IN BRIEF

Whale carcass removed

THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has exhumed and removed a humpback whale carcass that was buried at Collendina beach. The carcass was removed following its initial burial two weeks ago to secure the site for public safety. Around 20 personnel supported the operation. The removal process involved exhuming the whale from the beach and transporting it to a transfer area near the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club’s beach access ramp. The remains were then transferred to the Drysdale landfill facility and placed in a designated burial area.

Did you hear the bell?

MANY churches across Australia are ringing their bells every week in support of the Kids off Nauru campaign. St Andrew’s Uniting Church in Portarlington has joined this initiative so listen out for the bell each Tuesday at 5pm. Why not drop by and signal your support for the Kids off Nauru Initiative? There are still 12 children on Nauru in detention who need urgently to be brought to Australia for medical attention and secure, safe and permanent care. This is simple action, but powerful. The bells speak for children whose voices are not otherwise heard. The sound helps to sharpen the awareness of our communities to the plight of those still detained.

The Chalet’s history

THE Ocean Grove Chalet – the first and only accommodation of its kind on the Bellarine – recently launched. The Bellarine Times featured a story “Luxury Ocean Grove Chalet launches” on November 22 and would like to clarify that Lorraine Holbrook was not the original owner as stated, but her parents Mr and Mrs W Archer were in fact the proprietors for many years. Ms Holbrook also worked there. The Chalet, which pays homages to the original Ocean Grove Chalet built in 1887, now comprises 15 rooms in total, including two penthouses and four familyfriendly rooms sleeping up to five people. The hotel is located at 99 The Terrace.