a(gap)e— mesmerized by some / thing. A reflection 2016 – 2026 For over fifty years, Aleks Danko has shown an unwavering interest in the ways people interact with art. Now in his mid-seventies, Danko’s observations of the absurdities of the art world and contemporary life are as fresh and provocative as those of his early career, his focus and wit razor sharp. A(GAP)E is an exhibition of work made by Danko over the past ten years. Curated by the artist himself, it is a distillation of his critique of the conventions governing the making of art, and how and where…
Author: mpnews
Even as a child, nutritionist and chef Sarah Pound had an audience. “I used to set up an old-school camcorder, and I would line up my three sisters. They would be my audience members, and I’d do cooking shows for them. They had to sit there because I was the oldest,” she laughs. Now her online community, Wholesome by Sarah, numbers in the hundreds of thousands, advocating for simple, wholesome, and healthy food that’s easy to prepare. Those early videos for her family might have been a rehearsal for her present career, but in between, she studied food and nutrition…
STREET artists transformed Frankston’s public spaces last week during the annual Frankston Street Art Festival. Spanning nine years and 100 murals, the Frankston Street Art Festival annually brings in internationally-renowned artists. Artists featured this year include Arina Apostolova, Buff Diss, Creature Creature, Father Marker, Jack Rowland, Juzpop, Kitsune Jolene, Mick Russell, Sam Absurd, and Shaun Devenney. Frankston Council public art officer Rebecca Gendron said the Frankston Street Art Festival “has completely transformed the look and feel of our CBD over the past nine years.” “100 artworks is a huge milestone and it’s a reflection of the talent we’ve attracted, the…
THE Mornington Police Senior Community Register held their 25th Anniversary celebration in Mornington on Thursday 19 March. “For 25 years, the Register has proudly supported our local community through friendship, care and connection,” said MPSCR co-ordinator Yvonne Morrison. “This celebration is our way of saying thank you to our past and present police officers, including MPSCR police liaison officers, past and present volunteers, Members and supporters who have made this possible.” First published in the Mornington News – 24 March 2026
AUSTRALIA dominated the 2026 Trans Tasman pétanque Challenge held at the Mt Martha Pétanque Club winning both the Open and 60+ divisions. The Australian Bouleroos secured commanding victories against New Zealand showcasing superior consistency and depth throughout the 12 rounds including crucial wins the 60+ division. In the Open division Australia scored 98 – 46 and in the 60+ division 74 – 46 which reversed last year’s final result in Christchurch NZ. This shows just how close the two sporting nations are in skill. Many close friendships have developed across the Tasman over the years in this fascinating very social…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough WHEN it was learned at the High School Council meeting on Wednesday night last that the Minister of Education, Sir Alexander Peacock, was at Sorrento attending the A.N.A. Conference and would be returning to Melbourne the following day, it was decided to arrange for a “hold up” at Frankston. Mr. Bishop, head master of the High school, got Sir Alex on the phone, and acquainted him with the intention of the Frankston people. The Minister laughed, and the phone survived; so did the plan of campaign. Yesterday afternoon at about 4.30, Sir Alex’s car slowed down…
A fair share for the Mornington Peninsula On Monday night (16 March) I attended a public meeting about housing with Minister Harriett Shing as part of the panel. The panel of speakers put forward the urgent position about housing issues on the Mornington Peninsula. They articulated our urgent need for housing stock, including crisis housing and in situ housing support wrap around services. BUT the impression I got was that this information and local knowledge sharing fell on deaf Ministerial ears. I do understand the limitations the Minister is held to. We heard broad statements about lots of dollars towards…
THERE were plenty of reasons to celebrate at Willum Warrain Aboriginal Gathering Place in Hastings on Saturday 21 March. Willum Warrain is celebrating 12 years of caring for its community members and for the site that it has woven into a beautiful place of reconciliation. Willum Warrain CEO, Uncle Peter Aldenhoven said, “we thank all our mob and allies for helping us celebrate our birthday and for sharing our excitement and hopes for Treaty”. Jules Pittle from Mornington Peninsula Human Rights Group added, “Willum Warrain Aboriginal Gathering Place is a living example of self-determination – Aboriginal people running things their…
RED Hill Tennis Club is set for a brighter future, with upgraded court lighting now ready for action. Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh officially launched the new lighting on 11 March thanks to a $200,000 state government funding investment. The Mornington Peninsula Shire also contributed nearly $6000 to the project. The club’s six courts now feature 350 lux LED lights, allowing safer play and extended participation hours for locals. “After a huge summer of tennis in our sports-mad state, the popularity of the sport is on the up on the Mornington Peninsula,” McIntosh said. The improved facilities are expected to…
MORNINGTON Peninsula retiree Mary Strange says she felt cut off from the world for more than two decades, relying on a single hearing aid after losing her hearing due to a head injury at 42. “And believing that there could be nothing ever done about my condition, I managed with one hearing aid for 20 years,” she said. ‘However, when I was 64, it was suggested to me that I try a cochlear implant – and to me, it was the best thing I ever did.” The Tyabb’s resident’s experience is now at the centre of a campaign by the…
AUSTRALIA’S housing conversation is shifting – and the solutions are getting smaller, smarter and more innovative. From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March, the Tiny Home Expo is back again at the Mornington Racecourse, bringing together the country’s leading tiny home builders, designers and off-grid specialists for one powerful weekend. For anyone curious about downsizing, investing, creating a secondary dwelling, or exploring off-grid living, this is a rare opportunity to step inside a wide range of full-scale tiny homes and compare craftsmanship, layouts and pricing in one place. Online research can only take you so far — this is your…
THE renowned Australian Welsh Male Choir, known for performing their music across Australia and overseas are gearing up for their next international tour, this time with an exciting French twist. Based on the Mornington Peninsula at Baxter, as well as in Frankston and Melbourne, the choir has travelled extensively throughout Australia. In 2024, they celebrated their 50th anniversary with a highly successful “Outback Tour,” performing at Uluru and beyond. The choir has a long history of international performances, having sung many times in Wales, Scotland, England, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. This June, they are thrilled to return to the…
HARLEY Mann, director of Aboriginal circus group Na Djinang, creates work that is as emotive as it is visually stunning. Their performances combine physical theatre, contemporary dance, and storytelling, engaging body, mind, and spirit. Following the acclaim of Arterial at Frankston Arts Centre last year, Na Djinang returns with their latest show, Of The Land On Which We Meet, on Friday, April 10. The performance invites audiences to reflect on what being on country truly means. Mann, a Waka Waka man, describes country as “the intimate relationship we have with the whole ecosystem – the land, the people, the animals,…
COMMUNITY Bank Mt Martha has announced the recipients of its ”Mt Martha Stronger Community Grant Program’ – Round 3. Applicants were able to apply for Grants of minimum $2,500 to maximum of $10,000, for capital works initiatives. The Board of Community Bank Mt Martha, at its February meeting approved the following capital works grants: They have also approved the following community grants this financial year: The Grants are made possible by the local community doing its banking at Community Bank Mt Martha. and total $98,547. First published in the Mornington News – 17 March 2026
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’)…
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…