Flinders candidates have their say before voters head to the polls this Saturday. Candidates are listed in ballot paper order. Jason SmartTrumpet of Patriots My message for the voters of Flinders is simple. Don’t vote for me.I ask that you vote for Mike Brown, One Nation.I originally agreed to run for Trumpet of Patriots but have stepped away because of the ToP’s original preference of Teal candidate Ben Smith, Labor and Greens in this election – against what Palmer led me to believe. I had amassed support from constituents based on Ben Smith, Labor and the Greens being put last…
Author: mpnews
Compiled by Cameron McCullough “I was pooled into it,” said Percy Jackson to Senior-Constable W. R. Elliott, when stopped in Bay street, Frankston, at 5.30 of the afternoon of Good Friday last, when travelling in his car at a rate estimated by the Constable at 40 miles an hour, and by Jackson at 37 miles.The Senior-Constable told the Bench, over which Mr. W. G. Smith, P.M., presided, that Jackson was driving furiously along the Point Nepean road, between Mornington and Frankston.He pulled up at the Prince of Wales Hotel, where the Constable accosted him, and accused him of driving in…
The strength of our vote As the federal election draws closer, all eyes turn to Canberra – but here in Flinders, the decision is ours. Our voices will shape the next chapter for our towns and coastlines, and the nation itself.This campaign has been lively, passionate, and – at times – sharp around the edges. That’s to be expected when the stakes feel high. People care. They’re paying attention, asking questions, and getting involved. And that’s something to celebrate, not shy away from. Flinders is no stranger to strong opinions and spirited debate. We’re a region of thinkers, doers, and…
THE Liberals have reaffirmed their commitment to spend $900m on the extension of the Frankston railway line. The electrification and duplication of the Frankston line towards Baxter has been plagued by false starts in the past. In 2023, the federal government axed a budgeted $225m set aside for the project by the Coalition government in 2018. A review into ongoing infrastructure projects commissioned by the federal government shortly after its election recommended scrapping the project. Liberal candidate for Dunkley Nathan Conroy announced the $900m promise prior to the March 2024 by-election. Last week he reaffirmed that promise ahead of the…
A woman in her 50s has been airlifted to hospital after suffering serious leg injuries in a workplace incident this morning. Paramedics were called to the BlueScope facility in Hastings at 10.20am where a woman was reportedly trapped under a metal coil. WorkSafe will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Mornington Peninsula’s tourism sector is set to benefit from new investment, following the announcement of successful projects under the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund. The fund supports regional projects designed to enhance visitor experiences, attract new audiences, and strengthen Victoria’s position as a world-class destination. Two local projects among the recipients are:Panorama Garden Estate Tours Pty Ltd — Development of a wellness ‘Nature Pod’ at Panorama Garden Estate. This unique project will offer visitors an immersive nature-based wellness experience set within one of the Peninsula’s most beautiful private gardens. Leeno Pty Ltd — Quealy Winemakers — Redesign and…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughIN his half-yearly report to the Mornington Council, the Shire Secretary states:“Once again I would bring under your notice the unjust maximum demand made quarterly. During the last six months the Council has paid £75 for current which it never had, and for the previous twelve months when only read yearly it was considered worse.In seaside places the influx of population and consequent extra consumption of current may be taken to extend from November to the end of April, so that even with quarterly readings the only real benefit is over one quarter of the year (July…
Letters with lies Several recent letters, especially regarding Ben Smith’s candidacy, have contained demonstrably false statements (formerly known as lies), e.g. regarding Climate 200. Could The News please vet letters to the editor and either refuse to publish those containing demonstrably false statements or add an “editor’s note” to such letters pointing out the falsehoods? Lee Seldon, Somers Editor’s note: We get questioned about our approach to the letters page. We try and intervene as little as possible save for the most blatantly offensive, inappropriate or deceptive. To us, the letters page is the “Town Square” where people can mount…
VICTORIA Police said five teenagers and a woman had been charged following a spate of alleged burglaries and other incidents in and around High St over the past two months. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with 20 offences over several alleged incidents, including armed robbery, car theft, theft from cars, burglaries and an attempted carjacking, as well as alcohol and cigarette thefts. A 16-year-old boy was charged following an alleged burglary and theft at a tobacco store on High Street, Hastings, on 19 February. The youths have been bailed to appear in a children’s court. A 35-year-old woman from…
A eulogy for the major parties Ladies and gentlemen, we gather to mourn our beloved major parties, who after decades of dedicated service to themselves, have finally succumbed to terminal irrelevance. Born of lofty ideals, they mastered the art of disappointing voters across the entire political spectrum. Their remarkable ability to transform idealists into bureaucrats was matched only by their talent for being simultaneously for and against the same issues. They leave behind a legacy of corruption investigations and parliamentary behaviour that would get kindergarteners expelled.In lieu of flowers, they request donations to their donors, Coles and Woolworths. May they…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough MORNINGTON residents are hopeful that the railway from Frankston will be electrified. The work is due to be undertaken next, after the electrification of the Healesville line, which has already been authorised.An electric line through to Mornington will bring this beautiful bayside suburb into the suburban residential radius, reducing fares and travel time to such an extent that city business people will be able to reside at Mornington throughout the year.Meanwhile motor transport has converted Mornington in a few years from a sleepy seaside hamlet to one of the most popular seaside resorts.Land values are firming…
