A FRANKSTON-raised pilot has lived out a childhood dream by leading a Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and United States Air Force mission of F-35A Lightning II jets.Flight Lieutenant Patrick Kane led the mission during Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 in Misawa, Japan. He said the experience was a dream come true.“It was always the fast jets – that’s the only flying I was interested in,” Kane said. The F-35A Lightning II is the ADF’s first fifth-generation air combat fighter. It is capable of supersonic flight while retaining stealth, has 9G manoeuvrability, and is also equipped with advanced…
Author: mpnews
By Barry IrvingRYE tennis club officially opened the “Hitting Wall” on Sunday 19 October. The wall and its cage surroundings is an ideal safe area to practice tennis returns. Project manager Russell Atkins said the wall is open to the public to come and hit few balls. There is a box that contains racquets and balls free to use.The club has also created a family friendly safe play area for younger children to enjoy while their older siblings are having tennis lessons. This area also boasts some seating and tables providing a comfortable viewing area for watching the tennis. The…
THE Mornington Peninsula Contemporary Art Prize is preparing for its opening night at the Cook Street Collective in Flinders on 31 October. The exhibition, now in its second year, runs through to 23 November, showcasing an exciting and diverse collection of works form artists across the region and beyond.The Cook Street Collective was launched in 2011 and has become an important and highly regarded player on the Mornington Peninsula arts scene supporting talented local artists. Its team of four co-directors Neil Williams, Julie Hocking, Jennifer Buntine and Liz Walker also curate monthly exhibitions by artists from Victoria, New South Wales…
Police will prepare reports for the coroner following the death of two men in Frankston yesterday. Emergency services were called to Frankston Beach following reports of two men in trouble in the water on Wednesday 22 October about 5pm. It is believed one of the men was surfing, when his board snapped. Another man, known to the surfer, jumped into the water to attempt to help him however both men began to struggle. Air Wing came to assist, and both men were winched back to shore but could not be revived. At this stage, the pair are yet-to-be formally identified…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is inviting the community’s feedback for a new accessible shared path between Dromana and Safety Beach.The shire has released two potential route options for the path, which aims to improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Option one known as the “Boundary Rd Route” would run down Boundary Rd, continuing along White Hill Rd and then onto Old White Hill Road toward Peninsula Specialist College.About 1.198 hectares of vegetation would need be removed, with one pedestrian crossing needing to be installed. However, the council noted this route would service fewer residents.The second option known as “Nepean Highway Route”…
Where are Rosebud’s statues? ROSEBUD only had one history board, the one located outside the shop that has been a fish and chip shop for some time and was the first purpose-built post office under private ownership before the Commonwealth bought land east of Jenning’s Model dairy near McDaid’s hotel (until recently known as the GPO HOTEL). It was about the meeting tree, a landmark and possibly planted in 1907. The history board has deteriorated and is useless to indicate Rosebud’s rich heritage.Rosebud built heritage is virtually non-existent. The Rosebud Fishing Village on the foreshore could not look more suburban,…
FOR many Australians aged 55 and over, the idea of retirement is shifting. Increasingly, older adults are choosing to return to work, not just for financial reasons, but for the sense of purpose, connection, and mental stimulation it brings.On the Mornington Peninsula, a growing number of mature-aged residents are exploring new career paths, increasing their work hours, or re-entering the workforce after time away. But for many, the process can feel overwhelming. Questions about employer expectations, flexible hours, and how to navigate Centrelink rules are common. Fortunately, local services are stepping up to help.The Chisholm Skills and Jobs Centre, with…
MEMBERS of Repower Mornington Peninsula and the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) Mornington group have teamed up to host a free community information session and short film on Sunday 19 October at 3pm at the Mornington Community Theatre.With the new federal subsidy on home batteries, state rebates on solar panels, and the ever-increasing costs of electricity bills, this will be of interest to anyone pondering the right time to invest in home renewable energy and storage. The event features presentations, a Q and A Panel, conversation time and a short documentary at the end.3 – 4.30pm: Solar and batteries presentation by…
REPRESENTATIVES of the Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula presented the staff at Rosebud Hospital with a beautiful hand crafted rocking horse for their summer appeal raffle. This is the second rocking horse donated by the woodworkers. The first was raffled to help fund the renovations needed to install the present CT scanner. A newer, state of the art scanner is now required to provide the latest and best results for patients at the hospital.The hospital will raffle the rocking horse with a second and third prize that will include hand made wooden toys along with a mystery prize at the…
THE Peninsula Community Legal Centre and the Mornington Peninsula Shire will be hosting a free legal information session on 13 November 2025 in Hastings.Speakers from the Peninsula Community Legal Centre and Seniors Rights Victoria will share useful information on common legal issues for older people such as wills, powers of attorney, and medical decision-making.These legal documents are designed to make sure that a person’s wishes are understood and respected, but many people do not understand how they work or why they are so important. For example, if you were critically injured in a car accident tomorrow and could not make…
