Browsing: Mornington Peninsula

TWO striking properties on the Mornington Peninsula have been recognised at the 2025 Victorian Architecture Awards. Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio won awards in the Sustainable Architecture and Educational Architecture categories. The building, designed by Mcildowie Partners with Joost Bakker, houses Woodleigh School’s senior campus.The Woodleigh School site is solar-powered and fitted with five flexible learning spaces, staff amenities, social spaces, and an outside Aquaponic tanks with native fish. The roof houses native plants and grasses for native butterflies, birds, and bees.Stumpy Gully House was awarded a commendation in the Residential Architecture – Houses category.Adam Markowitz Design and Stavrias Architecture teamed…

CAPEL Sound and Somerville are looking a little greener, thanks to the planting of 180 trees across the two communities. The Mornington Peninsula Shire coordinated effort is part of its Urban Forest Strategy; aimed at improving tree canopy and providing more shade, biodiversity, and neighbourhood liveability.In Somerville, about 80 trees have found a new home on Jones Rd where a passive irrigation system is being trialled using stormwater. A further 100 trees have been planted along Broadway in Capel Sound as part of the recent road and footpath upgrade project. The shire said Capel Sound and Somerville were identified as…

By Renée E. Gatt*THE Mornington Peninsula boasts a scant number of historic buildings, remnants from the early days of our towns. These structures laid the foundation for the vibrant communities we cherish today. Yet, their survival is under constant threat.Over my 25 years on the peninsula, I’ve actively championed the preservation of our architectural heritage—landmarks that not only define our local identity but also attract tourists eager to experience our unique history. Alarmingly, these irreplaceable assets are vanishing.Both residential and commercial heritage structures are succumbing to lucrative financial offers and unchecked greed. Their cultural and historical significance is often deemed…

A POPULAR walking track within Arthurs Seat State Park is undergoing major repair works, following storm damage in 2022 and ongoing wear and erosion.A 1.1km stretch of the Two Bays Walking Trail leading up to Arthurs Seat summit from Dromana will be repaired first by Parks Victoria, with the section of the track known for its rugged terrain and sharp incline. From early July, a helicopter will lift construction materials onto the trail, as well as making multiple flights shipping large amounts of rock that will be used to rebuild steps, trail surfaces and drainage. The chopper will fly in…

THE Australian Electoral Commission has acknowledged an issue at one of its polling places in Flinders during the 3 May federal election, where an AEC employee allegedly instructed voters how they should cast their vote.A letter to the AEC seen by The News detailed the issue where, at the Bayview Church polling booth at Rosebud South, voters were instructed by an AEC worker to place the number seven next to the box of Trumpet of Patriots candidate Jason Smart as “he had pulled out of the election”. It is understood the information was being conveyed to voters as they queued…

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal collision in Hastings last month. Emergency services were called to reports a pedestrian had been struck by an allegedly modified electric bike on Frankston-Flinders Road about 6.40pm on 12 May. The pedestrian, 69-year-old Hastings man William Lothian, was flown to hospital with life-threatening injuries where he later died (Brother of e-bike victim tells of his loss and anger, The News 26/5/25). The bike rider, a 24-year-old Hastings man, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He was interviewed this morning and has been charged with: He will appear…

THE owners of Endota Spa Moorooduc have spoken of their heartbreak and determination after a devastating fire tore through their beloved wellness business on 17 June. Jeff and Sharnee Thompson said it was more than a business but something they poured their hearts into after building it from scratch 14 years ago.The incident occurred just before 9.15pm at the corner of Moorooduc Hwy and Eramosa Rd West where fire crews found the roof of the building well-alight. It took just under two hours to bring it under control with a fire investigation unit now determining the cause.The couple were shellshocked…

THE historic Grand Hotel in Mornington is undergoing its first turret tower restoration in 40 years, with the project expected to be completed next month. The works, which began at the start of this year, will also see upgrades to the original windows and doors on the first floor, as well as to the slate roof and the front façade by blending its historic charm and contemporary comfort for visitors.Located on Main St, the 125-year-old building is considered of historical significance by the National Trust of Australia. The original building (at the time called the Grand Coffee Palace) was only…

A UNIQUE community partnership has delivered a brand-new purpose-built studio for Radio Western Port, empowering local voices across the Mornington Peninsula through live shows and on-demand podcasts.The initiative was made possible by Mornington Peninsula Shire awarding a $34,000 grant to Western Port Secondary College, which joined forces with Atticus Health to bring the project to life. Together, they’ve created a professional broadcasting space now home to Radio Western Port — an internet-based station dedicated to sharing local stories, ideas, and perspectives.“We’re all about community, connection and giving locals a voice,” said Dr Floyd Gomes, founder of Atticus Health. “This new…

THE spirit of generosity and community was on display earlier this month at the RACV Cape Schanck Resort for a special ladies luncheon fundraiser, supporting a worthy cause. The event, attended by 263 guests, raised more than $25,000, which will help fund the Southern Peninsula Community Support’s (SPCS) “Southern Peninsula Laundry and Shower (SPLaSh) for Women”, a new program that supports vulnerable women on the southern Mornington Peninsula.Established in 2016, the current program provides essential services such as showers, laundry, food, and material aid, especially focusing on assisting rough sleepers. The SPCS’s CEO Jeremy Maxwell said homelessness was a big…

