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…
Author: mpnews
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…
A POLICE operation targeting major shopping centres, including Frankston’s Bayside Shopping Centre, has resulted in more than 1000 arrests. Operation Pulse has been running since December. During that time, police have made more than 1000 arrests and laid more than 2000 charges; half of the charges laid are for retail theft, and around 350 drug and weapon seizures have been completed by police. Victoria Police superintendent Matt Baynes said “over 1000 arrests in four months sends a very clear message – there is no place for criminal behaviour at shopping centres.” “Police and PSOs have been identifying and arresting shop…
AUSTRALIAN Defence Force helicopters and personnel will be conducting aviation training around Port Phillip Bay over the next two weeks. The training will be conducted throughout the day and night, and involves responses to simulated threat scenarios. A statement from the ADF said “This training is vital to maintain the world class capabilities the Australian Defence Force provides the government in defence of the nation”. “Members of the public may notice an increase in military helicopter movements and associated noise during this period. They should not be alarmed if they see or hear military helicopters flying low over urban areas.…
THE upgrade of Mornington’s Schnapper Point boat ramp will commence this week. Mornington Peninsula Shire has secured funding through Better Boating Victoria to renew the ageing ramp, which currently operates as a two-lane facility with finger jetties on either side. The project will focus on increasing capacity, improving safety and upgrading infrastructure that has reached the end of its operational life. The work at Schnapper Point, Mornington includes: Acting mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said the upgrade was essential and welcomed the state government’s support. “Clearly the asset was at the end of its life. The shire, while managing the program,…
New rates levy So, let me get this clear, The shire sensibly tries to recoup the cost of the holiday trash/disruption with a modest parking fee at three primo beaches, and gets howled down. But frankly, no amount of metering will balance the onslaught of rude, borish behaviour and eye watering amounts of ill advised rectal-floss bikinis. Now we have a special levy added to peninsula rates to cover the end of season and ongoing clean up. How dumb are we? For perspective, try parking anywhere in the inner suburbs adjacent to stores or points of interest. A visit to…
RECENTLY, the Lions Club of Rye made a $5000 donation to Rye CFA. On behalf of his team, Captain Eddie Matt expressed his gratitude for the support of the Lions Club which has been busy fundraising to assist local causes. The Rye CFA station will soon be undergoing significant renovation and the funds will assist the purchase of much-needed equipment. In addition to its assistance of the CFA, Rye Lions supports various community, health and support services, and organisations including schools. The club is visible in the community raising money and its members can be seen each month at the…
MORNINGTON Moggie Rescue is among hundreds of charities, schools and community groups to collectively raise more than $3m through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) to date. By returning containers through the scheme, Mornington Moggie Rescue has so far raised around $3,000 for rescuing and caring for the cats and kittens in their care – tackling litter on the streets while caring for litters of kittens! When you return eligible drink containers at a CDS Vic refund point, you can choose to donate your refund directly to a registered charity or community group. You can also support local causes by…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough OVERPORT road residents wrote asking the Council to have road construted as private street. A communication was also received from the Mt. Eliza Progress Association re this matter. Cr. Bradbury moved that notices be prepared, also that the whole scheme be drawn up, and portion of the work done. Seconded by Cr. Montague. Cr. Oates: These people want a road, not footpaths. Cr. May supported the motion, and said he was pleased to see that the residents were unanimous. This road would open up a valuable lot of property. Cr. Oates: We have laid roads down…
THERE’S never a dull moment at the monthly Peninsula Parkinson’s Peer Support Group (PPPSG) meetings, but last week’s get together, according to treasurer Phillip Hancorne, was “a real doozy”. As its name suggests, PPPSG is geared to giving those living with Parkinson’s access to the latest information on the treatment and management of the disease and access to guest speakers who are experts in the field. Parkinson’s is a serious business, but now and then it’s time for a little light relief, and when two four-legged members of the Victoria Police Dog Squad turned up with their handlers, members were…
By Melissa McCullough MORNINGTON’S Eliza Snehotta has reached an incredible achievement notching her 150th career game. The milestone accumulated across juniors, representative football and senior competitions. Snehotta’s road to 150 began at Mount Martha Junior Football Club, where she played 88 junior games, laying the foundation for a long and consistent football career. She also represented the Mornington Peninsula JFL and the Southern Stingrays, adding game numbers, knowledge and experience along the way. Her senior football career has seen her play games with the Ferntree Gully Eagles in the Eastern Football Netball League, before moving to the Mornington Football Netball…
MEMBERS of the six Country Women’s Association of Victoria (CWA) branches on the Mornington Peninsula are crafting and cooking up a storm in preparation for their annual Creative Arts Exhibition on Saturday 18 April, to be held in Mornington. CWA Mornington Peninsula Group president, Louise Jager said it’s exciting to see the expertise the CWA is renowned for on display. “We saw a lot of blue ribbons and best in shows from our members last month at the Red Hill Show, so I’m excited to see what they deliver in our CWA exhibition,” she said. “I love seeing our newer…
