PENINSULA WIDE EVENTS | SERVICES | COUNCIL | PROJECTS | PLANNING

Enjoy Mornington Summer Fire Brigade Keep your family safe this season with helpful tips in our 100 years special summer safety feature Mayor’s Message I am delighted to be returning as your In this edition we have a special feature work closely with them to benefit the Mayor with a strong council of 11 on the Mornington Fire Brigade’s 100th whole community. including eight new Councillors on Anniversary (p8). There are some great board. It’s a very exciting time we have community events to celebrate this There are some useful tips to be fire a good mix of skills and experience milestone, I hope to see you there. ready (p9) and beat the heat (p11) this and a real sense of goodwill to work We value the contribution of all our summer. We’d love your feedback on together to deliver for our community. emergency services and continue to how we can communicate better with you, so please fill in the survey (p15) to let us know your thoughts. We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and holiday period enjoying the peninsula we all love over summer. Councillor Bev Colomb, Mayor, Mornington Peninsula Shire [email protected] or 5950 1428

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5950 1000 or 1300 850 600 We aim to be a relevant source of information with news about [email protected] services, policies, initiatives and community events from the Shire. We welcome any comments. Office hours: 8.30am-5pm Monday – Friday, excluding public holidays. (03) 5950 1345 [email protected] Visit us Editor: Rachel Hill Graphic Designer: Sean Roche Rosebud Mornington Hastings 90 Besgrove St 2 Queen St 21 Marine Pde Council & committee meetings Somerville 1085 Frankston-Flinders Rd, (within Somerville Library) 12 Dec 7pm, Council Meeting Office hours: Tue-Fri – 10am-5pm Sat-Mon – CLOSED Council Office, 90 Besgrove St, Rosebud Please check our website for all Council meetings in 2017. mornpen.vic.gov.au/councilmeetingdates The information in this publication is of a general nature. The articles contained herein are not intended to provide a complete discussion on each subject and/or issues canvassed. Mornington Peninsula Shire does In the spirit of respect, Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges not accept liability for any statement or any opinion or for any errors or the Boonwurrung/Bunurong, members of the Kulin Nation, who have omissions contained herein. traditional connections to the land on which Council meets.

Your Councillors Briars Cr Rosie Clark Cr Sam Hearn Cr Bev Colomb Ward Watson Cr Julie Edge Ward

Cerberus Seawinds Ward Ward Cr Simon Brooks Cr Antonella Celi Cr Frank Martin Cr Kate Roper Nepean Ward

Red Hill Ward

Cr Bryan Payne Cr Hugh Fraser Cr David Gill

2 PENINSULA WIDE December 2016 Tourism: A career I quit my day job and started Blue with endless Mini. Eleven years later I have two cafes and a catering business and possibilities I love it. A lot of people think that tourism down here is just bed & Finding a job you love is always at breakfasts and hotels, but it’s a lot the top of any wish list. In partnership more than that. There are some with the Mornington Peninsula amazing, big venues that are being Regional Tourism Board and refurbed or rebuilt and they’re just sponsored by Chisholm, we have crying out for employees. Hospitality developed a careers campaign to is a first choice career, I mean my highlight how your dream job could whole life is built around it and we’re be right on your doorstep. doing ok. We’ve hand-picked local ambassadors Tracey Fleming, from Conleth Roche, Resort Manager Owner - Blue Mini Café & Catering of RACV – to Jessica Marshall, Food and Beverage – Lindenderry, Red Hill to be a part of some special short films. In each When I was young I saw a chef interview, our ambassadors will guide running a really big resort, he had you through their own fulfilling career everything going on at once but and tell their story about the benefits to he was just really calm and cool. I working in tourism in our region. remember saying to myself, that’s the kind of chef I want to be. I moved down here two years ago and have a great work, life balance. Right now is a really good time to be a chef on the peninsula. I see the Mornington Peninsula being probably one of the biggest food destinations in . Josh Tirant, Managing Head Chef - Flinders Hotel

When I speak about the peninsula, To view our ambassadors’ videos and I speak about it with passion. It’s a to be inspired by a career in tourism: great place to start a career and if mpcareers.com.au you are a very innovative personality you can take it to whichever direction you like. I find the people that come in and actually tell me why they want to work down here; not just because Our new-look Mornington they want a job but because they Peninsula Business site is want to be in this particular area. If I now live. The site refresh see passion and a reason why, then makes it easier to find I’m more likely to employ that person. industry news, event info and contacts for all your Leith Gooding, business needs. Owner - Endota Spa Red Hill mpbusiness.com.au ! Cherry pick your produce 2017 Best Bites Food Guide It’s peak cherry season and there’s one easy way to know The 2017 Best Bites Food Guide is now that the cherries in your bowl are grown on the peninsula. available from our customer service, tourism The Mornington Peninsula Produce (MPP) brand is a certified centres and online at: trademark guaranteeing the provenance of produce that is mornpen.vic.gov.au/bestbites grown, bred or raised on the Mornington Peninsula. mpproduce.com.au

