Western Port News 27 October 2021

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NEWS DESK

Grants to ensure the beat goes on

Go ahead for Devilbend run DEVILBEND Fun Run and Walk will be held at Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, Sunday 7 November, after being cancelled in 2020 and postponed in August. COVID-safety protocols will be followed and participants, volunteers and spectators must be double vaccinated. There is a cap of 500 runners. The 44th fun run will be over seven kilometre or 12 kilometre courses, or a 21.1km half marathon. A magic mile event is for younger competitors. Money raised will go towards buying equipment for the Mornington Athletic Track at Civic Reserve. Director Craig Mahony said it was a “relief and a pleasure” to be able to hold the event after organisers were forced to reschedule it three times during lockdown. “Compared to other fun runs, our event is unique as it takes in the trails and tracks of the reserve, is accessible enough for beginners, but also provides a fun challenge to experienced trail runners,” he said. It’s hoped that with travel restrictions and the border between metropolitan and regional Victoria erased, actively-minded participants will travel to the peninsula for the event. Volunteers are needed as COVID conditions require more help than normal. Details are on the event’s Facebook page. Entries for the 2021 Devilbend Fun Run and Walk are expected to sell out before the online portal closes at midnight, Thursday 4 November at devilbend.com.au

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Western Port News

Giving notice: Flinders resident Mary Iles with the two public notices before the Flinders Community Association notice disappeared. Picture: Supplied

Pier ‘fact sheet’ taken

NOTICES challenging Parks Victoria’s decision to demolish the historic section of Flinders pier have been torn down. Flinders Community Association put up the notices next to those of Parks Victoria rebutting four of its statements which they said were “misleading”. However, the association notices were ripped down while the Parks Victoria signs remained untouched. The association’s Charles Reis said the behaviour was disappointing. He said the FCA wanted to ensure the public was receiving correct information about the pier, and that information contained in the FCA notices was sourced from Parks Victoria’s own documents. “The truth is that Parks Victoria never undertook any consultation … before taking the decision to demolish the first 180 metres of this historic pier,” he said. “The pier fell into disrepair because

27 October 2021

Parks Victoria failed to undertake proper maintenance as it should. [It] failed to detect a leaking galvanised pipe that caused one of the piles to collapse and the pier to be closed.” Mary Iles, a long time Flinders resident, said the pier needed saving. “The Flinders pier needs repair and ongoing maintenance to ensure safe use by sailors, fishermen, divers, swimmers and tourists for the future,” she said. “A fortune is being spent on piers in Port Phillip, yet nothing is being spent on [this] side to make one of the peninsula’s favourite piers safe for many thousands of visitors who come to Flinders every year.” Parks Victoria regional director Marine and Maritime Jo Richards said Parks Victoria had an established process to regulate the display of third-party signage at public places, such as Flinders pier, as determined by the Port Management (Local Ports) Regulations 2015. Stephen Taylor

TWO entertainment venues on the Mornington Peninsula have received grants as part of the federal government’s $2.5 million Live Music Australia Program. The Pig and Whistle Tavern at Main Ridge will get $58,925 to host live Australian music gigs and workshops in The Shed Theatre. Westernport Yacht Club will get $30,390 for modifications to the venue, and equipment upgrades to support, establish, and promote COVID-normal live original music. Flinders MP Greg Hunt said the money would “reinvigorate the local music scene as vaccination rates continue to increase and state government restrictions ease”. “This funding is vital to not only boost our economy, but to ensure these venues can once again provide communities with the social settings we’ve all missed,” Mr Hunt said. The Pig and Whistle’s James McPherson said the money would help the venue to engage with not only local artists but create touring opportunities for performers from other areas. “The peninsula has an abundance of talented entertainment professionals: performers, writers, designers and production crew,” he said. “This grant will help us encourage artists and provide a professional space to allow them to embrace the future, re-discover their purpose and work their way back into the industry.”

GREG Hunt Westernport Yacht Club vice commodore Adam Smith said the club had provided a base for the peninsula’s music scene for 20 years. “COVID-19 put that on hold, but this grant will enable us to bring original Australian music back to our passionate community. “Now for the first time we will also be able to live stream gigs to reach a much broader audience who, for various reasons, aren’t able to attend on the night.” Modifications to the yacht club will allow it to maximise attendance while adhering to social-distancing, better utilise balcony space and maximise the flow of fresh air. “Improved acoustics and lighting will enhance the artist experience and improve the experience for audiences away from the stage,” Mr Smith said. “Most importantly, we will once again provide a stage for the best musical acts from the peninsula and further afield.”


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