Hold the phone
Legislation will also be introduced to back up the methods being used to detect “distracted” drivers.
A three-month trial assessed 679,438 vehicles and found that one in 42 drivers were illegally using a mobile phone while driving.
The trial was conducted while stage four coronavirus restrictions were in place, leading authorities to believe the rate of offending could be higher when roads are busier and movement is not restricted.
Using two portable cameras across several metropolitan and regional locations, the trial found the highest rates of mobile phone use at Craigieburn Road East, Wollert (one in 18 drivers), Calder Park Drive, Hillside (one in 21) and Old Geelong Road, Laverton (one in 28).
Photographer channels Argentine roots
AN exhibition of photos taken in Argentina is on display at the Frankston Arts Centre.
Photographer Osvaldo Civetta (pictured) was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He emigrated to Melbourne when he was 15.
At the invitation of a friend he returned to his country of birth, where he shot photographs of Indigenous Argentinian people. He is now displaying his work at the Arts Centre as part of an exhibition titled
Roots, Raices.
“The exhibition was inspired through an invitation by friend and artist Jaime Torres, Argentine musician and world-renowned interpreter of charango, to visit his cultural centre in his native province of Jujuy, Argentina – rich in heritage and astonishing scenery,” Mr Civetta said.
New clinic for musculoskeletal conditions at hospital
A DEDICATED rheumatology clinic has opened at Frankston Hospital for people suffering from musculoskeletal conditions.
The clinic can treat arthritis and 150 other types of musculoskeletal issues. As well as providing rheumatology services in the outpatient clinic, Frankston Hospital’s upgraded service aims to improve care for patients who are being treated in other areas of the hospital by allowing them to be referred for a rheumatology consult.
Peninsula Health rheumatology consultant Dr Bita Omidvar says the clinic is “the first of its kind at Peninsula Health.”
“Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula has not had local access to a publicly funded outpatient rheumatology for some years, meaning some patients would be travelling two, even three hours to get the treatment they need – which is not very convenient,” Dr Omidvar said.
Hairdresser’s helping hand for homeless
A FRANKSTON barber has been helping the homeless with free haircuts.
Warwick Smith, from Breathe Hair salon, has been providing vouchers for homeless people to get their hair cut. “If we can all do a little bit we can make Frankston amazing,” he said.
“Since a child I’ve wanted to be part of making a better world. I feel that is possible – just start small and local. Let’s make it happen together.”
Mr Smith’s hard work has been recognised with a certificate of appreciation from Frankston councillors. Cr Liam Hughes said “whether Warwick is giving haircuts to the homeless, running a vegan sausage sizzle at Bunnings to promote a more sustainable lifestyle or picking up rubbish around Frankston, he doesn’t do it to be seen – he does it out of the kindness of his heart. Warwick is an unsung hero of Frankston.”
Teenagers in allegedly stolen car arrested
Picture: Gary Sissons
THREE teenagers were arrested after being caught by police in an allegedly stolen car last week.
Police intercepted the allegedly stolen Land Rover Discovery at the intersection of Frankston-Cranbourne Road and McClelland Drive in Langwarrin at around 2.30pm, 5 April.
Two 13-year-old boys and one 14-year-old boy were arrested. One of the boys was arrested when police intercepted the car, while the other two allegedly fled into Peninsula Private Hospital. The two boys were subsequently arrested as well.
Police allege that while the arrests were being made, an attempt was made to carjack a pregnant woman. Police say nobody was injured during the incident.