Really disappointing
For at least six weeks the signs on Boneo Road (pictured) have been tampered with opposite the council offices.
The Primary School, Community Hall and Allambi Avenue now point (through the actions of some idiot) towards Flinders while Allambi Avenue has morphed into Boneo Road.
Having reported it a number of times in person to our council – no action.
If I wasn’t 88, I would adjust it using a sledge hammer, as friends have got lost trying to get to us.
Surely one of our many council employees, councillors or even the Mayor have noticed this vandalism on their way to work and could have actually done something positive?
Ranald Macdonald, Village Glen – Capel Sound
Briars Ward concern
I trust I have the support of many other residents of the Briars Ward when I express my dissatisfaction that the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has left us without representation for so long and failed to keep us up to date with what is happening with regards to having a councillor appointed to represent us.
As far as I can ascertain the former councillor Anthony Marsh (and new Nepean MP) made his official resignation from the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on Thursday 14 May 2026.
By delaying his announcement past Friday 8 May 2026 he ensured that a by-election for Briars Ward could not be held on the first date available being August 1 2026.
Instead the council by-election has been further delayed for several months and will not be held until October 3 2026.
The reason for Mr Marsh’s decision to delay his resignation and the council by-election is unknown; however it was not because of the calling of the state electoral seat of Nepean which was declared after the pertinent date of May 9 2026.
The result is a long delay for the neglected residents of Briars Ward who will not have a local council representative for much longer than necessary.
Terry Langley, Mount Martha
Proudly multicultural
I don’t normally engage in “tit-for-tat” letter writing, but honestly, when I can’t even point out the ethnic background of the Australians who are my friends, neighbours and community service professionals, without getting kickback including a shot at Muslim people (Interesting letters in last week’s ‘The News’, Letters 7/7/26)
I fear for the future of this country. Are we supposed to suppress any pride in multiculturalism? Are people who migrate to this country supposed to hide their ethnicity and abandon their culture? Aren’t fairness, openness and acceptance meant to underpin the Australian ethos?
Maureen Donelly, Mornington
Cat out of the bag
M. G. Free,we can assume is a fully paid up sympathizer of One Nation after his latest rant (Interesting letters in last week’s ‘The News’, Letters 7/7/26), villifying overseas borne Australians, for not being patriotic enough, and in particular Muslim nut cases for not joining the ADF. I’m sure they couldn’t have made it past the interview stage.
He’s also not beond villifying Michelle Milthorpe, the independent candidate for Farrer, for her quite reasonable, basin water policy stance.
And, no Mr Free, I’m not hysterical about the comparison of pre Nazi Germany and present day conservatives cosying up to similar forces. I’m just pointing out the obvious.
And Mr Free, hopefully people will soon wake up to the poicy free bunch of One Nation nutters.
Rupert Steiner, Balnarring Beach
Energy efficient
Good on Repower Mornington Peninsula for offering practical webinars to help people make their homes more comfortable (Save energy and lower costs this winter, The News 7/7/26).
With the average energy‑efficiency rating of Victorian homes built before 2005 sitting at just two stars out of 10, most households could benefit from advice on draft‑proofing and insulation.
A one‑star home is like living in a tent – draughty and cold in winter and hot in summer, tough on our health and expensive to heat and cool.
New builds in Victoria must now meet a seven‑star standard, but even lifting an older home from two to five stars can cut energy bills by around 30 per cent.
Energy‑efficient homes aren’t just good for comfort; they’re good for our hip pockets and our environment. Smarter homes mean warmer winters, cooler summers and lower power bills for families across the peninsula.
Amy Hiller, Kew
Community asset
Some people like to blame governments for rising energy prices, but global events such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have been the major drivers.
Fortunately, households can still cut their bills. A recent ACCC inquiry found that simply shopping around can save hundreds of dollars a year, while improving the energy efficiency of older Victorian homes – many built before 1990 and typically rated just two stars – can save even more.
It was encouraging to read, therefore, that Repower Mornington Peninsula is offering a draft-proofing and insulation course on 29 July (Save energy and lower costs this winter, The News 7/7/26).
A visit to the group’s website reveals a wealth of additional practical advice, with its “Stories” page particularly worth reading. Energy can be a complex topic, so having access to an informed local community group like Repower Mornington Peninsula is a priceless asset.
John Godfrey, Cape Paterson
Great find
How special that the Sunshine Reserve is home to the endangered Southern Toadlet (Planting to protect wildlife at Sunshine Reserve,The News 7/7/26).
Given that over 2200 of Australia’s unique species are endangered, finding any one of these flora or fauna in a local reserve is cause for celebration.
It’s also cause for protection. Fortunately groups like the Sunshine Reserve Conservation Group are working hard to restore healthy bushland for us all to enjoy.
More of us could get involved in caring for nature.
Isabelle Henry, Ascot Vale
Where have they gone?
Do you remember when Labor,
cared for the trees?
Cared for the water? Cared for the bees?
Now they’re all about unions,
highrises and tunnels.
Keep the cash flowing,
through $15 billion funnels.
And the CFMEU members,
get payrises galore.
