Southern Peninsula
Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty. Ltd
PHONE: 03 5974 9000 Published weekly
Circulation: 22,870
Audit period: Apr 2014 - Sept 2014
Source: AMAA; CAB Total Distribution Audit for further information visit auditedmedia.org.au
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 4 FEBRUARY 2021 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WEDNESDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2021
An independent voice for the community We are the only locally owned and operated community newspaper on the Mornington Peninsula. We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential to a strong community. We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.
NEWS DESK
Shire backs down on tin-rattle ban Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council says it is not responsible for telling Rye CFA not to hold its annual tin rattle on the first weekend in January. Despite sending an email saying the tin rattle could not go ahead, the shire now says Victoria Police, and not it, is responsible road collections (“Tin rattle ban upset for firefighters” The News 26/1/21). The council last week said it was a “big supporter of tin rattling activities where it is safe to do so” and that police had confirmed that the council “would not be required to provide approvals in future”. The shire’s interim director of place Jessica Wingad said it was unclear why the council had even been asked to issue an approval in the first place.
The shire has not explained how one of its officers thought they had the power to approve or ban road collections. This is cold comfort to CFA crews who feel they were denied permission by the council’s traffic and transport team to hold their popular holiday fundraiser as it was considered too dangerous and posed public liability risks. The tin rattle held annually for the past 10 years usually raises about $10,000. Captain Glenn Diamond said firefighters had been looking forward to this year’s collection day and the usual banter with motorists at the traffic lights at the corner of Nepean Highway and Dundas Street. Logistically, it could only be held on the first weekend in January when many visitors and beachgoers flocked to the peninsula. Now that time has passed, Captain
Diamond says members can only look forward to next year’s tin rattle to raise the much-needed money. Cr David Gill is so concerned about the CFA’s lost opportunity that he says the council should reimburse the $10,000 usually raised. “We need to show some respect to these volunteers who risk their lives on our behalf,” he said. “They are an essential service and they shouldn’t have to waste their time on minor matters such as this.” Cr Gill said issues such as the roadside collections should come to a public council meeting for a decision “rather than being made by officers”. “It doesn’t matter who is at fault, it should be rectified. The mistake should never have happened.” Other volunteer groups, such as lifesaving clubs and SES crews, will no doubt be happy with the council’s clarification.
Support, recognition for volunteers VOLUNTEERING Victoria has given Mornington Peninsula Shire $23,000 to “strengthen volunteer connections on the peninsula”. The shire says it will use the money to help community groups recruit more volunteers in a COVID-safe environment. The mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said: “Volunteering allows people to connect with and make a difference in their communities. “Dedicating your time as a volunteer not only helps the cause they
choose to volunteer for, it is also a good opportunity to make new connections and friends.” The shire says it can can help recruit and screen volunteers in a COVID-19 safe way. Resources include the free online portal volmornpen.com.au on which community organisations advertise their volunteering opportunities. Volunteering information hubs are at Mornington Community Information and Support Centre, 320 Main Street, Mornington, and Western Port
Community Support, 185 High Street, Hastings. Anyone is welcome to drop in to learn more about volunteering and available positions The shire’s community development officer can assist community organisations with recruitment, screening, appointing volunteers and offering information about resources under COVID-19 safe practices. Email inquiries to volunteeringmorningtonpeninsula@mornpen.vic. gov.au
EVERY TEST HELPS US KEEP CATCHING UP WITH MATES Every test keeps us on top of this virus. And keeps us doing the things we love. So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.
For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
PAGE 6
Southern Peninsula News
3 February 2021