Start the year with laughter, music and theatrical brilliance when legendary Australian entertainer Gerry Connolly brings his irresistible stage presence to Frankston Arts Centre. For over four decades, Gerry has built a remarkable career as a comedian, actor, impressionist and pianist. Best known for his razor-sharp satirical impressions of public figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Ministers and international leaders, he first honed his talents at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and hasn’t looked back. Audiences and industry insiders alike praise Connolly’s masterful blend of comedy and musicianship. On his celebrated satire, he once said, “I love her… I…
Author: mpnews
CELEBRATIONS will be once again in full swing at the Village Green in Mt Eliza on Australia Day, Monday 26 January. A free sausage sizzle and entertainment will be happening from 9:00 AM until 12:30pm. The formal program starts at 10:00 AM with the flag raising conducted by 1st Ranelagh Scouts. There will be plenty of entertainment both for kids and all the family to have a fun time while celebrating being part of our wonderful community. Kids will also be able to get up close to wildlife in the hands-on Australian Reptile Show and exhibition – they will be…
The Water Police Squad has been called to more than 500 incidents already this summer – prompting a water safety warning for the Australia Day long weekend. With temperatures set to soar into the high-thirties and low forties and significant crowds expected at popular waterways – the Water Police Squad will be out in force with local units conducting proactive patrols to ensure everyone is following the rules. Around 400 of the callouts have related to vessel collisions or vessel sinkings, people being in trouble on the water and needing to be rescued, injuries occurring on boats and jet skis…
Silvers Circus – one of Australia’s most iconic and longest running circuses- is celebrating an incredible milestone: 50 years of setting the standard, bringing wonder and wow to adults and children alike, and being Australia’s Greatest Circus! And there’s no better way to mark this golden anniversary than under the air-cooled comfort of our famous big top, right here in Mornington! The 2026 season brings a production that reflects exactly why Silvers has stood tall for 5 decades. What can you expect from them this year? Well, pure amazement, as always! Feminine acrobats defying gravity and flexibility, adrenaline driven guys…
Kelsey Bennett has two big goals firmly in her sights this year – securing a win on the Ladies European Tour and earning LPGA Tour status for 2027. But before she can start working on those targets, one of Australian women golf’s rising stars will tee it up as one of the favourites in Webex Players Series Victoria at Rosebud Country Club on the Bellarine Peninsula, starting on Thursday A win at home – in an event where men and women compete for the same prize on the same course – would start the year off quite nicely. The 25-year-old…
WEBEX Players Series Victoria has a new host who would love to win its sixth staging at Rosebud Country Club, starting on Thursday. Former Olympian Marcus Fraser, one of Victoria’s best performed professional golfers on the world stage in the past 20 years with victories on four different Tours, now has his name attached to a tournament that has become a very popular stop for players on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and WPGA Tour of Australasia. Another high-quality field will be back on the Mornington Peninsula contesting the unique format which sees men and women professionals go up…
FROM the WACA to the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, cricketing legend Adam (Gilly) Gilchrist has fulfilled a life-long dream by developing his Australian owned tequila brand, El Arquero Tequila. Gilly was at Ritchies Balnarring last Thursday (15 January), where customers were treated to a tasting experience with the man himself. El Arquero Tequila is 100% additive-free and has been crafted and produced by a third-generation family-owned distillery . “We didn’t just take their liquid and put a label on it, we worked together with them to develop our own. We wanted to create an authentic liquid profile with the Australian…
A SINGLE agency for outdoor activities has been formed, merging the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and the Game Management Authority (GMA) into the Outdoor Recreation Victoria (ORV). Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the change in December, which aims to simplify access to bushland, waterways, and recreational activities while keeping all existing staff in their jobs. ORV will initially focus on promoting activities such as fishing, hunting, boating, four-wheel driving, and off-grid camping. Over time, the agency plans to expand its reach to support a wider range of outdoor recreation opportunities. The agency will serve as a central point of…
THE Mornington Rotary Art Show has returned to the Peninsula Community Theatre, bringing one of the region’s largest and most popular visual arts events back to Mornington. Running from 16 January to 24 January, the annual show will feature around 750 artworks, including oils, acrylics, watercolours and pastels. The exhibition is being held at the theatre on the corner of Wilson Rd and Nepean Hwy, with doors open daily from 10am to 5pm, and a special late-night opening until 8pm on Friday 23 January. At the special Friday night opening, guests will be treated to a drink of their preference…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE monthly meeting of the Frankston Traders’ Association was held at “The Tangerine” last night (Thursday). In the unavoidable absence of the president (Cr. J. Bradbury) the vice-president (Mr. C. J. Pope) occupied the chair. Other members, present were: Mrs. T. Marshall, Messrs. C. Meredith, L. Davis (secretary), C. Parnell, Moore, McFarlane, Royle, J. Nolan, H. Hiscock, G.Apthorpe, H. C. Barclay, and L. J. Ward. On the right side A balance-sheet of the recent carnival, concerts, etc., was presented by Mr. C. Meredith and proved to be very satisfactory. The chairman stated that though perhaps the…