A MORNINGTON man has been named a national finalist in the Stroke Foundation’s 2025 National Stroke Awards, recognising his outstanding dedication to stroke awareness, recovery, and support.Stroke survivor Glenn Browne is up for the prestigious Courage Award category.After suffering a stroke in 2020, Glenn embraced sailing as part of his rehabilitation journey, helping to regain movement and mobility. His passion for the sport has since evolved into an annual fundraising event for the Stroke Foundation, through which he continues to raise awareness and inspire others.“To be acknowledged by the foundation is not only an honour but it makes me extremely…
COMMUNITY Bank Mt Martha will launch Mt Martha Stronger Community Grant Program – Round 3 on 26th October 2023, via its website: (www.mmcel.com.au)The Board of Community Bank Mt Martha has allocated $100,000 to this Grant round for up to 20 eligible groups, which are Not-for-Profit entities located in the 3934, 3931 & 3933 Postcode (Mt Martha, Mornington, and Moorooduc) or who currently bank with Community Bank Mt Martha will be eligible to apply. Grant amounts will range from $2,500 to $10,000.The timetable for the programme is:Opening Date: 10am AEDT on 30 October 2025Closing date and time: 5pm AEDT on 16…
THE Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula has announced it will present an “Annual Leadership Award” at their Annual General Meeting this year.The committee’s “Annual Leadership Award” will recognise a community leader who has shown exemplary regional leadership and made a significant contribution to the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula community.Committee CEO, Josh Sinclair, said the award is about recognising leaders within our community who have made a significant contribution across different sectors. “Our members see exceptional leadership across community sectors, healthcare, education, business, environment and volunteer organisations every day – and we think that exceptional service to our region should…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughIN the presence of a representative gathering of Peninsula public bodies at the Mornington Shire Hall, on Friday afternoon last, Mr. F. Hansford, president of the Victorian Civil Ambulance, made the presentation to the Peninsula of a Ford ambulance wagon.The wagon has all the necessary inscriptions, also a first-aid kit.It will be stationed at the Mornington fire station, and by any person ringing Mornington 126 or 13, immediate service will be guaranteed.In the absence of the Mornington Shire president, Cr. P. McArthur, who has been ill for some time, Cr. J. G. Barrett occupied the chair.Cr. Barrett…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will be holding a green waste weekend from 24 – 26 October 2025.The ‘No Charge’ Green Waste weekend is for Shire residents or ratepayers only. These events are popular and delays can occur, especially in the morning and at the end of the day. The free green waste weekend will be held at the Resource Recovery Centres at Rye (Truemans Road), Tyabb (McKirdys Road) and Mornington (Watt Road). The opening hours of the centres will be Friday 8am – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am – 5pm.Preparation Guide: If you find yourself regularly taking green waste to the…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Regional Tourism (MPRT) has welcomed the formal approval of the region’s new Visitor Economy Partnership (VEP) by Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. A milestone that marks the first genuine three-way collaboration between the Victorian government, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, and the local tourism industry.The VEP will bring the three partners to the table with a shared mission: to grow and protect the Mornington Peninsula’s $1.8b visitor economy, support over 3,900 tourism-related businesses, and sustain more than 13,500 jobs in the region, with 62% of those directly tied to the tourism sector.The Mornington Peninsula…
A taste of the future? So there we were, cruising home after a delightful coffee in Dromana’s increasingly cosmopolitan dining capital of the peninsula. The Saturday was full of promise for the balmy summer season ahead. The weather glorious, the sea sparkling, and smiles everywhere. And then we saw it. As we approached the Nepean Highway and Marine Drive intersection, mayhem ahead.The jet-skis had descended on the service station. Vehicles towing them were in a scramble to re-fuel, without a thought of other traffic. They were in a tangle at the servo entrance, across the intersection, and waiting, not to…
A FRESH take on the traditional market is arriving in Mount Eliza this November, offering the chance to explore handmade goods, connect with the community, and discover unique creations at affordable prices.Hosted by The Village Church in partnership with local creative collective Ninch Nabs, the one-day artisan market on Saturday 8 November will showcase a curated range of handmade products from local makers including ceramics, jewellery, candles, textiles, and art prints.But this market is about more than just shopping. The focus is on the often-overlooked pieces: seconds, samples, discontinued lines and one-off designs – items that are still made with…
Eight people have been arrested – five of whom have been charged – after police dismantled a sophisticated cannabis crop in Melbourne’s southeast, with thousands of plants seized worth $15mil. Officers from the Springvale Divisional Response Unit were assisted by multiple units and executed simultaneous search warrants at a home on Havenstone Drive, Keysborough, and a property on Meadow Road, Devon Meadows, at 7.30am on Tuesday 7 October. At the 20-acre property, it will be alleged eight suspects fled upon police arrival, however, all were arrested at the scene shortly after. Five of them have been charged: All five were…
SOMERVILLE’S Grant Road Dog Park is set for an upgrade as the Mornington Peninsula Shire seeks the community’s say on three possible ideas to make the park better for everyone.A community group is seeking funding to enhance the park by installing internal fencing and gates aimed to create dedicated off-leash areas dogs of all sizes and their owners can enjoy safely. The shire has proposed three possible upgrade options and is now seeking the community’s feedback to help decide which one works best. Community consultation closes 27 October (with maps available online) with an outcome to be announced in November.Mayor…
