EXPRESSIONS of Interest are now open for community members to join the Selection Panel for the Mornington Peninsula’s annual community awards. Each year, our community comes together to recognise the people and events that make a real difference across the Peninsula, and we’re now inviting locals to help shape who is celebrated. From volunteers and community leaders to quiet achievers working behind the scenes, these awards are all about celebrating the people who show up for others. And we want the panel choosing them to reflect our community too. Panel members will bring a mix of perspectives, experience and community…
Author: mpnews
FIVE acclaimed young soloists from Melbourne join the Mornington Peninsula-based Vox community choir for two concerts in coming weeks. The choir has been rehearsing since January for a program of choral masterworks by Pergolesi (Stabat Mater) and Brahms (Liebeslieder Waltzes) as well as Mozart, Faure and Whitacre. Eliza Bennetts O’Connor (soprano), Tessa McKenna (mezzo-soprano), Olivia Cullen (mezzo-soprano), Nicholas Sheppard (tenor) and Declan Farr (baritone) will join the 50-voice choir of local women and men, accompanied by renowned pianist Heather Wickes and conducted by Rupert Balint-Smith. The first concert is at Flinders Civic Hall on Sunday 24 May, 2.30-4.30pm. The second…
COMMUNITY projects aimed at making Rye a more attractive place to live and visit are transforming the look of the town foreshore. The recent partnership between Rye Community Group Alliance (RCGA) and the Lions Club of Rye resulted in the restoration of the much-loved Rye Lions Shelter. Originally built in the 1980s by the Lions Club, the shelter has long served as a focal point for community gatherings. Funding for the project was obtained through Mornington Peninsula Shire community infrastructure and arts and culture grants. The Shire’s capital Infrastructure team provided technical support. Local businesses chipped in, with the Moody…
Kosovo refugee remembers the peninsula’s kindness My name is Edmond Ramadani. I am 37 years old, originally from Kosovo, and I have been living and working in Germany for the past five years. While searching online, I came across your website and noticed a photo from Portsea showing refugees from Kosovo. I am one of those people, as I stayed in both the Portsea camp and the Puckapunyal camp during that time. I carry some of the most meaningful and unforgettable memories of my life from my stay in Australia. It has always been my dream to return one day…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough INTEREST in the likelihood of electrification being extended to Mornington was aroused by a letter which appeared in Wednesday’s “Argus” from a local resident, who put the subject as follows: “Mr. Clapp says that he is looking to the outer circle for more residents for whom he will cater by fast electric trains. There is a splendid opportunity at Mornington not only for electric trains (which could take 30 minutes off the present journey) but also for the new railway motor buses. By electrifying the line from Frankston and placing a station at Mornington South, which…
PENINSULA Aero Club held their beneficiary’s day on Saturday 9 May where they distributed the proceeds of this year’s airshow to community groups and charities “On behalf of Peninsula Aero Club I am delighted to hand over $45,500 to five deserving charities and community groups,” said PAC president Stephen Braim. In the past 25 years, PAC has donated over $650,000 to local organisations and charities from proceeds of their national award winning airshows. Accepting cheques were two organisations focused on community mental health support – Kindred Clubhouse and It’s Okay Not To Be OK. Two emergency service providers – The…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will host two family-friendly events this month for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Observed globally on 17 May, IDAHOBIT highlights both progress made and the work still ahead toward equality for LGBTIQA+ people. A family storytime will be held on Saturday 16 May at 11am at Mornington Library. The session will feature stories about kindness, belonging and being proud of who you are, and is aimed at young children and their families. Bookings are not required. The shire will raise the Pride flag at Mornington Police Station on Monday 18 May at…
