NEWS DESK Fire recruits
Trapeze enthusiasts enjoy a leap of faith
NEW firefighting recruits joined CFA stations at Mornington and Rosebud over the holidays. They will work regular shifts as firefighters and continue their training. The two new faces at Mornington and three at Rosebud fire stations were among 121 CFA and MFB recruits to complete the new Victorian recruit firefighter course, with the final 20 recruits graduating in December. The 20-week course for both MFB and CFA firefighters brought together recruits from the two fire services. The new course which began in July ensures new firefighters across the state have the same skills and knowledge, and can respond to emergencies in both urban and rural contexts. Of the 121 graduates, 81 are CFA firefighters.
German classics CHAMBER Philharmonia Cologne will this month perform Classics from Germany at concerts in Mornington and Frankston. The diverse program will range from Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to J S Bach, Peter Tchaikovsky and Niccolo Paganini. At 8pm, Tuesday 23 January, the ensemble will at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Frankston. Book at the Frankston Visitor Information Centre, 7N Pier Promenade, Frankston, or call 1300 322 842. The following night, Wednesday 24 January, the ensemble will be St Macartan’s Church, Mornington. Book at Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre, 359B Point Nepean Rd, Dromana, call 5950 1579 or St Macartan’s parish office, 4 Drake St, Mornington (9 am - 3.30 pm).
Flying through the air with the greatest of ease, Those daring young men (and women) on the flying trapeze
Balancing act: Participants get into the swing of things at the Fly Factory’s flying trapeze summer school at Mornington last week. Picture: Yanni
THE song lyrics were the perfect description for young daredevils at the Fly Factory’s flying trapeze summer school outside Silvers Circus, Nepean Highway, Mornington, last week. Instructor Steen Shoar said his sold-out beginners’ classes for those aged seven and up proved the popularity of the flying trapeze among young people. Many participants get the bug and turn up multiple times. Over the three weeks of the trapeze
course he says he taught about 140 enthusiasts in four two-hour lessons each day. “They learn the basics, such as take offs and swinging on the bar, and swinging by their knees,” he said. “The main goal of the beginner is to learn to make a catch which I call the ‘Jump into the great unknown’. “They have to hook their knees around the bar and
hang upside down and swing out and make a catch. “There are safety lines and they are able to make mistakes but we talk over it and they can have another go.” An instructor for 23 years, the southern Californian began as a rock climber and pole walker with Club Med in Mexico, later learning the skills of the flying trapeze, becoming an instructor, and moving to Australia 18 years ago. Difficult weather conditions prompted Mr Steen to cancel classes on Friday. “The heat and strong north wind made it too difficult for beginners,” he said. “It would have been even more daunting.”
There’s no questioning the facts. During summer, you should check Fire Danger Ratings daily via the VicEmergency website or app. The higher the rating, the more uncontrollable a fire would be if one started. Ratings can be different across the state, so know your fire district. Decide what rating is your trigger to take action.
emergency.vic.gov.au Download the VicEmergency app PAGE 8
Mornington News 23 January 2018
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