NEWS DESK
Costly councillors: Mornington Peninsula Shire disclosed expenses after months of being asked to provide the figures before council election.
Shire hands over expenses after four-month delay Continued from Page 1 Cr David Gill, previously a councillor at the Shire of Mornington before a Kennett government era amalgamation of councils in 1994, wanted to debate a new expenses policy at Monday evening’s meeting but there was no support from fellow councillors for this suggestion. He told The News he wanted to highlight the importance of urgently formulating a new expenses policy. “Expenses have been a controversial issue,” Cr Gill said. “I’ve been attending council meetings and I’ve been surprised they appear to be equivalent to unlimited expense claims … when you can claim expenses that go over the so-called limit that becomes, in my mind, basically unlimited. “I was signalling I wouldn’t want to be going along with the way expenses have been claimed in the past.”
Cr Gill said he understands some people standing for council need financial assistance to carry out their duties but he believed the previous council expenses regime was “poorly handled”. “We need to review it,” he said. Cr Fraser did not return calls from The News.
Walkers’ win MORNINGTON Peninsula primary schools have put their feet first and taken out first and second prize in VicHealth’s 2016 Walk to School competition. Wallaroo Primary School, Hastings, took the lead, followed closely by Mt Eliza North Primary School. This year, 25 primary schools on the peninsula took part in the competition which encourages pupils to walk, ride, scoot or skate to and from school as often as possible throughout October.
Sailing’s the “ultimate”: Bob Cooper praises the sport he loves. Picture: Yanni
Sailor honoured by his peers BOB Cooper could talk about the joys of sailing all day. The Rye resident, who joined the local sailing club 40 years ago, has made sailing and teaching the sport his lifelong passion. And the effort has been worthwhile. Mr Rogers was recently named Sailing Instructor of the Year by yachting’s highest body, Australian Sailing, and presented with his trophy at a gala affair at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He also received a perpetual trophy. As the sailing school principal at Rye Yacht Club, Mr Cooper coordinates the training of all levels in the juniors to adults sailing program. He coaches yachties aged seven and up in a range
of off-the-beach boats and also runs Rye Primary School’s sail training program. The former Frankston High teacher of 23 years was described by fellow members as a “tireless worker” for the club. “I do love sailing; it’s the ultimate relaxation with so many aspects,” he said. “It clears the mind and, if you don’t concentrate, you’re in …” Mr Cooper started sailing even before he joined the club and now, at 66, sees the benefits of competing at all ages. “We’ve got 70-year-olds here racing and doing well. It suits people of all ages.” Stephen Taylor
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2291 POINT NEPEAN RD, RYE | PH: 5985 3945 Southern Peninsula News 22 November 2016
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