NEWS DESK
Family approach to art appreciation Call for rail money
FRESH doubts have been expressed over the future of $225 million set aside for the stalled train line extension from Frankston to Baxter. The money for the extension was committed by the previous Coalition federal government and later supported by then opposition leader Anthony Albanese in the lead up to the 2018 election. The cost to electrify and duplicate the Stony Point line to Baxter was quoted at up to $1.5 billion in a business case completed before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the planned extension has failed to progress any further than a business case and the state government has not committed any money to it. Meanwhile, Frankston Council is calling for the project’s committed federal money to remain in the Dunkley and Flinders electorates. The council last week voted to advocate for the money to be spent on transport projects in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula. Frankston councillor Kris Bolam is concerned the lack of progress on the project could see the money spent elsewhere. “The internal belief both within council and indeed talking to a number of politicians is that this could be justification for the present government to rescind its promise to electrify the Stony Point line and instead have the $221 million reallocated and repurposed for other projects outside of the Frankston municipality. If this happens, I think it’s a very disappointing and sad move,” he said. Bolam said the $221 million left over after the business case was “earmarked for the Dunkley and Flinders electorates, therefore it is only reasonable that a meaningful portion remain here”. The Baxter rail extension was included in a 90-day review of planned infrastructure projects ordered by the incoming Labor federal government. Dunkley MP Peta Murphy’s office told The News that she was still waiting for the outcome of the review. Frankston Council has also discussed other uses for the committed federal money if the rail extension does not go ahead. Brodie Cowburn
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Art watch: Charlotte (left) with friends Harriette and Sienna, all 14, enjoy The Archibald Prize tour experience and are learning to think critically about art. Picture: Supplied
THE Archibald Prize 2023 Regional Tour at Mornington is winding up for its last day on 5 November, but it has created long lasting memories for at least one family. Mornington grandmother Monica Hughes has turned the portrait exhibition into a family tradition that has so far spanned three generations. “Every year for the past 10 years that it has been on we go as an extended family to wherever it is being held, and we have our very own competition to try and enhance the experience for the young ones,” she said. “It all started a decade ago when my son Martin and his wife Ana, from Mount Eliza, announced they were taking their four-year-old triplets to see the portraits,” she said. “We wondered what the children would make of it all, and that’s when I devised our own family competition, Monnie’s Choice, where the young ones in the family choose their favourite portrait, and we have a picnic where the choices are discussed and the portrait is analysed. “The one that comes closest to my choice, Monnie’s Choice, gets first choice of a gift from a selection, and all the children really love it. “It’s been a great way to engage the whole family with The Archibald Prize, and it also helps their understanding of art and their ability to reflect on it.” As the children have grown, Hughes said so has their appreciation of art and their confidence in articulating what they like about it. “For example my granddaughter Charlotte, 14, this year chose the portrait by Iranian refugee Mostafa ‘Moz’ Azimitabar, who learned to paint with a toothbrush and coffee beans while in detention for eight years on Manus Island,” she said. “Charlotte said the portrait and the passion with which I spoke about it brought the amazing story behind the portrait to life for her.” The Archibald Prize 2023 Tour is at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery until Tuesday 5 November. To buy tickets or book go to mprg.mornpen.vic.gov. au/Exhibitions/Current-exhibitions/Archibald-Prize2023-Regional-Tour/Tickets
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Choosing to live at Koorootang Court means choosing to retire with confidence, your way. Discover for yourself and join us for a short tour, light refreshments and a chat - the choice is yours as we open our doors for you to explore. • Guided village tours • Inspect homes for sale • Chat with village residents • View village amenities No RSVP required. Family and friends welcome. Scan the QR code for more details. Friday 17 November 2023 1:30pm - 4pm 14040 10/23
183 Osborne Drive, Mount Martha
Mornington News
31 October 2023
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