THE prestigious Trans-Tasman Pétanque Challenge between Australia and New Zealand will be held for the first time ever on the Mornington Peninsula on Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 March at the Mount Martha Bowls Pétanque & Social Club, 45 Watson Road Mount Martha. This day out with a difference starts with a rousing march-past by the Victorian Police Pipe Band followed by the official opening at 8.00am sharp on Saturday 21 March. Then the Mornington Peninsula Mayor Cr. Anthony Marsh will throw the first boule followed by two solid days of intense competition played at the elite level. Pétanque (‘Pay-tonk’)…
Author: mpnews
POLICE raids in Langwarrin and Parkdale took place earlier this month as part of an investigation into Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang activity. On 5 March, police across Australia arrested 56 people and laid 168 charges as part of the operation. Victoria Police conducted raids in Parkdale, Langwarrin, Clayton, Thomastown, Newcomb, Mount Waverley, Robinvale, Fraser Rise, Berwick, Sunshine, and Narre Warren South. National Taskforce Morpheus focuses on motorcycle gangs and alleged links to illicit tobacco trade. It is a joint initiative involving all Australian state and territory police, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Defence Force,…
BALNARRING will be buzzing with live music, community activities, and talent when Peninsula LIVE: Pretty Snazz in the Nazz takes over the town on Saturday 21 March. Organised by the Mornington Peninsula Shire in partnership with the Live Music Office, the one-day free micro-festival will run from 10am to 11pm, offering performances across multiple venues and outdoor spaces. More than 30 local bands and performers are set to entertain audiences of all ages, highlighting the region’s vibrant music scene while connecting musicians, audiences, and local businesses. Performances will take place at venues including The Social Club Balnarring, Balnarring Bowling Club,…
Police have charged a man and seized an array of drugs, several vehicles and ammunition in Cranbourne yesterday afternoon. Officers were called to reports of a man and woman behaving suspiciously at an unoccupied property on Lochview Green about 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 March. Police located the pair and they were taken into custody. The property was searched and officers seized: The 33-year-old man from Dromana has been charged with traffick drug of dependence, handle stolen goods and theft of motor vehicle. He was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court later today. A 34-year-old Mornington woman was released pending…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough A CASE of interest to peninsula fruitgrowers was heard before Messrs Watt (chairman), Clarke and Knox, J.’sP., at the Hastings Court on the 9th inst, when George Gibbs was charged under Section 21 of the Vegetation and Vine Diseases Act with failing between 5th and 28th January last to eradicate Codlin Moth and Pear Slug from fruit trees growing in his orchard at Tyabb. The evidence showed that a notice had been issued on the 6th January, 1926, directing the defendant to collect and destroy all fruit affected with Codlin Moth, and to give the remainder…
A NEW $30m ferry terminal built entirely over water has opened in Sorrento, marking the completion of a decade-long project on Port Phillip Bay and introducing a new gateway for travellers between the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas. The facility, developed by ferry operator Searoad Ferries, sits on pylons above the bay and is among the few permanent buildings in Australia constructed wholly over water. The terminal replaces older passenger facilities and is designed to service the company’s cross-bay ferry route linking Sorrento with Queenscliff. Designed by F2 Architecture and built by Maben Group, the project has been described by its…
A MAN has been charged with family violence offences for a range of alleged offending spanning from 2019 to 2026. Somerville Family Violence Investigation Unit detectives have been investigating the 42-year-old-man. A Victoria Police spokesperson said he allegedly committed “serious family violence offending against five female victims from 2019 to this year – including stalking, sexual assault, physical assault and making threats to kill.” “The alleged offending against one of the victims includes strangling and kicking her. He’s also accused of breaking one of the other victim’s noses after punching her in the face and also hitting another victim in…
Where’s the plan? The recent surprise announcement by BlueScope for a 65ha (approx 160 acres) logistics hub is not surprising. Over the past decade or so, residents of Somerville to Hastings have been faced with one industrial proposal after another – eg. the container port and the coal to hydrogen trial project. There was also the confusing marine industrial tech park consultation – firstly proposed for Somerville, then the Mornington Peninsula Shire put forward two other potential sites in Hastings and Tyabb. After a few years, Sealite obtained approval for Bungower Rd, Somerville. The current major proposal for Hastings is…
A FUNDRAISER to raise money for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives in regional Australia was held in Seaford last weekend. The Black Dog Seaford Ride One Dayer took place on Sunday, 15 March, with motorcyclists setting off from Scotties Garage Cafe on a ride through Rye, Flinders, and Balnarring. Motorcycle rides occurred nationwide as part of the fundraising effort. Seaford Black Dog Ride coordinator Caroline Wallbridge said the money would help fund community-based mental health programs in regional and rural areas. “Mental health challenges don’t discriminate by postcode, but, unfortunately, access to support often does. The last week before…
Police are investigating after a stolen buggy rammed a police vehicle in Moorooduc this morning. It is understood a blue sedan arrived at a business on Moorooduc Highway about 5.40am. Offenders allegedly got out of the vehicle, forced entry into the premises and stole an industrial buggy. The buggy fled the scene and travelled a short distance, in convoy with the blue car. Patrolling officers spotted the vehicles on Bentons Road, where they both came to a stop. The buggy rammed the police car. There were no physical injuries. The male offender dumped the buggy and fled in the waiting…
In the early hours of Friday morning, Rosebud along with Dromana Fire Brigade responded in support to reports of a fence fire between houses in McCrae. On arrival, crews found that the fire had advanced significantly and had spread to the roof space of one house and was heavily impacting the second. Crews had difficulty accessing water supplies but worked quickly to bring the fire under control. The fire is not being treated as suspicious.
