NEWS DESK
Program to ‘start a new chapter’ Pride of the Lions awarded WOMEN transforming their lives at the Spirit of Transformation launch. Picture: Supplied
THIRTY women from the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston have the chance to be part of a 12-week, personal growth program run by the Women's Spirit Project and designed for women 25 years or older. The free holistic Spirit of Transformation program runs from March to June and is designed for women who are looking to start a new chapter in their life by boosting their wellbeing, fitness, self-esteem and resilience. Participants will come together every week and work with a team of experienced female mentors. The
program covers goal setting, problem solving, wellbeing and fitness sessions to communication skills. The program is said to be lifechanging and benefit women who are recovering from such challenges as isolation, mental health, unemployment, poverty, domestic or family violence. It is suited for women who are looking to increase their social circle and sense of connectedness. At the end of the program, participants are invited to join the three-day Frank to Schanck walk in November,
preceded by “catch up and connect” walks. The WSP is also seeking volunteers to empower and support participants through the program. The Spirit of Transformation is the creation of the WSP, a volunteer driven non-profit. They are also referred to as the “tribe in teal” after their teal-coloured t-shirts. To apply for the Spirit of Transformation as a participant or mentor, visit www.womensspiritproject.org/spiritof-transformation-2022. Applications close 14 February.
ROSEBUD resident and member of the Lions Club of McCrae and District, Jack Milledge, was recently celebrated for achieving 50 years of service in the organisation. Due to COVID a celebration to recognise Mr Milledge for his work and service to the community was postponed last year until 23 January, when club members and members of the Lions district executive met at the Rye Hotel. Mr Milledge joined Dromana Lions in 1971 and in 1972 transferred to Rosebud where he became the charter president. As Rosebud did not take women as Lions at the time, he transferred to the newly chartered club at McCrae in 1993, which allowed his wife, Joyce and other women to join. Club president Colin Blythe said Mrs Milledge was also a dedicated Lion and together she and her husband were an invincible team. “Their home is a shrine to their many awards and achievements attained over the years and Jack is proud to talk about Lions and the traditions he treasures,” he said. “In each of the clubs, he has held multiple positions, from president, secretary, treasurer, club historian, bulletin editor and many other roles too numerous to mention. “He has also made an inspiring impact at district level, taking on
Police patrol
LION Jack Milledge and his award for 50 years of service. a variety of roles including, youth exchange, year of the disabled and multiple district projects. “Mr Milledge represents the very heart of what Lions is all about, we serve. “To that end he has served Lions and the broader community with utmost devotion and loyalty over half a lifetime.” Liz Bell
With Liz Bell
Crackdown on drugs, alcohol goes to water POLICE have praised the behaviour of boat and jet ski operators after a drug and alcohol testing operation at boat ramps and Rye and Safety Beach on Saturday 22 January. No offences were detected with police administering 30 alcohol tests and 29 drug tests after checking 22 boats and eight jet skis. Four infringements were issued however, including for having an unregistered vessel, outof-date flares and two for people not wearing a life jacket. Police spoke with 58 people and were pleased with behaviour on the water generally, especially boat and jet ski operators adhering to the rules and carrying the required safety equipment. "Water police will be maintaining a highly visible presence right through the summer, including on the Mornington Peninsula,” Sergeant Shane Franke of the Water Police Squad said. "We hope the care, courtesy and compliance witnessed at the weekend continues. “The peninsula is one of Victoria's busiest boating hotspots and we want everyone to enjoy it safely. Operations like this are about making sure that happens.” As well as alcohol water police are out testing for drugs this summer. Sgt Franks said boat and jet ski operators with illicit drugs in their system were a risk to themselves and all water users. “Drugs impair judgement, slow reaction times and increase risk-taking behaviour,” he said. “The penalties for anyone caught are significant. We implore everyone to make good decisions this summer. “Already we've seen poor behaviour on the water, capsized boats, near drownings and, sadly, fatalities. “Please, be responsible, carry the right safety
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Southern Peninsula News
2 February 2022
equipment and always wear a life jacket.” Research shows about 30 per cent of drownings in Victoria involve prior alcohol or drug use. Drug testing is being conducted across the state’s holiday hot spots as part of a statewide trial that began in November last year. Boat and jet ski operators found with illicit drugs such as methamphetamines, MDMA or cannabis in their system will have their marine licence cancelled for three months and face a fine of up to $2180. Water police can also ban them from driving a motor vehicle for up to 24 hours.
Clamps on illegal bikes POLICE are calling for public help in a crackdown on monkey bikes and other unregistered motorised bikes. Senior Sergeant Kirby Tonkin, of Hastings Police, said neighbours and residents were being asked to report any illegal riding in their streets. In recent incidents a 12-year-old boy was intercepted by Hasting police riding a dirt bike along Victoria Street, Hastings, about 6.25pm on 7 January. The bike was seized, and the rider issued with a caution for unlicensed driving, using an unregistered vehicle and failing to wear a helmet. Sen Sgt Tonkin said police were working hard to address the issue of illegal riding of motor bikes and wanted to work with the public to keep the streets safe. Snr Sgt Tonkin said anybody who has concerns about illegal motorbike riding in their neighbourhood should phone their local police station - anonymously if preferred - or Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 0300.