NEWS DESK
Community rallies after shop raid
Refresh for Crib Point
THREE offenders wearing balaclavas pulled a door off its hinges before robbing Crib Point Cellars of $30,000 in cigarettes and alcohol. Somerville detectives said the men used a stolen “small black car” in the 4.30am raid on the Stony Point Road business on Thursday 27 May. Devastated proprietors Danny and Terri Bemelen, who have had the business for seven years, said they had “just stocked up” on cigarettes. “It’s amazing how quickly they go up,” Mr Bemelen said. “One packet can cost $50.” The couple were “completely blown away” by the generosity of customers and well-wishers contributing through a GoFundMe campaign. Organiser Kiara Lacey is hoping to raise $5000. “Danny and Terri will give you the shirt off their backs if you need it. They would never ask anybody for anything. These absolute legends have done a lot for our town and it’s time we give back to them,” Ms Lacey said. “They would never even ask for us to do this fundraiser for them – I didn't give them a say – but I know our town wants to help out any way we can.” “I had to sit down when I became aware of [the GoFundMe campaign],” Mr Bemelen said. “You have some bad days when you wonder what you are doing wrong but then you get support like this. The cricket club has also helped us out.” Stephen Taylor
THE Crib Point Refresh plan was adopted at the Tuesday 4 May Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting. The Refresh is an update of a 10-year-old plan and was placed on public exhibition for community feedback last winter. The plan sets out to provide a long-term vision and guidance for the development of Crib Point and give greater certainty to residents and landowners over the next 10-20 years. It was prepared in consultation with residents and those connected with the town, following community concerns that out-ofcharacter, multi-unit developments were appearing. Cr Lisa Dixon, whose Cerberus Ward takes in the township, said the original vision remained current with the updated plan “setting the strategic vision and direction for the township’s development, aiming to protect the character of tree-lined streets and mix of old and new houses”. The mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said the updated plan “ensures Crib Point will continue to have the look, feel and function of a country town on the coast”. An amendment to the peninsula’s planning scheme will allow further public comment on the proposed changes. See the plan at mornpen.vic. gov.au/cribpoint
Devastated: Crib Point Cellars proprietors Danny and Terri Bemelen after the robbery last week. Picture: Yanni
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Western Port News
2 June 2021
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