NEWS DESK
Historic moves at Government House MOUNT Eliza, Peninsula Bridge Club members Peter and Suzanne Schuster took their seat at the table for an historic bridge game at Victoria’s Government House, in Kings Domain, Melbourne. The grand ballroom’s transformation into a card house for 160 players and guests was the first time the Ballroom, with a length surpassing the ballroom at Buckingham Palace, had been set up for bridge. “This wonderful game of bridge in the ballroom event aimed to celebrate Victoria’s bridge community and to showcase Victoria’s contribution to the game worldwide,” event organiser Laura Ginnan said The strategy-based card game is recognised as a mind sport by the International Olympic Committee and its origins can be traced to the invention of trick-taking games in the 16th century. Microsoft’s Bill Gates is a big fan and actor Sharon Stone is learning to play, while players in Victoria include award winning journalist Caroline Wilson and former MP and noted polymath Barry Jones. Victoria is home to the first vice-president to the World Bridge Federation Executive Council and the World Bridge Federation chief tournament director. The world’s biggest bridge streamer and influencer, Peter Hollands, is based in Victoria and the world’s biggest bridge podcast, Sorry, Partner, is also produced in Victoria. The State Library of Victoria has the Bourke Bridge Collection, one of the largest collections of bridge books in the world. Bridge is credited with stimulating the brain and helping maintain mental sharpness, boosting the immune system, with players being less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Suzanne Schuster said the game at Government House had been “a terrific event”. “We enjoyed meeting players from across the state for some fun, friendly competition in this historic setting. We hope the Governor [Margaret Gardner] will host bridge in the ballroom again next year.” For more information where to learn and play bridge contact Peninsula Bridge Club, geoff.a.fletcher@gmail.com or Bridge Victoria: bridgevictoria.au
ACCC ‘all clear’ for sale of Rye Hotel
SANDRA Richardson is active and socially connected thanks to playing bowls and staying fit. Picture: Yanni
Having a bowling good time AT 79, Mount Martha bowls player Sandra Richardson has no time to hang up her soft-soled sports shoes and retire to a quiet life. She’s too busy socialising and staying active. And according to research, that’s exactly what keeps Richardson feeling young, fit and part of the community. At around age 50, Richardson started to think of her post-work and post-family future, and wanted to ensure it contained social and sporting connections. All the research she had read pointed to community involvement being a key to health and happiness. “It was clear to me that activity, social connection and giving back was something I wanted to do and
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Southern Peninsula News
something that would be fulfilling, so when a friend suggested bowls, it was something I could do that ticked all the boxes,” she said. “I was playing golf but that can take all day, so the idea of a half day at bowls appealed. I have a competitive nature so it’s great for me, however, you don’t have to be competitive … many people just come for fun and a social outlet. “What we really need is to see more people joining up, particularly women, we’ll embrace them - it’s a game for everyone.” Richardson is the type of sportsperson Bowls Victoria wants to hear from through a survey it has undertaken with Deakin University to research 20 December 2023
participation rates and perceptions of opportunities in bowls. Bowls Victoria wants former members, male and female, to complete the short survey (8-10 minutes). The survey responses will be analysed by Deakin University and that research will inform the important next step of formulating strategies relevant and implementable by Bowls Victoria, Regions and Clubs to improve the experience of all participants, especially women. Now in the third stage of research the survey follows individual interviews as well as in-depth stakeholder surveys. To fill out the survey, go to researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/ SV_a5b0nPVf5RsfWx8
THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will not oppose the Endeavour Group buying the Rye Hotel, despite initial concerns that the proposed acquisition could lessen competition in the supply of takeaway liquor in the area (Competition concerns raised over Rye Hotel sale, The News 27/9/23). The hotel includes accommodation and an adjoining independent drivethrough liquor store operating under the Thirsty Camel brand. Endeavour operates BWS Rye and stores in Rosebud and Sorrento. “The ACCC did not have any concerns in relation to accommodation, gaming or meals, given the number of competitors in the area offering these services and Endeavour’s limited presence in these local markets,” ACCC commissioner Stephen Ridgeway said. “However, we did give close consideration to whether this proposed acquisition would lead to a substantial increase in local market concentration in liquor retailing.” In a “finely balanced assessment” the ACCC found unique circumstances meant that the transaction
was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the market even though the proposed acquisition would combine the two largest liquor stores in the area. “The Rye Hotel drive through does not appear to strongly compete on price or range, and mostly attracts customers because of the convenience of its drive-through service,” Ridgeway said. The ACCC considered consumers would continue to have access to different promotions, pricing, ranges and service offerings in the area, including at two Thirsty Camel branded stores, Peninsula Cellars and Tootgarook Fine Wine Cellars. “The ACCC will continue to closely consider consolidation in local markets, particularly acquisitions that occur within a pattern of serial acquisitions,” Ridgeway said. The ACCC also concluded that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to materially reduce the competitiveness of other stores that operated under the Thirsty Camel brand or weaken the overall strength of independent wholesalers.
Snorkeller dies at Portsea POLICE will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man Portsea on Sunday (17 December). Emergency services were called to reports of two snorkellers in trouble in waters off Portsea about 8.10pm. One man, a 40-year-old Noble Park
man, died at the scene. The second snorkeller was taken to hospital for observation. Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined but the death is not being treated as suspicious.