RACV Cape Schanck Resort’s restaurant Samphire was joint winner of Hotel Restaurant of the Year at the 2026 Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence. The awards were held on 20 August at Crown Melbourne, and recognise the best venues, experiences, and teams from Victoria’s accommodation industry. RACV Cape Schanck Resort Manager Karl Henry said the team are all extremely proud of the award. “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition last night,” said Henry. “It is a really proud moment for our team at Samphire, who are passionate about providing an exceptional dining experience to all our guests.” Henry said what…
Author: mpnews
MORNINGTON Peninsula Legacy Club is gearing up to celebrate Legacy Week from 29 August to 5 September. The nationally celebrated week is Legacy’s main fundraising campaign and seeks to raise money to help support beneficiaries. Mornington Peninsula Legacy currently supports 515 beneficiaries on the peninsula. President Chuck Connors said Legacy helps beneficiaries grow and thrive despite adversity by providing services such as education, relief for financial hardship, and programs for easing social isolation. “Mornington Peninsula Legacy provide a range of services and support and care for families over a large area, commencing at Chelsea, running through Frankston, Mornington, Mt Eliza,…
By Barry Irving VETERANS and family assembled at the Rye RSL on Tuesday 18 August to reflect and pay their respects to fallen comrades, 60 years after the battle of Long Tan. The impact and legacy of war is still experienced by many who survived the conflict. The years have taken their toll with fewer returned veterans able to attend the service. There were 34 in attendance at Rye with eleven apologies. The service was conducted by Rye RSL President John Wilson LTCOL (ret). Peter Day LTCDR (ret) delivered both the address and Remembrance and Lords Prayers. Wreaths were laid…
MT Eliza Fire Brigade celebrated their 90th anniversary with a torchlight procession through the Mt Eliza Village on Friday (21 August).Over 100 participants from ten stations marched behind the students from the Mornington Secondary College’s marching band. First published in the Mornington News – 25 August 2026
Bird flu and green wedges AUSTRALIA’S recent bird flu outbreaks among penguins and seabirds should make us pause (Bird flu detected on the peninsula and Phillip Island, The News 18/8/26). While the virus is global, the impact here is intensified by how we continue to squeeze nature into ever-smaller pockets. Nature is starting to show the strain. Little penguins, terns, gulls and other coastal birds rely on healthy, uncrowded habitats to buffer them against disease. Wetlands play a crucial role: they disperse wildlife, reduce crowding, and support biodiversity that helps ecosystems absorb shocks. When wetlands are drained, fragmented or pushed…
PORTSEA Surf Life Saving Club have won Victorian Club of the Year at the 2026 Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence. The club took home the Sir Frank Beaurepaire Shield for the third time at the award show on 15 August. President Matt Mahon said it is great recognition for Portsea SLSC, who are now in the running for Australian Club of the Year. “I really do think and hope that it’s seen by our members as a win for everybody,” said Mahon. “We had a big crew of members at the actual awards night itself because we had finalists…
WHEN lifelong French Island resident Terry failed to show up for work one morning, his friends and co-workers knew something was wrong. What followed was a medical emergency that saw Terry one of the very first patients to be airlifted to the new helipad at Peninsula University Hospital. Terry has a history of epilepsy but admits he had become complacent about taking his medication. “It was 100 per cent my fault. I hadn’t been taking my tablets like I should have been,” said Terry. When colleagues realised Terry had not arrived for work, they began calling to check on him.…
PATIENTS at The Bays Hospital will benefit from new clinical equipment thanks to a combined $10,000 contribution from Mornington Rotary and Community Bank Mount Martha. The two local organisations have each contributed $5,000, with $5,000 going towards a new ECG machine for the hospital and a further $5,000 supporting the purchase of a new endoscope trolley. The new ECG machine is already making a difference to the nursing team, with its smaller, more compact design and faster technology making it easier to use at patients’ bedsides. Briars Ward Nurse Unit Manager Carly Steven said the upgrade would help nurses work…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE raising of the admission fee from 1/- to 1/6 for Peninsula Football Association semi-finals and finals has caused a chorus of dissent from supporters of the peninsula clubs. Reforms are always unpopular. It is not long since the charge was raised from 6d. to 1/-, and there was a great outcry then. The fact that other country centres have raised the price to 1/6 for the important semi-finals and finals was advanced as a reason why the Peninsula Football Association should do the same. Expressions of opinion from officials of the association, including the president…
THE Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula has led a delegation of local government leaders to Victorian Parliament to meet with Ministers and Shadow Ministers on priorities affecting the region ahead of the Victorian election this November. The delegation brought together representatives from the committee, Frankston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire to present a united advocacy agenda focused on fairer investment, health, planning, transport, roads, infrastructure, energy, homelessness, tourism and economic development. The Committee presented findings from its Benchmarking Frankston-Mornington Peninsula Analysis, which found the region contributes more tax but receives significantly less government investment than comparable regions such…
A MAJOR marine social-impact campaign is putting one of Victoria’s most important yet under-recognised marine environments in the spotlight, but it needs community and corporate support to reach the finish line. Western Port Down Under combines documentary storytelling, education, community engagement and conservation to reveal the remarkable natural and cultural stories of Western Port, inspiring schools, residents and visitors to explore, champion and care for the bay. The campaign is being led by local marine biologist, award-winning author and documentary maker Sheree Marris in partnership with the not-for-profit Unico Conservation Foundation. The team is currently focused on delivering the campaign’s…
