NEWS DESK
Medals and certificates for lifesavers GUNNAMATTA and Sorrento surf lifesaving clubs have been presented with Rescue medals by Surf Life Saving Australia for their members’ efforts in rescuing a father and his son. Everyday Lifesaver certificates were awarded to Liam Kiernan and David Lawson for their actions at the same incident, Gunnamatta club president David Stogdale said. The drama that the lifesavers were recognised for unfolded in the early evening after patrols had ended at Gunnamatta on Friday 6 January. The father went into the water after seeing his sons, two brothers, aged 16 and 20, get into difficulties. However,
he too soon got into trouble and had to be helped ashore with his younger son by lifesavers. No trace of the 20-year-old could be found that evening and a full air and sea search ended the following day (“Search scaled back for man missing at Gunnamatta, The News 10/1/23). “The Rescue medal was issued to both clubs for their combined efforts of the 14 members involved in the rescue where one person was lost to the sea, but two were rescued from the Gunnamatta ocean beach rip in fading light,” Stogdale said. “Of particular note was the care provided by club members to members of
the effected family who were in deep emotional distress. “The awarding of the Rescue medal and Everyday Lifesaver certificates was worthy recognition for the efforts of all involved in the incident.” Stogdale said the 6 January incident was a “tragic reminder to swim between the flags at all times”. Lifesavers rescued six people at Gunnamatta on the previous Friday (30 December). Gunnamatta SLSC volunteers patrol each weekend from mid-November until mid-April. Details: gunnamattaslsc.com.au Keith Platt
Rosebud Country Club Presents
NYE
y l l Totaco Dis
‘Totally Divas’ live 2 course meal & Arrival drinks $80 members & $90 visitors 31st December 2023 7pm arrival Call Rosebud country club 5950 0800 to book PAGE 12
Southern Peninsula News
13 December 2023
Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club members (including one from Sorrento SLSC) who were involved in January’s rescue, main; top, Life Saving Victoria director Craig Watson, centre, with Gunnamatta lifesavers David Lawson, left, and Liam Kiernan with their Everyday Lifesaver certificates; above, Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club president Duncan Stirling, left, with the president of Gunnamatta club, David Stogdale with their clubs’ Rescue medals. Pictures: Supplied
Police patrol
With Liz Bell
over the equipment, with many others buried in the bark. Victoria Police said the incidents had not been reported to them, and they were not investigating. The shire said it took safety seriously and urged anyone who discovered an issue to promptly report it to the website: mornpen.vic. gov.au/reportit. For urgent problems call 1800 850 600.
THUMB tacks, or drawing pins, found scattered at Pembroke Drive playground in Somerville. Photo: Supplied
Safety message for playground users PARENTS have been warned to be alert after thumb tacks were found scattered around two children’s playgrounds in Somerville. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is urging anyone who discovers vandalism of any sort to contact it after the thumb tacks, or drawing pins, were found at the playground Pembroke Drive, Somerville on Sunday 3 December. The council’s rapid response team went to the playground on Monday to clean up any remaining thumb tacks. Posts on social media reports also show a similar thing happened at Clairmont Close Reserve at around the same time, with thumb tacks left on equipment and playground furniture. A parent whose child was taken to the park by grandparents and found the tacks in “multiple spots” around the playground said it was “not acceptable” and wanted to warn other parents. “It’s going to end up where we have security cameras just to make sure our kids are safe,” she posted. Others described it as a disgusting act by a “sick individual”. Another parent who found tacks at Pembroke Drive playground said they had been spread all
Schoolies assault DETECTIVES are appealing for information and witnesses in relation to an assault that occurred during a schoolies event in Rye about 8.15pm on 1 December. It is alleged that a male victim was assaulted by two males on the Rye beach foreshore. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au. Incident #230424951. Police talk about safety THE Mornington Peninsula Neighbourhood Policing Forum took place on Wednesday (6 December) at Mornington Golf Course. More than 100 community members and Mornington Peninsula police discussed safety issues that mattered most to the community. It was an opportunity for the community to network and ask police questions about their community safety concerns.
Goodwill visit POLICE from the Hastings police station last week embarked on a visit to French Island as part of “community engagement”. The police who made the trip across Western Port chatted with local volunteers, Zoo’s Victoria staff working at the island’s koala reserve and staff from Forest Fire Management Victoria conducting early season fire risk assessments. Police saw the visit as an opportunity to build relationships and promote a collaborative approach towards enhancing community safety on the Island.
