NEWS DESK Board assembled for train station project A BOARD will be established to oversee the Frankston Station Precinct Redevelopment. Construction on the $63 million state government project will begin in the first half of next year and is due to be completed in 2019. The board will be chaired by Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke and will include Frankston mayor Cr James Dooley, Frankston Business Network executive officer Karin Hann, Victoria Police superintendent Glen Weir, Peninsula Health CEO Sue Williams, Monash University vice-chancellor Professor Leon Piterman, Chisholm Institute CEO Maria Peters, South East Water managing director Kevin Hutchings and Bayside Shopping Centre manager Gabe North. The government says the new board will provide local leadership and will work with residents and businesses to ensure the redevelopment meets the needs of the community and train passengers and visitors to Frankston. The board will be supported by government officials, including transport planning, operations and infrastructure experts from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources and Public Transport Victoria. The station redevelopment aims to transform the heart of Frankston into a safe, modern hub for transport, TAFE and shopping, with a permanent police presence, new retail and cafe strip and a commercial hub for businesses. The redevelopment of Young St, in partnership with Frankston Council, is due to begin first. In addition to this $63 million Frankston Station Precinct Redevelopment, the Labor state government will invest $46.9 million to deliver stage one of improvements to Chisholm TAFE’s Frankston campus.
In the swim: Tammy Van Wisse, centre, and Minimbah pupils cheer along their teams during the Wellwisher swimathon.
Digging deep for Ethiopian water supply WE take for granted that water will flow from the tap when it’s turned on. It’s a welcome blessing in a first world country. But that luxury is unknown to impoverished villagers in Ethiopia, leading to a daily chore for women and girls who must fetch water for their families from the nearest well. The task can be dangerous and exhausting as the wells can be far from the safety of home. The time taken means girls are often forced to neglect their schooling and leading to them missing opportunities open only to those with an education.
Health is also a concern, with consumption of polluted water causing the deaths of one in five children. A swimathon by pupils of Woodleigh School’s Minimbah campus last year was one of many events held to raise money for wells in the African country. The idea was put to deputy principal Rod Davies by parent Ross Woodward, of Mt Eliza, who was inspired by the efforts of the Australian trust, WellWishers. Mr Woodward also knew champion swimmer Tammy Van Wisse, who was to become an enthusiastic participant in the
fundraising. The pupils swam laps against Van Wisse, helping raise almost $8000. Mr Woodward said the money is being spent on building two wells in rural villages in Tigray Province. He says the wells will provide water for hundreds of people, helping ease the daily grind on women and girls and ensuring their schooling becomes a viable option. Mr Woodward said WellWishers has arranged to place signs on the wells bearing the names of pupils whose efforts made them possible. Steve Taylor
WHAT’S NEW...
Experience sunset from the bay aboard Searoad Ferries IF you’ve ever dreamed of sailing off into the sunset then now’s your chance! Searoad Ferries has released its Summer Sunset Sailings dates for the 2016 season, with departures from Sorrento and Queenscliff. Taking place on Saturday the 16th and 23rd of January and 13th and 27th of February 2016, the Sunset Sailings are the perfect way to relax, unwind and enjoy some down time with family and friends. If you’ve been impressed by the views from the ferry during the day, then you will love the way the Bay and Peninsulas light up at night! On top of the breathtaking views and spectacular sunset, passengers on the Sunset Sailings will also receive a regional tasting platter, a complimentary drink on arrival, tea and coffee, and live music. Drinks can be purchased at bar prices throughout the night. All of Searoad’s onboard facilities are available for passengers to enjoy, including the comfortable lounges, full length windows for maximum viewing, external viewing decks and outdoor seating and onboard café. From Queenscliff, Sunset Sailings depart at
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Mornington News 8 December 2015
7.00pm and return at 10.30pm, with tickets costing $85 per person. Sorrento sailings depart at 8pm and return at 9.45pm and cost $75 per person. For food and wine lovers alike Searoad Ferries are participating in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival with an evening floating regional market on Saturday the 5th of March, 2016. The event– Wine, Food, Farmgate on the Bay. will showcase the region’s innovative providores and producers on board the newly refurbished ferry, the MV Sorrento. The ferry will sail a bespoke route along the Mornington Peninsula coastline as passengers taste, sip and sample from stalls to food trucks for a grazing dinner or purchase yummy produce to take home. Meet the makers, listen to cool music or gaze at the stars Shipboard life has never been so good. Wine Food Farmgate on the Bay is $85 per person. For more details or to book either the Sunset Sailings or Wine Food Farmgate on the Bay, please visit www.searoad.com.au or call 03 5258 3244