THE refurbishment of the original Frankston Hospital building is on schedule to be completed early next year. The state government’s 2026-2027 budget allocated funds to the continuing project, with $42 million set to be spent on works in the upcoming financial year. The estimated total budget for the complete redevelopment remains at $1.12 billion. The budget papers read that the new hospital tower has been operating since the start of the year. “The Frankston Hospital Redevelopment (now known as Peninsula University Hospital) opened its new tower on 20 January 2026. It is the largest ever health infrastructure investment in Melbourne’s…
ANXIETY specialist Dr Jodi Richardson will deliver the keynote address at a free community forum on youth mental wellness at Peninsula Community Theatre on Thursday 21 May. The forum, titled Moving Ahead: Youth Mental Wellness, is being run by Peninsula Voice Inc., a volunteer-led not-for-profit. Previous Peninsula Voice forums have covered homelessness, gambling, loneliness, drugs and alcohol, and climate change. Other speakers include Mt Eliza Secondary College principal, Danni Vaughan, and Padua College director of wellbeing programs, Suzi Hyland. A lived experience speaker will also address the forum, followed by a Q&A panel. Topics will include anxiety, school refusal, and…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough MR. J. A. P. Ham, Shire secretary, at last Friday’s Council meeting submitted his report and financial statement for half-year and month. Cr. Pratt said the Council could not allow the reports to be received in the usual manner without congratulating the secretary on the very excellent manner in which he had conducted the Council’s business, which was of a very satisfactory nature. Cr. Bradbury: There is no doubt that the position in all ridings is very satisfactory indeed. Cr Miles: The report should be pleasing to all councillors, especially so for Seaford, seeing that it…
COMMUNITY groups across Somerville, Tyabb, and Mornington are being invited to apply for funding through the Peninsula Quarries Victoria 2026 community grants program, which has officially opened.A total of $5000 is available to support local not-for-profit organisations delivering projects and initiatives that provide community benefit. The program is delivered by the Peninsula Quarries Community Engagement Group which was established in 2018 to help strengthen bonds between the company and the community.Peninsula Quarries Victoria is a key supplier to the development and civil infrastructure industry across the peninsula and southeast region. It supports projects such as road construction, residential and commercial…
Government has abandoned heritage listed Flinders Pier Further to Sarah Halfpenny’s article about the cessation of works on Flinders Pier by Parks Victoria (Flinders Pier works halted as funding runs dry, The News 28/4/26), what is it about a state government department that can stop work, without notice to the local community, demolish a Heritage listed pier and leave new expensive timber work in the water without support? A weak reason, without evidence, that they have “run out of money” rings hollow when, in the same breath, they announce a tender to be put for the multi-million dollar repair to…
Two drivers have lost their licences after allegedly reaching speeds of up to 180km/h on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in the early hours of Monday morning. Police allege the pair were travelling side-by-side near Rosebud about 2.20am on 11 May when they were detected speeding. Both drivers received 12-month licence suspensions and penalty notices exceeding $1,000. Police are reminding motorists to obey speed limits and drive safely on local roads.
