A PLAYFUL, mysterious and photogenic dolphin in the bay finally has a name. The Dolphin Research Institute announced that dolphin #89, a flippered local of Port Phillip Bay’s unique community of common dolphins, will be named Nellie following a community “name the dolphin” competition.Nellie made waves after being spotted in 2022, stealing hearts and even seen babysitting another dolphin’s young calf. Researchers didn’t know whether Nellie was male or female just yet – as it’s quite hard to tell – and the name needed to take this into account.The institute said there were “many lovely and a few wacky suggestions”…
Author: mpnews
FEEL like a break from the winter routine? Love a good book? Then come along to a special mid-week winter event. Western Port Writes is thrilled to present bestselling authors and life partners, Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion, in conversation at Stonier Winery. Join us for a warm chat with Anne and Graeme on their latest novel, The Oasis, their Australia-wide book tour, and what drives their writing partnership.Set in an acute psychiatric ward at the fictitious Menzies Hospital, The Oasis examines mental health through a fiction lens, with compassion and humour. This is the second novel in their groundbreaking…
Keep questioning Writing to the local newspaper can stem from frustration, pride, curiosity, or the need to question certain decisions. Some of these letters reflect a community seeking to understand and make sense of council’s actions. When issues arise, they often become the focus of our complaints. We ask whether we are truly unhappy with council, or do they attract frustration? It’s common to grumble, “What are they doing now?” when we encounter a poorly placed roundabout. There are many reasons to write, such as a sense of civic duty or simply the need to express your feelings after encountering…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE Prime Minister (Mr. Bruce) paid a short visit to Ferntree Gully on Monday, and was entertained by the Shire Council at luncheon.In reply to the toast of his health, which was proposed by the President (Cr. W. Treganowan), and supported by Cr. Chandler, M.L.C., and Cr. Alexander, Mr. Bruce said he had heard with astonishment a rumour to the effect that he would leave Flinders at the next election and stand for Balaclava or some other constituency.He desired to assure his hearers, and through them the constituency of Flinders as a whole, that he would…
A NEW Mornington Peninsula Coast Committee of Management (MPCCOM) is set to be established to oversee the coastal reserves from Whitecliffs to Camerons Bight and the Capel Sound Foreshore Reserves.According to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), the current committees of management “jointly recognised that it was necessary for the future of these iconic coastal reserves that they work together as a larger entity to deal with major future challenges such as climate change and population growth”.“We are looking for passionate professionals with the skills and expertise to continue to strengthen the management of Whitecliffs Foreshore Reserve…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough AT the Frankston Court on Monday last, John Cregan, Dorrit street, Carlton, appeared on a charge of having had possession of a tumbler suspected of having been stolen from a railway carriage on the Frankston Mornington line, on April 18.The Bench was occupied by Messrs. C. Grant, J. W. Brown and W. Armstrong, J.’sP.Dorritt, with a party of friends was returning to Melbourne after working in Mornington, when the glass was discovered in his possession.Ticket-Checker Goulie: I was checking the 5.10pm “up” train from Mornington on April 18, when I noticed a glass missing from the…
Why all the flags? The official Australian Flag unites us all just as the Stars and Stripes united the multi-cultural USA.We were disturbed to read and hear of the current flag controversy in Mornington Peninsula Shire – so much so much so that I drove down from Melbourne to check our Australian flag and pole proudly flying at our heritage home on Mornington’s Esplanade.The property was owned by A.B. Balcombe, the founder of Mornington, and was a crown grant from Queen Victoria in 1860. I then attended your Queen St offices to put in a complaint about your divisive flag…
A man has died following a crash in Moorooduc this morning. It is understood a car crashed into a tree on Derril Road about 5.15am. The male driver, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. https://www.police.vic.gov.au/fatal-crash-moorooduc
By Raia Flinos MOUNT Martha local, Lincoln Cole, found relief after years of chronic pain thanks to a locally designed technology implanted in his spine. After a workplace accident in 2013 left him with chronic, debilitating pain, Lincoln’s world shrunk. Before the accident, Lincoln lived an active lifestyle and loved surfing and riding horses. He quickly found himself housebound, depressed, and dependent on strong painkillers. Even standing upright became a struggle.|“I went from being capable and doing pretty much whatever I wanted to doing nothing,” he said. “[The chronic pain] is constant. It’s 24 hours a day. It doesn’t go…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughA UNIQUE event took place on Tuesday last at Frankston, when the Mayor of Prahran, Cr. J. C. Pickford, brought along about 300 boys from the State and Technical schools of Prahran, for the purpose of planting several acres of land with pine trees in view of the urgent necessity of providing against the tremendous shortage of timber which will take place in this country in the course of a few years.The Mayor has conceived the idea of interesting the school children of Prahran in this matter, and after negotiating with the officers of the Education and…
By Raia Flinos AT 94 years old, Frank Brown is living proof that creativity knows no age. A beloved gem to the community of Hastings, Frank has become an unlikely celebrity at FiRST Early Learning Hastings thanks to his handcrafted dioramas.What began as a personal hobby has become a gift to local children and families. Frank creates miniature masterpieces; detailed, life-like landscapes built from dense foam, cardboard, and paint, some of which now sit proudly in the early learning centre.This latest chapter is only one part of Frank’s remarkable life. Born and raised in Northern England, Frank met his wife…