December 2016 PENINSULA WIDE 3 Cerberus Ward Watson Ward

I would like to see I would like to see more focus and funding on the eastern side of the peninsula, which many believe I want to play aI want to play andleadership advocacy role that encourages and supports local people to work I believe that the communities expectations of Councillors must be met. Other priorities are the preservation has in the past been overlooked. has in the past been overlooked. wide I would like to Peninsula ensure any future development is balanced with the need to protect our environment for the enjoyment of all. together for the wellbeing of our localtogether for the wellbeing happy life, live a full and To community. caring, anda person needs a strong, I want to work connected community. carefor social wellbeing, environmental and economic opportunity. advocate for To of the Green Wedge. better roads maintenance, fire prevention improved public parks, more frequent public transport, a freeway flyover at Jetty road in Rosebud and a swimming pool for the southern peninsula. Kate Roper Sam Hearn Sam Martin Frank My top priority is giving the community My top priority is giving the community a voice. Standing up for what the community wants and needs. Open and honest communication, fairness and integrity. Julie Edge To support an To efficient, cohesive Council that is committed to working for the community. Parking near Parking a big schools is concern for many people in Mount Eliza. I’m going to give it my best I would like to encourage better planning through collaboration between Council and the community Bryan Payne Simon Brooks Rosie Clarke Rosie Establish a 50m Swimming Pool in Establish a 50m Swimming Pool Rosebud, Improveme foreshores and shopping centres at Rye, Blaigowrie Ensure that the Rye and Portsea. Disposal Centre remains open Waste for its effective life. shot and talk to people about what they shot and talk to people know the other want. I want to get to a team and work councillors, work as hard to achieve our goals. to ensure policy satisfies the needs of the community and builds resilience and capacity now and into the future. A particular focus of mine is effective town planning that meets our needs but also ensures we don’t ruin what we value. Our business operations require separate not integrated, accounting and reporting, enabling To improve roads, To footpaths and crossings; ease traffic congestion at and Jetty Freeway Road; advocate for To work with my To taking oncolleagues board the input from the community to deliver vital services and infrastructure Protecting the character and amenity of from insensitive developmentRed Hill Ward while promoting sound planning principles and worthwhile developments. Holding the council to accountability and transparency promises often made in public statements. Planning decisions may last forever and must not be made for short term expedient reasons. Confidentiality rules should not be used to prevent scrutiny of decision making. David Gill Hugh Fraser Antonella Celi Bev Colomb recurrent efficiency and integrity review for better customer service. Issues such as environment, vegetation, waste, wetlands, heritage, planning, carbon neutrality and governance have yet to achieve the importance they deserve. community safety, health and wellbeing; community safety, upgrade the Rosebud Library and Youth Hub; an aquatic centre in Rosebud, new pier in Dromana and enforced planning controls to protect the Green Wedge Wetlands. and Tootgarook for the Briars and the peninsula, andfor the Briars and the our groups andfacilitating and enabling us to assistresidents to engage with in the great workthem wherever possible they do in our community. What is your top priority for your community? priority for is your top What

Briars Ward Seawinds Ward Nepean Ward Red Hill Ward 4 PENINSULA WIDE December 2016 Major Projects

A cross sectional view of the future Eastern Sisters Pathway Project.

Sorrento Crib Point We have awarded a $1.56m contract We’ll soon finish the construction of two and associated street lighting. Line to Services South East to construct netball courts at the Crib Point Football marking will also take place along a coastal pathway and seawall at the Netball Club, including new fencing, Jetty Road towards Bayview Road. Eastern Sister Headland, Sorrento. LED lighting and drainage. The courts The new roundabout is expected to be This 270-metre-long pathway and are located at Crib Point Recreation completed this month. supporting rock wall will provide Reserve on Governors Road and are to coastal access between Camerons be completed by the end of the year. Bight beach and Sullivan Bay. It also We have joint funded this $300k project Mornington provides protection of the headland with the Football Netball Club and Sport Construction has begun for a new cliffs by absorbing the energy of and Recreation . cattery and customer service centre incoming waves. Works will happen at our Community Animal Shelter in between April to September 2017 to Rosebud Watt Road. These works will provide minimise disruption to the community the much-needed upgrades to the in the warmer months. Work has started on the construction shelter to improve customer service of a new roundabout at the intersection provided to visitors and create more Somerville of Jetty Road and Old Cape Schanck comfortable living conditions for our Road. The work is being funded community’s pets when they are lost A new roof has been constructed at the through the Federal Government’s from home. The new and improved Recreation and Community Centre to National Black Spot Program as a facility will feature a customer service replace the roof which was destroyed result of a significant crash history office, multiple animal housing and by fire in May. The new roof marks in the area. Works will include a new treatment spaces, storage and significant progress to refurbish the pavement, concrete kerbs and a traffic accessible carpark. It is anticipated centre to its former functionality. island, guard rail, line marking, signage works will be completed by May 2017.

