EIGHT Patterson River Fire Station recruits are among 30 graduates to become career firefighters with the Country Fire Authority. They started at the station in December and took part this month in a training program at the CFA’s Bangholme depot. Two of the recruits are Adam Lutz, 40, of Keysborough, and Samantha Grant, 46, of Langwarrin. Mr Lutz was a sheet metal worker and foreman before joining the CFA. He is a keen surfer, and loves bike riding, restoring cars and spending time with his family. “I’m looking forward to change, challenge and playing a strong role in the community,”…
Author: Bayside News
MOST respondents to a Peninsula Speaks online survey believe that man-made climate change is real and that it will affect life on the Mornington Peninsula. “Although Mornington Peninsula Shire is to be congratulated on its recently announced roof top solar initiative on shire owned and operated buildings, 64 per cent of people believe that the shire should be placing more emphasis on climate change,” organiser Peter Avery said. “While support for renewable wind initiatives appears to be marginal at 58 per cent, renewable wave technology is supported by 71 per cent and an overwhelming 93 per cent would support solar…
BEACHGOERS and swimmers are still being urged to check water quality updates before going for a dip off bayside beaches this summer amid risks of illness from bacteria and faecal matter swept into Port Phillip Bay during stormy weather. Water quality is being monitored daily by the Environment Protection Authority until March. Earlier this month EPA applied sciences group manager Dr Anthony Boxshall said there is a higher risk of illnesses such as gastro to swimmers from higher bacterial levels after flash flooding (“Poo-r water quality at bayside beaches”, The News 10/1/17). “Heavy rain and storms can create a risk…
FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning to have air cooling and heating systems serviced after two house fires over the weekend of 7 until 8 January. The fires in Seaford and Carrum Downs were among five in outer metro-Melbourne that fire crews believe were related to air-conditioners or evaporative cooling system. The families were home at the time of the fires and were able to escape, but both the houses were damaged. Carrum Downs station captain Steve Rhodes said investigations were continuing, but air cooling systems were likely to be the cause in both instances. CFA state fire investigation coordinator Nicole…
BATHERS at Bonbeach on the weekend were pleasantly surprised to see lifesavers from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Cambodia on their first official patrols. The 17 newcomers were part of Bonbeach Life Saving Club’s efforts to bridge the water safety “information and diversity gap” for migrants – especially those new to the Aussie beach culture. They followed in the footsteps of Imtiyaz “Minty” Saberi, who became Victoria’s first Afghani lifesaver at Edithvale Life Saving Club in 2009. With no experience in the surf, the recruits had already completed a year of swimming training before joining the lifesaving club, and reports are that…