DISABILITY service Wallara wants state election candidates to commit to providing $750,000 for a “jobs hub” project based at Sages Cottage Farm, Baxter. However, the project can only reach fruition if the money is matched by the federal government. Liberal Finders MP Zoe McKenzie promised the farm $750,000 in the lead-up to the May federal election, but she is now in opposition, not government. CEO Phil Hayes-Brown says the future of jobs for people with predominantly intellectual disabilities on the Mornington Peninsula is in limbo unless the state and federal governments match McKenzie’s campaign commitment. Hayes-Brown says Sages Cottage Farm…
Author: Liz Bell
WHEN you pick up Mornington Peninsula author Andrea Rowe’s new book Jetty Jumping, it’s instantly apparent why it has won the early childhood category of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year. The book uses imaginative and lyrical language and timeless themes of friendship, bravery, and the importance of place, with illustrations by Hannah Sommerville that capture the essence of youthful seaside summers. Set in a coastal town that could be anywhere on the peninsula, the jetty plays a starring role in the book, alongside young girl Milla, who is afraid of jumping into the water. Rowe…
THOUSANDS of elderly Mornington Peninsula residents caught in the middle of the former Morrison Government’s decision to move home care servicing to private providers have been left without vital support. While the move to private providers is a result of recommendations outlined in the Aged Care Royal Commission Final Report, critics say it’s implementation without clear advice, time frames or options has left some recipients fearful and without any service at all. On the eve of the 1 July transition to private providers, many of the estimated 4000 home care recipients were still confused about what was happening and had…
A RETAIL and services development in the northern end of Mount Eliza is a clear sign that economic buoyancy is returning, despite residual staffing difficulties. Eight new retail and service businesses – including Manyung Gallery – have taken up residence in the development at 54 Mount Eliza Way, with negotiations underway for the ninth and final business to move in. One of the spokespeople for the three families connected with the development, businesswomen and former Frankston councillor Chris Richards, said Mount Eliza had largely avoided the COVID-related downturn of some areas and was ready for new businesses. “We absolutely have…
POLICE have arrested 12 people and charged eight over an incident at the Baitul Salam (House of Peace) mosque in Langwarrin early Tuesday 21 June. The men arrested, aged 62 to 18, were all charged with burglary and trespass. Mosque spokesman Aziz Bhatti said a solidarity event at the mosque in Langwarrin on Friday 24 June was held in a bid to promote harmony and understanding between nearby residents and mosque participants. Bhatti said there had been a “great response” by the public and the community leaders to building friendship among all community members since the 21 June incident (“Vandals…