Balnarring A new sports pavilion is being built on the recreation reserve public accessible toilets. The works form part of the to provide much-needed facilities to the Balnarring Cricket Balnarring Recreation Reserve Master Plan from which three Club, Junior Football club and District Netball club. The new new netball courts and new cricket training nets have been single level building will include a social room, multipurpose constructed. The sports pavilion will be available for hire change rooms, toilet and shower facilities, office, store for community events and classes and is expected to be rooms, kitchen, kiosk, first aid room and internal/external completed in May 2017.

Artist’s impression of the new sports pavilion.

December 2016 PENINSULA WIDE 5 Arts & Gallery Arts Discover your ancestry Learn detective skills to search family names and secrets as the Mornington Peninsula Family History Society Inc guides you through your research. Available at each of our libraries the two- hour sessions begin with a talk on how to get started, and the various resources available – from birth, marriage and death certificates, wills, shipping lists, census records, electoral rolls, and local history, to books, microfiche, microfilm and online resources. Following the talk there will be a round-table question and answer session. Participants will also receive a voucher for a day’s free visit to the society’s library at the Frankston South Community Centre in Towerhill Rd, Frankston. 9783 7058 Shenae & Jade (2005) – Petrina Hicks

Birds: Flight paths in Australian Art Walk through Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery The exhibition includes a specially Mornington’s (MPRG) is proud to present our major commissioned interactive work by Juan summer show ‘Birds: Flight paths in Ford where visitors are invited to create history Australian Art’ 2 December 2016 a bird-filled landscape using thousands – 12 February 2017. of bird stickers provided by Ford. Two heritage walking tours around Mornington will take place on Australia Developed by MPRG, ‘Birds’ artist Kenny Pittock has Day, 26 January. comprises 70 works by 50 Australian created an off-beat colouring-in Leaving from the Old Post Office artists. From painting to sculpture, book focusing on birds found on the Museum, corner Main Street and the decorative arts, photography, print- Mornington Peninsula, famously home Esplanade, the walks start between making and installation this exhibition, to an abundance of indigenous birds, 10.15am – 10.30am. two years in the making, explores wanderers and migratory birds. Pittock 0412 989 749 the science, symbolism, beauty and was an artist in residence at the Shire’s curiosity of birds. Police Point Artist in Residence cottage during October, researching for this Summer reading In a country proud of its unique birds special project. – our kookaburras, emus, galahs and club for children cockatoos – our exhibiting artists have We have a series of talks, workshops considered the threats to our fragile and school holiday programs relating Heroes and villains will be ecology. Fiona Hall’s night parrot is to the exhibition. brought to life in our libraries dressed in camouflage gear to protect and online this summer with it from extinction; Penny Byrne’s $4 adults, $2 concession. the launch of The Summer Reading Club on 5 December. ceramic parrots are kept under glass, mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au and Petrina Hicks’ photography Discover new ways to sustain your depicts the relationship between child’s reading by encouraging their animals and humans. participation; all children who join will receive some great reading incentive prizes as well as discovering new books at the library. Registration is free, so come into one of our branches to join and Did you know budgerigars are known to show affection towards begin the reading adventure. ? their owner by putting their head in their owner’s mouth? ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au

6 PENINSULA WIDE December 2016 Keep active this summer Gear up for the Red Hill ride Our new Red Hill Bike Park is now finished and opened to the public. The park, built with the input of the Red Hill Riders, will test and improve the confidence, control and safety of bike riders of varying skill levels. Mountain biking is one of the fastest- growing sports in the world and the park, the first of its kind on the peninsula, will attract riders from all over the state. Features of the park include a jumps line with drop-in and wall-ride, a raised board-walk style trail, balance lines and a ‘trials’ area. It’s located around 200m from the top of the Red Hill Station Reserve trail head and is accessible from the car park on Callanans Rd or Red Hill Rd. Official opening All welcome Saturday 10 December, 11am – 1pm 155 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South Red Hill Riders demo, live DJ and sausage sizzle.

