NEWS DESK
Grants help students pursue STEM goals GRANTS of up to $20,000 are being offered to schools and organisations to give students science opportunities here and overseas. They are part of the Student Science Engagement and International Competitions program. Flinders MP Greg Hunt said the grants would allow Mornington Peninsula students to pursue their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) goals. “The Morrison Government is providing opportunities and encouraging students to build their skills and to pursue STEM studies and careers,” Mr Hunt said. “We want more young people to get the STEM foundation that will allow them to be part of future scientific and technological breakthroughs, and will also set them up for the jobs of the future.”
Mr Hunt said he had met “many incredible local schoolchildren looking to continue down the STEM path”. “I encourage all schools on the Mornington Peninsula to put in applications for their students,” he said. Industry, Science and Technology minister Karen Andrews said the initiative supported young people’s participation in conferences, competitions and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics events. “This is the fourth year the government has offered funding under this program and it’s proven to be highly popular, giving many students lifechanging STEM experiences,” Ms Andrews said. “Last year we helped three students from Brisbane travel to Silicon Valley in the US to present at the Technovation Global Pitch. Another 11 students
from Sydney attended Camp Kennedy Space Centre in the US, and 16 primary students from Mackay attended the Sydney Science Festival.” Over the life of the program, more than $4 million has been awarded, supporting students to attend more than 440 STEM-related events. The program allocates up to $1.6 million each year via grants of $1000$20,000. Applications are capped at $1500 per student for domestic, and $5000 per student for overseas competitions and events. The funding is allocated to eligible applicants on a first-in basis. Details: visit business.gov.au/ assistance/inspiringaustralia-scienceengagement/student-sponsorship
Pets need their forever home NEXT month’s Pets’ Day Out in Frankston could prove to be an ideal opportunity to adopt a rescue animal. The Lost Dogs Home will host a booth at this year’s event, offering advice to those thinking about adopting a furry friend into their family. Allison Brown from the Lost Dogs Home said “the shelter is passionate about finding the right homes for the countless unwanted pets found wandering, seized due to poor treatment or surrendered to their shelters each year.” “Every animal has a right to live in a loving home, and it is our mission to
ensure the right pets are matched with the right people,” she said. “We encourage those thinking of adopting a pet to visit our adoption centre and chat to our expert staff about which pet might best suit their needs.” Langwarrin mother Sarah Guenther said that adopting a dog had been great for her family. “When we decided it was time to welcome a dog to our family we were blown away by just how many gorgeous unwanted animals were in need of loving homes,” she said. “It feels good to know that our deci-
sion to adopt a rescue dog means that we’re not inadvertently supporting unethical puppy farms.” Council also runs an annual “adoption lottery” that “covers the purchase price and first year registration costs for the first 15 animals adopted from the shelter.” The Lost Dogs Home has more than 70 animals needing to be rehomed. They are all desexed, microchipped, and vaccinated. The Pets’ Day Out will be on Sunday 13 October. More information about the Lost Dogs Home at: dogshome.com
HEALTHIER
HAPPIER
Out and about: A blotched bluetongue lizard. Our thanks to Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
Watch out for blue-tongues By Patricia MacLeod ENVIRONMENTAL group BERG MM is urging residents to look out for blue-tongue lizards taking advantage of the warming weather. The indigenous reptiles are being drawn out of their dormant phase to soak up the sunshine – making them vulnerable to being inadvertently killed. BERG MM member Hansi Wegner said the cold-blooded animals must sunbathe each morning to produce enough energy to live but that “this can be to their detriment if they choose to do it on the road”. Mr Wegner said motorists seeing a lizard on the road should “avoid them, but only if safe to do so”. “Be blue-tongue aware when driving now that the weather is warming up, especially on our suburban roads,” he said. “Let’s try to make a difference and reduce the number of blue-tongue lizards that are run over this year.” Peninsula residents might be familiar with the lizards in their backyards,
or in bushland where they forage for snails, insects and plants, and bask on rocks and logs soaking up the sun’s rays. The lizards love eating snails which makes the widespread use of snail bait and insecticides another problem. Residents should be on the lookout when mowing or whipper-snipping as blue-tongues stay hidden in the grass – often until it is too late. Household pets also prey on the reptiles so it is vital to keep them apart. While blue-tongue lizards are not poisonous, they may bite if handled. Wildlife Help on the Mornington Peninsula (WHOMP), rescues injured wildlife at all hours. Call 0417 380 687 or 0417 395 883. See also: Animalia Shelter Carer network and rescue service – Portsea to Brighton 0435 822 699 all hours, animaliawildlife.org.au; Crystal Ocean Wildlife Shelter, Rye, 0407 787 770 or email: rystal_ocean2003@ yahoo.com.au, The Snake Catcher, caught and relocated 24 hours, Barry or Karen 0408 067 062 or 03 5975 0481.
Nominate a local hero
Smoke Free Environment Policy We support a smoke free Peninsula. Do you? You’re invited to provide your thoughts on Council’s Smoke Free Environment Policy. Consistent and simple smoke free laws will stop second hand smoke exposure, encourage families to use public land and local food retailers, and greatly reduce the amount of butt litter. This critical initiative stems from Council’s ‘Our Health and Wellbeing Plan’ and ‘Frankston Mornington Peninsula Smoke Free Charter’.
How to have your say Online: mornpen.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay. Forms will be made available to read in hard copy at the Shire’s offices in Rosebud, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville. Email: haveyoursay@mornpen.vic.gov.au with the subject line ‘Draft Smoke Free Environment Policy’ Post: Attention: Environment Protection Unit Re: Draft Smoke Free Environment Policy Mornington Peninsula Shire Private Bag 1000 ROSEBUD 3939
Submit your thoughts by Monday 7 October mornpen.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
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Mornington News
17 September 2019
2020 Australia Day Local Awards The search is on to find Mornington Peninsula’s most dedicated, generous and community minded people. Do you know someone whose contribution to our community deserves to be recognised? Acknowledge their contribution by nominating them for the 2020 Australia Day Local Awards.
Nominate for: • Citizen of the Year • Young Citizen of the Year • Community Event of the Year Nominations are currently open and close Friday 8 November 2019.
Nominate them now!
mornpen.vic.gov.au/ausdayawards 5950 1137