A PERFECT evening of sunshine, sea breezes, and community spirit set the stage for this year’s Mayoral Charity event, the Mayday Cruise, which raised a record $61,278.77 for local groups.Hosted by mayor Cr Anthony Marsh aboard the MV Queenscliff, operated by Searoad Ferries, the 18 October event welcomed over 250 guests from across the peninsula for an evening of entertainment, dining, and fundraising. They were greeted with canapés, fresh oysters, and sparkling beverages, complemented by a selection of local wines, beers, ciders, and rum.The Royal Australian Navy Band performed on the pier prior to departure, while The Baker Boys Band…
Author: mpnews
McCrae Landslide Debacle I AM gobsmacked after reading the outcome (if you could call it an outcome) of the inquiry into the McCrae landslide on January 14 earlier this year (Inquiry finds burst water main caused McCrae landslide, The News 14/10/25).It appears that 40.3 million litres of water, the equivalent to approximately 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools leaked undetected from a burst water main owned (but obviously not managed) by South East Water.I had to re-read the article to make sure I was fully comprehending. The facts became even more shocking as I read on. The article revealed landslide risk was,…
ONE of the most recognisable landmarks in Mount Eliza, the white, heritage listed Anglican Church of St James the Less on Nepean Highway opposite Peninsula Grammar, celebrated its 160th birthday this month.Over 110 people celebrated the event at a special service in the main, larger church on Sunday 12 October. The celebrations continued in the Pioneer Hall with lunch and a music performance by the Mornington Brass Band.The historic church was built in 1865 on the site given for church purposes by Edward Linott, an early pioneer of the district. Until the church was erected, services were held in a…
ROSEBUD Beach Bowls Club is celebrating an extraordinary milestone, with four of its members winning the right to represent Victoria at the 2025 Australian Championships in Tasmania this November.The talented team of Paul Twyerould, Frankie Krslovic, Steve Brindle, and Joe Turner will line up in the Australian Fours competition on 26 November, with their sights firmly set on becoming national champions. Brindle rejoins the side after Steve Lyon from Balnarring stepped in during the State Finals to help secure qualification.For a club of Rosebud Beach’s size, this achievement is nothing short of remarkable. The team will proudly wear the Stingray…
By Evangeline MacLeod*THE worldwide social media frenzy for the decadent pistachio-based “Dubai chocolate” has caused the price of pistachios to skyrocket, making it difficult for businesses closer to home.Dubai chocolate is a chunky chocolate bar filled with a bright pistachio cream, tahini and flaky and crunchy kataifi (thinly torn phyllo pastry). The result is a decadent chocolate bar that has caught the attention of those that court attention.Fuelled by TikTok “influencers”, demand has surged, not only for the chocolate bar, but also for other pistachio-based items with ice creams, spreads, chocolates, coffees and even protein powders landing on supermarket shelves.…
SINGER Graham G Toole has hit the jackpot as Kenny Rogers. Graham has made a career out of singing the songs of the greats, performing tributes to Glen Campbell, John Denver, and Kenny Rogers over the past 38 years. Growing up in a musical household, Graham’s passion for music was evident from an early age. He joined an old-time dance band and, at 16, won a talent competition to be the curtain-raiser for a young John Williamson’s travelling out west TV show. Graham’s performances transcend generations, with grandparents eager to share the music. “They’re just such well-crafted songs,” he says.…
MORNINGTON Little Athletics Centre is kicking off the new season with a $1600 grant from Coles to support young athletes and dedicated volunteers. The centre was named one of 72 grassroots Little Athletics Centres across Australia to receive funding from the 2025 Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.Mornington plans to use the grant to invest in new shot puts, relay batons, high jump bars, discuses and javelins. Centre president Brett Perez said the equipment would play a key role in helping volunteers deliver a fun, safe, and high-quality program for young athletes.“This new equipment will make Little Athletics sessions more engaging…