Twilight golf membership Get in that nine or 18 holes after work and take advantage of the daylight savings at Mount Martha Public Golf Course. Play seven days a week after 2pm. mtmarthapublicgc.com.au or 5974 2266

Age strong School holiday swim school Dancing, yoga, cycling…seniors on the peninsula have it all. These school holidays why not enrol your child in an With more than 100 physical activity groups on the peninsula, intensive swimming program. We offer school holiday you’re sure to find something for you. We also have groups intensive programs for all levels in a fun, supportive and safe for those who need to exercise in a chair. environment. Classes are held at both our pools: Pelican Park Recreation Centre in Hastings and Crib Point Pool. The The 2017/18 Physical Activity Directory lists groups and 30-minute classes are conducted over five consecutive days senior clubs suitable for people aged 60 and over. to enhance learning retention and practice. [email protected] 5976 9071 This intensive program will provide a kick-start to your child’s learn-to-swim experience, and existing students can boost their skills and work towards the next class level. Civic Reserve Rec Centre Classes: 9 – 13 January at Pelican Park and Crib Point Pool. Week 2: 16 – 20 January lessons will run at Pelican Park. When you bring your children to the centre for activities mornpen.vic.gov.au/pelicanpark or 1300 850 197 you can now pop in and make use of the new flexible gym hours. Open from 8am – 11am and 4pm – 9pm, Monday to Friday, it’s now even easier for parents to work out. Cool off at Crib Point Pool FREE seven day trial call: Open daily between 9.30am – 6pm the 25m outdoor heated 5975 0133 FREE pool is a welcome addition for keeping active or just keeping mornpen.vic.gov.au/civicreserve seven cool over the holidays. day trial mornpen.vic.gov.au/cribpointpool or 5983 9672

December 2016 PENINSULA WIDE 7 On 1 January 1917 a group of men What is one of the funniest things from the Mornington community you’ve seen during your career? Mornington had their request approved for the formation of a fire brigade in There were a couple of characters, one Mornington. Fast-forward 100 years was Bobby Garlic. If we had to clean and community celebrations for the the truck and polish it for a funeral or brigade’s landmark anniversary are something like that, Bob would then planned all summer. tie his dog up to the truck so no- one would touch it. The dog would Life in the brigade has changed certainly let you know when you got considerably over the years; here are too close to it. just some of the insights from past John ‘Don’ Crosby – Brigade Fire brigade members. member since 1957 To see the interviews in full: morningtonfirebrigade.com.au What were your reasons for Brigade becoming a member of the What year did you join the Mornington Fire Brigade? brigade & how old were you? I joined the brigade in 1961, I had a 1957 and I joined because the local brother and cousins in the fire brigade then Captain, Stan Hutchins said, ‘Can and I was always interested but never you run, son’. I started running in the did anything about it until I turned 16. competition team for the Mornington Rodney Young – Brigade member Fire Brigade and finished up being since 1961 100 with the brigade for over 30 years. Michael ‘Squizzy’ Taylor – Ex Captain What has membership with the and Brigade member since 1957 Mornington Fire Brigade given What is the most memorable you? incident you attended? There’s been numerous friendships and mateships that have been forged year We were going down this gully after over the years…I still catch up with a wildfire and every now and then the quite a number of them…It’s almost wind would just blow up through this anniversary definitely a people’s organisation. gully and the whole place just glowed. The brigade has been fantastic right It turned into a red sort of a furnace and through the years. it just glowed, there were no flames it Wayne ‘Wal’ Lewis – Ex Captain and was just ashes and coals. I remember Brigade member since 1978 looking at that; it was a terrible thing but at the same time it was one of the What were your reasons for most beautiful things I’d ever seen. That becoming a member of the really stuck in my mind. Mornington Fire Brigade? Mark Martin – Brigade member since 1983 There are eight women in the Brigade and three of them are all What is the greatest advance from my family, mum, me and my or innovation you have seen in sister. There’s four of us in the CFA? brigade altogether, dad’s the brigade secretary, so it’s a good old family We never had aircraft. There was no affair. such thing as bringing in these great Rachel Young – Brigade member big things that dropped water. The since 2010 only things we had were fire trucks, so huge advances in the ability for the fire brigade to do their work now. For information about all of the Michael ‘Squizzy’ Taylor – Ex Captain brigade’s 100 year celebrations: and Brigade member since 1957 morningtonfirebrigade.com.au

