INDEPENDENT candidate for Flinders, Ben Smith, has called on the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to give Peninsula residents a say on the $25 million Arthurs Seat Eagle redevelopment. The project is being fast-tracked through the state government’s Development Facilitation Program, bypassing local council oversight. There has been minimal consultation with the community about the impacts of the project.“Decisions that will reshape our region should not be made from Spring Street without listening to the people who live here,” Smith said. “Arthurs Seat is not just another development site – it’s a treasured state park with deep environmental and community significance.…
Author: mpnews
LIBERAL Zoe McKenzie, Federal Member for Flinders, welcomed Sussan Ley, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business, to the Flinders electorate on January 28, to participate in a roundtable with leading businesswomen from the Mornington Peninsula.The roundtable was facilitated by the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, and held at Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter. A difficulty in attracting and retaining staff post-COVID, high energy prices, difficult-to-navigate industrial relations laws and the large state tax burden were issues raised by the group.According to the 2021-22 Mornington Peninsula Business Survey, there are approximately 15,800 businesses…
CFFMP AT this year’s federal election, the results in both Dunkley and Flinders will shape the national outcome in Canberra. The pathway to forming government will see major party leaders visit Dunkley over coming months, while Flinders is shaping up to be a three-cornered contest between the Liberals, Labor and a Community Independent.The Committee was pleased to facilitate a Federal Candidates Forum held on 14 February in Mornington with all major candidates for both electorates. More than 200 people attended the event at Mornington Racecourse for the forum hosted by the ABC’s Patricia Karvelas.As the peak advocacy body for the…
LABORFRIENDS of Peninsula Home Hospice hosted Rosie Batty AO for a sold out fundraising luncheon at the Blairgowrie Yacht Club last Thursday. Peninsula Home Hospice provides free critical support to people on the Mornington Peninsula who are suffering life-limiting illnesses in the comfort and safety of their own homes.Labor candidate for Flinders Sarah Race attended the luncheon to show her commitment to the health care sector and health care workers. Primary health care plays a crucial role in our communities. It gives patients access to the right care at the right time, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced pressure…
THE McCrae Lighthouse will be illuminated in a symbolic display of support for Rare Disease Day on 28 February, drawing attention to the often-overlooked rare condition of myositis.The event, which is part of a global initiative to raise awareness of rare diseases, is set to shine a light on the challenges faced by individuals living with myositis. A group of autoimmune diseases, myositis causes inflammation in the muscles, leading to weakness, pain and fatigue. Research toward a cure is underway but is dependent upon funding and support.The Lions Club of McCrae is throwing its support behind the Myositis Association with…
EXCITEMENT is building for the 97th Red Hill Show, Saturday 8th March 2025 at Red Hill Recreation Reserve and Showgrounds! This much-loved event brings together families, farmers, artisans, and competitors for a day packed with tradition and excitement.From the moment the gates swing open, the showgrounds will be a hive of activity. Champion livestock competitions will be in full swing—cattle, alpacas, poultry and sheep – are proudly on display, showcasing the dedication of our local exhibitors.And of course, no Red Hill Show would be complete without the thrilling woodchop competition – a crowd favourite where strength, skill, and sawdust fly!…
Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance to identify a man who exposed himself on a bus in Dromana late last month. Investigators have been told an unknown man boarded the 788 bus in Rye about 6am on 28 January. It is understood the man was seen masturbating while in the presence of others. The man got off the bus at Dromana Pier prior to police arriving. Investigators have released an image of a man they believe can assist with their enquiries. The man is perceived to be Caucasian, between 50-60 years old with a white beard…
THE grand opening of a brand-new pavilion at Civic Reserve in Mornington has finally been revealed, providing a huge boost to local sporting clubs. The $10.5 million facility, positioned between the athletics track and the soccer field, features four new female-friendly change rooms, umpires’ change rooms, a kitchen, a multi-use social space, a first aid room, meeting space and storage areas.Mount Martha Soccer Club, Mornington Peninsula Athletics Club, and Mornington Little Athletics Centre will all call the new pavilion home, benefiting 900 members between them. It is the first time the Little Athletics Centre has had proper facilities for a…
A MERRICKS North resident has voiced their frustration over the lack of a convenient train service from Bittern station that allows commuters to reach the Melbourne CBD by 9am.Claire Scorpo, who travels to the city two to three times a week for work, said the Stony Point train timetable needed to be reviewed promptly so that a service would allow commuters to arrive in town before the workday begins. Currently her options from Bittern station are the 6.23am service, which arrives at 7.50am or the 8.06am service, which arrives at 10am, “making it impossible to start work on time”.The earlier…
AUSTRALIA’S beloved music theatre and television star, Rachael Beck, will captivate audiences at Frankston Arts Centre on Friday 21 March as part of the long-running Daytime Music + Theatre program.With a career spanning decades, from her early television days to her acclaimed role in the original Australian production of Beauty and the Beast, Rachael Beck has become a hugely popular name in Australian entertainment. In her latest show, Both Sides, she invites audiences on a heartfelt journey through the highs and lows of life. Featuring an eclectic selection of songs such as Both Sides Now, Stars and the Moon, and…