Police have arrested two men following an alleged road rage incident in Seaford overnight. Investigators have been told a man was driving a Porsche along Nepean Highway about 11.50pm when the occupants of a blue Holden Commodore attempted to get him to pull over. It is alleged the occupants of the Commodore drove aggressively and forced the driver of the Porsche to take evasive action and leave the highway. Officers attended and a car matching the Commodore’s description was spotted at a service station on Nepean Highway, Chelsea. The Commodore drove off and police attempted to intercept the car on…

DRAFT plans for a $2.2m upgrade of the Mt Martha village, including improvements to Watson Rd parking and footpath renewal works have been endorsed for community feedback. The decision was made at the council’s 17 June meeting, allowing the draft plans, which were originally proposed in 2020, to be exhibited for community consultation in July and August. Councillors unanimously supported the plans after $125,000 was allocated to draw up concept designs in the 2023/24 budget. It will see upgrades to the existing gravel carpark to a paved surface, redesign the central island on Watson Rd and enhance footpath connectivity to…

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an urgent Severe Weather Warning at 4:52 pm Tuesday, 24 June 2025 for damaging winds and king tides in coastal regions including the Mornington Peninsula. A low pressure system in the Bight is extending a cold front over Victoria this evening. Vigorous west to northwesterly winds are developing ahead of this front, impacting alpine, western and central parts of the state this evening. Winds are then forecast to ease during Wednesday morning, although blustery showers remain possible in western parts of the state with southwesterly winds behind the front. For the Mornington Peninsula: Strong…

MPFNL MEN’S DIV ONELANGWARRIN pulled off yet another miracle win on Saturday. The Kangaroos came into the game in third place thanks to a string of close wins throughout the season. They hosted Rosebud at Lloyd Park last weekend.Langwarrin and Rosebud played out an all-time classic. Rosebud were the better side for most of the day, and led at each break of play. Trailing by just eight points at three-quarter-time, the Kangaroos made their move in the final term. They hopped into the lead with three late goals, and held on for a thrilling three-point win. Langwarrin defeated Rosebud 12.5…

PROTESTS continue to rage at every council meeting over a multitude of funding cuts made at the council’s 6 May meeting. Gone is the shire’s Climate Emergency Plan, and financial cuts have been made across arts and cultural programs. Compounding the situation is a determination to largely discontinue the contentious hand beach cleaning program, much to the dismay of its ardent and passionate supporters. The result has been rolling omni-protests covering a multitude of issues.Seemingly above the fray is another group that has lost their funding; the Mornington Peninsula Friends of Lospalos Incorporated. Rather than heading to the next council…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have adopted a record budget of $326.3m amid growing community angst over cuts to arts, culture, and environmental programs. Deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro conceded some “tough decisions” were needed to move the council forward, noting “there was a lot of things that we can always do better – but moving forward, that’s what we’ll do as an organisation”. “What we have in front of us is a budget that will hopefully deliver quite a few savings – they’re unrealised at the moment, the work’s getting done, and if the work gets done, we can open up…

MORNINGTON Peninsula’s official crime rate has risen by 24 per cent in the past year, with a surge in thefts from motor vehicles being a primary driver. The rise, which was revealed in the latest Crime Statistics Agency data released on 19 June, was higher than the statewide increase in crime (up 15 per cent in the past 12 months) with Victoria Police making a record number of arrests – equivalent to 208 a day.On the peninsula, residential non-aggravated burglary, theft, breach of family violence intervention order, retail theft, and car theft offences all soared in the year ending in…

Police arrested 25 people during highly visible operation targeting drugs and anti-social behaviour at Frankston Railway Station on Wednesday. More than 50 police and PSOs – supported by the Mounted Branch, Public Order Response Team and local police – saturated the railway station, bus interchanges and shopping centre precinct to deter crime and boost safety. A passive alert detection dog was also deployed to sniff out those illegally carrying or dealing illicit drugs. Police spoke with more than 270 people during the operation and executed 15 outstanding warrants. A total of 25 people were arrested including: Authorised officers also detected…

THE peninsula branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation will host its annual Gala Ball fundraiser next month. The Blue Ribbon branch has been fundraising to install two Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation machines at the intensive care unit in Frankston Hospital. It has now met its goal, and will begin fundraising for a Fetal Monitoring Service. The Blue Ribbon Gala Ball will be held at the Mornington Race Course on Saturday, 26 July.The peninsula branch is also set to host an invite-only event at the Frankston Arts Centre in honour of the four police members who died in the Eastern…

LYN MacLeod, Hastings SES unit’s newly announced controller, says she’s ready to rise to the challenge and continue making a difference in the community. A volunteer of three years, MacLeod takes the reins from respected colleague Brett “Dutchy” Holland who led the unit over the past four years with passion, dedication and a “constant drive”.“I’m petrified,” she said good-humouredly of her new role. But as a paediatric nurse by day and having a natural sense of being calm under pressure, and always willing to help people, the unit can be assured they are in capable, compassionate hands.MacLeod said volunteering was…