8 PENINSULA WIDE December 2016 Events 1 January Mornington Fire Brigade’s 100th anniversary. The brigade’s 100 year book, by Colin Fisher OAM of the Mornington & District Historical Society, will be available as well as special anniversary merchandise to buy. You can also have your name displayed as a sponsor of the Brigade Centenary Community Wall. 26 January Australia Day Parade. The brigade will make a special contribution by leading the parade Past and present brigade members sharing stories, during the to Mornington Park for the flag- lead up to the 100 year anniversary celebrations. raising ceremony. There will also be a multi-brigade torchlight procession. The right time to prepare for fire 28 January Brigade Open day. Tour the facilities and meet brigade Preparing your property is easier than 4. Keep gutters and roof areas clear members. Inspect the historical you might think. Carrying out regular of leaf litter. fire trucks and current brigade actions like pruning trees and cutting 5. Remove or prune shrubs near appliances and equipment. your grass, could all help save you and windows and well away from 25 March Community cocktail party. your home. Tick off these simple steps branches of mature trees. to prepare your home for summer. Held at the fire station, there will be 6. Cut back overhanging tree food, beverages and various live 1. Plan what you’ll do in the event of branches close to your property. entertainment plus an opportunity a fire, talk to your household and We are busy undertaking our annual for people to share stories about know where to access information private property fire hazard inspection the contribution the brigade and on high-risk days. program. We can provide advice to its members has made over its 100 2. Keep grass cut low. Fire can property owners about planning and years of service. ignite and travel quickly preparation for bushfire. We’re celebrating and we want you through long grass. 5950 1000 to celebrate with us. 3. Remove all materials from around cfa.vic.gov.au your home that could burn, such morningtonfirebrigade.com.au as boxes, furniture, woodpiles, dry grass, leaves, twigs and loose bark.

Document ready? Pets need a plan too Tree response There are many important documents There is a National Equine Database crews to think about safekeeping in an (NED) for horses and pet owners to emergency, such as your birth use prior to an emergency. NED is Did you know that we have three certificate, pensioner card and legal national, free and accessible 24/7. response crews that undertake pruning, documents including the title deeds nedaustralia.com branch pickups and other maintenance? for your house, your will and all your insurance documents. The crews work in all townships across the peninsula, responding to community Help is at hand at your local library requests as well as carrying out a set where volunteers can assist you with program of vegetation trimming and tree scanning your documents. maintenance. There will be support available on the Let us know if you have a tree-related first and third Tuesday of each month request or concern by contacting us until March 2017. via email, phone or in person. Our ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au qualified tree inspectors will then climateready.com.au attend to the case. mornpen.vic.gov.au/treeresponsecrew

December 2016 PENINSULA WIDE 9 Disability feature Para Table Tennis on the peninsula This event is free to the public and those We have sponsored this event alongside that love table tennis will see exciting, the Australian Paralympic Committee, highly ranked world para players in Australian Institute of Sport, Table Tennis action, including our recent silver Australia, Vision Australia, Deaf Sport medal winner from the Rio Paralympics, Australia, The Victorian Government and Samuel von Einem. This Para event many others. will be held at the specially designed 5975 7168 world class stadium at Civic Reserve Recreational Centre, Dunns Road Mornington. Players from Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, New Zealand, Thailand, New Caledonia and other island nations will You have the chance to see top be attending. international and Australian table tennis players when the Mornington These championships are open to Peninsula Table Tennis Association athletes with a physical, intellectual, (MPTTA) hosts the National Para Table hearing and vision impairment. Specially Tennis Championships between designed Swish tables will be used for 4 – 7 February 2017. the vision impaired athletes.

The Eagle Beach access has landed rolled out Our All Abilities Consultative Mount Martha Beach has become Committee was invited to explore the the first wheelchair accessible beach accessible features of the new Eagle on the Mornington Peninsula, thanks Chairlift at Arthurs Seat. Members to our partnership with Mount Martha of the committee along with family Life Saving Club. Beach matting and friends were treated to a ride in will be rolled out each weekend the new gondolas, morning tea, and at Mount Martha beach from 19 a tour of the new facilities including November 2016 to 30 April 2017, the Peninsula’s first Changing Places as part of a pilot project. The goal fully accessible toilet located at the is to make more beaches on the Eagle base station in Dromana, at the peninsula accessible. bottom of Arthurs Seat Road. mornpen.vic.gov.au/accessible aseagle.com.au