HUNDREDS of local families attended the St Kilda FC AFL Community Footy Camp & Family Day at Hastings Junior Football Netball Club last week. The “Choose Your Footy Adventure” AFL Community Camp was run by players from St Kilda Football Club, and over 200 kids registered and turned up for the clinic. Kids from five to 12 participated, separating into two groups to develop basic skills in a fun environment.To build on the momentum generated by the clinic to recruit new players to the club, the club has also announced that thanks to the incredible generosity of Rotary Club of…
INDEPENDENT candidate for Flinders Ben Smith has called for urgent action to make healthcare accessible for everyone after data showing bulk billing no longer exists for many patients on the peninsula.The latest Cleanbill report shows that of 42 clinics across the electorate of Flinders only four are still able to offer bulk-billing to all patients, with the average cost of a standard consultation being $86.80.Medicare data shows that the Mornington Peninsula bulk billing rate is only 67% – 11% below the state average. For people aged 16-64, the bulk billing rate falls to 56%.Smith said the cost of visiting a…
LABOR candidate for Flinders Sarah Race joined representatives Ross Kilborn and Graeme Rocke from Mornington Community Safe Link Group, Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh, and about 20 community members to cycle along a section of the Peninsula Trail. The Peninsula Trail is a 170km mostly continuous walking and cycling trail circling the Mornington Peninsula.The Mornington Community Safelink Group has been advocating for five years for the completion of the Peninsula Link Trail from Moorooduc Station, into Mornington. It will connect the rest of Melbourne with Mornington and Mt Martha, and offer safe off-road walking and riding for nearly…
EIGHT properties affected by the McCrae landslide have been deemed safe, allowing the homeowners to return, while the shire grapples with the enormity of “going it alone” with the recovery, absent of state government support. Meanwhile, the mayor has condemned the “appalling violation” as it has been revealed that some of the evacuated houses have been broken into and looted while their owners were away.Emergency orders were lifted on the eight properties at 2.50pm Friday (14 February) following the installation of additional ground stability monitoring equipment on Wednesday. The specialised equipment, including global navigation satellite systems, tilt sensors and survey…
Putting the case for hand beach cleaning I was relieved to read that the council plan to scale back hand beach cleaning has been postponed.As a coastal ecologist I first observed the impacts of mechanical raking in the 1990’s at Seaford Foreshore when it was introduced in response to syringes, later found to be sourced from a medi-vac company dumping them, washing up on the beach.At that time I had the job of collecting rubbish along that 3.5km section of foreshore. The benefits of hand collection were many. I was a presence on the beach which made people feel safer;…
THE Peninsula Raiders have proudly launched their 2025 Indigenous training shirts. The shirts were designed by talented local First Nations artist Holly Ryan. Having painted murals for Hastings Primary School, St Macartan’s Primary and Red Hill Consolidated School, Holly has a special connection with football and her Indigenous heritage. Her great-grandfather, Joe Johnson, is recognized as the first-ever Indigenous Australian to play VFL football, representing Fitzroy and playing in back-to-back premierships in 1904 and 1905. Her grandfather, Percy Johnson, also played 52 games for North Melbourne from 1951 to 1955.The Peninsula Raiders Football Club values community and family, themes Holly…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughMR. E. P. Davies, the radio expert of Bay street, Frankston is installing a complete wireless set (4-valve) at the popular Pier Hotel for Mr. G. M. Yuill, the new licensee.Yesterday morning, Mr. Davies was busily engaged testing the set at his well-known parlours when a representative of “The Standard” made his appearance on the scene, and the journalist spent a few minutes listening to a violin solo broadcasted by the 3LO station from Buckley & Nunn’s, Melbourne. Frankston Fire Brigade. Tomorrow Night the Bell Will Ring.When the alarm re-sounds at 8.30 o’clock tomorrow (Thursday) night, do…
Police have charged three teenagers following an aggravated burglary in St Andrews Beach on Sunday morning. It is alleged the residents of the home woke to hear their Genesis being driven out of their driveway on Bass Meadows Boulevard, on 16 February about 12.30am. Responding police spotted the stolen blue Genesis G70 sedan, about 15 minutes later, driving in convoy with a white Kia Cerato along Boneo Road in Rosebud. The cars were followed as they headed towards the Mornington Peninsula Freeway before the Air Wing was called in to assist. Both vehicles headed into Baxter Park in Frankston South…
THE Bays’ new Cancer Care Centre in Mornington officially opened its doors last week with a grand ceremony, marking a milestone in the community.The centre will be the first of its kind to have a radiation oncology service on the Mornington Peninsula, providing the latest radiation therapy technology and techniques for all cancer types. Other services include diagnostic, treatment, and support, with an integrated approach focused on personalised care for patients and their families. The $15 million project was completed late last year after construction began in April 2023. “Today marks the culmination of years of planning and dedication to…
COMMUNITY independent candidate for Flinders Ben Smith has set himself a challenge to meet as many members of the peninsula community as he can in the next month. His 30 day Listening Lap marathon kicked off last Friday in front of dozens of supporters and interested locals at the Flinders Golf Club.“This what being a community independent is all about; listening to members of our community and hearing their priorities,” said Smith. “Time and time again, I hear that locals feel ignored and neglected by the major parties, treated as just another safe seat. “Almost everyone raises the state of…
