NEWS DESK
Shire urges pledge for Court reacts hard to women’s ‘challenge’ concrete dumper MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is choosing to challenge gender stereotypes by again supporting International Women’s Day on Monday 8 March – the Labour Day public holiday. The global day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s UN theme is Women in Leadership which promotes women’s and girls’ achievements, women’s independence and decision-making and challenges gender stereotypes and roles. Members of the community can join in online to raise awareness of gender equality on International Women’s Day. This year, women are being asked to challenge. To make a pledge, visit the shire website and explain in 140 characters who or what you would choose to challenge to break down gender stereotypes. The shire will also host an online event featuring four women from diverse backgrounds who share their stories and discuss gender equality and women in leadership. The pre-recorded discussion led by broadcaster, journalist, producer and author Tracee Hutchison will include insights from the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor and councillors. RPP FM will air the discussion from 2pm, Monday 8 March. The online event will go live at 7.30pm, Wednesday 10 March across the shire’s social media pages. Panel members include: Phoebe McShane, the shire’s 2021 Young Citizen of the Year, who, at 15, founded specialist basketball program Ausome Hoops for children with Autism. Phoebe was recognised by the Foundation for Young Australians and spoke to Senator Janet Rice on the need for more Autisminclusive programs.
Taneisha Webster, 28, is an Aboriginal woman with an honours degree in psychology. She received the Ricci Marks award in 2016. She is executive officer of women’s business at Willum Warrain Aboriginal Gathering Place and has worked in child welfare and was a board member at Willum Warrain for five years. Dr Linda Henderson, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash University, taught at Woodleigh School. She has a passion for creating positive change in education that helps children reach their potential. As an early years specialist, she focuses on leadership supporting women and children. Basketballer Ketiah Fischer started playing aged four and, from seven, played for the Sandringham Sabres for 15 years. In 2000 she joined the first Indigenous Australian Basketball Association team, the Cairns Dolphins. In 2005 she won gold medals in the Australian Masters and Pan Pacific Games and is now junior development coach at Mornington Basketball. “By amplifying the voices of women on International Women’s Day, we start to break the glass ceiling of gender inequality,” Cr O’Connor said. “The powerful and inspirational women on the panel strengthen our commitment to promoting gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and children as articulated in our Gender Equality Strategy 2020-30. “I’m proud to be mayor in a majority female council, with a female deputy by my side, and hope this video for International Women’s Day can help create an inclusive world of positive, equal and respectful relationships. Let’s all choose to challenge.” To make a pledge or to attend the online event, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/iwd
A POLLUTER has been fined $50,000 in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for illegally dumping tonnes of concrete along roadsides, many on the Mornington Peninsula. Kashyap Shingari, who pleaded guilty, was also placed on a two year corrections order to perform 300 hours of community service, Tuesday 23 February. He was also ordered to pay costs Mornington Peninsula Shire’s $9295 cost and Casey Council’s $1610 to remove the concrete, as well as Environment Protection Authority Victoria’s legal costs. Magistrate Richard Pithouse described the offending as “ex-
traordinary” and commented, “If there was a power under the Act … I would jail you for an extended period of time. The message has to get out to the community that you do not dump rubbish.” The mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said the successful prosecution which involved government agencies and the public “is an indication of the broader community’s zero tolerance for the dumping of rubbish”. “Let this be a warning to any would-be dumpers – you will get caught and prosecuted.” Environment Protection Authority Victoria, which brought the action against Shingari, was
able to secure a warrant for his arrest through Victoria police. A condition of his bail was that he not attend any “points of international departure” and that his passport be surrendered. EPA boss Lee Miezis said the case underlined the importance of community involvement in detecting and prosecuting illegal dumping. “We have zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour and we are glad to be able to see this through to a successful prosecution. It is a great example of law enforcement agencies, local councils and the media working together to get a great outcome.” Stephen Taylor
Building waste dumped along roadsides on the Mornington Peninsula. Pictures: Supplied
Age enhances fete items ITEMS for sale in a silent auction of at the white elephant stall have been flooding in to next Saturday’s (6 March) Fake or Fortune fete at Flinders. The latest items to be added to the list include a Chinese bowl rescued off the seabed from a 400-year-old shipwreck, trench art from World War I made from a brass cartridge with a kangaroo handle, and a blue Amanda Louden glass vase. Bookings can be made for valuations by third generation auctioneer Warren Joel and former Christies and Sotheby’s auctioneer Paul Sumner at Trybooking.com/BOIJT.
The Fake or Fortune fete is being held 10am2.30pm, Saturday 6 March at St Johns Church hall, Flinders. Organiser Mary Iles said the church, like all notfor-profit organisations, was only now beginning to earn income from its two op-shops at Balnarring and Flinders. “The profits from the fete are crucial to the church to enable continued support for community and local charities,” she said. Details: stjohnsfete21@gmail.comprizes to pet show winners.
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Southern Peninsula News
3 March 2021
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