Southern Peninsula
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Journalists: Stephen Taylor, Brodie Cowburn 5974 9000 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Ricky Thompson 0425 867 578 or ricky@mpnews.com.au Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Dannielle Espagne Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Craig MacKenzie, Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Ben Triandafillou ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group, PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: mpnews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 18 MARCH 2021 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WEDNESDAY 24 MARCH 2021
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NEWS DESK
Marchers calling for action and justice ORGANISERS of the March 4 Justice rally at Rosebud on Monday (15 March) are part of a nation-wide movement calling for change. Up to 40 similar marches were held around the country – most notably in Canberra – demanding action on gendered violence. Spokesperson Julie Pittle, of Rosebud, said Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Cr Sarah Race would give the keynote speech. “Our message is that enough is enough,” she said. “We are calling for justice for all women. “We see violence perpetrated by men as being linked to our colonial past and the murder and abuse of First Nations people, especially women,
and the fact that they are the most incarcerated group in our society. “This behaviour extends to sexual violence against people with disabilities, those in aged care, the elderly and the bullying and harassment of those in the LGBTQI community.” Men were overwhelmingly the perpetrators of violence, Ms Pittle said, but the marches were designed to be inclusive of all genders with the aim of ending sexism and inequality. She linked the march’s values to those being explored in Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Gender Equality Strategy and Jesuit Social Services’ Man Box study and the move to “challenge men’s outdated stereotypes”. The shire has partnered with VicHe-
alth and Family Life to “unpack” the Man Box study, to explore the social pressures on men and boys, and to discuss how we can work together to improve the health and wellbeing of the community in a free webinar, 6.30-8pm, Wednesday 24 March. Ms Pittle, a member of the Mornington Peninsula Human Rights Group, said the march aimed to promote understanding of and respect for human rights and responsibilities; provide information about the group’s work and maintain a database of people who “wish to be kept informed”; and to remain politically unaligned. Register for the shire’s webinar at: manbox.eventbrite.com.au Stephen Taylor
VCAT moves into Frankston A NEW Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal venue has opened in Frankston. VCAT office in Balmoral Street is expected to be primarily used for hearing renting, consumer, and guardianship matters. VCAT president Justice Michelle Quigley said the new site would provide “greater capacity for dispute resolution across the south-east”. “VCAT’s new Frankston venue is an important part of VCAT’s vision
to increase access to justice for local communities outside Melbourne’s CBD,” she said. Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said “the new VCAT facility at Frankston will resolve more cases, faster – allowing those who use these important services to move on with their lives and businesses.” “We know that the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on our courts system, that’s why we’re investing $25 million to boost VCAT’s
capacity and upgrade digital systems so more matters can be heard faster,” The VCAT building will also host remote witness facilities for people affected by family violence. Frankston will also be the second VCAT site to feature a Koori hearing room. Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke said “this new VCAT facility, in the heart of Frankston, will give locals easy access to the services they need to settle their dispute in a timely manner.”
‘A high performing provider of education on the Mornington Peninsula’ As the highest performing secondary school on the Mornington Peninsula, Dromana College will continue to work tirelessly to develop and consolidate the many exemplary educational programs on offer. With outstanding facilities, a committed professional staff and a caring school community, students are challenged to explore their interests and talents to achieve their personal best.
Open Night Tuesday 27 April 2021 at 6.00pm
‘Lessons come from the journey… not the destination’ Tours available Tuesday mornings at 9:30am.
Bookings online at www.dsc.vic.edu.au.
110 Harrisons Road, Dromana, Victoria 3936 Entry via Old White Hill Road
PH: 03 5987 2805 E: dromana.sc@education.vic.gov.au W: www.dsc.vic.edu.au
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Southern Peninsula News
17 March 2021