HMAS Cerberus welcomed thousands of visitors for an action-packed open day on 6 April. The day showcased the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Crib Point base and its capabilities as a premier training establishment, providing attendees a thrilling first-hand experience. This included live demonstrations of sailors working to contain controlled fire simulations, as well as a weapons training simulation, and survival at sea training. Other highlights were Navy small boats and seamanship displays, recruit school displays, Navy Band concerts, Australian Defence Force careers presentations, and ship damage control demonstrations. Cerberus provides initial training for all new sailors entering the Navy. Up…
LARGER-than-life hot-air balloon sculptures – the giant Skywhale and Skywhalepapa – will grace the skies over Mornington in what promises to be a sunrise spectacle. Created by leading Australia artist Patricia Piccinini, the hot-air balloons will take flight at Dallas Brooks Park as the first light of day breaks over Mornington on 26 April from 5.30am to 7.30am. Measuring 34 meters long and 23 meters high, the Skywhales are twice the size of a standard hot-air balloon. The free community event is being hosted by Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and presented by the National Gallery of Australia and supported by…
THE Mornington Peninsula will pay tribute to Australia’s military heroes this Anzac Day with several events being held throughout the municipality. From dawn services to marches and a range of commemorative events, the peninsula will honour the sacrifices made by the nation’s servicemen and women. This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in 1915. Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said Friday 25 April would be a day to “come together to honour the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation”. “As a former Royal Australian Air Force officer and now mayor, it is…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is inviting all community members to contribute their ideas, insights and experiences to help shape a Community Disaster Resilience Plan. This Plan will identify local strengths, needs, and priorities when it comes to preparing for emergencies and disasters on the Mornington Peninsula. The Community Disaster Resilience Plan will guide how we support the community to prepare for: The Plan will also focus on reducing disaster risk and strengthening protective factors by: Have your say at mornpen.vic.gov.au/disasterplan First published in the Mornington News – 8 April 2025
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughSPEAKING at the annual meeting of the Frankston branch of the Protestant Federation last Friday night, the Rev. Walter Albiston indicated in a very decided manner his disapproval of the Federal Government’s action in permitting aliens to enter Australia.“I know,” said Mr. Albiston, “that Mr. Bruce is your local member, but I am not going to apologise for what I say on that account.”He then proceeded to “deal it out” to the offending Prime Minister and indicated that at an early date he would let Mr. Bruce know that his “sugar coated pills did not go down.”Mr.…
Hastings Club collapse I came to Hastings to take over the local Barber Shop in 1966. Prior to that I had grown up in Wycheproof where community spirit and local football were of primary importance. On arriving at Hastings I was automatically drawn to the local football club. I was immediately impressed with the welcome I received and the leadership at the time of Norm Francis, Richard Everist, his father Frank and Ted Lillywhite. They had a “bold initiative” to build their own clubhouse and dressing rooms due to the newly formed Shire of Hastings which was bereft of the…
PRIVATE landowners attempting to claim public land as their own through encroachment could face increased scrutiny as a Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor calls for a crackdown on the behaviour. Cr David Gill, at the time of publishing, was to move a motion at the council’s 8 April meeting in which he would implore the shire to investigate and report on illegal land encroachments on council-owned and managed property, warning that if “it’s tolerated it just gets worse and worse”. He said the shire had informed him last year that it had identified and inspected 34 structure encroachments on council-owned property,…
HASTINGS State Emergency Service has advanced its training facilities by installing a sound-absorbing acoustic wall in its training room, thanks to a placemaking grant from the Mornington Peninsula Shire. The upgrade will allow volunteers to conduct multiple training sessions simultaneously by dividing the room into two separate areas, without disruption from other activities. Unit Controller Dutchy Holland said it significantly increased the facility’s versatility, supporting both operational needs and broader community use. “This upgrade will not only enhance our emergency response capabilities but also provide a valuable resource for other community groups,” he said.“SES Hastings is incredibly grateful for the…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough FOR a long time past the maintenance of the Hastings road – the principal route to Flinders – and the expense incurred thereby, has been agitating the minds of the local Council.Upon several occasions, it was alleged at the monthly sitting that the heavy wagon loads of the Defence Department, en route to the Naval Base, did not tend to improve matters, and it was deemed the powers behind the scenes might feel disposed to make a grant towards the upkeep of the road in question.When the Prime Minister (the Hon. S. M. Bruce) came to…
