By Lisa Bayley – Somerville, Tyabb and District Heritage Society Standing near the roundabout on Frankston-Flinders Road and Eramosa Road is one of Somerville’s most recognisable landmarks – the distinctive pink building that has occupied the site since at least the late 1870s or early 1880s. For much of its early history the premises operated as a Wine Café, a type of small-scale hotel licensed under Victoria’s Colonial Wine Licence system. The Colonial Wine Licence In 1884 Peter Holmes applied for a publican’s licence for his business premises in Somerville. The application was refused because the building did not meet…
Author: mpnews
A GROUP of Mornington swimmers will be participating in Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day Dip to help raise funds for cancer research. The Mornington Bay Belles meet at Fisherman’s Beach every day at 7am for a swim or dip followed by a coffee. This will be their third consecutive year taking place in the Cancer Council fundraiser. On 9 August, the group will hold a special community dip at Mornington Pier at 10am. Locals are encouraged to come along and support them and the cause. Daffodil Day is held annually by Cancer Council and is one of Australia’s largest cancer fundraising…
Rosebud Police spent eight months investigating the illegal use of dirt bikes on roads throughout Mornington, Dromana and Rosebud, following numerous triple zero calls and community complaints about riders putting themselves and other road users at risk. On 20 July 2026, police executed two search warrants at properties in Dromana and Rosebud. During the warrants, officers seized motorcycles, riding gear and digital devices believed to be linked to the offending. The investigation remains ongoing, with a focus on improving road safety and reinforcing the message that this type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated on our roads.…
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a 55 -year-old man after nearly $100,000 worth of damage was caused to numerous businesses in Sorrento earlier this month. Police will allege the man threw bricks through the front windows of 11 businesses along Ocean Beach Road about 3am on 16 July. The Rosebud man was charged on Sunday with 11 counts of criminal damage and also assault for an unrelated matter. He was remanded in custody to appear in Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 20 August.
Changes to bus service do not service all ON 1 July the Ventura bus 784 route was changed. This was the only direct service we had from Mt Eliza Village to Barkly Street Mornington shops. The only direct service to Mornington we have now is the 788 to the Bays Hospital, but that is quite a walk for us 80 plus years old down to Barkly Street. Then I see on the front page of your paper Mornington MP Chris Crewther congratulating himself for providing the 784 service for the Beleura Village and Peninsula Grange Retirement Villages (Bus stop celebration…
A NEW high-visibility police unit patrolling the Mornington Peninsula has made 30 arrests and dedicated more than 250 hours to community patrols in its first month of operation. The High Visibility Community Engagement Team (HiCET) was established on 1 June, with a focus on crime, road policing, public order and antisocial behaviour. The team uses local intelligence to identify emerging issues before deploying resources to key community locations to prevent, deter and disrupt crime. Patrols have covered Rosebud Plaza, Westpark Hastings, the Hastings CBD, Mornington Central Shopping Centre and Mornington CBD. The arrests came from operations targeting illegal motorbikes, overpowered…
RUGBY By David Burke THE special connection between Peninsula Dolphins and HMAS Cerberus saw the men’s senior team take to the field at Cerberus for the first time this season to take on The Frankston Raiders last Saturday afternoon (25 July) It was a breezy afternoon, and with no rain to speak of there was a good-sized crowd for both sides. However, the Peninsula Dolphins had a lot to fight for, beyond a win for the home crowd. The team has been working hard this season to control the match through the middle of the field and using their forwards…
THE Peninsula VineHop Festival has secured state funding and will go ahead for its ninth year. It will take place on 21 November across seven venues. It will showcase over 30 local drink producers as well as DJs, live music, and food trucks. Mayor Stephen Batty said the funding result was an endorsement of the peninsula’s events sector and the strength of local partnerships. “This funding highlights the Mornington Peninsula as a leading destination for events, food, wine and live music. VineHop showcases the very best of our region, supports local businesses, and encourages visitors to stay longer and explore…
FOUNDED in 1994, the Mornington VIEW Club has spent 32 years raising money for disadvantaged students locally through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. The club – whose name stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women – now sponsors 10 students, covering costs such as school uniforms, excursions and laptops, along with a birthday card and $75 voucher for each student at their birthday and again at Christmas. “All Learning for Life students come from a family living within one of the 94 communities across Australia in which The Smith Family works,” said Mornington VIEW Club Vice President,…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough THREE men were detained, and goods and a motor car seized by police in a raid of a house in Murcott street, Carrum, at 7am last Saturday. The goods included a cabinet gramophone and records, cutlery, crockery, tools, groceries, tins of petrol and lubricating oil, a bag of clothing, tinned fish, a box of tea, a mop, a hose, and other articles, which it is alleged are the proceeds of extensive shopbreaking. In the yard at the rear of the house Lyons found a Master Six Buick car, No. 67,553. Inquiries later revealed that this car…
