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Podcast of history at Mt Martha House VISITORS to Mt Martha House can tune in to podcasts to learn about the history of the former coffee palace, hotel and barracks. The 10 podcasts, which launched on Thursday 8 November, were made possible by a $5000 Mornington Peninsula Shire Placemaking grant and $1000 flexible grant to help the historical society buy a computer to catalogue its collection. “The house is such an important part of Mount Martha’s history and we’re working to share stories of the Peninsula with everyone,” the mayor Cr David Gill said. “The shire also worked with the society to produce the trail signage, including braille elements and accompanying web pages which offer direct links to the audio and text files for anyone who prefers to read the scripts.” Mt Martha House started out as what was known as a coffee palace in 1889 and then became Mt Martha Hotel, a semi private country club. It was taken over by the RAAF during WWII, and, after another stint as a hotel, was purchased by the Army as 30 WRAAC Barrack until 1976. The former Shire of Mornington then took over and renamed it Mount Martha House Community Centre for use for education purposes. The podcasts will be available using an app on new phones or by downloading a QR code reader to the older smart devices. Visitors can then self-guide around the front part of the house, using earphones so as not to disturb other users. Not all rooms will be accessi-
ble as many are hired out privately. Historical collection volunteers have a display room of photos handed down throughout the years. A WRAAC army bedroom, complete with mannequins wearing summer and winter uniforms, will be opened by arrangement. Tours are at 11am on the last Wednesday of each month for a goldcoin donation. Volunteers who are digitising memories, papers, photos and documents in the collection are keen to hear from those who have lived, worked or used the house. Visitors can book a group tour or visit by emailing mountmarthahouse. com.au/historytour
History buffs: Jo Kirby, Kai Hassan and EJ Hassan look at the historical collection. Step back in time: Louise Stewart and Gill Gordon play dress ups in the WRAAC army bedroom, where mannequins wear summer and winter uniforms. Pictures: Yanni
Christmas Fair at Mt Martha House
MT MARTHA House Christmas Fair is being held 10am-2pm, Saturday 1 December, at 466 Esplanade, Mt Martha. There will be exhibits and displays, historical tours of the house, stalls selling locally made crafts and goodies, sausage sizzle and various children’s activities. Miss Piggy, the Mt Martha Community Bank mascot, and Santa, will visit. Stallholder applications close Friday 23 November. Details: mountmarthahouse. com.au
Have your say French Street Reserve, Rye We’re inviting the community to have your say on the Draft Masterplan for French Street Reserve in Rye, a 7.2-hectare parcel of land owned by Mornington Peninsula Shire and zoned as a public reserve. This project grew out of community enthusiasm to develop and activate the reserve as a community space. The draft plan has been produced based on the community feedback received during our consultation throughout 2016 and 2017.
Have your say
The Draft Masterplan includes: • Protection of 3.2 hectares of existing Moonah Woodland • Retention of 4 hectares of open grassed area • Picnic area • Two carparks (one at either end of the reserve) • Walking trails • All abilities public toilet • Fenced dog leash free area and more!
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Your feedback will help us ensure the overall design is one that the community wants and needs.
the reserve on Sunday 9 November to explore the reserve and chat to Shire staff about our plans for the space.
You can complete a submission online by 5pm, Friday 21 December: mornpen.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
Community drop in
Alternatively, complete a hard copy at any Mornington Peninsula Shire customer service office or join us at
Sunday 9 November, 11am – 2pm French Street Reserve, 16 French Street, Rye
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20 November 2018
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