NEWS DESK
Western Port
Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty Ltd
PHONE: 03 5974 9000 Published weekly. Circulation: 15,000
Journalists: Stephen Taylor, Brodie Cowburn 5974 9000 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Bruce Stewart 0409 428 171 Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Danielle Espagne Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Andrew Hurst, Craig MacKenzie. ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURS 27 JANUARY 2022 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WED 2 FEBRUARY 2022
Local news for local people
We stand as the only locally owned and operated community newspaper on the peninsula. We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential for a strong community. We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.
To advertise in Western Port News contact Ricky Thompson on 0425 867 578 or email ricky@mpnews.com.au Western Port
Seafarers call out for help Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au THE Hastings SeafarersCentre is calling for help to rebuild its headquarters and have enough money to enable it to continue its work supporting ships’ crews. Heavy rain and storms on Friday 7 January damaged the roof of the group’s Bayview Road building, causing the water-logged ceiling to collapse. The building is now uninhabitable and the volunteers who are dedicated to supporting ship crews when they come into Western Port need a helping hand. Branch chairman Geoff Connelly said the repairs to the building would cost thousands of dollars, and there was an urgent and ongoing need to be ready to support new ships arriving in port. Mr Connelly said Seafarers provided support for all sea crew, many who were on international ships, by welcoming them into the community and providing spiritual support, assistance with transport, and essential supplies in the way of a “care package”. “The crews appreciate the contact and seeing someone with a smiling face who cares about their welfare,” he said. “We have a chaplaincy program for all faiths, but sometimes it’s just the welcome and friendly hello they need.” The Hastings centre provides a recreation room with a pool table and a comfortable space for crews to relax.
THE Hastings Seafarers Centre is a home away from home for crews from ships using the Port of Hastings. Picture: Yanni “Some of these crew members have been out to sea for 12 months, and appreciate somewhere to be when they get time off the ship and help to get around and get what they need,” Mr Connelly said. Seafarers has 27 Australian centres that were set up to respond to the many challenges and dangers faced by seafarers. The organisation works closely with federal government agencies and port users to improve the treatment of seafarers and shipping practices in Australian waters. The Hastings centre is part of the Australian Council for the Mission to
Seafarers, which oversees, supports and encourages the work of missions around Australia. It is supported by the Anglican, Catholic and Uniting churches, with an ethos to care for the practical and spiritual welfare of seafarers of all nationalities and faiths. There are 230 mission sites around the world, including four in Victoria – Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings, where work is carried out by a small number of staff, chaplains and volunteers. To volunteer or donate to the Hastings centre call Geoff Connelly on 0447 388 224.
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Cranbourne and Pakenham lines
Until last train 3 Feb
Westall to Cranbourne and Pakenham
4 Feb to 6 Feb
Dandenong to Cranbourne
From 8.30pm 7 Feb to last train 10 Feb
Caulfield to Westall
8.30pm to last train each night, 27 Feb to 3 Mar
Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps Monash Freeway
At night in Jan
Freeway closed between Warrigal Road and EastLink
In Jan
Lanes and ramps closed between Clyde and Cardinia road
At night in Jan
Freeway closed between Clyde and Cardinia roads
In Jan
Lanes and ramps closed between Clyde and Cardinia roads
Camms Road, Cranbourne
Until 7 Feb
Closed between Murray Court and George Street (some local access)
Fairfield Street, Cranbourne
Until 7 Feb
Closed in both directions between Camms Road and Station Street
Clyde Road, Berwick
Until 20 Feb
Closed between Enterprise Ave and Mansfield Street
Hallam Road, Hallam
9pm to 6am each night, 27 Jan to 12 Feb
Closed at the level crossing
MTIA6960
Princes Freeway
Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
PAGE 2
Western Port News
26 January 2022