Let’s go Celebrating Disabled Surfers Association International Day Mornington Peninsula provides a safe and enjoyable surfing experience for of People with people with any disability. They are looking for volunteers to assist Disability with their surfing events this summer and All Abilities Day is on Wednesday have both water and land-based roles. 7 December at our Civic Reserve Want to get involved or be a participant? Recreation Centre, Mornington. Come along between 10am – 1.30pm to Saturday 14 January & Saturday celebrate International Day of People 4 March, 11am – 3pm Point Leo with a Disability. Surf Beach at the Surf Lifesaving Club. Volunteers and carers free. Come and try soccer, tennis, cricket, Participant (surfer registration) Swish table tennis for the vision $10. BBQ lunch provided. impaired, footy, and dance for FREE. Marveloo toilet available (BYO sling). 0417 453 669 [email protected] 5950 1099 dsamp.com.au aad2016.eventbrite.com.au idpwd.com.au

10 PENINSULA WIDE December 2016 Safety feature Beat the heat this summer Beat Buruli During periods of prolonged and extreme heat, particularly The Department of Health has indicated a number of with the heat lasting into the night, older people are at risk cases of Buruli disease on the southern peninsula. of illness or even death. Commonly known as Bairnsdale ulcer, Buruli disease is a bacterial skin infection that is fully treatable and not Age-related changes to the body can reduce the body’s thought to be contagious. Early detection is important ability to sweat in response to heat, causing dehydration. and it makes sense to protect yourself from potential This can cause older people to have a reduced ability to sources of infection such as soil and insect bites. Further adapt to summer heat and make them more prone to information and fact sheets are available on our website. heat stress. mornpen.vic.gov.au/burulidisease Planning ahead and being prepared for extreme heat is important, the five key tips to surviving the heat this summer are: Beat the bite 1. Drink plenty of water: carry a bottle of water with you and take regular sips, even if you are not thirsty We love getting outdoors while the weather is warm. The 2. Hot cars kill: never leave kids, adults or pets in the car – problem is, so do the mosquitoes. While most are just temperatures in parked cars can double within minutes annoying, some mosquitoes can transmit diseases. 3. Keep cool: seek out air-conditioned buildings, close windows and draw blinds, use a fan or air-conditioner, take cool showers and dress in light, loose clothing Protect yourself outdoors made from natural fibres • Use mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridin on 4. Take care of others: look after neighbours and family exposed skin. who live alone, and don’t forget your pets • For kids it’s safer to spray or rub insect repellents on their 5. Have a plan: schedule activities during the coolest part clothes rather than directly onto their skin. of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you have to go out wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of • Cover up as much as possible. water with you • Try to limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about. For more information visit 5950 1050 mornpen.vic.gov.au/beattheheat OR betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-the-bite betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat

If you or anyone you know feels #closethegate unwell on a hot day call This summer we are encouraging all pool and spa owners to NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 check their pool safety barrier before a child does. or call 000 in an emergency. kidsafevic.com.au

Is your septic summer ready? Looking after your family’s health is always a top priority but did you know that a poorly maintained septic system is a health risk for your family, our waterways and the wider community? An annual health check of your septic system leading into the busy summer months can not only prevent environmental problems in our waterways but also save on costly repairs or an early system replacement. Enjoy your property this summer but just like a well- rehearsed fire plan, protect the health of your family and community by being proactive and having a well looked after summer-ready, septic system. To find out how to properly maintain and service your system, download our septic health fact file at mornpen.vic.gov.au/summerseptic 1300 850 600

December 2016 PENINSULA WIDE 11 Environment & Waste Recycling goes weekly Your rubbish, for summer your responsibility Your household recycling bin will be collected every week While much of the community does the right thing with more from Monday 19 December until Friday 3 February. than 7,200 televisions recycled at our resource recovery centres. Last year we still had around 150 TV’s dumped on Your 240L blue lid bin will continue to be collected on the our roadsides parks and gardens. The collection of dumped same day but weekly instead of fortnightly. rubbish and general litter cost us more than 480,000 each year. The weekly summer recycling service is to help you better If you witness illegal rubbish dumping make detailed notes dispose of your waste over summer and reduce waste and report it to the Environment Protection Authority: going to landfill. 1300 372 842 mornpen.vic.gov.au/recycling mornpen.vic.gov.au/report-it Recycling tips Tip it for FREE • Don’t place recycling in a plastic bag • Televisions • All recyclables • Empty containers of contents/liquids • Computer screens • Hot water services • Recyclables that can’t fit into your bin can • Microwaves and ovens • Bikes be taken to a resource recovery centre • Scrap metal and tools • Batteries (Rye, Mornington and Tyabb) or hopper For more information (Sorrento, Dromana and Flinders) for free. mornpen.vic.gov.au/wasteguide Green loans Bulbs go green Does your business own or lease a building on the As part of our key strategic action to reach carbon neutrality, peninsula? Would you like to reduce your operational costs we’re planning to replace around 10,729 street lights with and improve your energy efficiency? energy efficient bulbs starting in July 2017. An Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) may be the The project is the single largest project we can participate financial solution for you. in to reduce electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions on the peninsula. EUA’s provide commercial building owners and tenants with competitive finance to retrofit existing commercial buildings We’re committed to taking positive action against climate to reduce operating costs and improve energy, waste or change and this project will reduce the same amount of water efficiency. greenhouse gas emissions as removing 824 cars from our roads each year for the next 20 years. Eligible upgrade work includes a range of options such as 5950 1000 hot water units, solar panels and insulation. mornpen.vic.gov.au/ledstreetlights mornpen.vic.gov.au/enviro-upgrades

