Birds and walks a reason to retire SPOTTING birds and taking long walks to see the country close up are some of the activities on the “life list” of Greg Hunt, who has retired after two and a half years as executive officer of the Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation. His position at the biosphere will be filled by Mel Barker, who Mr Hunt describes as “a very well-credentialled local”. At the time of Mr Hunt’s appointment, the biosphere foundation’s chair Duncan Malcolm pointed out that he was “not the Flinders MP” of the same name, but the previous executive officer of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (“Seasoned campaigner heads biosphere group” The News 11/12/2018). “I am having another go at retirement after two and a half particularly fulfilling years at the Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation,” Mr Hunt said last week. “Nonetheless, I’m going to be sad to go as there are some fascinating projects about to start and the biosphere is in a good position to start them.” He said biosphere staff “are as committed to the organisation as anyone could be and they are right across the work program and the community for whom they deliver” (“AGL defeat ‘start’ for community action” The News 27/4/21). “The issue is that there’s so much else for a still fit and healthy fellow to do,” Mr Hunt said. “My life list of
Australia’s bird species has a few too many gaps and I’ve got to go to some of the best and or remote parts of the country to see them. “There are long walks to take also if you want to see the country close up, and I do.” Mr Hunt said he would “try and avoid work” but admitted to “having a few irons in the fire to keep my mind alive”. He said the biosphere foundation’s work in climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development “has thrown up many challenges and has led to much strategising and willing and robust debate”. “But change will always do that and that’s why working in change is so fulfilling.” Keith Platt
Wild Women launch INSPIRE Tribe’s Nikk Hughes is guest speaker at the Wild Women in Business launch, Mornington Yacht Club, 8am, Friday 7 May. “We are on the hunt for high level doers who can add value to our group of amazing women. We are here to support you, challenge you and add value back into your business and life in return,” the group’s founder Lauren Wild, pictured, said. Bookings are essential. Email lauren@wildwomeninbusiness.com.au or go to wildwomeninbusiness.com.au
Picture: Gary Sissons
Meeting to preserve the pier A PUBLIC meeting will be held on Saturday (8 May) in support of keeping the remaining 180 metre wooden section of Flinders pier. The pier was built in the mid-19th century and substantially reconstructed about 100 years later. A new concrete section was built in late 2011, and there is growing pressure for the remaining wooden section to be kept for pedestrians. News that the wooden section was under threat came in July 2020, when the Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne issued a media release headed Upgrading piers and jetties that included “the demolition of the inner section of the old Flinders Jetty
in Western Port” (“Heritage pier faces partial demolition” The News 23/3/21). Ms Horne was quoted as saying “We understand how important these piers are to their local communities so it’s vital for us to address the needs of residents and pier users”. The pier was once an important link in transporting agricultural produce from the Mornington Peninsula as roads were only suitable for use by those on horseback, horse and cart, or bullock wagon. The only practical means of moving supplies and produce between Flinders and Melbourne and beyond was by sea.
Flinders became a busy port with coastal vessels regularly arriving with supplies, including building materials for the developing district and taking away farm produce. The pier was gazetted for public purposes in 1995, indicating the change from commercial to recreational use. The concrete jetty was added in 2011 along the north side of the timber structure to serve the pilot boat. The public meeting arranged by Flinders Community Association starts at 11.30am Saturday 8 May at the Flinders Hall, Cook Street Flinders. Keith Platt
The nurturing home your loved one deserves at Mornington. Welcome to Village Glen Aged Care Residences on the Mornington Peninsula, where residents and their families can enjoy peace of mind and support every step of the way.
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03 5958 6800 827-829 Nepean Hwy, Mornington, VIC 3931
Western Port News
5 May 2021
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