THE Bays Cancer Care Centre is celebrating its first birthday – one year on from opening the peninsula’s first integrated cancer hub, bringing diagnosis, treatment and wellness support together in one locally accessible facility. Stage one of the centre opened in February 2025 as a $15m investment in local health infrastructure, enabled by a one-off $10m Commonwealth Government contribution, strong community and philanthropic support, and Community Bank Mt Martha’s $600,000 commitment to establish the Community Bank Mt Martha Wellness Centre. Since opening, the centre has helped more locals receive cancer care closer to home. Delivered in partnership with Icon Cancer…
More effort on cleaning up As a resident of many years here on the Mornington Peninsula, seeing the lack of care from the local shire in maintaining the suburb of Dromana has been really disappointing. We’ve been inundated with thousands of visitors this summer and the main pavement thoroughfare is incredibly dirty. It has been in need of cleaning for well over 12 months now. Residents submit requests for maintenance and things take months to be addressed. The urination from dogs, mashed in food and graffiti covering many surfaces of the sidewalk and side streets definitely isn’t the welcome I’d…
A NEWLY redeveloped Community Animal Shelter and Pound has officially opened in Mornington, delivering a purpose-built facility designed to prioritise animal welfare, comfort and long-term wellbeing while animals wait to be rehomed. Mornington Peninsula Shire said the project had been designed with animal health, happiness and quality of life at the centre. “Every animal deserves comfort, care and hope while waiting for their forever home. We’re proud to unveil our completely transformed Community Animal Shelter and Pound – a purpose-built sanctuary that puts animal welfare at its heart,” the council said in a media release statement last week. Dogs are…
THE Chamber Philharmonia Cologne is set to travel from Germany to Frankston for a performance next week. The concert will feature works from Antonio Vivaldi, Mozart, Handel and Boccherini. The Chamber Philharmonia Cologne (pictured left) performs 200 concerts each year, regularly touring Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, and Germany. “Classical Music Around the World is the guiding idea of the ensemble. Whether performing in a small village church, an open-air venue, a cathedral, or a large concert hall, the musicians bring the same passion and dedication to every performance—be it in their hometown of Cologne or in cities…
THE RSPCA has issued a warning to animal owners as the Summer heat ramps up. During last week’s hottest day, RSPCA Victoria said it had received 20 heat-related reports. RSPCA Victoria director of veterinary services Dr Melissa Meehan said the “hot and extreme weather conditions pose a serious risk to animal health.” “Heat stroke can develop rapidly and may be life-threatening, with common warning signs including excessive panting, vomiting or diarrhoea, and unusually bright or very pale gums. If you notice these symptoms in your pet or are concerned about their immediate wellbeing, seek veterinary advice immediately,” Meehan said. “Even…
BEACHGOERS at Flinders this summer are being invited to experience the ocean in an unexpected way – not just by looking at it, but by listening closely. A new site-specific artwork titled Deep Sound will unfold in and alongside the waters of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary on Saturday 24 January, transforming the familiar coastline into an immersive soundscape. Created by Mornington Peninsula–based artist Janenne Willis, the work blends art, ecology and sensory exploration, encouraging audiences to tune into the hidden acoustic life of the sea. Using hydrophones placed beneath the water’s surface, Willis has captured the subtle and complex sounds…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough PUBLIC dressing sheds and conveniences are urgently required on the Seaford beaches. These works are estimated to cost £3000, and the sole income which the foreshore yields is £8 a year from bathing-box sites, of which £4/10/- is used to subsidise the water service. As the Minister for Public Works (Mr. Goudie) has refused to make a grant available for the improvement of the outer bayside beaches, ways and means of raising funds were discussed by the Foreshore Trust of the Frankston and Hastings Shire. “The control of the foreshore has been placed in the hands…
Landslip mapping report Following the state government’s urgent direction from Minister Sonya Kilkenny to implement an Emergency Management Overlay (EMO), I wish to raise serious concerns. I thank the councillors for their positive and practical response regarding the potential landslide mapping for the Mornington Peninsula. However, I am astounded that a report containing so many apparent errors and/or misleading information could be considered acceptable as a basis upon which to draw sound or constructive conclusions, let alone expect ratepayers to fund it. MP Chris Crewther is cited as calling on the Minister for Planning to clearly explain how approximately 27,000…
MORE lifesavers have been rostered across Victorian beaches amid rising temperatures. The decision to deploy more paid lifesavers came during last week’s heat wave. Life Saving Victoria chief operations officer emergency management capability and response Kirsty Robertson said “no one wants a day by the water to turn to tragedy.” “One drowning is one too many, and we need everyone to do what they can to keep themselves and each other safe. Water safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Robertson said. A Life Saving Victoria report released late last year found that young adults swimming on the Mornington Peninsula posed the highest…
By Barry Irving SATURDAY saw the running of the 50th Annual Rye Gift, hosted by the six local clubs that make up the Rye Sports and Social Club: Southern Peninsula Little Athletics, Rye Foot-ball Netball Club, Rye Junior Football Club, Rye Tennis Club, Rye Cricket Club and Rye & District Basketball Club. The VAL (Victorian Athletic League) providing the professional administration of the events timing, handicaps etc. The shire management and preparation of the oval and running surface must be congratulated on producing what many competitors and parents said was a running track second to none. The day kicked off…
Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a ramming in Mornington last month. Police were called to reports of a suspicious loiter at a unit complex on Fleet Street on Friday 12 December about 7.40pm. Officers attended and located an allegedly stolen black Toyota Land Cruiser utility in the driveway of the property. It is alleged the utility rammed the parked police vehicle multiple times before it became wedged in the property’s driveway. The driver allegedly exited the vehicle and fled north bound on Fleet Street. During the incident, the two male senior constables retreated to take…
Rosebud Police are appealing for public assistance following a serious assault in Dromana on Tuesday the 30th of December 2025. Police were called to multiple reports of a male assaulting a female in the vicinity of the Dromana Hub shopping centre and surrounding shops on the corner of Pt Nepean Road and Pier Streets at approximately 8.30pm. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam / CCTV / video footage or information is urged to contact Rosebud Police on 5986 0444 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
THE lineup for February’s Frankston Waterfront Festival has been unveiled. Australian band Hockey Dad will headline the two-day festival. They are joined on the lineup by Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir, John Course, The Gnomes, Cool Out Sun, Sunday Lemonade, Ruby Mae, DJ Cooper Smith, Sundance, and more. Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming formed Hockey Dad in 2013. They have gone on to tour Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, the USA, and the UK. They are touring with their fourth album, titled Rebuild Repeat. In addition to the live music, the Waterfront Festival will also feature food, drinks, and family-friendly…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough A SHOCKING fatality occurred at the railway crossing over the Mornington railway line on the Somerville road near Baxter, on Friday evening last. The victim was Herbert Melville Prosser, aged 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. H Prosser, of Frankston. Deceased was in the employ of Messrs. Sherlock & Hay, timber merchants, and at the time of the accident was returning to Frankston with an empty motor lorry. He was attempting to cross the line at the point referred to when the steam train from Mornington crashed into him. When picked up the unfortunate young man…
A NEW exhibition, Unfolding, is on display at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, showcasing First Nations works on paper. The exhibition recognises the significance of paper as a material which demonstrates a particular kind of strength and permanence. Through prints, drawings, and paintings, First Nations artists have used paper to express their identities, connection to Country, history, language and community. The exhibition was curated in collaboration with Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman, and Karra Jarri artist and curator Jenna (Mayilema) Lee and features over 100 works by more than 80 artists. Some of the prominent artists include Queenie McKenzie, Gloria Petyarre, Robert…
THE Western Port Community Support Christmas Giving program helped provide relief to many local families this December thanks to the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of the community. The centre distributed 350 food hampers and toys to over 400 children from the local community on 17 and 18 December at their centre in Hastings. Demand for community support has risen in recent years, with many families struggling due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and rising rental prices. Western Port Community Service has seen a disturbing rise in the number of families and individuals needing urgent assistance as the largest…
THERE are few milestones more auspicious than that of a centenary, and the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School was no exception. Held on 11 December 2025, the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN hosted an official reception and Ceremonial Sunset, honouring 100 years of Recruit School shaping Navy’s future. The RAN Recruit School was opened in 1925 at HMAS Cerberus, continuing the work of the ‘Boys’ Training Ship’ HMAS Tingira, where recruits had been trained since 1912. RAN Recruit School Commanding officer, Commander Ben McGrath, addressed the gathered guests.…
The annual arrival of the jet ski nuisance We live in Safety Beach – have done for 15 years, and every summer the visiting tourists are getting worse. They leave piles of litter on the beach, are rude to the locals, and park cars on footpaths near Martha Cove Marina. But my main point is that I think someone is going to get killed by a jet ski. First of all, I would ask why they are banned in Mt Martha but allowed in Safety Beach. I will let you make up your own mind there. With the jet skis…
THE Mornington Peninsula Shire will consider a proposal to enter into new nine-year lease agreements with 17 community tennis clubs following months of unresolved issues over potential rent increases. The proposed leases would apply to tennis clubs on council owned or managed land including Balnarring, Boneo, Crib Point, Dromana, Flinders, Hastings, Main Ridge, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Red Hill, Rosebud, Rye, Shoreham, Somers, Somerville, Tyabb, and Sorrento. Councillors will vote on the proposal during its meeting on 16 December. The move follows previous council action in July last year to introduce new leases. However, concerns from tennis clubs over consultation…
MCCLELLAND has announced Michael Sibel as the winner of the inaugural Maquette: Sculpture Award for his work Two Parts (2025), a patinated bronze sculpture measuring 40 x 35 x 35 cm. This new $20,000 acquisitive award, generously supported by celebrated Australian artist Rick Amor, honours sculptural skill and expression and will see the winning work enter the McClelland collection. Chosen from an impressive pool of 252 entries and 62 finalists, Two Parts captivated the 2025 judge, artist John Meade with its clarity, conceptual depth and refined execution. “Michael Sibel’s patinated bronze maquette, Two Parts, was a clear standout for me…