Browsing: Mornington Peninsula

A PUSH to transform suburban nature strips into greener community spaces has been backed by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors. Cr David Gill brought forward the notice of motion seeking a report on “progress with local street community partnerships to help enable the greening of nature strips by residents in line with climate change initiative policies of council”. The motion drew on research from the University of Melbourne which showed nature strips make up close to 40 per cent of green public space in urban neighbourhoods and around seven per cent of residential land mass. Multiple councils are allowing residents to…

PLANS for a 250-home residential estate in Dromana have cleared a major federal environmental hurdle despite ongoing concerns over the destruction of endangered swamp skink habitat. The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has approved the proposed subdivision and development of land at 170 Boundary Rd and 62 Collins Rd under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This approval allows for the removal of 17.09 hectares of habitat used by the endangered swamp skink. The approval is subject to conditions, including environmental offsets at an approved site in Loch Sport. This decision comes after…

Independent candidate in the May 2 Nepean by-election, Tracee Hutchison, has announced she will not be contesting the November 2026 state election. After the by-election, Hutchison announced she would re-contest in November. Her decision to now not run came after reassessing her capacity to mount another campaign so quickly off the back of the May 2 by-election. Hutchison ended up third in the first preference battle with 8533 votes (21.05% of the primary vote), with One Nation’s Darren Hercus (9941votes: 24.52%) and Liberal Anthony Marsh (15682 votes: 38.68%) polling higher. Hutchison moved into second place in the two-candiate-prefered race, after…

CONCERNS about the growing spread of illegal and excessive signage across the peninsula have prompted councillors to begin a review of the shire’s signage policy. Following a unanimous vote in favour of Cr David Gill’s motion at the 12 April council meeting, a detailed report on signage on the peninsula is expected by September 2026. Residents have raised ongoing complaints about the increasing number of real estate signs, advertising boards, and promotional billboards across the region. During debate, councillors discussed how signage has become a growing source of frustration for many residents who believe the visual clutter is affecting the…

VICTORIA’S largest co-operative housing provider says areas like the Mornington Peninsula are no longer immune from Australia’s worsening housing affordability crisis. Liz Thomas, managing director of Common Equity Housing Limited, visited Rosebud on 14 May to meet with local housing co-operatives and promote co-op housing as a long-term solution for renters struggling to secure affordable accommodation. Thomas said regional areas that were once considered more affordable than metropolitan centres are now facing many of the same pressures. “I think that lack of supply is impacting regional areas now in the way it’s generally been limited to metro areas,” said Thomas.…

TLC Healthcare has unveiled plans for a $250m integrated healthcare precinct at the Rosebud Hospital site. The proposal was announced this week and would see the existing public hospital rebuilt as part of a large public-private partnership incorporating a new public hospital, private day surgery, aged care, childcare, staff accommodation, allied health services and community facilities. TLC chief executive officer and managing director Lou Pascuzzi said the organisation was prepared to commit “circa $250m” to the project if an amicable agreement could be reached with the Victorian government. “Our vision for Rosebud is fundamentally humanistic, not politically mechanistic,” said Pascuzzi.…

THE Victorian Electoral Commission has officially declared Anthony Marsh the elected member for Nepean. The final two-party preferred results after the distribution of preferences were Marsh with 25642 votes (63.24%) and independent Tracee Hutchison with 14903 votes (36.76%). The result puts an end to the long-running saga after the previous Member for Nepean, Sam Groth, resigned in February sparking the by-election. The result saw the Liberal’s share of the primary vote slip significantly from to 48.11% of the vote in the 2022 state election to 38.68% in the by-election; a drop of 3932 votes. On the other hand, due to…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will host two family-friendly events this month for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Observed globally on 17 May, IDAHOBIT highlights both progress made and the work still ahead toward equality for LGBTIQA+ people. A family storytime will be held on Saturday 16 May at 11am at Mornington Library. The session will feature stories about kindness, belonging and being proud of who you are, and is aimed at young children and their families. Bookings are not required. The shire will raise the Pride flag at Mornington Police Station on Monday 18 May at…

An anonymous tip-off to Crime Stoppers has led police to an alleged cannabis crop and a cache of unregistered firearms at a home in Mornington. Following enquiries, detectives from the Mornington Peninsula Divisional Response Unit executed a search warrant at the property about 10am on Wednesday. A search of the home uncovered eight firearms, including five handguns and ammunition, as well as 2kg of cannabis, mature plants and drugs of dependence, knuckledusters, knives and a machete. A 49-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with 21 offences, including: The Mornington man appeared in Frankston Magistrates’ Court today, where…

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has today (14 May) confirmed the resignation of mayor Cr Anthony Marsh following his successful election to the Victorian Parliament as the Member for Nepean. Chief Executive Officer Mark Stoermer said Council had formally received Cr Marsh’s resignation and would now commence the required processes under the Local Government Act. “Council now has one month to conduct an election for a new Mayor and I will write to the Minister for Local Government advising of the resignation and the need to conduct a by-election for the Briars Ward,” said Stoermer. Deputy Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro will…