LOOK out Mornington Peninsula The Painters and Dockers are heading your way with a rare regional gig at the Western Port Yacht Club on Saturday 28 March. Gigs by this infamous outfit are said to be “a total entertainment experience”. A band based in punk rock power pop with soulful horns, instant classic songs, flamboyance and showmanship as good as it gets. It’s not a superior air that they bring to the stage – it’s a communal, one-in all-in let’s take this baby to the stars and hang there as long as we can in an orgy of outrageous exuberance.…
THE clock is ticking toward one of Australia’s most significant charitable events for children, with preparations underway for the Good Friday Appeal on the Mornington Peninsula. As part of the lead-up, Uncle Bob’s Club will revive its long running Wheelbarrow Push on 3 April, raising funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Marking its 55th year, the 29km endurance push will once again take in the classic route along Point Nepean Rd, beginning at Sorrento and finishing at the Safety Beach Sailing Club. The event is expected to draw crowds from across the region, offering spectators a close…
THE Frankston Symphony Orchestra will set the peninsula alight this autumn as it launches its 2026 season with Pasíón, an afternoon concert celebrating the fire and colour of Spanish and Latin music. Taking place on Sunday, 29 March at 2.30pm at Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington, the concert promises a vibrant start to the orchestra’s new season, with tickets available from free for children. Under the baton of conductor Thaddeus Huang, who marks his 10th year leading the orchestra, the program features an energetic mix of crowd favourites and virtuosic showpieces. Local violinist Louise Turnbull will take centre stage as…
STEP inside a photobooth and explore the extraordinary life of Alan Adler, Australia’s most photographed man, in Auto Photo: A Life in Portraits at Frankston Arts Centre. This moving exhibition celebrates Adler’s life and legacy, spanning more than 50 years behind Melbourne’s iconic photobooths. Adler ran the Flinders Street booth and others across the city, capturing thousands of photo strips of himself while maintaining the machines. His personal archive forms a unique visual diary, documenting not only his own life but also Melbourne’s changing streets, faces, and communities over decades. At the height of his work, Adler maintained 16 booths…
SAFETY Beach is set to receive a boost in coastal protection thanks to new grants from the state government aimed at preserving Port Phillip Bay. A $19,280 investment will go towards stabilising dunes affected by coastal erosion and managing invasive weeds to help future-proof the sandy shores. The project is part of a broader $2m funding round supporting 26 community-led initiatives across the bay. Frankston Foreshore Reserve will also benefit from the grants, with $20,000 dedicated to removing damaging weeds and planting over 5,000 native species, restoring the beach for families to enjoy. Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos highlighted the importance…
COMMUNITY advocacy has helped deliver more than $6m in road safety funding across the region, with residents now being asked to once again play a key role in shaping future upgrades. The Mornington Peninsula Shire said last year residents raised concerns about hazardous intersections and high-risk stretches of road, feedback that directly strengthened council’s funding applications. As a result, more than $6m was secured in the 2025-26 financial year to support a range of road safety projects. Funded works include several Safer Local Roads and Streets Program initiatives, such as local area traffic management upgrades at Mount Eliza Woodlands, Marcia…
CRIB Point Community Garden is celebrating two decades of growing sustainable organic fruits and vegetables. To mark the occasion the garden is holding an Open Day on Saturday 14 March between 10am and 2pm with everyone welcome to come and see the results of all the hard work by the 35 volunteers. The driving force behind the establishment of the garden and the first president was Nanette Cuming, OAM, who is well into her 90s and still attends committee meetings. Visitors on Open Day can explore the 3000 square metres of the garden, talk to members who will be happy…
A MAJOR safety upgrade at a dangerous intersection in Bittern has been completed, with the Coolart Rd and Myers Rd crossing now reopened to traffic following the installation of a new roundabout. The intersection, which previously operated as a four way crossing, had a history of serious crashes. Between July 2015 and July 2020, five casualty crashes were recorded at the site, including a fatal collision involving two people. All of the crashes occurred in clear, dry conditions. The outdated layout has now been replaced with a roundabout designed to slow traffic and reduce conflict points. The upgrade also includes…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough A WOMAN named Mrs. Duggan, aged 90 years, was burned to death at Frankston on Tuesday morning last. Deceased, with a middle-aged daughter, lived in a three-roomed cottage off Lewis street. On the morning of the tragedy Miss Duggan, after lighting a fire for breakfast, went in search of the cows, leaving her mother, who was an invalid, in bed. During the daughter’s absence the house caught fire, and Mrs. Duggan who, it is stated, was unable to move without assistance, met with an awful fate. Mr. A. Nicholson, who resides next door, was the first…