Get ready to tee off for a great cause on Friday, November 21 at Mornington Golf Club. The annual SMART Business Solutions Charity Golf Day aims to raise vital funds for Mental Health Safety Net (MHSN) to facilitate early-intervention mental health programs workshops across the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston and Casey LGAs.All proceeds from the Golf Day will deliver free safeTALK sessions for local secondary schools and community groups, ensuring that more young people and community members have access to this critical education. These lifesaving workshops equip people, from students to business owners, with the skills to recognise when someone may…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughMR. P. WHEELER, J.P., conducted a magisterial inquiry on Monday last into the circumstances surrounding the death of Percy Evans, aged 49.Raymond Victor Dawson, labourer, deposed that on Saturday, 17th October, at 7pm, he was driving along Hastings road to Somerville, about 3 miles from Frankston, when he saw the body of a man hanging by a rope from a gum tree near the roadside.Witness did not cut the body down, but hurried to Mr. J. Williams’ residence nearby. Mr. Williams was not at home and witness then phoned for the police.Evidence was adduced to show that…
The extensions to Holy Trinity Church in Hastings have officially opened.Since 1993, the Old Church had been used as an Op Shop, but was destroyed by arson in 2017.In its place, the church has rebuilt an extension to the current church premises. The extension comprises a new church foyer and a new Op Shop.The ribbon was cut by Geoff Stockton; a living connection to the church’s founding in the 1880s, as his great grandfather, Alfred Manx Stockton was one of the pioneers who started the church.Having operated in a portable for the last eight years, the Op Shop will open…
A FUNDRAISER for children living with heart disease will take place in Frankston this weekend. The annual Two Feet & A Heartbeat walk takes place at Ballam Park Primary School on Saturday, 25 October. Participants will be walking four kilometres in honour of the four deaths from childhood-onset heart disease each week, or eight kilometres to mark the eight babies born each day in Australia with a heart condition.HeartKids CEO Marcus Sandmann says that money raised through the walks, which take place across the country throughout October, will be used “to increase accessibility to HeartKids support services and programs in…
DEVILBEND Golf Club has been named the winner of “Most Outstanding Club, Facility, Place to Play – Metropolitan Region.” at the Victorian Golf Industry Awards.“This is an incredible recognition of our club’s ongoing commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and community-focused golfing experience. It reflects the hard work, passion, and dedication of our members, volunteers, staff, and committee who together make Devilbend such a special place to play,” said the general manager of the club, Tim O’Sullivan.The award citation states “Devilbend Golf Club has emerged as a leader in community-focused inclusive golf, with a clear commitment to making the game…
When Pt. Leo Estate first opened its doors eight years ago, it quickly became known for more than just its Estate grown wines. Within months of opening, its dining rooms were regarded world-class, its Sculpture Park was heralded as a national icon, and both media and visitors could not get enough of the property’s sweeping vineyard and coastal views. But to General Manager Roger Lancia, this milestone is about far more -it’s about people, place and perseverance.“Reflecting on the past eight years, what fills me with pride isn’t just what we’ve built, but who we’ve built it with,” Roger reflects.…
A FRANKSTON-raised pilot has lived out a childhood dream by leading a Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and United States Air Force mission of F-35A Lightning II jets.Flight Lieutenant Patrick Kane led the mission during Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 in Misawa, Japan. He said the experience was a dream come true.“It was always the fast jets – that’s the only flying I was interested in,” Kane said. The F-35A Lightning II is the ADF’s first fifth-generation air combat fighter. It is capable of supersonic flight while retaining stealth, has 9G manoeuvrability, and is also equipped with advanced…
By Barry IrvingRYE tennis club officially opened the “Hitting Wall” on Sunday 19 October. The wall and its cage surroundings is an ideal safe area to practice tennis returns. Project manager Russell Atkins said the wall is open to the public to come and hit few balls. There is a box that contains racquets and balls free to use.The club has also created a family friendly safe play area for younger children to enjoy while their older siblings are having tennis lessons. This area also boasts some seating and tables providing a comfortable viewing area for watching the tennis. The…
