Issuu

NEWS DESK

Library futures assured – shire Neil Walker neil@mpnews.com.au

for a few days each to achieve this,” Mr Adams said. “It will also allow us to better manage the library stock.” Australian Services Union organiser Prescilla Schwalger told The News last week that seven librarians have been offered voluntary redundancies by council and other roles are “substantially” changing amid fears of further job cuts (‘End of story for library staff’, The News 10/5/16) and complaints of a lack of consultation with libraries staff. All of the shire’s 20 library officers, mostly employed part-time, are understood to be facing redundancy. Mr Adams said the shire has “created 20 positions and expect most of these positions to be filled by current staff through redeployment”. “Library officers will have their roles upgraded with more full-time and less parttime positions. Their salary banding will also increase commensurate with their duties. “Due to the significant nature of these improvements, the shire is required to offer redundancies to those staff who do not want to be redeployed into one of the new roles.” He said “there is absolutely no intention to close the Hastings, or any other shire library service.” Mr Adams said there will be "more customer facing" and less backroom staff. Council did not confirm how many net job losses would occur after the restructure process is complete.

tdoor di n

inddor

sador program, MS Support Services, MS Connect programs, and new MS research projects. MS Research Australia CEO Robyn Hunter praised Ms Bradley-Robinson’s hard work and enthusiasm. “Our Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign, through the help of wonderful fundraisers like Donna raises vital funds for research into MS. These funds are directed to research projects that are investigating better treatment options, the cause and a cure for MS.” Ms Bradley-Robinson said she is managing her MS symptoms after undergoing a new form of treatment to try to keep the disease in check. “The best way I can describe how I feel is that I’ve been surrounded by fog for the past 35 years and suddenly the sun has risen and it’s a perfect day,” she said. “I have never known what it feels like not be exhausted on a daily basis.” The Scarlet Cup is being held at the Mornington Peninsula Racecourse on Sunday 29 May, midday to 5pm. See thescarletcup.com.au or call Donna BradleyRobinson on 0404 491 119. Tickets $100 per person. Tax-deductible donations can also be made via the website.

soups, sandwiches and focaccias fu

ALL DAY BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

FORMER police officer Donna Bradley-Robinson was forced to quit the force when her multiple sclerosis symptoms increasingly made her job impossible. Ms Bradley-Robinson, a Frankston resident, was diagnosed with MS in 1994 at the age of 29 after experiencing symptoms since she was 16. Since retiring as a police officer in 2010 she has dedicated herself to raising the profile of the often invisible disease. With an average age of diagnosis of 30, MS is largely a young woman’s disease – that randomly attacks nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord – for which there is currently no cure. The progress, severity and symptoms are different for everyone. Symptoms range from tingling and numbness to paralysis and blindness. Ms Bradley-Robinson is hosting a charity event called The Scarlet Cup at Mornington Racecourse this month featuring live and silent auctions, a Calcutta Horse Race, major raffle draw and a Fashions on the Field competition. Channel 9 Postcards TV show presenter Brodie Harper will be MC for the day. The Scarlet Cup will raise funds for the MS Ambas-

KƉĞŶ ϳĂŵ Ɵůů ϰƉŵ 7 days a week

On course for MS fundraiser

ALL libraries across the peninsula will remain open after a restructure that will see some library staff lose their jobs. Mornington Peninsula Shire communities director Robin Adams says council has no plans to close down any of the shire’s four libraries at Hastings, Somerville, Mornington and Rosebud. The temporary two-week closure of Hastings library until 18 May is coincidentally timed during the staff restructure. The High St library has closed its doors so a new radio frequency identification (RFID) system to make it easier to borrow and return library items can be installed and refurbishment works including a new carpet can be carried out. “The Mornington Peninsula Library Service is undergoing the most significant renewal and reform process since its inception,” Mr Adams said. “This began with the major refurbishment of the mobile library to a state of the art facility for our isolated townships.” Mr Adams said Somerville, Rosebud and Mornington libraries will be temporarily closed in coming weeks so the RFID system installation – involving the microchipping of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs to replace barcodes – can take place alongside refurbishments. “This will require the closure of branches

Perfect day: Donna BradleyRobinson hopes to raise a lot of money for multiple sclerosis research. Picture: Yanni

ll y l ice

www.mainsailcafebar.com.au

90 Main Street Mornington Ph: 59757883

OBLIGATION

FREE QUOTE

We offer a range of quality custom made window treatments, catering for all budgets. Ideas and helpful advice from experienced decor consultants.

AT SHADES WE ARE PROUD TO BE PART OF YOUR HOME

03 5975 9366

Shop 8a, 1-13 Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy) Mornington www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Mornington News 17 May 2016

PAGE 3