JOSHUA Searle is an emerging Mornington Peninsula-based artist with an increasing national and commercial profile. His work examines socio-cultural issues and his own diasporic identity. Searle has been a finalist in the Sir John Sulman Prize (AGNSW) (2025, 2023), Fremantle Print Art Award (2025) and a finalist in MPRG’s National Works on Paper (2024).In 2024, Searle was awarded a Mason Family Trust Fellowship which supported a research trip to his mother’s homeland in Colombia. He explored Indigenous goldsmithing and sculptural practices through museum collections and meeting with archaeologists whilst visiting archaeological sites. There he studied Pre-Columbian artefacts as a means…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough AT the last meeting of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings the Electric Light Committee submitted the following report:Consideration was given to the request of the Frankston Traders’ Association that energy should be supplied at a reduced rate for block lighting, and it was decided, in view of the financial position, to recommend the applicants to again apply in about three months.Consideration was given to the request of the Frankston Traders’ Association for improved street lighting, and it was decided on the motion of Cr. Oates, seconded by Cr. Bradbury, that the street lighting be improved…
Risk not properly addressed Last week’s story on the drainage pit lids by Raia Flinos was accurate (Rye Pit hazard raises questions over shire response, The News 30/9/25). Unfortunately, the shire’s response was anything but accurate.I had estimated that the original dislodgement of the pit lids happened about nine months ago. On checking back on my correspondence with the shire I was surprised to find the original incident happened over a year ago and the pathetic substandard attempt to remove the chance of the extremely heavy pit lids being blown off by water pressure happened then.The shire’s answer to this…
MORNINGTON has proudly become home to one of four thriving branches of Pop Choir, now recognised as Australia’s largest community singing group. With more than 1000 members across Melbourne and 100 million views on TikTok, Pop Choir has become a social media sensation, even earning praise from international stars like Miley Cyrus, Teddy Swims, and Alex Warren. The Mornington group began three years ago in the heart of Main St before moving to its current venue at the Peninsula Community Theatre on Wilsons Rd. Sessions are held every Tuesday evening, with two time slots of 6pm and 7.30pm to accommodate…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughA GLOOM was cast over the district last Friday, when word was received at Frankston that Mr. Cyril Twining had passed away.Deceased had been ill for a very long time, and at the beginning of this winter he went to Cohuna, near Bendigo, in the hope that he would benefit by the change of climate.It was there that the end came. Some days before, his mother (Mrs. Twining) had been sent for and she and one of her daughters were present at the death bed.Deceased, who was 28 years of age, was a native of Frankston. He…
Significant tree register needed Not long ago, a large native canopy tree two doors away was cut down without warning. A 70-year-old eucalypt, it sheltered native birds and bats. Its “crime” was lifting concrete in a car park. So, the story of another tree cut down in last week’s paper resonates (Century-old tree cut down – resident speaks out, The News 23/9/25).The Norfolk Pine was removed for disturbing pavement and a retaining wall. If we valued trees more, we would modify the concrete, paving or wall to keep them. The Norfolk Pine’s location — on a public walkway in council…
THE Mornington Peninsula Fwy is set to be upgraded as part of a state-wide road maintenance blitz.The state government said all roads would be prioritised based on expert assessments and community feedback. Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne made the announcement on 23 September as part of the c. Crews will undertake projects over the next nine months, ranging from road rehabilitation and resurfacing, patching potholes and maintaining bridges, installing traffic lights and signage.“As well as repairing some of our busiest roads, crews will also mow, slash and spray tens of thousands of kilometres of roadsides, inspect and repair…
MORNINGTON VIEW Club members are calling on the community to dig deep and support Anti-Poverty Week (12-18 October) and help end child poverty across Australia through education and local action. The club hoped this year more people can sponsor a child or donate to the national children’s education charity The Smith Family.Mornington VIEW Club president Diane Latessa said with one in six children in Australia growing up in poverty, there had never been a more important time to support a child with their education. “Families are having to make impossible choices about how to spend limited resources, this could be…
A RENOWNED Melbourne chef will bring fresh energy to an all-inclusive café in Baxter, where people with disabilities are trained to become the state’s most capable hospitality workers.Zac Poulier, former chef to actor Russell Crowe and the award-winning restaurateur behind Stillwater at Crittenden, has taken the role as head chef at Sages Café, located at the Sages Cottage Farm, a 38-acre heritage listed property on the Mornington Peninsula. Run by disability support provider Wallara Australia, the café offers people with disabilities hands-on experience in a fully functioning hospitality setting – an approach Poulier is passionate about.The move is personal for…
STATE government grants for projects which improve the health of Port Phillip Bay are now open.There are $2.16m worth of grants on offer through the 2025 Port Phillip Bay Fund. The grants are expected to be offered to environmental groups, Traditional Owners, local councils, schools, and research institutes.Victorian environment minister Steve Dimopoulos said that Port Phillip Bay “is one of Victoria’s most iconic tourist attractions, and a beloved local landmark. We are proud to support the great work of local groups caring for their bay to keep it this way.” “The Port Phillip Bay Fund has helped more than 35,000…