THE Mornington Peninsula Contemporary Art Prize is preparing for its opening night at the Cook Street Collective in Flinders on 31 October. The exhibition, now in its second year, runs through to 23 November, showcasing an exciting and diverse collection of works form artists across the region and beyond.The Cook Street Collective was launched in 2011 and has become an important and highly regarded player on the Mornington Peninsula arts scene supporting talented local artists. Its team of four co-directors Neil Williams, Julie Hocking, Jennifer Buntine and Liz Walker also curate monthly exhibitions by artists from Victoria, New South Wales…
Police will prepare reports for the coroner following the death of two men in Frankston yesterday. Emergency services were called to Frankston Beach following reports of two men in trouble in the water on Wednesday 22 October about 5pm. It is believed one of the men was surfing, when his board snapped. Another man, known to the surfer, jumped into the water to attempt to help him however both men began to struggle. Air Wing came to assist, and both men were winched back to shore but could not be revived. At this stage, the pair are yet-to-be formally identified…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is inviting the community’s feedback for a new accessible shared path between Dromana and Safety Beach.The shire has released two potential route options for the path, which aims to improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Option one known as the “Boundary Rd Route” would run down Boundary Rd, continuing along White Hill Rd and then onto Old White Hill Road toward Peninsula Specialist College.About 1.198 hectares of vegetation would need be removed, with one pedestrian crossing needing to be installed. However, the council noted this route would service fewer residents.The second option known as “Nepean Highway Route”…
Where are Rosebud’s statues? ROSEBUD only had one history board, the one located outside the shop that has been a fish and chip shop for some time and was the first purpose-built post office under private ownership before the Commonwealth bought land east of Jenning’s Model dairy near McDaid’s hotel (until recently known as the GPO HOTEL). It was about the meeting tree, a landmark and possibly planted in 1907. The history board has deteriorated and is useless to indicate Rosebud’s rich heritage.Rosebud built heritage is virtually non-existent. The Rosebud Fishing Village on the foreshore could not look more suburban,…
FOR many Australians aged 55 and over, the idea of retirement is shifting. Increasingly, older adults are choosing to return to work, not just for financial reasons, but for the sense of purpose, connection, and mental stimulation it brings.On the Mornington Peninsula, a growing number of mature-aged residents are exploring new career paths, increasing their work hours, or re-entering the workforce after time away. But for many, the process can feel overwhelming. Questions about employer expectations, flexible hours, and how to navigate Centrelink rules are common. Fortunately, local services are stepping up to help.The Chisholm Skills and Jobs Centre, with…
MEMBERS of Repower Mornington Peninsula and the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) Mornington group have teamed up to host a free community information session and short film on Sunday 19 October at 3pm at the Mornington Community Theatre.With the new federal subsidy on home batteries, state rebates on solar panels, and the ever-increasing costs of electricity bills, this will be of interest to anyone pondering the right time to invest in home renewable energy and storage. The event features presentations, a Q and A Panel, conversation time and a short documentary at the end.3 – 4.30pm: Solar and batteries presentation by…
REPRESENTATIVES of the Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula presented the staff at Rosebud Hospital with a beautiful hand crafted rocking horse for their summer appeal raffle. This is the second rocking horse donated by the woodworkers. The first was raffled to help fund the renovations needed to install the present CT scanner. A newer, state of the art scanner is now required to provide the latest and best results for patients at the hospital.The hospital will raffle the rocking horse with a second and third prize that will include hand made wooden toys along with a mystery prize at the…
THE Peninsula Community Legal Centre and the Mornington Peninsula Shire will be hosting a free legal information session on 13 November 2025 in Hastings.Speakers from the Peninsula Community Legal Centre and Seniors Rights Victoria will share useful information on common legal issues for older people such as wills, powers of attorney, and medical decision-making.These legal documents are designed to make sure that a person’s wishes are understood and respected, but many people do not understand how they work or why they are so important. For example, if you were critically injured in a car accident tomorrow and could not make…