MT ELIZA environmental group, the South Eastern Centre for Sustainability, will host a coastal forum at the Mount Eliza Community Hall on 25 July with all residents invited. Keynote speakers will be Professor Daniel Ierodiaconou, and Dr Rebecca Zitoun, acclaimed scientists and academics whose research and extensive knowledge of the coastal/maritime/human interface will provide comprehensive insights into how thalassology and oceanography are relevant to Australian waters, inclusive of Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula.“These scientists/academics are held in high esteem internationally and are particularly recognised for their cutting-edge research and how it applies to our current understanding of our…
More needs to be done on speed limits The Shoreham Community Association has taken its concerns about speeds permitted on major roads on our side of the peninsula, and the danger to wildlife that these present, to the Mornington Peninsula Shire repeatedly over many years. It is heartened by progress on that now (Speed limits slashed on Frankston-Flinders Road, The News 16/07/25).The SCA concerns also go to the safety of human life. It regards the intersection at Byrnes Road and Frankston-Flinders Road as “an accident waiting to happen”. Drivers coming out of Byrnes Road and from Shoreham Road very often…
A RED Hill glass studio is celebrating the launch of its book at an exhibition, showcasing the family’s rich legacy and its place in global artistry and broader art world. The book Blowing In A New Era: Three Generations, One Family by Gordon Studio Glassblowers and Gallery is on show at the McClelland Sculpture Gallery and Sculpture Park in Langwarrin, which is also exhibiting more than 130 pieces of Gordon-Donaldson glass art.The event, which runs until 27 July, celebrates intergenerational artists on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as the launch of the book. As part of the exhibition, visitors can…
By Raia Flinos THE Mornington Peninsula is set to play a vital role in a new state-wide conservation push aimed at protecting some of Victoria’s most threatened native animals and habitats.The Melbourne Habitat Forever project was announced earlier this week by Victorian conservation organisation Trust for Nature with 15 new sanctuaries to be created on private land, including on the peninsula. Funded by Melbourne Water, the initiative focuses on safeguarding habitats for species such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot and the Growling Grass Frog, which have suffered steep declines in population due to various factors, including land clearing and climate…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is calling for community feedback to update its draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-29, to help manage dogs and cats in the community. The four-year plan will look at current animal management services and review existing domestic animal local laws and orders to ensure they meet the needs of the community. Councillors endorsed the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan at their 1 July meeting, which is now currently open for public feedback until 8 August.The plan supports responsible pet ownership, reducing nuisance reports (like barking or roaming animals), encouraging registration, microchipping and desexing, responding to dog attacks…
Two men were arrested today after a rockface was vandalised at Paradise Falls in northeast Victoria. A 24-year-old Rosebud man was arrested in Melbourne’s CBD earlier this morning. Police from Whitfield charged the man with criminal damage, as well as charges against the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. He was bailed to appear before the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on 29 September. A second man, aged 25 from Hastings, was arrested by Mornington detectives during a search warrant at his address. He will be charged at a later date with the same offences. The Paradise Falls waterfall, which has cultural significance to…
SAGES Cottage Farm is already home to miniature ponies, pigs, alpacas and goats, and now the farm’s workers are on the lookout for two miniature donkeys.Wallara’s Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter is run by people living with disabilities. The 40-acre farm is home to a cafe, animals, and gardens.Wallara senior manager Lisa Laing said that the addition of donkeys to the farm would help clients manage anxiety and improve their knowledge. “Welcoming new animals to Sages will provide our staff with more species to learn how to feed, groom and take care of – expanding their animal care knowledge,” Laing…
By Beck Cridland*RENTERS are being hit from all directions by the housing crisis, with no relief in sight. Rents are skyrocketing during a cost-of-living crisis and the number of properties available to rent are dwindling. Real estate agents on the Mornington Peninsula advertise that median rents have increased by up to 50 per cent in some suburbs. When I last checked, there were only ten properties available for rent under $450 per week. In Dromana, where median rent prices have increased by 50% in the last 5 years, the average price of a rental is $600 per week.Approximately one third…
Peninsula Shire’s proposed increase to land rates unfair The Mornington Peninsula Shire is considering removing a 20% bulk deal discount on annual rates offered to residents living in retirement villages within the shire.The words “discount removal” is in effect a 20% increase in the resident’s land rate cost in our village it will increase the residents’ rates by around $220 pa. The Victorian government’s statute says increases for household rates should not exceed a maximum of 3% for the year 2025/2026.Many residents living in villages on the peninsula are living on a fixed full or part income based on the…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough The change over from single phase to the three phase system was made on Saturday last.Mr. D. J. Quartermain and his staff attended to all the local arrangements, whilst the Electricity Commission controlled their portion of the work.Mr. Quartermain was ready at 3.30pm, but had to wait on the Commission until 5.15pm, on account of portion of the instruments supplied not being up to the standard.This necessitated considerable alteration, with the result that the light was not switched on until 7pm.On being switched over it was found that the work carried out was complete.The Commission’s officers…
