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…
Author: mpnews
Government has abandoned heritage listed Flinders Pier Further to Sarah Halfpenny’s article about the cessation of works on Flinders Pier by Parks Victoria (Flinders Pier works halted as funding runs dry, The News 28/4/26), what is it about a state government department that can stop work, without notice to the local community, demolish a Heritage listed pier and leave new expensive timber work in the water without support? A weak reason, without evidence, that they have “run out of money” rings hollow when, in the same breath, they announce a tender to be put for the multi-million dollar repair to…
Two drivers have lost their licences after allegedly reaching speeds of up to 180km/h on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in the early hours of Monday morning. Police allege the pair were travelling side-by-side near Rosebud about 2.20am on 11 May when they were detected speeding. Both drivers received 12-month licence suspensions and penalty notices exceeding $1,000. Police are reminding motorists to obey speed limits and drive safely on local roads.
A NEW four-lane synthetic turf cricket training facility has been officially opened at Rye’s RJ Rowley Reserve, with one lane to remain available for public use. The Hon. Tom McIntosh launched the facility on Monday 27 April. It was jointly funded by a $246,000 grant from the state government’s Local Sport Infrastructure Fund and a $164,000 contribution from Mornington Peninsula Shire. Built to Cricket Australia standards, the nets feature retractable netting, allowing flexibility for uses beyond cricket training. Nepean Ward Councillor Andrea Allen said: “One of the four lanes is open to the public, making this a genuinely community-accessible facility.…
THE Western Port Writes Literary Festival is returning in 2026, and to kick off the festival year, they are thrilled to welcome celebrated TV presenter and journalist Lisa Millar for a very special dinner event on Saturday 30 May at the Somers Yacht Club. Lisa will be in conversation with award-winning journalist Belinda Hawkins, chatting about her illustrious career, her love for dogs and the bush, and the lessons she’s learnt on the road. Lisa Millar is the face of the ABC’s much-loved TV series Muster Dogs and Back Roads. She started at the ABC as a young reporter in…
OBITUARYRoger Hardinge Redston23 March 1938 – 13 April 2026 ROGER Redston, who served as a physician on the Mornington Peninsula for over 35 years, died peacefully on 13 April 2026, aged 88. He was a devoted husband for 61 years, a proud father of five children, grandfather to eleven grandchildren, and great grandfather to five great grandchildren. Born on 23 March 1938 in Croydon, Surrey, his life began as Europe edged towards war. As a toddler he travelled overseas to Canada, returning to England in mid 1941 by ship during the height of the Battle of the Atlantic, navigating routes…
THE University of Melbourne and Monash University have announced a joint initiative to establish a new education and research hub at Point Nepean. The Point Nepean Research and Education Field Station is a partnership with the Australian Government, who is investing $17 million, alongside $5 million from each university. The $27 million development will create a nationally significant centre focused on climate science, coastal environments, and cultural heritage. It will serve as a hub for research, teaching, and public programs and will include a short-stay accommodation building for up to 50 visitors. University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Cassidy…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough AT a recent meeting of Mornington Racing Club plans for substantial improvements to the course were decided on. Those present were: Messrs. T. Ritchie (chairman), P. McArthur, J. E. Somers, R. G. Edwards; T. McMurtrie, E. Swift, P. Olsen, R. K. Ritchie, G. Bidgood, J. Kelleher, A. D. Kerr, C. D. Robertson and H. Downward, secretary. Mr. Geo. Free, who is in charge of the re-grading of the track in the straight and planting it with couche grass, was also present, to make a report on the work. After discussing the matter it was decided to…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough AT a recent meeting of Mornington Racing Club plans for substantial improvements to the course were decided on. Those present were: Messrs. T. Ritchie (chairman), P. McArthur, J. E. Somers, R. G. Edwards; T. McMurtrie, E. Swift, P. Olsen, R. K. Ritchie, G. Bidgood, J. Kelleher, A. D. Kerr, C. D. Robertson and H. Downward, secretary. Mr. Geo. Free, who is in charge of the re-grading of the track in the straight and planting it with couche grass, was also present, to make a report on the work. After discussing the matter it was decided to…
THE Mornington Courthouse Visitor Centre (Visitor Centre) marked a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of operation under Northern Mornington Peninsula Tourism (NMPT), with a special anniversary event held at the historic Courthouse building in Main Street, Mornington. The celebration brought together a wonderful mix of current and past volunteers, NMPT members, tourism industry representatives, and local dignitaries to recognise the Visitor Centre’s longstanding contribution to the region. The distinguished guests in attendance were Chris Crewther MP, Member for Mornington, and Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillors Cam Williams, Andrea Allen, and Stephen Batty, who joined in acknowledging the importance of the Visitor…