A MORNINGTON man has been named a national finalist in the Stroke Foundation’s 2025 National Stroke Awards, recognising his outstanding dedication to stroke awareness, recovery, and support.Stroke survivor Glenn Browne is up for the prestigious Courage Award category.After suffering a stroke in 2020, Glenn embraced sailing as part of his rehabilitation journey, helping to regain movement and mobility. His passion for the sport has since evolved into an annual fundraising event for the Stroke Foundation, through which he continues to raise awareness and inspire others.“To be acknowledged by the foundation is not only an honour but it makes me extremely…
COMMUNITY Bank Mt Martha will launch Mt Martha Stronger Community Grant Program – Round 3 on 26th October 2023, via its website: (www.mmcel.com.au)The Board of Community Bank Mt Martha has allocated $100,000 to this Grant round for up to 20 eligible groups, which are Not-for-Profit entities located in the 3934, 3931 & 3933 Postcode (Mt Martha, Mornington, and Moorooduc) or who currently bank with Community Bank Mt Martha will be eligible to apply. Grant amounts will range from $2,500 to $10,000.The timetable for the programme is:Opening Date: 10am AEDT on 30 October 2025Closing date and time: 5pm AEDT on 16…
THE Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula has announced it will present an “Annual Leadership Award” at their Annual General Meeting this year.The committee’s “Annual Leadership Award” will recognise a community leader who has shown exemplary regional leadership and made a significant contribution to the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula community.Committee CEO, Josh Sinclair, said the award is about recognising leaders within our community who have made a significant contribution across different sectors. “Our members see exceptional leadership across community sectors, healthcare, education, business, environment and volunteer organisations every day – and we think that exceptional service to our region should…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughIN the presence of a representative gathering of Peninsula public bodies at the Mornington Shire Hall, on Friday afternoon last, Mr. F. Hansford, president of the Victorian Civil Ambulance, made the presentation to the Peninsula of a Ford ambulance wagon.The wagon has all the necessary inscriptions, also a first-aid kit.It will be stationed at the Mornington fire station, and by any person ringing Mornington 126 or 13, immediate service will be guaranteed.In the absence of the Mornington Shire president, Cr. P. McArthur, who has been ill for some time, Cr. J. G. Barrett occupied the chair.Cr. Barrett…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will be holding a green waste weekend from 24 – 26 October 2025.The ‘No Charge’ Green Waste weekend is for Shire residents or ratepayers only. These events are popular and delays can occur, especially in the morning and at the end of the day. The free green waste weekend will be held at the Resource Recovery Centres at Rye (Truemans Road), Tyabb (McKirdys Road) and Mornington (Watt Road). The opening hours of the centres will be Friday 8am – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am – 5pm.Preparation Guide: If you find yourself regularly taking green waste to the…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Regional Tourism (MPRT) has welcomed the formal approval of the region’s new Visitor Economy Partnership (VEP) by Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. A milestone that marks the first genuine three-way collaboration between the Victorian government, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, and the local tourism industry.The VEP will bring the three partners to the table with a shared mission: to grow and protect the Mornington Peninsula’s $1.8b visitor economy, support over 3,900 tourism-related businesses, and sustain more than 13,500 jobs in the region, with 62% of those directly tied to the tourism sector.The Mornington Peninsula…
A taste of the future? So there we were, cruising home after a delightful coffee in Dromana’s increasingly cosmopolitan dining capital of the peninsula. The Saturday was full of promise for the balmy summer season ahead. The weather glorious, the sea sparkling, and smiles everywhere. And then we saw it. As we approached the Nepean Highway and Marine Drive intersection, mayhem ahead.The jet-skis had descended on the service station. Vehicles towing them were in a scramble to re-fuel, without a thought of other traffic. They were in a tangle at the servo entrance, across the intersection, and waiting, not to…