NEWS DESK
Appeal launched to pay for fight against Somers paths AN appeal is being made for signatures and money to strengthen the fight against concrete footpaths at Somers. The Somers Village Community Association (SVCA) says it will appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) against thye footpaths planned by Mornington Peninsula Shire. The shire plans to apportion costs among all Somers property owners, not just those fronting the footpaths. Many of the property owners to be charged live several kilometres away from the two
metre wide, 5.2 km long footpaths. “We [Somers Village Community Association] are calling for people to help us doorknock Somers in order to have as many signatories as possible in the appeal,” Dan Burstall said. “This will be like the poll the council never ran to find out the views of the Somers community. “We are asking for voluntary donations in order to present our case to VCAT, but we will keep costs to a minimum. Those signing as co-sponsors of the appeal will not be
Family day lead-in for Auskick A SOMERVILLE Auskick Access All Abilities Family Day this month will feature live bands, rides, market stalls, free children’s activities and dance performances. The free day will be held 10am-9pm, Labour Day Weekend (Monday 14 March), at the Fruitgrowers Reserve, Somerville. The day is being presented by Somerville Auskick to bring together members of the community to showcase the local area and the talent available. Proceeds raised this year will help initiate the Somerville Auskick Access All Abilities program. It is hoped the day will become an annual event. Coordinator Felix Arena said the NAB Somerville Auskick program was becoming an accredited Auskick centre next year. “This step consolidates our aim of becoming a completely inclusive centre,” he said. “We want to ensure that children of all
PAGE 4
Western Port News 1 March 2016
abilities can enjoy some outdoor time playing the game they love. “We also hope to provide parents with the chance to enjoy the thrill of seeing their child taking a mark or kicking a goal while having fun with their friends. “We are excited by the prospect of being able to give parents and their children an opportunity to join in the standard Auskick program, while offering a dedicated all-abilities group should they feel more comfortable. “The key to our program is that the children are free to move from the AAA group into their age group when they feel comfortable, or, should they feel the need to move back into the AAA group, they are able to do that as well.” The weekly Auskick season starts 16 April, with sessions 9am Saturdays.
responsible for costs at VCAT.” Mr Burstall said the planned footpaths were “an appalling decision [by the council] to urbanise the peaceful coastal village of Somers”. “Our coastal villages need protection according to the council’s own planning statement. We just want them to do as they say and not wreck the character of our few remaining coastal villages.” To join the fight against the footpaths write to Somers Village Community Association, P O Box 441 Somers, 3927 or email somersvca@gmail.com.
Karate contest KARATE enthusiasts from all over Australia will be in Mornington next week for the Traditional Shotokan Karate National Championships. Events will be run Monday 7 MarchSaturday 12 March at the Mornington Basketball Centre, Dunns Rd. Thursday 10 March is a rest day. The highest ranking member of the style, Shihan Takahashi, is coming from Japan to watch the action. Mornington Peninsula Karate Club is hosting the event, which is regularly held on the Gold Coast. “People are coming from all over Australia and looking forward to seeing the peninsula’s wineries and beaches,” said fourth dan black belt Sensei Jeff Young, of Somerville. On the Friday, lower belt holders will compete in title events, and black belt holders will compete in elimination bouts.
Crowded surf, but PT LEO surf beach is sure to be crowded on Saturday, but no one is grumbling as it will be the second event held this year by the Mornington Peninsula branch of the Disabled Surfers Association. The first event for the year on Saturday 16 January saw 115 participants enjoying the surf with the help of 300 volunteers. And organisers are predicting this Saturday’s event will attract even more volunteers and participants. Volunteers can register with the DSA near the Pt Leo lifesaving club from 9.30am (or earlier if they want to help set up for the day). There are several jobs for volunteers who are briefed before the start of the event. The actual surfing starts at 11am and involves teams of volunteers standing in the water to provide a channel of helping hands within which the surfers catch waves to the beach. Some of the surfers lie down while others sit and stand. The DSAMP has wide-wheeled wheelchairs to get surfers on and off the beach. The branch is raising money to build a boardwalk to make