A devastating fire has destroyed a popular wellness and day spa business in Moorooduc after going up in flames on the evening of Tuesday, 17 June. Emergency services were called to the fire just before 9.15pm where the blaze had engulfed Endota Spa at the corner of Moorooduc Hwy and Eramosa Rd West. Nine CFA brigades attended the scene alongside Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria. “Upon arrival, crews found an active fire in the roof of the building and immediately began suppression efforts,” a CFA spokesperson said. Firefighters brought the fire under control just before 11pm with…

A GROUP of life savers from Mordialloc and Portsea will travel to California next month to take part in an international competition.Ciara Walsh from Mordialloc LSC will join nine other Victorian volunteer lifesavers to compete in the Wieland Shield surf sports competition in July. The competition has been held in partnership between Life Saving Victoria and Los Angeles County Lifeguards since 1967 – the US and Australia host the event biannually on alternate years. The competition includes swim, board and surf ski race, surf rescue relay, beach relay, and ironman and ironwoman events.The full Australian team is Campbell Bohan, Jesse…

When detectives from Taskforce Echo conducted a search of a known criminal’s address in 2021, the last thing they expected to find were weapons of historical significance dated at over 100 years old. Police were at the Caroline Springs home in November 2021 to conduct a search of the property as the resident was a Middle eastern Organised Crime entity subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order. During the search, detectives located and seized a number of items including a handgun, ammunition, drugs and other weapons. The latter included two bayonets that were believed to be stolen property. The man subject…

A ROSEBUD-based building company that allegedly took hefty deposits and abandoned projects has been permanently banned from operating following an order by the Supreme Court.A court injunction secured by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) found that Peninsula Building Projects Pty Ltd and director Clancy John (CJ) Fulton had been practicing as an unregistered builder, falsely using another registration of another builder and taking upfront deposits exceeding legal limits. A court statement revealed that one consumer had handed over $100,000 to renovate a master bedroom and ensuite only for the builder to leave after demolition and not finishing the job.Up to…

By Raia Flinos MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has secured its first court victory under the Environment Protection Act 2017, following a battle over noise complaints in Rosebud. The offender has been ordered to pay a $2000 fine following a court injunction.The case centred around a residential property where the owner’s son would blast music at extreme volumes throughout the night, sometimes until 5am. The disruption was found to have significantly impacted the health and wellbeing of nearby residents. Neighbours issued repeated complaints, but despite compliance notices issued and direct contact from Victoria Police, the noise continued over multiple months.The Shire launched…

A MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillor’s push to meet with South East Water over PFAS concerns in wastewater – despite there being no current detections of the contaminant – has been rejected.Cr David Gill raised a motion at the council’s 3 June meeting to initiate formal talks with South East Water about “any long-term public health related issues in our environment” of the synthetic chemicals – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, “if there’s a need for improvement”. He also sought to “discuss the costs of removing PFAS at the wastewater treatment stage of reducing contaminants in our water cycle”.“This is an opportunity…

Two Hastings men, both aged 39, have been charged with burglary, theft, criminal damage, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and contravene bail conditions, after being arrested this morning. Their arrest, after two search warrants were executed at Hastings properties, follow a series of ram raids across bayside Melbourne and the peninsula. Police will allege the duo were involved in ram raids between 28 and 30 May. These include: – Albert Park on Dundas Place on 28 May – Albert Park on Bridport Street on 28 May – Ashburton on High Street on 29 May – Dromana on Marine Drive…

ARMED with beads, big dreams, and a big heart, 11-year-old Hope Blythe of Hastings is making a significant impact in the fight against motor neurone disease (MND). Every year she makes and sells bracelets to raise money for MND awareness and vital research. A passionate Collingwood supporter, she and her twin sister Olivia (Liv), and Mum Kimberley, who are both Melbourne supporters, and Dad always attend the Melbourne v Collingwood game for the “Big freeze at the G,” which will be held on 9 June for Big Freeze 11. For Hope, it’s not just the game and the atmosphere on…

MEET dolphin #89, a resident of Port Phillip Bay’s unique community of common dolphins. Photographed recently by Ella Hutchinson, the Williamson Research Fellow with the Dolphin Research Institute, #89 was first identified in 2022, and is a playful individual that has been sighted regularly every year since.Earlier this year, #89 was even seen “babysitting” another dolphin’s young calf. Now the institute is calling on the community to help give this curious dolphin a proper name. “With 166 individuals in our catalogue, we only name a special few,” Hutchinson said. “We thought with such a great display with the Mornington Yacht…

WHAT started as a regular Easter beach day for a curious two-year-old at Blairgowrie beach has turned into a remarkable moment in Indigenous archaeology – although the pint-sized explorer has no idea.Brooke Murray and her husband Reece Murray had been enjoying time at the beach with their son Victor on 19 April when he found a rock in shallow water and began playing with it. To him, it was just a “fun rock,” with Brooke thinking nothing more of it with Victor taking it home as part of his beach treasures.But the rock’s distinct shape later caught Brook’s attention and…