NEWS DESK
Shire celebrates migrant contribution A MULTICULTURAL event at the Rosebud Shire offices, Wednesday 30 October, celebrated the successes of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s migrant population. About 50 guests and family members, from 13 countries, acknowledged and highlighted the contribution migrants have made to the social, cultural and economic development of the peninsula. The mayor Cr David Gill said immigrants had expanded our culture and introduced new ideas and traditions into their adopted country. “The resourcefulness, hard work and determination of people who came from so many other countries helped make the Mornington Peninsula an exceptional
place to live,” he said. “We are a more connected community because of our increased mutual understanding and the breaking down of barriers brought about by people in Australia’s immigration program after World War II.” Some at the function spoke about why they left their homelands: the boat trip; their beginnings at immigration camps, and their first jobs on the way to leading fulfilling lives here. Members of the Dowd family talked about the late-Bernard Dowd who developed clothing factories on the peninsula and helped many migrants find their first jobs. Mr Dowd was praised for his compassion and willingness to help others.
The mayor Cr David Gill introduced guest speaker and Flinders resident Zig Inge, who came from Latvia in 1949. Mr Inge spoke about the long voyage, and his early days working on the railways, before becoming a builder and developing the first retirement villages in Australia. His success story is renowned in Australian business. Ona Silas and her mother spoke about their family history and working with Bernard Dowd. All spoke of their appreciation and love of Australia in what was described as a “moving and eloquent account of immigration to Australia”.
Book busters: Jenny Platt and Sue Brooks arrange the books before the sale. Picture: Gary Sissons
You wouldn’t read about it... WITH a target of 2000 books to sell in one day the Red Hill Op Shop girls came up trumps by offloading 2026, Saturday 2 November. The $1200 they raised from the sale, in the hall next to the op shop, will go to Peninsula Home Hospice. Organiser Kerri Egan said 400 booklovers visited the aptly named Book Cave to peruse some very special tomes on offer. “The variety of books was extraordinary and it was lovely to see them being appreci-
ated,” she said. “We were fortunate with the high quality of donations and it’s fabulous they went to new homes and not landfill. It’s been a great outcome.” Ms Egan admitted she couldn’t resist a moment of in-house censorship: “I did throw out a whole batch of 50 Shades of Grey beforehand.” Those books left unsold will go to Mornington Lions’ January book sale at the Wilson Road community centre.
Long way to the top: Guest speaker and Flinders resident Zig Inge arrived in Australia from Latvia in 1949. Picture: Supplied
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Southern Peninsula News
13 November 2019
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