Thanks to the brave and selfless firefighters A huge thank you to all the fire brigades from around the peninsula who arrived quickly and put out the lightning lit grass fire adjacent to Nepean Highway at Mt Martha last Sunday night. Luckily the grass had been cut for hay and bales moved. Volunteers arrived within minutes of my triple zero call and worked for hours, amidst frightening lightning. You people are so generous, kind and professional.Ann Scally, Mt Martha Dodgy donations It is interesting that in last week’s edition featured two different aspects of political donations. At the local government…
POLICE are investigating after a male damaged an ATM outside Commonwealth bank in Hastings on 5 February. “It’s believed a teenager on a scooter used a hammer to damage the ATM on High St just after 4.30am before riding away,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said. No one was injured during the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. First published in the Mornington News – 11 February 2025
Compiled by Cameron McCullough The residents of Mornington and district will be glad to learn that in a few months the route from Mornington to Dromana along the foreshore will be open for traffic.It is already possible for all kinds of vehicles; it is even possible for a motor car to get through if driven slowly.A representative of this paper sampled the road from Dromana to Mornington, and found he could negotiate the worst gradients without dismounting from his push bike.There are many graceful curves which follow the contour of the land as it skirts along the cliffs overhanging the…
Mornington Divisional Response Unit officers have charged a man and woman following a warrant in Safety Beach where they allegedly located a commercial quantity of 1,4 Butanediol and a stolen shotgun. A search warrant was executed at a property on Rymer Avenue on Wednesday, 5 February about 1pm. Officers allegedly located a stolen shotgun concealed in an alcove near the laundry. A further search revealed more than 6 litres of 1,4 Butanediol, along with cannabis plants, methylamphetamine and various prescription medications. An Audi sedan and two Honda CBR motorcycles were also seized from the property as proceeds of crime. A…
Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two teenage boys after they allegedly pointed imitation handguns at people in a Somerville shopping centre yesterday morning. Officers allege the boys stole the imitation guns from a store inside the centre on Eramosa Road about 10.40am. Police will allege the boys pointed the guns at members of the public as they moved through the centre. Officers were quickly on scene and arrested three boys. A 14-year-old and 16-year-old have since been charged with possess imitation firearm, affray and theft. They were bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.…
THE Mornington Lifesaving Club is celebrating after securing seven new premium nipper boards thanks to a South East Water community grant.“The new nipper boards mean that more kids can get involved, learn vital water safety skills, and have fun in the surf,” the club’s nipper captain Jeremy Warner said. “It’s wonderful to see smiles on their faces as they grow in confidence.” The new boards will allow kids of all heights and abilities to dive into surf programs and most importantly to promote beach safety.South East Water’s community grants program is designed to support groups adversely impacted by incidents such…
INDEPENDENT candidate for Flinders Ben Smith has launched a petition demanding that the federal and state governments commit to saving and upgrading Rosebud Hospital.“The Rosebud Hospital is the only public hospital serving the entire peninsula, and it’s literally falling apart while both major parties have failed to secure the funding we desperately need,” Smith said. “For our growing community of young families and seniors, having a properly funded local hospital isn’t just about convenience – it’s about saving lives when every minute counts. “This is just another example of how the residents of the peninsula are overlooked. We may be…
PROVINCIALLANGWARRIN put 185 runs on the board on day one of their clash with ladder leaders Pines on Saturday. After winning the toss, Langwarrin chose to bat first at Lloyd Park. They struggled early, losing opener Jack Marget for four, skipper Ricky Damiano for five, and Brodie Matthews for four. Taylor Smith and Trav Campbell dug in at the end of the day to help Langwarrin put a decent total on the board. Smith scored 43 runs, and Campbell scored an impressive unbeaten 54. Billy Humphrey was pick of the bowlers for Pines. He took 3/28.Dromana had a good day…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE enthusiastic members of the Frankston branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. are justly proud men today, for on Saturday last, at 3.30pm, the ceremony in connection with the laying of the foundation stone of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, in Thompson Street, was impressively performed by the Prime Minister of Australia (Mr. Bruce) in the presence of a large and representative attendance.The weather was ideal for the auspicious occasion. It is true that for a considerable space of time a somewhat belated atmosphere had been created by reason of a certain section of the Memorial Committee electing to…
Landslide blame game The catastrophic landslide at McCrae on 14 January has receded from the front pages and the TV news reports but that is of little comfort to the 19 owners evicted from their homes. In the meantime, South East Water has been active in examining their areas of responsibility but the shire is strangely silent.To any long time resident of the area the shire, over many years, is the body clearly at fault. It is the one responsible for drainage, issuing building permits and tree removals. The hillside at McCrae has had natural springs emerge for over 100…