NEWS DESK
Bright Future for practical science lessons SCIENTISTS play a crucial role at ExxonMobil Australia which is celebrating National Science Week. The company is keen to inspire future generations to think about maths and science as a career pathway. Since 2009, ExxonMobil Australia, through its subsidiaries Mobil and Esso, has inspired a new generation of engineers and scientists through its Bright Future grants program. Western Port Secondary College principal Chris Quinn said the school had used Bright Future grants to buy technology and equipment for senior biology lessons in which students learned how to analyse DNA. “Earlier this term our Year 12 biology students conducted Gel electrophoresis process to analyse DNA,” he said. “This technique is used in the real world to solve crimes in forensic science and even in the current race for a COVID-19 vaccine. “Students also filmed the process so that Year 9 forensic science students, who are participating in remote learning due to COVID-19, could share the experience. “All of this was made possible thanks to Bright Future grants … which enabled our students to have access to this high tech biological equipment along with webcams to support remote learning.” Esso Australia’s Long Island Point plant, which processes gas liquids and crude oil from Bass Strait for plants and refineries in Australia and overseas, is nearby to Western Port Secondary College. Plant manager David McCord said scientists and engineers were “critical for addressing the challenges of 21st century life”. “That is why we invest in education programs that focus on inspiring kids to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” he said. “From medicine to energy development to computing and engineering, we are supporting the development of a passionate and highly skilled workforce that will help solve problems and create new opportunities into the future.” The Bright Futures grants support a broad range of maths and science resources and projects: from buying iPads, smartboard software and robotics kits, to funding outdoor programs to teach students about sustainability, such as a seagrass study at Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, and a tree-planting project. Stephen Taylor
Paving the way for outdoor dining MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire says it is paving the way for more footpath trading and a new “parklets” program to support restaurants and cafes as COVID-19 restrictions ease over spring and summer. It says additional outdoor dining spaces are crucial for food businesses to re-open and remain profitable while complying with social distancing measures and space restrictions. Streamlining the permit process required by business to boost outdoor dining space and making it quicker, easier and cheaper for businesses to apply, are keys to the process. Affected businesses can apply for grants of up to $5000 from the state government’s $87.5 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package to help pay for such things as outdoor furniture, umbrellas and screens. The grants will be available to licensed and unlicensed cafes, restaurants, takeaway food businesses, pubs, taverns, bars and clubs with a payroll of less than $3 million.
Lions webinar
YEAR 12 biology student Taylen Black conducts a Gel electrophoresis process to analyse DNA. This technique is used in the real world to solve crimes in forensic science and even in the race for a COVID-19 vaccine.
DUE to COVID-19 Flinders District Lions won’t be having a fundraising Pink Ribbon Breakfast to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation this year. Instead, the Lions will host a webinar at which Associate Professor Marina Reeves will discuss exercise and dietary intervention for women with metastatic breast cancer. The webinar will be at 5.30pm, Tuesday 13 October. Details: Monica Holland: secretary@flindersdistrictlions. com.au
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VOTE 1 KATE ROPER Your local Candidate for CERBERUS Ward After COVID more than ever you will need a strong, experienced voice in the council chamber to represent our community. I know the process and I have proven results, such as: • Council spending in Cerberus is significantly higher than ever before. • Hastings Streetscape & laneway Murals ($4million) and finally new Public Toilets in King St. • Hastings Senior Learning Hub – A completely renovated quality facility for Seniors & U3A. • Major pavilion projects at sports grounds in Crib Point, Hastings & Tuerong to improve your facilities. • Road upgrades/Roundabouts Moorooduc, Hastings and Bittern…and much more
My Vision Our community needs help and positive action to rebuild after COVID and move forward. Here are just a few projects I want to progress: • Technology Park Hastings – projected over 3000 jobs. • Hastings Foreshore Sound Stage – The foreshore is an amazing asset and event space – an opportunity to add to our economy and assist local business. (Due to be constructed in 2021. $2.5 million allocated).
I stand for transparency, honesty & working for what’s best for our community.
• Linking our bike/pedestrian trails around the peninsula to enjoy our spectacular backyard. • Maritime Centre – Another project to bring jobs and visitor dollars to Western Port.
Contact me: Ph: 0419516416
And of course, continued long term support for our businesses and residents struggling with the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. Authorised by Kate Roper, PO Box 48, Hastings. 3915
Email:
kateroperforcouncil@gmail.com
Kate Roper Cerberus Ward Mornington Peninsula Western Port News
7 October 2020
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