At speed: VMR vessel the Alwyn Tamo responds to a call. Picture: Supplied
Jet skiers rescued in bay
VOLUNTEER Marine Rescue crews at Western Port received an urgent call for assistance from the Water Police, 8pm, Wednesday 7 February, after a man and his son fell off their jet ski out from the Anderson Street boat ramp, Phillip Island. The VMR vessel Alwyn Tamo headed out with navigator Ted Lindner saying: “Luckily, we had calm conditions and were able to make a good speed of 41 knots (74kph). After a brief search the pair was spotted about 800 metres offshore.” VMR crews were told the father had fallen off and was unable to get back on the jet ski. Hanging on, he told his son to retrieve his mobile phone from a waterproof pouch, and then was able to call for assistance. VMR officer Tim Warner urged boat users to have a plan, and have some form of communication, whether it be a mobile phone, flares, radio, personal locater beacon (PLB) or – better still – all of the above. Stephen Taylor
SES calls for help VOLUNTEERS are needed at Hastings unit of the State Emergency Service. With only 15 active members mainly available after work, the unit needs members who can respond during business hours as well as at night
and weekends. The unit covers Baxter to Point Leo for flood and storm damage response, as well as search and rescue 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also assists other emergency services, such as the police. “As there are more frequent severe weather events and the demands on our service grow, we need to find new volunteers who are able to help us provide this crucial service to our community,” unit controller Naomi Jewell said. Volunteers will be trained in first aid, occupational health and safety, communications, chainsaws, lighting and generators. Enhanced skills include 4WD training, map and navigation, and roof top safety. Other roles requiring volunteers include training, administration, maintenance of vehicles and equipment, communications – or even helping out at headquarters. Those applying need to provide 100 points of identification, complete a police check and serve a three-month probation period. During this time they will be trained and provided with all safety equipment required to perform as an SES volunteer. All training is nationally accredited. The Hastings unit is holding an information session Sunday 18 February. Details: hastings@ ses.vic.gov.au
Hastings RSL
Hand clearing for freeway’s centre strip Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au WILDLIFE groups are breathing a little easier after a meeting with VicRoads officers on Tuesday 9 January thrashed out a “redesign of works” for clearing trees from the median strip on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. In what was slammed as a “scorched earth” vegetation clearance last October, the authority’s “forestry machine” mulched its way through hundreds of metres of established median-strip trees and shrubs in preparation for the laying of steelrope barriers along the length of the freeway. As the barriers require at least three metres of “flex” space, wide swathes of bushland became collateral damage with stressed animals and birds fleeing in panic, ringtail possums dropping babies from nests, and echidnas and blue tongue lizards were trampled under steel wheels. Angry residents were aghast at the wholesale loss of habitat, “cruel” treatment of wildlife, lack of planning and consultation and loss of amenity to the area. They predicted increased noise and air pollution, sun and traffic glare, stronger cross winds, increased temperatures on the road and even potential flooding. Eight VicRoads staff at last month’s meeting at The Briars sought to smooth the waters with
Australian Wildlife Protection Council’s president Craig Thomson, secretary Eve Kelly, member Roslyn Browning, Balnarring wildlife shelter operator Klarissa Garnaut, Crystal Ocean wildlife shelter’s Brenda Marmion, of at Rye, Warneet wildlife shelter operator Una Merrick, Greens candidate Paul Saunders and endorsed Liberal Party candidate Russel Joseph. When the second stage of the works begins in March workmen – not the dreaded forestry machine – will undertake low-key clearance works by hand. This time around, less vegetation will need to be cleared as the new type of steel-rope barrier will require only half the flex room – 1.5 metres – and a new emphasis will be placed on relocating and caring for wildlife. “VicRoads acknowledged they had made a mistake and that not enough work was done on the ground last time,” Ms Browning said. “They seem to have a greater sympathy for wildlife now.” Ms Kelly said better planning for wildlife corridors would allow wildlife groups to cope with high-impact events such as the vegetation clearing and alleviate much of the animals’ suffering – especially during times of stress. “People come from overseas to see our native animals and yet we are wiping them out,” she said.
DENTURE STUDIO
26 King Street, Hastings PH 5979 1753 Fax: 5979 2836 Email: hastrsl@tpg.com.au HOURS: NOW OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 3PM
General Meeting - March 4th The Hastings RSL will hold the Annual General Meeting, in the Club Rooms, on Sunday 4th March at 11.00am. All Members are reminded that they must be financial to nominate, propose, or second for any position. Positions to be re-elected are Vice President, Treasurer and three Committee.
Bingo - Every Wednesday Eyes Down - 12.30pm
RSL FUNCTIONS
The RSL club is available for HIRE for that SPECIAL FUNCTION
1066 Club – every Thursday 10.00am – 3.00pm (Except for 1st Thursday of the month)
Thursday 6.30 Service Parma, Chips & Salad $15.00 - One Free Beer, Wine or Softdrink Children $8.00 with a Free Softdrink
Friday Night Raffles/Meals 2 course meals $12.00 per person. Raffles drawn at 7:30pm
We specialise in full and partial dentures Implant retained dentures Same day denture repairs and relines Custom made sports mouthguards Tony Finn - Dental Prosthetist
190 High Street, Hastings Tel: 5979 3007 M: 0400 051 512 Western Port News 13 February 2018
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