NEWS DESK Watch out for dolphins THE warm weather has returned and with it are the visitors who love the Mornington Peninsula’s beaches as much as its dolphins do. With only weeks to go until the influx of summer crowds, watercraft users and swimmers are being reminded that “dolphin distancing” is important to protect the marine mammals and allow everyone to enjoy the beach safely. Boats and paddle craft must stay at least 100 metres away from dolphins, jet skis must be at least 300 metres away, and swimmers and surfers must keep a distance of at least 30 metres. The Conservation Regulator, a state government authority, also advises that if dolphins approach water users they should slow down and not interact with them. In 2011, the death of a two-month-old dolphin calf at London Bridge, Portsea prompted a community outcry, with tour operators saying they had seen jet-ski riders chasing the mammals. The two-month-old female dolphin had a broken skull and jaw, which the former DSE, now the Department of Environment, Education, and Climate Action, said was probably caused by a boat or a jet-ski. Jet skis are believed to have a bigger impact on dolphins if they do hit them, due to their wave jumping capability and maneuverability. A DEECA spokesman at the time said swift action would be taken if the dolphin was found to have been hit deliberately. He said a court could impose fines up to $100,000 and DEECA would seize the craft involved. Breaches can be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. The Dolphin Research Institute runs the Dolphin Distancing program, an awareness and education program that water users and dolphin advocates can join to learn more and be part of dolphin protection. To join go to dolphinresearch.org.au/commit-to-dolphin.../
Music helps make a Splash on Mondays Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au TOOTGAROOK musician and raconteur Kevin Vis has lived a colourful life, travelling the world seeking adventure and meaning, and creating music wherever he goes. A bit of a jack-of-all trades, New Zealandborn Vis has worked in the fitness industry and been a landscaper and boat skipper, and even played fictional Australian character Keith Elliot in the Swedish soap opera Friends and Enemies. There were many distractions and deviations before Vis found his way to the Mornington Peninsula in 2001, including playing in bands in Europe and rubbing shoulders with the glitterati of the international music world, but on his own admission, his current Rosebud gig for the homeless is the most rewarding and humbling. Vis plays with his partner Dee Brown as the duo The Calmer Miles at venues around the peninsula, but every Monday he takes his guitar to Rosebud foreshore where he strums away in the background while the Splash team provides support and food for rough sleepers and those in need. He says some people listen, some hum along, and others just carry on with “their business”, of surviving. “But the wonderful thing for me is that it’s a great vibe down there and it’s a great feeling to be able to add to that vibe and see some smiles and people humming or just lying under a tree tapping their toes to the music,” he said. “There is such a need in the community at the moment, and I’m only there for an hour or so but it’s great to being part of something that is good and positive.” Vis says there is “a lot of energy” to the scene at Rosebud foreshore when the Splash team visit on Mondays, and he feels he can be a “pied
NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE To all those Unsinkable Guys out there – You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the life jacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions. But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men. Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.
UNSINKABLE GUY
RETHINK
TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER PAGE 12
Mornington News
12 December 2023
Seaside serenade: Journeyman musician Kevin Vis brings music and calm to Rosebud foreshore every Monday. Picture: Gary Sissons piper” to draw people in to enjoy the music. “Music does that, it brings people in, and I’d even like to bring some drums and maybe get people involved in the music,” he said. During his Monday sessions, Vis plays an aptly named Vagabond guitar, which he helped design with Seaford guitar aficionado James
Cargill, son of guitar maker Merv Cargill. The Vagabond is a smaller, shorter and lightweight guitar that has a bold sound but is easier to handle and manage, and can be used by people in wheelchairs, travellers or just those who can’t handle a large guitar.