MORNINGTON MP Chris Crewther joined a large contingent of retirement village residents on Bungower Road last Wednesday (15 July) to catch the newly rerouted 784 bus into Mornington for a coffee. The bus route has been altered to take into account the public transport dependent retirement village resident in the area. “It was exciting board the new 784 bus service with residents of Beleura Village and Peninsula Grange,” said Crewther. “Residents and I have been advocating for this service for years, to what were unused bus shoulders. “They now have a bus service for the first time, along with Mornington…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is seeking community feedback on its draft Arts, Culture, and Events Plan, which has been placed on public exhibition for six weeks. The plan outlines the shire’s ten-year investment and support approach to the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, public art, the creative sector, festivals and events, and cultural heritage. The draft will be available online for public consultation and feedback until 19 August. Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the draft plan reflects the community’s interest in the future of arts and culture. “The plan reflects on what makes our peninsula’s creative community distinctive and sets the direction…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will hold the free Dying to Know Day event on Thursday 6 August at the Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington, giving locals a chance to speak openly about death, dying and end-of-life planning. The event will commence at 10.30am, with the program wrapping up by 12.30pm and a light lunch to follow. Dying to Know Day is part of a national push to challenge the discomfort around discussing death and encourage more people to plan ahead. This year’s theme, ‘Nobody Knows’, is a reminder to share end-of-life wishes with loved ones. Expert speakers will unpack key aspects…
Police arrested a man in Melbourne’s south-east this morning as part of an ongoing investigation into drugs and money laundering, which has seen over $17M worth of property restrained across the state. Detectives from the Mornington Divisional Response Unit and Criminal Proceeds Squad executed a warrant at a Scotch Avenue, Keysborough address shortly after 5.30am on Tuesday, 21 July. A 40-year-old Keysborough man was arrested at his property and will now be interviewed by police. Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad proactively commenced an investigation in 2023 after identifying an increase in the number of cannabis grow houses that had…
A senior constable from southern region has been charged following an internal investigation. The 40-year-old man has been charged with one count of sexual exposure. The incident occurred on 24 April while the police officer was on-duty. Police will allege he was not in uniform or performing police duties at the time.He was charged on summons to appear before a magistrates’ court at a later date.
A NEW monthly service will be launching in August to provide free career counselling to young people on the peninsula. Mornington Peninsula Shire has partnered with Chisholm Institute to help provide support to young people aged 15 to 25 years old. The counselling will take place at the Tounnin Wominjeka Youth Hub in Rosebud and will help attendees explore different pathways into education, training, and employment. One-hour appointments will be available between 10am and 4pm on the first Thursday of each month. Mayor Stephen Batty said this new service will help young people make informed decisions about their future. “Choosing…
Resigned at the first appropriate opportunity I’d like to respond to last week’s letter suggesting I delayed my resignation so the Briars Ward by-election could not be held earlier (Briars Ward concern, Letters 14/7/26). It would not have been appropriate to resign before the result of the Nepean by-election was declared. I was declared elected at approximately 10am on 14 May and resigned immediately afterwards. It was a privilege to serve the people of Briars Ward, and I thank them for the support they showed me over many years. I also thank the people of Nepean for the faith they…
LAST week, the WPBA Big V players took to the court in a uniform with a story as significant as any result on the scoreboard. Designed by local Bunurong artist Carla Lauch for Basketball Victoria’s First Nations Round, the design reflects the story of Somerville Recreation Centre, home to WPBA. From the fire that destroyed the centre, to its rebuild by the shire, standing today as a symbol of community resilience and renewal. For a club whose pathway has now produced a player heading to the United States, the uniform is a fitting reminder. What’s built locally, brick by brick,…
RUGBY By David Burke ON Saturday (18 July) the Peninsula Dolphins rugby league third grade men’s side headed to Bruce Comben reserve in Altona to face the Hume Eagles for the second time in a month. Hoping to square the ledger after a 26-16 loss in Boronia on 27 June, the side was confident they had prepared well for the second meeting. However, the Dolphins were quickly put on the back foot with Hume coming out firing and scoring two quick tries and one conversion in the opening ten minutes. The Dolphins kept their composure and directed their focus on…
After a triumphant 2025 tour that played to standing ovations across the state, this delightful and rarely performed masterpiece returns for one performance only in a wonderful opportunity to experience it here on the Mornington Peninsula. Full of warmth, wit, and irresistible melody, The Merry Wives of Windsor showcases Lyster Opera at its most vibrant – sparkling ensemble work, lively storytelling, and a genuine affection for this charming score. Performances of this opera are few and far between, making this revival a rare chance to encounter one of the hidden gems of the repertoire in a fresh, engaging production. The performance will take place at Rye Civic…