How to be water savvy What’s my bin date? 1. Reuse rainwater 2. Pick up litter near drains and waterways To check out your normal bin dates visit 3. Use natural alternatives to pesticides mornpen.vic.gov.au/My-Neighbourhood 4. Use less fertiliser ? 5. Planting native plants will prevent sediment run-off Become a water steward Water is a vital part of life, but while and organisations to have a positive most of us take it for granted it’s an effect our local waterways. You can increasingly scarce resource. At the develop a site-specific plan to identify Biosphere you have the any issues and you may also be eligible opportunity to focus on the responsible for funding for on-site works. use and management of water. 5979 2167 biosphere.org.au/biosphere- The Biosphere’s water stewardship projects-water-stewardship project assists landholders, businesses

12 PENINSULA WIDE December 2016 Our Shire Faces of Volunteering: exhibition and book launch We’re celebrating the contribution VOLUNTEERING FACES OF our volunteers make in a special exhibition and book launch on 7 December at Bentons Square Community Centre, Mornington. VOLUNTEERING FACES OF The Face of Volunteering project captures photographic portraits and stories of 16 volunteers from across

FACES OF the peninsula. VOLUNTEERING The opening of the exhibition coincides with the UN International Make a Volunteer Day, a day when volunteers Difference! and organisations can celebrate their efforts and promote volunteering among their communities Volunteering Mornington PeninsulaMake and the a Mornington Peninsula Shire are proud supporters Difference! The exhibition is open until 16

December and the free book will Volunteering Mornington Peninsula and the Mornington Peninsula Shire are proud supporters be available from 10 December at our Customer Service Centres and Make a libraries, as well as Neighbourhood Difference! and Community Houses. 5950 1638 volmornpen.com.auVolunteering Mornington Peninsula and the Mornington Peninsula Shire are proud supporters

Young people, big voices Feel at home this Christmas We want young people to have big voices on the peninsula December can be a stressful time of year and housing so we’re recruiting for a Youth Advisory Group in the Western stress due to costs can unfortunately result in homelessness. Port area to help inform our services and facilities. Housing on the peninsula is becoming far less affordable and the pressure of paying bills can force people out of their If you’re aged 14 to 21, express your interest in being part of the communities to find shelter elsewhere. new Youth Advisory Group that will meet in 2017, fortnightly on Tuesdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm at Have you ever wondered about clearing out just one room Shed 11 Youth Centre, and offering it to someone in your circle of family and friends? 11 Marine Parade, Hastings. Housing stress can be lowered in many ways and your action Interested in joining? to help with just one situation could make a big difference. 5950 1666 mornpen.vic.gov.au/housingstress

Community ideas set to soar Spreading Christmas cheer Six bird-house style suggestion boxes are to be placed We’re working with local charity Food for All to help community around Rye to gather community ideas for a Shire- members in need this Christmas. Christmas giving is a Shire owned space. tradition dating back to 1971 where instead of swapping presents, staff made puddings and donated them to struggling The 7.2 hectares of open space at French Street Reserve, families. Southern Peninsula Food For All will be packing 520 Rye has been selected by a committed group of Rye hampers this Christmas and distributing approximately 3500 residents to be developed as a community project. new toys and more than 570 gifts to children. To donate food, The bird-house suggestions boxes which have been made toys or cash, please contact, at the new peninsula Men’s Shed, will be installed during Diane Falconer December and will start a six-month consultation. It’s PO Box 440, Rosebud, 3939 hoped that some of the useful suggestions gathered will 5988 4353 be able to be developed to benefit the local community. foodforall.com.au 5950 1611

December 2016 PENINSULA WIDE 13 Our Shire Plan to have your questions answered. Are you about to lodge a planning application or have any other planning related enquiries? We’ve recently reviewed our Planning Services Unit and we now have a dedicated Counter Planner who can guide you through your proposal in detail. Whilst we already outperform the Victorian state average in terms of planning applications processed in time each month (71% versus 64%), we continue to enhance the way this vital function works. Appointments with our Counter Planner are 45 minutes, and are available on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. To book an appointment with our Counter Planner, Leigh Northwood, please visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/planningadvice

The Shire’s new Counter Planner, Leigh Northwood, at the Mornington Office. The Counter Planner role can provide valuable pre-application advice prior to the lodgment of planning applications.