Mornington Park Primary School is among 31 Victorian government schools that will share in $294.8m for upgrade and modernisation works. The school will receive $331,000 for its upgrade and modernisation works, with the project due for completion by 31 March 2028. “As a small community school, we are delighted to receive this funding to support important upgrades across our facilities,” said Mornington Park Primary School principal Kathleen Lord. “These improvements will help us create an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and safe, while also enhancing the overall appearance of our school for students, staff and the wider community.” The broader…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s priority list for missing footpaths reveals both the scale of demand across the region and the costs of delivering pedestrian infrastructure. The rankings are part of the Pedestrian Access Strategy 2024-2034 and assess gaps in the pedestrian network using an evaluation matrix that weighs up safety, connectivity, and community need as well as environmental and construction constraints. The current highest ranked project is Nepean Hwy in Dromana, followed by Boundary Rd, also in Dromana. Rounding out the top three is Bruce Rd in Mount Martha. The top priorities show the strong focus on high-traffic roads and areas…

COMMUNITY groups across Somerville, Tyabb, and Mornington are being invited to apply for funding through the Peninsula Quarries Victoria 2026 community grants program, which has officially opened.A total of $5000 is available to support local not-for-profit organisations delivering projects and initiatives that provide community benefit. The program is delivered by the Peninsula Quarries Community Engagement Group which was established in 2018 to help strengthen bonds between the company and the community.Peninsula Quarries Victoria is a key supplier to the development and civil infrastructure industry across the peninsula and southeast region. It supports projects such as road construction, residential and commercial…

TWO Mornington Peninsula homelessness services have welcomed a $500,000 Liberal Party election pledge but say ongoing operational funding remains the more urgent need. Liberal Candidate for Nepean Anthony Marsh announced on 30 April that an elected Liberal and Nationals government would provide $250,000 to Fusion Mornington Peninsula and $250,000 to Southern Peninsula Community Support (SPCS). The funding is contingent on the Liberal-Nationals Coalition winning government at November’s state election. Marsh, the former Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor, won the Nepean seat at the 2 May by-election triggered by the February resignation of former member Sam Groth. “This investment is about more…

THE Victorian Government’s 2026/27 budget includes a notable investment towards renewable energy but limited support for infrastructure and development across the peninsula. The budget, which was delivered on 5 May by Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, outlines key funding priorities for Victoria. Among them is a commitment to progressing activities for the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings. The budget has allocated $124.5m towards the terminal, which includes progressing the Environmental Effects Statement. The terminal is expected to play a key role in Victoria’s transition to renewable energy and will facilitate and enable offshore wind development, particularly in Gippsland.…

MORNINGTON Peninsula social worker Georgia Hocking accepted Victoria’s top motherhood award at Melbourne Town Hall on Friday morning (8 May), two days before Mother’s Day. Lord mayor Nick Reece presented the 2026 YMCA Victorian Mother of the Year award, which comes with $10,000 in grant funding from YMCA Open Doors. Hocking was chosen from more than 500 nominations; the highest number in the award’s history. Hocking said the ceremony had brought together finalists and past winners from across Victoria.“It was just such a celebration of mothers and people doing work in the community,” she said. The 35-year-old grew up on…

YOUNG people on the southern Mornington Peninsula now have easier access to free mental health support, with Headspace relocating to the Tounnin Wominjeka Youth Hub in Rosebud. Headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation and provides services for those aged 12 to 25, including mental health support and assistance with employment, education, and drug and alcohol concerns. Andrew Joseph, from Mornington Peninsula Shire Youth and Family Services, said the hub had been built with youth in mind. “We’ve got amazing workers here that can just have those conversations to make you feel really supported” said Joseph. Headspace Clinical Team…

AS a General Practitioner, Floyd Gomes is accustomed to treating people’s ailments. In particular, the founder of the Atticus Health group of GP clinics and aged care medical services has taken a keen interest in the health and well-being of our aged population. “It has been a slow realisation for me,” said Gomes. “Patients would present to me with conditions, or situations that I could treat, but were also readily preventable in the first place, except that our system isn’t set up correctly to address that.” Gomes gives the example of an elderly patient that presented with serious burns from…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has raised concerns with the Victorian government over recent changes to planning permit rules. The shire is concerned how the changes will affect residents who received approvals under previous regulations. The adjustments were introduced under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and establish standard timeframes requiring developments to begin within three years and be completed within five. The new changes also apply to any permits that were originally issued without a commencement deadline. A shire spokesperson confirmed acting mayor Paul Pingiaro has written to the Victorian Planning Minister regarding the council’s concerns. “The acting mayor has written…