A NEW four-lane synthetic turf cricket training facility has been officially opened at Rye’s RJ Rowley Reserve, with one lane to remain available for public use. The Hon. Tom McIntosh launched the facility on Monday 27 April. It was jointly funded by a $246,000 grant from the state government’s Local Sport Infrastructure Fund and a $164,000 contribution from Mornington Peninsula Shire. Built to Cricket Australia standards, the nets feature retractable netting, allowing flexibility for uses beyond cricket training. Nepean Ward Councillor Andrea Allen said: “One of the four lanes is open to the public, making this a genuinely community-accessible facility.…
THE Western Port Writes Literary Festival is returning in 2026, and to kick off the festival year, they are thrilled to welcome celebrated TV presenter and journalist Lisa Millar for a very special dinner event on Saturday 30 May at the Somers Yacht Club. Lisa will be in conversation with award-winning journalist Belinda Hawkins, chatting about her illustrious career, her love for dogs and the bush, and the lessons she’s learnt on the road. Lisa Millar is the face of the ABC’s much-loved TV series Muster Dogs and Back Roads. She started at the ABC as a young reporter in…
OBITUARYRoger Hardinge Redston23 March 1938 – 13 April 2026 ROGER Redston, who served as a physician on the Mornington Peninsula for over 35 years, died peacefully on 13 April 2026, aged 88. He was a devoted husband for 61 years, a proud father of five children, grandfather to eleven grandchildren, and great grandfather to five great grandchildren. Born on 23 March 1938 in Croydon, Surrey, his life began as Europe edged towards war. As a toddler he travelled overseas to Canada, returning to England in mid 1941 by ship during the height of the Battle of the Atlantic, navigating routes…
THE University of Melbourne and Monash University have announced a joint initiative to establish a new education and research hub at Point Nepean. The Point Nepean Research and Education Field Station is a partnership with the Australian Government, who is investing $17 million, alongside $5 million from each university. The $27 million development will create a nationally significant centre focused on climate science, coastal environments, and cultural heritage. It will serve as a hub for research, teaching, and public programs and will include a short-stay accommodation building for up to 50 visitors. University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Cassidy…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough AT a recent meeting of Mornington Racing Club plans for substantial improvements to the course were decided on. Those present were: Messrs. T. Ritchie (chairman), P. McArthur, J. E. Somers, R. G. Edwards; T. McMurtrie, E. Swift, P. Olsen, R. K. Ritchie, G. Bidgood, J. Kelleher, A. D. Kerr, C. D. Robertson and H. Downward, secretary. Mr. Geo. Free, who is in charge of the re-grading of the track in the straight and planting it with couche grass, was also present, to make a report on the work. After discussing the matter it was decided to…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough AT a recent meeting of Mornington Racing Club plans for substantial improvements to the course were decided on. Those present were: Messrs. T. Ritchie (chairman), P. McArthur, J. E. Somers, R. G. Edwards; T. McMurtrie, E. Swift, P. Olsen, R. K. Ritchie, G. Bidgood, J. Kelleher, A. D. Kerr, C. D. Robertson and H. Downward, secretary. Mr. Geo. Free, who is in charge of the re-grading of the track in the straight and planting it with couche grass, was also present, to make a report on the work. After discussing the matter it was decided to…
THE Mornington Courthouse Visitor Centre (Visitor Centre) marked a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of operation under Northern Mornington Peninsula Tourism (NMPT), with a special anniversary event held at the historic Courthouse building in Main Street, Mornington. The celebration brought together a wonderful mix of current and past volunteers, NMPT members, tourism industry representatives, and local dignitaries to recognise the Visitor Centre’s longstanding contribution to the region. The distinguished guests in attendance were Chris Crewther MP, Member for Mornington, and Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillors Cam Williams, Andrea Allen, and Stephen Batty, who joined in acknowledging the importance of the Visitor…
A NEW First Peoples-led tourism body has officially launched on the Mornington Peninsula, with the Yannabil First Peoples Tourism Council bringing together Aboriginal businesses, cultural leaders and tourism operators across Bunurong Country. The Council aims to champion culturally safe and authentic tourism experiences that share the stories, traditions and living cultures of First Peoples with visitors and locals. Its formation follows more than seven years of informal collaboration between First Peoples business owners, who met regularly to support one another and work towards establishing a culturally grounded tourism body. The group voted to incorporate as Yannabil First Peoples Tourism Council…
