Picture: Keith Platt
Seawall work goes ahead despite storms
DESPITE being hit by high winds and storms, work continues on the sandbag seawall at Portsea’s front beach. New sandbags are replacing old ripped inside the area protected by a temporary rock wall. With nearly 30 per cent of the work completed, contractors plan to remove the timber handrail at the rear of the sandbag seawall to make way for the final rows of sandbags. The handrail will eventually be replaced further back. A geotechnical investigation has been made on the stability of the cliffs east of the sandbag seawall.
Help for domestic violence services EXTRA measures to ensure those experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence know where to get help during the coronavirus pandemic. The Help is Here campaign is part of a $150 million federal government package helping support services meet demand. Advertising will be splashed across TV, digital, social media, radio, magazines and newspapers, as well as at shopping centres, hospitals and GPs’ surgeries. This comes after a family violence victims’ advocate said she feared enforced isolation because of enforced restrictions could lead to an increase in abuse. Dromana resident Geraldine Bilston said isolated living, less contact with people outside their homes, financial pressures and unforeseen stresses could mean “we are now bracing for an increase in domestic violence on the Mornington Peninsula” (“Fears of rise in family violence”
The News 14/4/20.) “It’s important that anybody who feels unsafe in their home is able access help,” Flinders MP and Health Minister Greg Hunt said. “Our homes are a sanctuary to most but, tragically, in some cases a home is not safe for them or their children.” Hotlines offering support are 1800RESPECT
and MensLine, where trained counsellors are available via online chat or phone. Calls are free, confidential and available at all times. Reportedly, since the pandemic began, more than 15 per cent of contacts for MensLine Australia have been COVID-19 specific, while there has been an 11 per cent increase in people accessing 1800RESPECT over the same time last year.
Charity’s machine easing ‘period poverty’ A VENDING machine at Seawinds Community Hub at Capel Sound is providing period products to women and girls free of charge. The not-for-profit Share the Dignity installs the machines and keeps them stocked with free period packs containing six tampons and two pads. It has installed 160 machines nationally aiming to combat “period poverty”. “It is our goal to have 350 machines installed
by the end of 2020 if COVID-19 allows us to go back to installing them,” founder Rochelle Courtenay said. “We have a local volunteer who looks after the maintenance and stocking of the machine ensuring that products are available.” Donations are welcome to help Share the Dignity fill its machines ensuring that women and girls “can manage their period with the dignity they deserve”, Ms Courtenay said.
Open 7 days. Now offering free delivery to local suburbs. Fresh and organic fruit and vegetable boxes available now. Orders must be placed before Thursday for delivery on Friday. Get your fruit and vegetables delivered right to your door. Please call or text through your order to 0491 203 991 No16 Beach General Store 414 Tasman Dr Rye no16beachgeneralstore.com.au
WHAT’S NEW...
Art sale helping our artist community NISSARANA Galleries, with galleries in Mornington and Noosa, is an art gallery that caters for those who really want something unique for their living spaces. The gallery has always had a love affair with exceptionally beautiful artwork in contemporary styles. “Over the years we have come to represent many very talented artists who produce really modern work that complements the spaces of the 21st century” says gallery owner Valerie Pasquale “ Many of us live in homes that have been built during the last 10 years and these homes need paintings that add colour and vibrancy to the rooms. By adding a beautiful piece of art the whole atmosphere and energy is uplifted.” Supporting Australian artists has always been at the forefront of Nissarana Galleries priorities. Artists from all over Australia, both Indigenous and Contemporary, are represented which gives a wonderful variety to the work on display. Most are career artists so the quality of the work has grown organically over the years as the artist has progressed through their own creative stages. This month, with the difficulties the whole
community is facing, is a time to support each other, each and every one of us. “We are all going through this together and it’s a time to give back and help” says Valerie. ‘We are offering much of the galleries amazing art stock at incredibly reduced prices. It’s our way of allowing people to own an original piece of art at a fraction of the cost and to generate some income support for our artist community. Artists are in real need of help at this time and buying original art is buying Australian.” The May Art Sale consists of more than 100 premium artworks by 46 artists at a huge 40 percent discount. This would make it one of the most important art sale events of the year and unprecedented in Nissarana Galleries history. It is one of the largest gallery art sales on the Mornington Peninsula in recent times. The sale will be for MAY ONLY so there is no better time than now to purchase art than this month. An online catalogue of all artwork on sale is available and the gallery is open by appointment, just call one of the numbers in the advertisement.
• • • •
36 Holes of Golf Daily Competitions Driving Range Free Lesson with Club Pro
GOLF MEMBERSHIPS
LIFESTYLE MEMBERSHIP
Liz Gray Laguna Bay
TAKE A TOUR
TODAY!
• Guest Passes • Member Discounts • Bar and Restaurant • Welcoming Atmosphere
YOUNG MEMBERSHIPS
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
For further information please contact: 03 5950 0800 or marketing@rcc.golf
JUNIOR MEMBERSHIPS
RANGE MEMBERSHIP
ROSEBUD COUNTRY CLUB 207 Boneo Rd, Rosebud Vic 3939 rosebudcountryclub.com.au
Southern Peninsula News
13 May 2020
PAGE 5