Be seen back in the swim this summer
Stop and smell the roses: Garden designer Barry Johnson at the award presentation with World Federation of Rose Societies vicepresident Paul Hains, volunteer Jill Hardy, World Federation of Rose Societies president Kelvin Trimper, Cr Anne Shaw and deputy mayor Bev Colomb. Picture: Yanni
Rose gardens’ reputation goes international THE flowers were well and truly blooming and gardeners smiling at Mornington’s Botanical Rose Gardens when receiving an international award on Thursday 12 November. The World Federation of Rose Societies’ Award of Garden Excellence recognises exceptional standard of the rose gardens from a historical, educational and visual point of view. Mornington’s award is just the third presented in Australia since the awards began in 1995 and places Mornington among 60 rose gardens world to receive it in the world.
At the presentation, World Federation of Rose Societies president Kelvin Trimper predicted the Mornington gardens would see a rise in the number of visitors from within Australia and around the world. Gardens volunteer coordinator Graeme Dent said he drove Mr Trimper, and vice-president Australasia, Paul Hains to the airport afterwards and “by the time we got there, photographs and text had been sent around the world to millions of viewers”. “This translates into money spent by visitors on the Mornington Peninsula
on food, accommodation and visiting other tourist attractions. So, Mornington is certainly on the map for tourists,” Mr Dent said. About 4000 roses grow at the gardens with help from Navy personnel from HMAS Cerberus. The award presentation, in the Don Gordon Room, follows the June announcement by the World Federation of Rose Societies in Lyon, France. The gardens were officially opened in 2008 by gardening personality Jane Edmanson and are designed to depict a yacht with billowing spinnaker.
BEACHGOERS and boaters are being warned to take care around water in the summer months ahead. The 2014-15 Drowning Report released last week by the state government highlighted some disturbing trends. Overall the number of drowning deaths fell to 39 compared to 47 in 201314 and 35 men died with alcohol and risky behaviour contributing factors in several deaths. Nine deaths were boating related drownings. Most drownings occurred off coastal areas (49 per cent) compared to inland waterways (31 per cent). Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett said “the loss of a loved one through drowning is a tragedy”. “Thousands of people enjoy Victoria’s waterways every year and we want people to take care and look out for each other this summer,” she said. Four children, aged under four, died from drowning, and there were at least another 20 near drownings. Most of these drownings occurred around the home – in bathtubs, spas and private swimming pools. “Always supervise children around water and make sure home pools are properly fenced. Everyone can play a role in ensuring our kids are safe around the water,” Ms Garrett said. Summer lifesaving patrols are starting across Frankston beaches again but this does not mean beachgoers can become complacent while swimming offshore. Life Saving Victoria operations manager Greg Scott said people should swim
between the red and yellow flags wherever possible. “If our lifesavers can’t see you, they can’t save you” Mr Scott said. “While we encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy our coast, it’s so important that people realise just how dangerous beaches can be – even on those days of ‘perfect’ beach weather.” “Rip currents can occur at all beaches, even in the bays. They are extremely dangerous and difficult to spot.” A man drowned after being swept away off Frankston pier late last month and another four swimmers were rescued. Life Saving Victoria advises beachgoers to check the weather conditions including tides and swells and be aware of any forecasted changes. Safety signs highlighting local hazards should always be read before entering the water.
Orcas in the bay A POD of orcas, or killer whales, was spotted cruising close to shore between Safety Beach and Mornington on Friday. There were at least three orcas in the pod which Dolphin Research Institute researchers say has previously visited Port Phillip. David Donnelly, a marine wildlife consultant, said a female with a shortened fin (probably resulting from being hit by a ship’s propeller) was in the DRI’s catalogue. He said the orcas fed on sharks, fish, seals and dolphins.
Mornington News 8 December 2015
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