A NEW First Peoples-led tourism body has officially launched on the Mornington Peninsula, with the Yannabil First Peoples Tourism Council bringing together Aboriginal businesses, cultural leaders and tourism operators across Bunurong Country. The Council aims to champion culturally safe and authentic tourism experiences that share the stories, traditions and living cultures of First Peoples with visitors and locals. Its formation follows more than seven years of informal collaboration between First Peoples business owners, who met regularly to support one another and work towards establishing a culturally grounded tourism body. The group voted to incorporate as Yannabil First Peoples Tourism Council…
A NEW public art project tracing more than a century of live music on the Mornington Peninsula will be on display at the StoryWall at Mornington Shire Office from 1 May to 6 August. Peninsula LIVE: Stories from the Mornington Peninsula is a vinyl collage by commissioned local artist Jessie Willow Tucker, created from community-submitted gig posters, tickets, photographs and personal archives. The work transforms music ephemera into a visual tribute to the region’s grassroots gig culture. “This work is a celebration of local live music. The style is inspired by an illustrated Beatles lyrics book I loved as a…
Plant a tree or two I admire the work of the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation group who aim to plant 30,000 indigenous trees every year (Volunteers needed for tree planting to support koalas, The News 28/4/26). Those trees will reconnect bush areas and restore koala habitat. They will also clean our air and help fight climate change. My family enjoys joining the Sunshine Reserve Conservation Group to plant trees for National Tree Day at the end of July each year. Being outside, getting your hands dirty, and doing something for nature while connecting with others is rewarding, especially when you…
FRANKSTON will shine as a hub of arts and culture when South Side Festival returns next week, bringing 10 nights of performances, installations and community experiences to the heart of the city. Running from Friday 8 May to Sunday 17 May, the festival will transform Frankston into one of Victoria’s most vibrant cultural destinations, with events spanning theatre, circus, dance, visual arts, film and immersive light installations. A major highlight is the return of Neon Fields, back by popular demand for a third year. Across three spectacular nights, Beauty Park will become a glowing playground of colour and light, featuring…
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…
CAPEL Sound resident Vivienne Massoni celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday 24 April. Vivienne was born in Brighton on 24 April 1925, the daughter of William Tennyson and Stella Annie Forster (née Arbuthnot). Vivienne’s mother was born in Koondrook, Victoria, on the River Murray, where her father and grandfather founded the Arbuthnot Sawmill, a red gum sawmill that still operates today, celebrating 140 years of sustainable forestry. Vivienne was schooled at Firbank Grammar and continued to a successful nursing career at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne. She visited Portsea and Sorrento with her brother and sisters as a young…
Water Police have located a deceased male following a search in Port Phillip Bay today. The crew of the ship 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. Police located a deceased male in waters off Frankston around 2.30pm. The male is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be the missing crewman. The death will be investigated by Water Police but is not…
ART lovers and collectors are invited to experience the creative heart of the Mornington Peninsula when the much-anticipated Peninsula Studio Trail Artists open their studios to visitors on the weekend of 2–3 May 2026. Across the weekend, artists will open the doors to their art studios, welcoming visitors to step behind the scenes and discover how original artworks are created. It’s a rare opportunity to meet the artists, see works in progress, see the materials, ask questions, and gain insight into the creative process in the very spaces where the art is made. This year’s trail invites visitors to follow…
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…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough A FULL house is expected for a school concert, but it is seldom that the people attend in such overflowing numbers as they did for the High school students’ concert held in the Frankston Palais on 22nd inst. The widespread interest taken in the High school may be judged from the fact that five car loads came specially from Dromana for the evening. Mornington and places near at hand were also well represented. Long before the time for starting enthusiasts thronged the, doors looking for the best seats. Even, the commodious Palais had its seating capacity…
