NEWS DESK
Tributes flow after boy’s death ‑ mother charged with murder PARENTS, pupils and staff at Tootgarook Primary School were in shock on Friday after learning of the death of eight-year-old Brodie Moran. The body of the popular grade 2 pupil was found at his Alma Street home, 1.30pm, Thursday 8 March. Floral tributes and cards from grieving school friends and parents covered the front yard and pupils were being offered counselling. Seven police cars and 13 officers rushed to the house following a 000 call reportedly made by his mother, Joanne Finch. Ms Finch, 42, appeared at an out-of-sessions hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later that day charged with one count of murder. She has been remanded in custody to reappear on 29 June. The court heard it was her first time in custody and that she was taking prescription medication. The boy’s father, Lee Moran, responded to tributes to his son on Facebook, saying he felt empty. “I have lost the best part of me”, he said. “Words cannot describe how much I love and miss my little fella.” Tootgarook Primary School principal Wayne Whitworth said the school’s thoughts were “with the family following this tragic event”. “Support is being made available through the school for friends, classmates, students, staff and anyone else in our school community who may need it during this difficult time.” Ms Finch and Brodie had moved to Tootgarook about a year ago. The house they were renting is for sale. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au Stephen Taylor
Crime scene: Forensic police examine the Tootgarook home after the boy’s death on Thursday of eight-year-old Brodie Moran. Pictures: Gary Sissons
‘Roadshow’ expert ANTIQUES expert Paul Atterbury will speak at the Friday 23 March meeting of the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society in Mornington. The Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts is probably best known for his appearances on BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow since 1979. His talk will be The Canal Age, focusing on the development of canals in Britain, 1760s-1840s, which were said to be at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. He will explore the impact of the canals on artists, such as John Constable, and manufacturers, such as Josiah Wedgwood. New members are welcome at the lectures which are held 5.30pm, Fridays, at Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Road, Mornington. The hour-long lectures are followed by light refreshments with the lecturer and fellow members. To book call secretary Glad Hungerford, 9787 2092. First-time visits are free. For membership details call Lorraine Borthwick, 0419 789 280.
Picnic at Flinders THE second annual Flinders community picnic will be held at Flinders ocean beach, 5pm, Saturday 17 March. Flinders and District Lions Club is staging the event with the support of Flinders Community Association and Balnarring and District Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank. Access is from Golf Links Road.
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Southern Peninsula News
13 March 2018
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