At 82, with an exhibition history spanning more than six decades behind him, celebrated Australian painter Christopher Pyett paints in his Pearcedale studio every day. His practice is disciplined and meditative, while driven by enquiry and experimentation. His exuberant collection of new works will be on display at the Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery from now until October 25. All made within the past five years, these abstract paintings represent Pyett’s sensitivity to the rhythm and character of colour, and his unparalleled knowledge of colour theory. https://mcclelland.org.au/exhibitions/christopher-pyett-years-of-colour
Compiled by Cameron McCullough NOT many years ago Beach Road was covered with ti-tree, with only a track for vehicles to pass through. In quite a number of places the road was practically impassable and a detour had to be made to Cranbourne road involving a distance of a mile further for residents living at the east end of the road. Some of the land in the vicinity of Beach Road commands a magnificent outlook over the bay, and for this reason when opened up for subdivisional purposes was eagerly bought by those anxious to secure homes in close proximity…
DADS, stepdads, grandfathers and other significant male role models with a child under four are invited to a new free program at Mornington Library called Books, Blokes and Bubs. The program responds to the growing recognition of the role fathers and male caregivers play in a child’s development, and the need for dedicated spaces where they can build connections and confidence. Books, Blokes and Bubs offers a relaxed environment where participants can spend time with their children while connecting with other dads and caregivers. Each session includes a free coffee, storytime, and opportunities for shared play and conversation. The initiative…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire carried out a precautionary review of all shire-managed sporting reserves with synthetic cricket wicket covers, following the death of a player at Lalor Recreation Reserve in the City of Whittlesea. The review was completed ahead of winter sport on the weekend of 11–12 July to ensure sporting fields remained safe for players, officials and the community. Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the shire’s thoughts were with the family, friends and football community affected by the incident. “While this incident did not occur on the peninsula, it was important to proactively review our own sporting fields ahead of…
PET owners, particularly those with cats, are being urged to watch closely for signs of illness after the H5N1 avian influenza virus was confirmed in wild seabirds in three Australian states. The virus was first detected on the Australian mainland on 14 June, when a brown skua was found sick at Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, Western Australia. It was confirmed as HPAI H5N1 later that month. Since then, detections have spread to South Australia and as of July to New South Wales, with six confirmed cases nationally. There is no evidence yet of spread to poultry or…
Really disappointing For at least six weeks the signs on Boneo Road (pictured) have been tampered with opposite the council offices. The Primary School, Community Hall and Allambi Avenue now point (through the actions of some idiot) towards Flinders while Allambi Avenue has morphed into Boneo Road. Having reported it a number of times in person to our council – no action. If I wasn’t 88, I would adjust it using a sledge hammer, as friends have got lost trying to get to us. Surely one of our many council employees, councillors or even the Mayor have noticed this vandalism on…
RUGBY By David Burke LAST Friday night (10 July) the Peninsula Dolphins senior women’s tag team headed out to Casey Fields in Cranbourne to face the top of the ladder side, Casey Warriors. After coming off a bye due to state representative City verses Country rugby league round (July 4) the team went in feeling very confident. Over the last fortnight the team had trained in all conditions from pouring rain to a night so foggy they almost couldn’t see each other from 15 metres apart. The weather didn’t stop the enthusiasm and commitment to prepare for matches in any…
The new seven-day route will connect Hastings and Mornington, improving access to jobs, schools, retirement villages, shops and local services.The route will also improve public transport coverage along the western section of High Street in Hastings and connect with Frankston-bound buses at Mornington town centre.“The community has asked for a cross-peninsula bus service for decades. I listened, I advocated, and I am so proud that we are delivering this service, thanks to the Allan Labor government,” said Hastings MP Paul Mercurio.“It will enable you to head to work, school or appointments on both sides of the peninsula, making it easier…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) invites the community to a rich winter exhibition season, featuring leading contemporary artists, new commissions and interactive experiences for all ages. Helen Britton: The Story So Far, an Australian Design Centre’s Living Treasures: Masters of Australian Craft touring exhibition, Natalia Miłosz-Piekarska: Sifted Light, In the Company of Animals from the MPRG Collection, Synthetic Memories, and a dedicated children’s activation space designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Internationally acclaimed artist Helen Britton presents The Story So Far, a personal exhibition exploring memory and creative legacy. Grounded in photographic documentation of her great aunt’s home on Yaegl…
REPOWER Mornington Peninsula, a volunteer run not for profit group, is running a series of short and snappy webinars to help residents make their homes more comfortable, on a budget. The first one, Draft Proofing and Insulation is on Wednesday 29 July, 7 – 7.40pm. Do you or someone you know live in a drafty, poorly insulated house? Of all the steps you can take to make your home cosier and cheaper to run, eliminating drafts is the first one. It is not expensive and is something even renters can do. Good insulation does cost a bit more for homeowners,…