There’s not enough Ford Rangers,
to buy with their haul.
And while of the rest of us swerve,
potholes to survive.
Labor gives us roads on which,
only Ford Rangers can drive!
Do you remember when Labor,
cared for the trees?
Cared for the water? Cared for the bees?
C Jenkins, Tyabb
The power of art
Do you know that funding for sport takes priority over funding for the arts across our society even though attendance at regional galleries outstrips that at major sports events?
When I read that in a recent article by sociologist Don Edgar I was stunned. He quotes some statistics, “In Victoria in 2016, its 50 public galleries presented 723 exhibitions, 2152 public programs and 1426 education programs to more than 5.4 million visitors. They held over 753,000 items in their collections with a combined worth of $4.8 billion. As well they collected, commissioned and exhibited the work of some 3505 artists, a huge contribution to the sustainability of working artists themselves. All this is done by an average gallery staff of five, a level of ‘productivity’ unmatched by most businesses and other public organisations.”
Our Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, sitting up there with the geese and the tennis players in Dunns Road is part of the story Don Edgar tells.
Our local public gallery has a remarkable history and an even more remarkable collection of work. Its small staff does an incredible job reaching out to young and old and supporting regional artists.
The Friends of the Gallery are holding a discussion entitled “The Power of Regional Galleries” on Monday 27 July at 10.30 a.m. in the MPRG at the corner of Dunns Rd and Tyabb Road.
This is part of our regular offering of Morning Talks with Good Coffee.
I have some free tickets if anyone would like to come. Give me a call on 59761634.
Our speakers will be Anne Robertson from the Public galleries Association, Susan McCulloch – whose father founded our gallery, who herself runs the Everywhen Gallery at Shoreham – Dunja Rmandic current Director of MPRG and our new mayor Cr Stephen Batty.
The Revd. Ken Parker, Friends of the MPRG, Mornington
Local letter writers?
Exactly who are some of the people who write comments to your paper? People making comments about the Mornington Peninsula?
A lot of the letters you print are from Melbourne. Eg: Hawthorn, Coburg North, Aspendale etc.
What would these people know about living on the peninsula? Or do they just like to see their names in print.
Week after week after week. Why do you keep printing all these letters? You must get plenty of letters from people who actually live here!
Kerry Taylor, Bittern
Australia’s egalitarian home
I was feeling peckish. The sweet tooth kind that at 9:30pm on a Tuesday night can only mean one thing. Maccy D’s. Hot Chocolate Sundae.
Car park session with the radio on. Teenagers meet up, suspect characters slurp large milkshakes, Mrs Bouvier in her shiney 4WD Mercedes tucks in to a solo McChicken Burger.
The stream of headlights come and go. A young boy excitedly bounces out of grandpas car. I’m not sure grandpa has told Mum and Dad. It’s their little secret.
Street lights flicker, but the golden arches glow, a north star, welcome to all.
Nick Schaffer, Rosebud
BarleyCharlie@90
I’ve been assessed. Holy Moly. Perspective comes to mind? Was it real or some AI influencer?
I hear voices, noises, at night. Apparently I’m a valued customer?
The Logies, The Front Bar nominated, Mickey Molloy? Will I be here, (Aussie Aussie?) Los Angeles 2028?
Barley dropped in, cappuccino. “You need company old man, why sit here alone every day until the final bow?”
Women Barley mate, problems, needs, nobody denies their value as friends.
“And lovers old man, a chat mate, a two bedroom unit, waste of space.” God help me Barley.
“Don’t blame God old man.” True. I leave God to the future Barley, not to mention tailgating outside a Taylor Swift concert.
The disciples I’m wary of, particularly those wearing robes, rats in the ranks, everywhere.
ASIO in my day a tin pot outfit in St Kilda Road, 1950’s, part time suburban spies, now a huge outfit in Canberra alongside real federal police.
“On the other hand ASIO is staffed by human beings fella, and we all know about them, many, a form of racism”.
I meditate alone mate, ideas, mainly when on the throne.
“You’re drifting old timer, lost the plot?” The thread Barley, the mind plays tricks, I’d actually been there, the Colosseum, Rome, but alas, no memory of the day.
Why was I forced (at school) to learn Algebra and geometry? Surely more sensible to include dance and drama?
“The ageing process old timer. When smoking was allowed with your morning cappuccino. You can chat over those times with your new live in partner?”
“I WANT TO BE ALONE.”
My necessities include salt, baked beans, biscuits, glasses, book, iphone, serapax, panadols, valium, scooter and my credit card.
“No cigarettes?” Well, maybe 6?
“It arrives old man, OLD age, unerringly, ancient bones head to toes. No more theatre?” Maybe 8 cigarettes, no, 10, maximum?
“How is the coughing?” From the diaphragm Barley, and life IS theatre, a long running performance, even without teeth; “A good dinner sharpens the wit, while it softens the heart?” And a cigarette Barley. I’m for a replay, the 1958 GF replay, 2026. Cappuccinos, love the frothy top.
Thanks. Be safe.
Cliff Ellen, Rye