Electioneering heats up Wandering through Dromana community market on Saturday (29 March), I was disappointed to see a Young Liberal Party campaigner and a Labour Party campaigner in a heated argument at the station where they were handing out flyers and tote bags. Accusations of “well you’re not doing this” and “you’re doing terribly at that” went back and forth – it was like watching my kids argue over Lego.I remarked “This isn’t a good look you two, no wonder people are sick of your parties when you can’t even be civil to each other at a community market. No…
LANDCARE volunteers will be able to apply for project grants of up to $20,000 through Melbourne Water’s 2025 Landcare grants program. More than 500 volunteer conservation groups across the Port Phillip and Westernport region are eligible to apply for financial support. The grants, which close 16 April, can be applied to fund on-ground works, capacity-building activities, and community education about native vegetation, waterways, and wetlands. Support grants of up to $500 are also available to help with administration and running costs like taking out insurance or holding events. Last year the Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network received support from Melbourne Water…
AN important announcement appears elsewhere in this issue to the effect that after Wednesday next (April 1, 1925) “The Standard” will be enlarged to eight pages, and published on Fridays (only).In short, the 1st of April will constitute the final Wednesday’s edition of this old-established journal – the reputed and distinctive local paper of the town and district.Advertisers are advised to note that matter intended for insertion each Friday should reach this office not later than Thursday evening.Late advertisement will be accepted on Friday mornings up to 10 o’clock. After that hour insertion cannot be guaranteed.Correspondents and other contributors, are…
A Verse for the ‘The Parties’ For goodness sake, don’t vote Independent.We have a two party system, we have to defend it.The rich from both sides, we must hold the power.We’re under attack at this critical hour. At stake is our very way of life.The helicopters, the polo, they’ll all be in strife.How will hospitality survive without corporate lunches?Labor and Libs, we must pull out all the punches! We must work together, have a planning retreat.Let’s head to Sorrento, to a clifftop, and meet.Labor bring caviar, Libs bring champagne.We’ll make up a plan, and start a campaign. The time has…
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a ute was set on fire in Hastings last month. It is understood two males attended the driveway of a service station on Frankston-Flinders Road about 4.45am on 4 February. One of the males slid underneath the unoccupied parked ute and pierced the fuel tank. He returned to the ute moments later to light the leaked fuel on fire, causing the vehicle to catch on fire. The pair fled the scene and were last seen on Frankston-Flinders Road. Detectives have released an image and CCTV of two males who may be…
SORRENTO’S new “world class” ferry terminal has made significant progression with construction reaching its highest point last week.The new $25 million passenger terminal is being touted as one of the “most significant private sector tourism investments” on the Mornington Peninsula. Once complete it will include a glass floor providing a “peek” into the bay, a “state-of-the-art” passenger lounge, a pier-level café and restaurant, and an upstairs lounge and bar, “transforming it into a premier waterfront destination”.A topping out ceremony was recently held with dignitaries to celebrate the highest construction phase as works were on track to be completed by the…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Greens have preselected Indigenous man Adam Frogley as their candidate for Flinders in the upcoming federal election. “I’m a Taungurung (torn-a-rong) man, born and raised on Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) country in the Yarra Valley. I’ve worked in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs for over two decades, holding many different roles in the Aboriginal community, vocational, higher education and government sectors,” said Frogley.“You know what is at stake in this election. The cost of living, climate and housing crises are being experienced by our community now and the old parties are failing to address them.“Over the course of my…
WHILE electricity prices continue to skyrocket across the Peninsula, independent candidate for Flinders Ben Smith has unveiled a practical plan to reduce household power bills and end dependence on corporate energy giants.“Peninsula families are paying far too much for power while energy companies rake in record profits,” Smith said. “The major parties have had years to fix this problem but have failed to act because they’re too busy playing political games or answering to their donors. We know that smart climate action means lower power bills, more jobs, and a secure future for our peninsula.”Ben’s plan includes:- Supporting local households…
TOOTGAROOK Primary School provides a comprehensive and innovative education program for local families, has a strong and supportive community, and has access to a brand new kindergarten beside the school. Sarah Race, Labor candidate for Flinders toured the facility with Principal Leigh McQuillen and Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh to hear about the school.Tootgarook PS has a vision to enhance learning for the children through empowerment, small class sizes, a buddy program, community involvement, and a strong focus on achieving personal excellence. Tootgarook and schools across the Peninsula are celebrating the announcement that they will receive more funding through…
THE Mornington Peninsula rightly holds the spot as the premier cycling and walking destination in the state. Filling in the final missing links on the Peninsula Link Trail will cement our region’s place, attracting more tourists to enjoy our beautiful environment and local businesses.That’s why an elected Coalition government will commit $5m towards the construction of a 5km path along the Mornington Tourist Railway, to connect Mornington to the Peninsula Link Trail at Moorooduc.According to the Mornington Peninsula Shire, the construction of the path would directly create 12 full-time equivalent jobs, and contribute $5.95 million in direct economic output.A Mornington…