NEWS DESK
Shire staff kept on ‘to help community’ MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire staff have reportedly been spared the full impact of redundancy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate services director Mark Brady said none of the shire’s 1200 staff had been affected and there had been “no formal stand downs”. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said: “We have made a strong commitment to share the pain. Our staff are mostly local people and keeping them on is beneficial to our community.” However, staff in neighbouring municipalities have not been so fortunate – some having been laid off without assistance. Canberra-based Liberal Senator for Victoria David Van said he had been “approached over the past few weeks by council employees who find themselves out of a job due to COVID-19 and have not been redeployed by their employing councils”. “While I was pleased to see the Victorian government take responsibility for casual public sector employees through the jobs and skills exchange program, I was disappointed that they chose not to extend this support to employees of local councils and their subsidiaries.”
Senator Van said council employees who lost their jobs were being supported by the federal government’s JobSeeker payment and coronavirus supplement, but were “ignored by the Andrews’ government”. “For example, nearly 300 employees at Frankston’s Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre have been stood down and neither the council nor the state government are supporting them,” he said. Senator Van said the national cabinet had agreed on 3 April that “state governments are responsible for helping local councils manage the impact of COVID-19”. “As such I call upon the Victorian government … to support the Victorian local council employees who they are currently leaving behind.” Cr Hearn said he lamented that “one of the big gaps in local government” was that it could not take advantage of the federal JobKeeper program or any state government financial packages. “They have excluded local government and there is no mechanism to support council staff,” he said. Stephen Taylor
Restrictions end fish handouts GOVERNMENT-imposed restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have had unforeseen effects on wildlife. The ban on fishing has obviously been a lifesaver for many fish, but it has also (temporarily) ended the symbiotic relationship between pelicans and anglers at Hastings.
When the boats leave the pelicans usually sit patiently on pier pylons or light towers secure in the knowledge that a meal will be on the way when fish are cleaned back on shore. Joined by seagulls (who are also no slouch at scavenging) the pelicans are now reduced to actually doing some fishing themselves or receiving
handouts from the public until fresh, hand-delivered fish is back on the menu. And when someone does come along to the car park near Hastings pier with what appears to be a meal in a moment, guess who’s waiting to come to dinner? Picture: Fran Henke
ONLINE DELIVERY&TAKE-AWAY
ENJOY QUALITY CHOC TOPS AT HOME! The Choc Top Ice Cream Co. is now offering a range of delicious choc top packages that can be purchased online, picked up from our factory and enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. If you can’t get out to the movies......thankfully you can recreate the movie experience at home. Simply place an order online and then pick up your order on Friday between 12 noon and 6pm. All our choc tops are made with premium quality ingredients and they taste great! thechoctopicecreamcompany ordernow.square.site 2/22 Bennetts Rd, Mornington
PAGE 12
Mornington News
12 May 2020
DRIVE THROUGH PICK UP available via the bottle shop at rear of 124 main st Mornington No need to even get out of the car for all your favourites, including the classic parma, eggplant parma, lasagne, roast chicken, curries, beef & steak burgers and sticky date pudding. Lunch 12pm - 2pm Dinner 5pm - 8 pm Seniors hour and discounted menu from 5pm to 6pm Full bottle shop range still available for purchasing Check out our website and facebook page for the full menus and drink specials. TO PLACE YOUR ORDER PH 5975 2001 124 main st Mornington
SATISFYING YOUR HUNGER WITH LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURE. You can’t go past our delicious steaks, ribs and prawns, cooked to your personal pallet. With a selection of sauces to tempt you one step further. Add a bottle of wine from our wide selection to make your dinner special. For your full dining pleasure view our THE STEAK SPECIALISTS ‘DINE AT HOME’ MENU! FREE DELIVERY to Mornington, Mt Eliza, Mt Martha, Moorooduc Minimum $50 order. $15 Charge for Frankston South, Frankston, Somerville and Safety Beach FREE delivery for orders over $150 Order online www.squiresloftmornington.com or call 5976 8482 Pick ups welcome. 104 Main St. Mornington
WE ARE STILL VERY MUCH OPEN FOR BUSINESS! Come and surprise yourself with a visit to a chocolate shop that will amaze with its variety, wild flavours and innovation. Have you tried milk chocolate covered salt and vinegar crisps or pretzels, chocolate pizzas or even dates in the dark? It’s mind blowing! We are open Monday to Thursday 8am-5pm Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 12noon-4pm. Chocolate Grove Shop & Living History Centre 48-50 Aster Avenue, Carrum Downs Ph 9775 1888 facebook.com/chocolategrove
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The Grand is still providing our full take away menu to make sure you are able to get the same delicious meals even with the restaurant closed