ONE of Australia’s largest home safety service providers has welcomed Mornington MP Chris Crewther’s support for stronger oversight of rental property safety checks in Victoria, warning that current gaps are putting tenants at risk. Detector Inspector, a leading provider of residential safety services, backed Crewther after he raised concerns in Parliament this month about shortcomings in the way smoke alarm, gas and electrical safety checks were being carried out across the state. Crewther urged the Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos to address loopholes that allowed unsafe practices to continue, despite requirements set out under the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act. In…
OPINION THE above headline was a comment on our Facebook page. It was in response to an article pushing for a speed limit reduction on a section of the Westernport Highway notorious for koala deaths (Push to reduce speed on Westernport Hwy after koala deaths, The News 24/2/26). The very day this comment was made, the koala pictured above was killed on the same stretch of road. The small section between Thornells Rd and the intersection of Oneills Rd and Mckirdys Rd is the area of greatest concern on a stretch of the highway that has seen 10 koalas killed…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have approved a $1m funding reallocation to ensure full delivery of the Eramosa Rd East rehabilitation project in Somerville. The council voted at their 17 February meeting to shift $1m from the Bungower Rd rehabilitation project to Eramosa Rd East under the federal government’s 2024–2029 Roads to Recovery program. The funding boost will allow the project to deliver full reconstruction between Lower Somerville Rd and Western Port Hwy, with completion expected by the end of the year. A council report noted, “detailed design and geotechnical investigations for Eramosa Rd East have confirmed that the pavement and…
Support the candidates who will rebuild Rosebud Hospital As the by-election draws near, followed by the state election later this year, we residents must think clearly and see who supports our campaign. It is vital that we do not vote for a particular party because we always have and it’s our tradition. Listen to all the candidates and think about our future. Rosebud Hospital is the heart of the southern peninsula and we deserve a modern, fit for purpose, new hospital. Alongside of the huge medical support our hospital provides are so many worthy causes that need help and the…
A huge crowd gathered at Red Hill on Saturday, 7 March for the 98th Red Hill Show. As always, it was a fantastic family day, with top-class entertainment, exhibitions, demonstrations, and animals on display. Our photographer, Yanni, was on site to capture the highlights and atmosphere of the day.
Everywhen Art’s March exhibition features a wide variety of First Peoples women’s art in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026.”Women artists have become notably prominent in First Peoples art over the last several decades,” says Everywhen’s co-curator Susan McCulloch.” “Art is a great way of sharing and passing down stories and many women artists appreciate the communal aspect of art making as a way of relating important women’s stories and ceremonies”.The exhibition comprises works by senior and next generation acrylic, bark and ochre painters from Central Australia, the Kimberley, the Pilbara, Arnhem Land and FNQ. For further details visit:everywhenart.com.au
By Andrea Louise Thomas Fiona Hammond knows food. In her career, spanning over 25 years, she has worked as a recipe developer and tester, a food stylist and food photographer. She was a food columnist for The Age’s Sunday Life magazine, and she contributed articles to Gourmet Traveller magazine for ten years. Fiona collaborated with Maggie Beer on her cookbooks, Verjuice and Maggie’s Christmas, as a recipe tester. Fiona has developed and tested recipes and styled food for over 40 cookbooks with some of Australia’s biggest publishers. In 2020 she authored her own beautifully presented cookbook, Gather, with long-time collaborator…
PENINSULA artist Michael Leeworthy has been involved in the local art scene for many years, but a highlight of his journey occurred last week with a visit from Queensland artist Lynda Page Bickley.“I was beside myself when I was informed that Lynda, a proud Koori woman, had won a grant to work with me,” said Leeworthy. “Although I have mentored many students before, this came as a complete surprise”.Bickley studied with Leeworthy for ten days. “I love showing off our beautiful peninsula, but ten days is not enough to take it all in,” said Leeworthy. First published in the Mornington…
NETBALL players at Capel Sound are stepping onto a new kind of court after a major upgrade at Truemans Road Reserve delivered a first-of-its-kind surface for Australia. The six courts have been resurfaced using an innovative product that reuses recycled household paint, giving new life to material that would otherwise end up as waste. Twenty two per cent of the base layer is made from paint diverted from household waste streams, marking a significant advance in sustainable sports infrastructure. The project blends environmental and high-performance design, ensuring the courts meet the demands of competitive play while reducing environmental impact. Acting…
A FRANKSTON-based artist is setting up a new exhibition to display her work in Mt Eliza.Brodie Alserda is an accomplished local artist, whose work was exhibited at Frankston Arts Centre in 2022. She will exhibit her latest works at Lotus Chiropractic in Mt Eliza from March to May, with prints and greeting cards on sale.Alserda uses her art to help deal with a range of health issues, including chromosome 6q27 deletion disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Functional Neurological Disorder, schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, severe anxiety disorder, connective tissue disorder, motor dyspraxia, and chronic depressive symptoms.Lotus Chiropractic owner Kim Furness said…