MORE than 300 students across the Mornington Peninsula have spent the term engaging with Aboriginal arts and culture through a creative pilot program.Last week students from Tyabb Railway Station Primary School, Crib Point Primary School, and Red Hill Consolidated School came together for The Deadly Arts Community Celebration. At the event they showed off the work they have undertaken through the “Song Room” initiative.The pilot program is led by Kulin Artist and Song Room Teaching Artist, Aunty Sammy Trist. Students have been working on three shields, using South-Eastern line art, which were unveiled last week. The artworks will be displayed…
A NEW dedicated van will help the Mornington Community Support Centre rescue food for locals in need, thanks to Mornington Toyota and the Rotary Club of Mornington. The new van will allow the centre to significantly expand its food rescue operations, collecting extra food from supermarkets, bakeries, and producers. Until now, staff and volunteers have been using their own cars to support the program’s logistics – a generous but unsustainable effort as demand increases amid the cost-of-living crisis.Currently, the centre distributes donated food to more than 100 families each week, as well as preparing about 800 meals for the centre’s…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughWHEN Horace Sharp, Hannah Nolan and Vincent Caffra, employees at the Pier Hotel, Frankston, returned to their rooms late on Saturday night last they found them in disorder and several articles of their property missing.About 9.30 that evening, George Davies, painter, had occasion to go to Caffra’s room in the staff’s quarters of the hotel.He was surprised to find it securely locked and to see, when he finally gained admittance, a strange young man asleep on the bed.The young man, Harry Sandforth, a visitor from Cheltenham, explained when he awoke that he had been wandering around and…
POLICE are investigating after a Hastings bottle shop was rammed by a car on 30 June. Police believe the vehicle crashed into the front of a bottle shop on High St about 5.15am. The store, Thirsty Camel, suffered significant damage in the incident. A crime scene was established with SES also called. Police are investigating, but believe no items were actually stolen during the incident.Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in the Mornington News -…
Respect all of the peninsula’s heritage Renée Gatt (Peninsula no place to be if you’re a heritage building, The News 1/7/25) notes the issue of loss of heritage buildings. I agree with Renée that heritage buildings should be saved to celebrate our history. But that only celebrates the colonial history. There are very few places on the peninsula that celebrate or recognise the tens of thousands of heritage sites for pre-colonial Australia. There is more recognition of the failed attempt to establish a colony near Blairgowrie. That settlement did not even last one year and yet it is deemed worthy…
A BRAVE group of young children who helped save their parents’ lives with some quick thinking have been recognised at the Junior Triple Zero Heroes awards event.Harry and Alfie Williams, aged nine and seven, called an ambulance to their Pearcedale home in July last year when their mum Samantha suffered a nasty asthma attack. Harry called 000 and spoke to call-taker Jess Bartlett while getting his mother’s puffer. Alfie put the dogs away and watched his mum while Harry opened the gate for the ambulance.Another youngster, six-year-old Ellie Hardy, called 000 for her mum Shannon in May last year after…
TWO striking properties on the Mornington Peninsula have been recognised at the 2025 Victorian Architecture Awards. Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio won awards in the Sustainable Architecture and Educational Architecture categories. The building, designed by Mcildowie Partners with Joost Bakker, houses Woodleigh School’s senior campus.The Woodleigh School site is solar-powered and fitted with five flexible learning spaces, staff amenities, social spaces, and an outside Aquaponic tanks with native fish. The roof houses native plants and grasses for native butterflies, birds, and bees.Stumpy Gully House was awarded a commendation in the Residential Architecture – Houses category.Adam Markowitz Design and Stavrias Architecture teamed…
CAPEL Sound and Somerville are looking a little greener, thanks to the planting of 180 trees across the two communities. The Mornington Peninsula Shire coordinated effort is part of its Urban Forest Strategy; aimed at improving tree canopy and providing more shade, biodiversity, and neighbourhood liveability.In Somerville, about 80 trees have found a new home on Jones Rd where a passive irrigation system is being trialled using stormwater. A further 100 trees have been planted along Broadway in Capel Sound as part of the recent road and footpath upgrade project. The shire said Capel Sound and Somerville were identified as…
By Renée E. Gatt*THE Mornington Peninsula boasts a scant number of historic buildings, remnants from the early days of our towns. These structures laid the foundation for the vibrant communities we cherish today. Yet, their survival is under constant threat.Over my 25 years on the peninsula, I’ve actively championed the preservation of our architectural heritage—landmarks that not only define our local identity but also attract tourists eager to experience our unique history. Alarmingly, these irreplaceable assets are vanishing.Both residential and commercial heritage structures are succumbing to lucrative financial offers and unchecked greed. Their cultural and historical significance is often deemed…