Advocacy in action: Climate Change Adaptation Plan Our advocacy takes many forms, including submissions to Victorian and Commonwealth Government reports and discussion papers. We recently responded to a paper on the Victorian Government’s second Climate Change Adaptation Plan in which we, from our Carbon Neutral policy position, advocated strongly for clear definition of roles and responsibilities between state and local governments, deeper consideration of the impact of land use planning, and greater use of partnerships such as Greenhouse Alliances, amongst other things. The Victorian Government’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2017-2020 will be published in early 2017.

Your Peninsula 2021: thank you! More than 2400 surveys were completed as part of the Your Peninsula 2021 campaign. Your participation has been invaluable and we’ll be using the feedback to guide Council priorities, including the Council Plan 2017-2021. We’ll keep you up-to-date on the progress of this and other key strategic documents being prepared over the next few months.

It’s your 20 peninsula 21

14 PENINSULA WIDE December 2016 Have your say To fill in this survey online please visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/peninsulawide Cut this page out and return to us: Mail to: Communications Survey, Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, VIC, 3939. Drop in: to our Customer Service Centres.

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General communications feedback

Why do you read To see what councillors are For the coverage of arts To know where my rates are going Peninsula Wide? involved in and events

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Australia Day A safe New Year for all We’re working with the emergency services to ensure the southern peninsula remains family friendly on New Year’s Eve. There will be no planned events (Including fireworks) on foreshore reserves To find out more about restrictions: mornpen.vic.gov.au 1300 850 600

It’s your 26 January 2017 20 Celebrations will be held at Hastings, Dromana, Rye, peninsula 21 Mornington, Mount Eliza, Rosebud and Sorrento. mornpen.vic.gov.au/australiaday

December 2016 PENINSULA WIDE 15 For a full list of all markets and events What’s on mornpen.vic.gov.au/events-activites December January February 9 December 1 January 4 February Carols On The Park New Year’s Day Picnic In The Park Peninsula Short Film Festival Rye Foreshore 2017 Village Green,Rosebud Mornington Park Hastings Carols by Candlelight 18 February Hastings Foreshore 6 – 14 January The Inaugural Flinders Drift 2017 10 December Rotary Club of Sorrento Inc. Annual Flinders Foreshore Art Show Carols on the Hill Pier to Perignon Swim 2017 Sorrento Community House Red Hill Recreation Reserve Sorrento Foreshore – Newton Reserve 14 January 11 December 24 – 26 February Rye Gift Athletic Carnival and Family Carols in the Park Western Port Festival Fun Day Tyabb Central Reserve Hastings Foreshore RJ Rowley Reserve Sorrento Portsea Chamber of 26 February 14 – 15 January Commence Christmas Concert and Martha Cove Triathlon Fireworks Two Bays Trail Run 2017 Safety Beach Sorrento Foreshore Dromana – Cape Schanck 15 December 21 January March Mount Eliza Carols on the Green Portsea Swim Classic 5 March Village Green Mount Eliza Quarantine Station Peninsula Chamber Musicians 17 – 22 January 16 December Concert Somerville Carols By Candlelight Woodturning Exhibition Peninsula Community Theatre Fruit Growers Reserve The Barn, Briars Rye Foreshore Festivities 22 January Rye Foreshore Sorrento Bay Swim 2017 Balnarring Carols Sorrento Foreshore Balnarring Primary School 28 January 18 December Red Hill community barbeque Mount Martha Cricket Club Red Hill Station reserve Community Christmas Carols Concert On The Lawn Ferrero Reserve 23 December Mount Martha Carols by Candlelight Mount Martha Community House 24 December Carols by Candlelight Dromana Dromana Memorial Park 27 December Petersville Regatta Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron 27 December 2016 – 8 January Splashland Mornington Racecourse 27 December 2016 – 6 January Barefoot Cinema Point Nepean National Park

Information is correct at time of printing.

16 PENINSULA WIDE December 2016