A SMALL group of Dorevitch Pathology workers walked off the job outside Rosebud Hospital on Thursday, 30 April, joining colleagues at sites across Victoria in protected industrial action over a long-running pay dispute. Known as phlebotomists, they are the healthcare workers trained to draw blood from patients for pathology testing – the samples GPs, hospitals, oncology units and specialists rely on for diagnosis and treatment. Capel Sound phlebotomist Antoinette Anderson said the three-hour stoppage from 9am to 12pm drew supportive honks from passing motorists, with doctors, nurses, ambulance officers and police all acknowledging the workers as they passed. Some doctors…

AUSTRALIAN environmentalist Bob Brown has joined community opposition to the proposed luge at Arthurs Seat, backing a campaign to stop the development. Brown met with members of the community group “Save Our Seat” over the weekend of 25 April, where he described the project as “madness” and urged residents to keep fighting. “They trade on us getting sad about the loss of the environment,” Brown said. “Don’t get depressed, don’t get angry, get active. That’s what saves nature, that’s what will save Arthurs Seat.” Members of the community have been advocating against the development since it was announced. Save Our…

PORTSEA Surf Life Saving Club delivered a strong performance at the 2026 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, taking home two gold medals and a bronze. Alice Miliani won gold in 35-39 Female 2km Run, while Bev Thomas took the top spot in the 50-54 Female 2km Run. Sally Gentle added to the count after taking home the bronze in the 45-49 Female 2km Run. The competition was held at North Kirra and Tugun beaches on the Gold Coast from 10-18 April. Club president Matthew Mahon said the event once again proved why it is such a highlight every year. “Aussies…

Polls have now closed. We’ll provide rolling results during the evening until the winner of the by-election is know. 9.48PM Anthony Marsh will be the next Member for Nepean after the Liberal Party claimed victory in today’s by-election. Speaking to media, Marsh said “It was the honour of my life to be standing here as the next member for Nepean,” and that he’d be “On the ground every day fighting for Nepean.” Picture: Yanni 9.21PM The mood is upbeat among the Liberal faithful gathered at Rye Hotel. Marsh, centre, with Victorian Liberal leader Jess Wilson to his right. Picture: Yanni…

By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Yanni & Supplied There’s a handmade sterling silver charm in the shape of a cocktail on display at & Independents gallery in Sorrento that will tell you everything you need to know about its maker, 24-year-old Matisse Stynes. It’s whimsical, precisely crafted, beautiful, thought-provoking, and guaranteed to make you smile. The Sorrento-based jeweller and illustrator launched her brand Éire Jewellery in 2023, and the cocktail charm was her first piece. “I launched with 40 cocktail charms, and people are still purchasing them. They’re a bit of a favourite,” Matisse says. The business name Éire, Gaelic for…

Water Police are continuing to search southern Port Phillip Bay after a crew member was reported missing from a ship last night. The commercial Liberia flagged oil tanker vessel left Port Melbourne around 5pm on Thursday, 30 April. The crew requested assistance when they discovered a member was missing as they were approaching the heads. Police were notified about 8.30pm last night. State Police Search & Rescue Coordination Centre were deployed and conducted a search of the South Port Phillip Bay area. The missing crewman aged in his 30s was not located. The vessel returned to Port Melbourne. A full-scale…

SHOWCASING its sustainability credentials, St Macartan’s Parish Primary School has been named a finalist in the School Volunteer of the Year category of the 2026 c. David Whillas, a resident of a local retirement village, has contributed more than 120 volunteer hours to Macartan Primary School’s garden since 2025. David has streamlined the school’s compost system, improving collection processes, reducing food waste and minimising contamination. As a result, the gardens are now the healthiest they have ever been. The school has eliminated the need for store-bought fertilisers, producing high quality compost onsite for use across the gardens. David is now…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s latest draft budget has revealed a four-year plan of road works and safety upgrades with millions allocated to projects ranging from rehabilitation and renewal, to targeted safety improvements. The proposed draft budget for 2027-2030 outlines sustained investment across road infrastructure, continuing momentum built after community advocacy recently helped secure more than $6m in road safety funding (Community input for road safety funding, The News 13/03/26). The largest share of funding is set to be allocated to the Road Corridor Contract Works program, which will receive $5.9m in 2027, and rising to more than $6.3m in 2030. This…

GUNNAMATTA Surf Life Saving Club is celebrating six decades of volunteer lifesaving service this year. The club, established in December 1966, now operates with around 95 active patrolling members, 100 nippers aged under seven to under 14, and approximately 490 total members, including social members and parents. Club secretary Barry Williams told The News the organisation has five patrolling teams that rotate through the summer season. “The average patroller does 60 to 70 hours over summer volunteering,” Williams said. “Some of our patrols will run through to over 150 hours on the beach a year.” Since its foundation, the club…

EARLY voting is open for the Nepean by-election, with voters asked to have their say on who will represent them in the Victorian Parliament. The early voting centres are located at: Early voting centres will open 9am to 8pm until Thursday and 9am to 6pm on election eve, Friday 1 May. The VEC will operate 13 voting centres throughout Nepean District from 8 am to 6 pm on election day Saturday 2 May. First published in the Mornington News – 28 April 2026