NEWS DESK
Budget holds $32m for Peninsula Health partners Brodie Cowburn brodie@mornpenews.com.au THE Future Health Hub partnership between Peninsula Health and Monash University has received a shot in the arm from the federal government, with Dunkley MP Chris Crewther and Health Minister Greg Hunt jointly announcing $32 million for the aged care and mental health project. The budget boost for the partnership was announced alongside a $10 million injection into the paediatric
emergency centre at Frankston Hospital. The Health Futures Hub project has received bipartisan support from both major federal parties. Mr Hunt said “this funding will help deliver new research and treatment programs for our elderly and those with addiction and mental health issues, backed by new state of the art physical and data infrastructure at Frankston Hospital and the neighbouring Monash Peninsula campus for the Health Futures Hub. “This will mean that the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston com-
munities will see the direct benefit from research that is undertaken in their community, for their community.” Mr Crewther said “in the last five years emergency department presentations to the Frankston emergency department have grown by over 20 per cent.” “Providing a dedicated emergency department for children will enable the emotional needs of sick and injured children to be met and ensures they are protected from the stressful situations that occur in emergency departments.
“This investment will improve the emergency department experience of children and their families, improve waiting times and ensure that children receive high quality care in the right place at the right time.” Frankston mayor Cr Michael O’Reilly said “improving the availability and accessibility of facilities and programs to support mental health and drug and alcohol dependent clients in the region is a priority of council and local organisations including Peninsula Health, Monash University Peninsula Campus, and Frankston Private Hospital.”
“We continue to work closely with these key organisations and all levels of government to ensure the provision of services and programs meet the future needs of the community. Council thanks the Federal Government and Federal Opposition for their commitment towards delivering this ground-breaking service.” Dunkley Labor candidate Peta Murphy promised $21 million towards the partnership if Labor wins government at the May election.
Talk about dolphins A DOLPHIN “whisperer” will speak about some of his favourite mammals at a talk organised by BERG Mt Martha on Saturday, 27 April at 10.30am in Mt Martha House. Dolphin Research Institute director Jeff Weir, pictured, will talk about the bays and the dolphins and whales in the region and also demonstrate the impact that scientists can deliver. He will speak on the work of the institute and how the community can help and touch on the value of citizen science to the conservation of marine animals and how local people can help. Mr Weir is a founding director of the institute and has a background in marine biology, education and business. He is an award-winning underwater photographer and has presented papers at scientific and education conferences. His book The Dolphin Book was published in 2009. Mr Weir was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to marine observation. He lives in Frankston with his wife Liz. He has twin sons, who also live on the peninsula, and six grandchildren. The talk is free for BERG MM members, otherwise there is a gold coin donation. Bookings are essential at www.trybooking. com/BBSOV
No fire sale
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra. PAGE 10
Southern Peninsula News
3 April 2019
THE real estate agent’s waiver said it all: “Please note this is a working fire station at the moment. Inspections may be cancelled at short notice.” And so, forewarned, potential buyers of the old Crib Point fire station in Disney Street, pictured, are making their inspections before it goes to auction for the first time in 50 years on Saturday 13 April. Harcourts Jason Dowler said the 770 square metre residential zone block offered a “multitude of options”. It has shedding for up to five vehicles, a main building and smaller shed, kitchen and meeting room and bathroom facilities, and a pergola area overlooking a pleasant rear yard. The property will be sold with vacant possession after the station moves on, offering the buyer the potential to develop the existing shedding or develop the land, subjection to council approvals, and other uses. “This could be your dream come true or the opportunity you have been waiting for, with such a fantastic location, a generous allotment and residential zoning this property offers prime potential,” Mr Dowler said. Stephen Taylor