A NEW public art project tracing more than a century of live music on the Mornington Peninsula will be on display at the StoryWall at Mornington Shire Office from 1 May to 6 August. Peninsula LIVE: Stories from the Mornington Peninsula is a vinyl collage by commissioned local artist Jessie Willow Tucker, created from community-submitted gig posters, tickets, photographs and personal archives. The work transforms music ephemera into a visual tribute to the region’s grassroots gig culture. “This work is a celebration of local live music. The style is inspired by an illustrated Beatles lyrics book I loved as a…
Plant a tree or two I admire the work of the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation group who aim to plant 30,000 indigenous trees every year (Volunteers needed for tree planting to support koalas, The News 28/4/26). Those trees will reconnect bush areas and restore koala habitat. They will also clean our air and help fight climate change. My family enjoys joining the Sunshine Reserve Conservation Group to plant trees for National Tree Day at the end of July each year. Being outside, getting your hands dirty, and doing something for nature while connecting with others is rewarding, especially when you…
FRANKSTON will shine as a hub of arts and culture when South Side Festival returns next week, bringing 10 nights of performances, installations and community experiences to the heart of the city. Running from Friday 8 May to Sunday 17 May, the festival will transform Frankston into one of Victoria’s most vibrant cultural destinations, with events spanning theatre, circus, dance, visual arts, film and immersive light installations. A major highlight is the return of Neon Fields, back by popular demand for a third year. Across three spectacular nights, Beauty Park will become a glowing playground of colour and light, featuring…
By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Yanni & Supplied There’s a handmade sterling silver charm in the shape of a cocktail on display at & Independents gallery in Sorrento that will tell you everything you need to know about its maker, 24-year-old Matisse Stynes. It’s whimsical, precisely crafted, beautiful, thought-provoking, and guaranteed to make you smile. The Sorrento-based jeweller and illustrator launched her brand Éire Jewellery in 2023, and the cocktail charm was her first piece. “I launched with 40 cocktail charms, and people are still purchasing them. They’re a bit of a favourite,” Matisse says. The business name Éire, Gaelic for…
CAPEL Sound resident Vivienne Massoni celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday 24 April. Vivienne was born in Brighton on 24 April 1925, the daughter of William Tennyson and Stella Annie Forster (née Arbuthnot). Vivienne’s mother was born in Koondrook, Victoria, on the River Murray, where her father and grandfather founded the Arbuthnot Sawmill, a red gum sawmill that still operates today, celebrating 140 years of sustainable forestry. Vivienne was schooled at Firbank Grammar and continued to a successful nursing career at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne. She visited Portsea and Sorrento with her brother and sisters as a young…
Water Police have located a deceased male following a search in Port Phillip Bay today. The crew of the ship requested assistance when they discovered a member was missing as they were approaching the heads. Police were notified about 8.30pm last night. State Police Search & Rescue Coordination Centre were deployed and conducted a search of the south Port Phillip Bay area. Police located a deceased male in waters off Frankston around 2.30pm. The male is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be the missing crewman. The death will be investigated by Water Police but is not…
ART lovers and collectors are invited to experience the creative heart of the Mornington Peninsula when the much-anticipated Peninsula Studio Trail Artists open their studios to visitors on the weekend of 2–3 May 2026. Across the weekend, artists will open the doors to their art studios, welcoming visitors to step behind the scenes and discover how original artworks are created. It’s a rare opportunity to meet the artists, see works in progress, see the materials, ask questions, and gain insight into the creative process in the very spaces where the art is made. This year’s trail invites visitors to follow…
SHOWCASING its sustainability credentials, St Macartan’s Parish Primary School has been named a finalist in the School Volunteer of the Year category of the 2026 c. David Whillas, a resident of a local retirement village, has contributed more than 120 volunteer hours to Macartan Primary School’s garden since 2025. David has streamlined the school’s compost system, improving collection processes, reducing food waste and minimising contamination. As a result, the gardens are now the healthiest they have ever been. The school has eliminated the need for store-bought fertilisers, producing high quality compost onsite for use across the gardens. David is now…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough A FULL house is expected for a school concert, but it is seldom that the people attend in such overflowing numbers as they did for the High school students’ concert held in the Frankston Palais on 22nd inst. The widespread interest taken in the High school may be judged from the fact that five car loads came specially from Dromana for the evening. Mornington and places near at hand were also well represented. Long before the time for starting enthusiasts thronged the, doors looking for the best seats. Even, the commodious Palais had its seating capacity…