Fingers crossed for Pelican Park It is a great pity that the Pelican Park pool did not receive a grant from the Community Energy Upgrade Fund to electrify the pool heating (Pelican Park misses out on electrification grant, The News 7/4/26). Heat pumps are 3–5 times more efficient than gas boilers, can deliver around 90 per cent emissions reduction, reduce energy use by 50-80 per cent and operating costs by about $100,000-$200,000 per year for mid–large centres. Just up the road, Frankston and Kingston councils received $1.4m and $2.5m grants for electrification of pool projects, respectively. The federal government fund,…
RYE’S Civic Centre site has received a vibrant facelift, thanks to the creative talents of local artist Tyson Savanah (known as Father Marker) and the enthusiastic input of Rye Kindergarten children. The once tacky shade sail bollards are now bursting with colour with Tyson drawing inspiration from the bay, the back beaches, and Rye’s native flora and fauna. The Rye Community Group Alliance (RCGA), in partnership with Rye Kindergarten, and supported through a Mornington Peninsula Shire grant spearheaded the mural project. Julie Irvine, the kindergarten’s director, shared that the children enjoyed talking to Tyson about their favourite Rye land and…
FRANKSTON Library will be displaying Martin Shaw’s famous Three Well-Known Australians until 19 April. The artwork has toured Australia since 1983 garnering opinions and guesses as to the identify of the mystery figures. Viewers of the painting are encouraged to record their guess as to the identity of the figures, and the accumulated guesses tour around with the display as a living testament to Australia. “The painting goes to big cities, provincial towns, and small villages. It’s like the torch relay in the Olympic games,” said Shaw. “Your opinions form the portrait of Australia in the pages; that’s what you’re…
THE Fire Danger Period officially ended on the Mornington Peninsula at 1am on Tuesday 7 April. As fire restrictions begin to lift, CFA is urging residents to remain alert as the current and continued conditions can still lead to fast-moving grassfires even in cooler weather. CFA state agency commander Garry Cook said the easing of restrictions was due to a number of favourable factors. “Nights are becoming increasingly cool, and we are seeing dew in the mornings that further reduces the risk of fire,” said Cook. “We have also seen some welcomed rainfall and some noticeable new growth, pointing to…
MORNINGTON Peninsula residents and businesses now have a new way to recycle soft plastics, with collection bins launched at the Mornington and Rye Resource Recovery Centres as part of a trial. Delivered in partnership with Solo Resource Recovery, the new bins provide a free and practical drop-off option for soft plastics, which can’t be placed in kerbside recycling bins. From bread bags and chip packets to shopping bags, bubble wrap and frozen food bags, these everyday items can now be kept out of landfill and turned into new resources. Once collected, the plastics are processed into plastic oil, gas and…
THE Rosebud Hospital Kiosk, a cherished part of Bayside Health Peninsula and the community, is calling for volunteers to join its dedicated team. Since opening its doors, the kiosk has raised more than $500,000 to fund life saving medical equipment, a milestone made possible by the tireless efforts of its volunteers. “Most of the funds come from selling sandwiches and plenty of coffee,” kiosk president Helen Hasler said. “We also sell lots of knick-knacks like baby clothes, toys, lollies and jewellery. “Rosebud is an exceptional community hospital – I’m so proud that our kiosk has raised funds to help improve…
AROUND 250 people packed the Dromana Community Hall on Sunday 29 March as Save Our Seat (SOS) launched the new phase of its campaign against a luge ride planned for Arthurs Seat. The meeting came just over a month after the state government approved controversial plans by the Arthurs Seat Eagle for a rollercoaster-style luge running under the existing gondola, as well as a 36-metre viewing tower. SOS said it was thrilled by the turnout, with around 80 per cent of attendees indicating it was the first time they had attended a SOS event. A spokesperson from the group, Kylie…
STUDENTS at Our Lady of Fatima School marked the final day of Term 1 with a powerful act of solidarity, taking part in the school’s Big Walk to Water on Thursday 2 April. The event invited students to walk a lap of the school’s running track while carrying a bucket of water, an activity designed to highlight the daily reality faced by millions of children around the world. The initiative forms part of the school’s Lenten focus on social justice. Throughout March and April, students have been learning about communities in Australia and overseas that live without reliable access to…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough The sensations which suddenly swoop down on the engines who sees that he must hit a automobile trying to “beat the train across” are as terrible as they are indescribable, says a driver on one of our express trains. For twenty years this engineman has been behind the throttle on locomotives in all parts of the State. He has had the nasty experience of hitting a motor car and has narrowly missed striking several others. To see women and children in a motor car which he cannot avoid hitting; sitting there innocently, as death grimly hovers…
By Molly Broadfoot* AS homelessness hits a record-high on the Mornington Peninsula, The Block has begun filming its latest season in Mt Eliza. In an $11m deal to purchase the site, the show plans to construct five luxury houses across 1.35 hectares on Old Mornington Rd. While the show may bring excitement and publicity to the area, critics argue it highlights a broader issue: a focus on luxury property while the region’s housing crisis remains unaddressed. The Mornington Peninsula now has the highest number of rough sleepers out of any local government area in Victoria – including Melbourne City. Despite…
Developer’s generosity made ‘The Ranch’ possible Last week’s article concerning the closure of “The Ranch”, while totally expected, is certainly a concern by reducing the availability of crisis accommodation (The Ranch crisis accommodation set to close, The News 31/3/26). However, it is well for us to acknowledge the generosity and graciousness of the owners of the property to allow its use in this manner. It was always to be a temporary arrangement. However, it fortunately extended beyond the expected 12 months availability to five years! Importantly, we should recognise the extraordinary input into the establishment of the project by the…