THE highest statewide drowning figures in nearly two decades have prompted calls for caution. In Victoria, at least 13 people have drowned since Christmas Day. Life Saving Victoria said that it is the highest holiday death toll recorded in the state for 18 years. 17-year-old Nick Maan was one of the people who tragically died over the holiday period. He died in the waters of Mordialloc Beach on Boxing Day. Life Saving Victoria is calling for people to be careful around water, even if it looks calm and still. “Victoria has stunning waterways and it is understandable people are eager…
Author: Brodie Cowburn
A MAN alleges he was sexually abused while under the care of the state in Mentone during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Slater and Gordon Lawyers is looking into allegations of abuse made against a man named Graham Johnston. The law firm says that Johnston and his wife were employed by the Sisters of Mercy to reside as “cottage parents” at Sisters of Mercy Home in Mentone. Johnston was the “cottage father” during the late 1960s, Slater and Gordon Lawyers says. He is now deceased. Slater and Gordon abuse lawyer Katherine Munt says that the law firm’s client alleges…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL PINES are in pole position to defeat Baxter. Baxter Park hosted day one of the two-day clash between Baxter and Pines. Pines batted first, and had an excellent time at the crease. Harley Peace-Stirling was Pines’ best. He blasted 108 runs from 138 balls, including 14 fours. Jack Peace-Stirling contributed 80 runs to the scoreboard. Declan Jackson also scored a half century. Pines finished the day with a huge total of 7/336. Baxter has a lot of work to do to avoid a loss. Ladder leaders Old Peninsula are staring down the barrel of defeat. They were bowled…
THREE-year-old Audrey isn’t able to walk and talk, but her eyes tell you everything. Audrey was born with Rett Syndrome, a very rare condition which is usually found in young girls. Rett Syndrome affects brain development in children, causing them serious mobility and communication difficulties. Since she was a baby, Audrey has attended Lyrebird Early Learning Centre in Carrum Downs. Centre manager Mikayla Burton says that although Audrey cannot speak, she uses her eyes to grab people’s attention. “Audrey in a nutshell has just got a smile that lights up the room. She is very receptive to people she has…
A BUILDING more than 24 metres in height looks set to be constructed on the former International Hotel site in Frankston. The building will house offices for the Department of Justice, the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing, and for Victoria Police. It is across the road from the Frankston Police Station. At Frankston Council’s most recent public meeting, councillors voted to grant a conditional permit to the developer. Crs Steven Hughes and Liam Hughes were the only councillors who opposed granting the permit. Before construction on the development begins, amended plans must be submitted to council. The building has…