that happen, they’re opening up their doors to people interested in taking up new roles as Job Coaches/Mentors, and support staff - helping people to find and stay in work that matters. Job applicants don’t even need to have any experience to get started in the employment services industry, with training provided to help them become part of a new wave of first-class Job Coaches. What makes a successful Asuria Job Coach/ Mentor is a combination of empathy, the ability to build relationships, a commitment to excellent customer service, and everyday office skills, with things like Microsoft Office, Word, or Excel. More than anything though, Asuria is looking for people with a passion for helping others. In exchange, the company promises ongoing support for its staff, combined with job security and the ability to reach their job and career dreams by helping others to reach theirs. Cynthia Jennings, a Community Engagement Officer, says of her experience with Asuria: “At Asuria we’re all a part of something which we call Enterprising Heart, which really sums up what it’s like to be part of the company.” When it comes to what being an Asuria Job Coach/Mentor, or Community Engagement Officer is all about, Cynthia says: “The way I help participants discover their dream roles is by really sitting down and getting to know them, building a rapport with them, and establishing trust and understanding.
“As Job Coaches, when we’re able to do that and really get to the heart of who people are, what they're interested in, and what they love to do, that’s when we get to make a real difference in people’s lives.” On what people on the Mornington Peninsula can get out of a career with Asuria, Cynthia says: “You'll know when you’ve found your dream job, when you're able to have fun with your team, when you feel that support behind you, and when you turn up every day wanting to put your best foot forward for the people you’re there to help. I'm very lucky because I've been able to find that with Asuria.” Job opportunities with Asuria are open now. So if you’re interested in seeing if you have what it takes to be an Asurian, helping the people in your community to find and stay in work that matters, visit www.asuria.com.au/ careers.
Cynthia Jennings. Photo: supplied