RYE’S Kai Davenport has taken home gold in the U20 Para Athletics 1500m at the 2026 Australian Athletics Junior Championships. The competition took place from 15 – 20 April in Brisbane. The 18-year-old didn’t stop at one medal, delivering an impressive performance and securing silver in the 800m and bronze in javelin and long jump. This comes after Kai won three golds and a silver in the Victorian State Championships, which qualified his spot in the national competition. He decided to go all out representing Victoria by dyeing his hair blue to match the uniform. Kai discovered his passion for…
THE Mornington Peninsula is set to welcome a landmark new community event, with the inaugural Rye Community Festival taking place at the Rye Foreshore on Saturday, 2 May 2026 from 10am – 4pm. Free and open to all ages, the event is designed to celebrate the people, places, and spirit that make Rye such a special part of the peninsula. Conceived as a community-first event, the festival will showcase local businesses, sporting clubs, creative makers, and community groups in a vibrant, inclusive coastal setting. The program has been carefully curated to offer something for every age and interest – from…
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
COMMUNITY input has been requested regarding a new policy that will see trees on the peninsula better looked after and protected. Mornington Peninsula Shire have developed a draft Tree Management Policy which explains how they care for trees. The policy covers how council manages trees on shire-owned or managed land, how tree risks are assessed and prioritised, how council responds to concerns and requests, and how trees are protected. A 2022 Tree Management Audit noted the shire didn’t have a formal policy for managing council trees and a policy creation was recommended. “A dedicated policy means our community can trust…
Whoever wins Nepean battle will have a profound responsibility In these final days before the election of a new Member for Nepean, much has been made of the infighting, the public disagreements, and at times, the overbearing tone adopted by some candidates. Elections, by their nature, are robust affairs. Differences are aired, positions tested, and personalities revealed. Yet beyond the noise and the spectacle, there remains a simple and enduring truth: the role being contested is one of profound responsibility. Whoever is elected will not merely hold a title, but also bear the trust of a community. The Nepean Peninsula…
Darren Hercus, One Nation The rising cost of living affects everyone. I support expanding public transport with improved bus services. Our policies help businesses grow, creating jobs and reducing work travel. Our energy plan includes ending government subsidies for large-scale renewable projects and reserving Victorian gas to lower energy costs. The most efficient approach to the redevelopment of Rosebud Hospital is via a “Public Private Partnership”. This involves collaboration between a private consortium and the state government, with funding privately provided, resulting in an estimated $340m in taxpayer savings. The Rosebud facility would feature a public hospital, private consulting suites,…
A 41-year-old man from Tyabb is facing serious traffic offences after being intercepted by State Highway Patrol officers on ANZAC Day. Police allege the man was detected driving at 120 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on Coolart Road in Somerville at approximately 6:45 pm, during Operation Tribute – a road safety initiative targeting high-risk driver behaviour over the commemorative period. Upon being stopped, the driver underwent a preliminary breath test, which allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.131. His vehicle was subsequently impounded, and his driver’s licence was immediately suspended for 12 months. The man is expected to…
AS he approaches his 100th birthday, Royal Australian Navy veteran Frederick Ronald Stannus – known to his family and friends as Ron – has returned to where it all began. His visit on 8 April to HMAS Cerberus comes as the Navy marks 125 years since its establishment in 1901. Stannus’s naval journey began at Cerberus more than 80 years ago. Walking the grounds where he first became a sailor, he was welcomed by Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus Captain Ben Esler as an honoured guest before receiving a VIP tour of the Heritage and Learning Centre from the centre’s director,…
A NEW cafe at Frankston RSL is providing employment training for people living with disabilities. The Welcome Post Cafe operating at Frankston RSL is run in conjunction with support service-provider Wallara Australia. The café operates at Frankston RSL every Wednesday and Friday from 10am to serve the RSL’s veteran coffee groups. Wallara Australia’s Ben Sutherland, who has been part of the hospitality pathways program at the cafe for six months, says “it’s good practice for the job market and will help me with pathways to future employment.” “I love learning about the veterans a bit more about their lives and…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough TOM Merrick was a market gardener. Of that he made no secret. He was also a rather ambitious individual, not that he wouldn’t stop at a hotel on his way home from market to have a glass of alcohol, nor that he didn’t go to sleep afterwards and let his trusty draught horse take him safely on his homeward way. He did these things and, let me tell you now, they were the cause of his ultimate downfall as I shall relate. But, still, he was ambitious, and there was something that he had long wanted…