A SERIES of fires this winter has highlighted the dangers hazardous items pose to our waste truck drivers and communities. Last week, a driver on a collection round in Rosebud noticed smoke coming from the truck’s hopper on Ninth Avenue. The driver was able to drive the truck down to the foreshore where firefighters met him in the Village Green carpark and extinguished the emerging fire. In July, a recycling bin on Spindrift Avenue in Flinders caught fire in the early hours of the morning while residents slept. The bin was already engulfed in flames when our driver entered the…
Where are theRomans when you need them? Fortunately, as a child, I enjoyed driving dodgem cars. That skill allowed me to drive via the Boneo Road to and from Flinders this week without bursting a tyre.Question. Has road building improved since the Romans in ancient times?One recent repair is about to disintegrate. The others are already tyre busters.If the ALP lose the November election, it is my view it won’t be because of the CFMEU, the Firefighters Union, Mick Gatto, cost overruns etc – but because of potholes! Ranald Macdonald, Capel Sound Blackspot funding choices Last September I attended a…
PORTSEA has been named a Victorian winner in the 2026 Top Tourism Town Awards, taking out the Tiny Tourism Town category and earning a place as a national finalist. The win follows strong community support for Portsea during the public voting period and recognises the town’s outstanding visitor experiences, coastal character, local stories and commitment to tourism. Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the award is a proud moment for Portsea and the wider Mornington Peninsula. “This is a wonderful achievement for Portsea and a credit to the local businesses, community members and visitors who helped showcase what makes this part…
By Colin Watt ON 16 August 2006 the Western Port Uniting Church’s Opportunity Shop, located in Disney Street Crib Point, was officially opened. Through the generosity of the Burley family, the parish was initially granted occupancy of the shop which was subsequently purchased by the Uniting Church. Since its opening, the Op Shop, staffed by dedicated volunteers, has served local communities by trading five days a week. It has accepted donations of household goods, clothing and sundry items and gained a reputation across the peninsula for its friendly staff and the quality of its merchandise. The winter months are generally…
By Lance Hodgins ABOUT 50 close friends, councillors and several generations of family members gathered in the Hastings Community Hub on Friday 7 August in special recognition of Brian Stahl OAM. Local councillor Michael Stephens rose to speak about this “very special man” who had given his life to Hastings and the wider Mornington Peninsula for over four decades. In summing up Brian’s life of service he explained that the problem was knowing where to stop. In local government, Brian was a councillor with the old Shire of Hastings for eight years, serving as president in 1992/3. He went on…
FRANKSTON Fire Brigade member Melissa Gourley has been formally commended by Ambulance Victoria following her response to a GoodSAM alert in Frankston South on 9 July. The attending MICA Paramedic praised Gourley’s exceptional actions at the scene of a cardiac arrest, particularly the compassionate emotional support she provided to the patient’s fiancé during an incredibly confronting and time-critical situation. Her support eased the burden on emergency crews, allowing paramedics to focus their full attention on patient care. Before ambulance crews arrived, Gourley provided care to the patient while relaying critical information to the 000 call-taker. She then delivered a clear…
THE Women’s Spirit Project (WSP) is launching a new free eight-week online program designed to help transform lives affected by trauma, burnout, isolation, and adversity. For the past eight years, the local registered charity has supported women navigating difficult times. WSP have taken into consideration the fact women often have busy schedules, financial stress, and/or children, and have designed a new flexible initiative. Juanita Sanger, Lead Facilitator, said their programs are built for women experiencing life’s challenges. “Whether it’s burnout, loss, mental health challenges, domestic violence or simply feeling stuck in survival mode,” said Sanger. To help break down any…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough At last Friday’s meeting of the Frankston and Hastings Shire Council further discussion took place relative to the financial position of the electric light undertaking. ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING The committee met on the 30th July, 1920. The committee considered the report of the Shire secretary and electric light manager upon the electricity undertaking. Moved by Cr. Brown, seconded by Cr Miles: That the committee adopt the recommendation. The causes of the drift are: (1) That owing to loan funds being exhausted extensions have had to be made out of revenue. (2) That the majority of…
ROSEBUD Police Station is among the first in the state to welcome a new Police Reservists. Reservists are former officers, many with decades of experience, taking on administrative duties like answering phones, processing paperwork, signing statutory declarations and taking crime reports, freeing up serving police to get out from behind the desk and back into the community. The first 50 reservists deployed across the state have an average of 21 years prior policing experience, with some bringing more than 40 years of service. Among them are retired officers returning to the same stations where they built their careers. It’s part…
PENINSULA Grange Retirement Community has celebrated its 15th anniversary with an afternoon of reflection and festivity. The celebration took place on 6 August and saw residents, staff, and leaders come together to reflect on the past 15 years. Garry Karro, Regional Operations Manager for Retirement Communities Victoria, said reaching 15 years means a lot to Australian Unity and all the residents at Peninsula Grange. “It’s great to see something that we actually built and put together now having a full life and full of residents and has been going now for 15 years,” said Karro. “Fifteen years is a great…
A NEW mural by local artist Tyson Savanah, known as Father Marker, now honours the life of Sammy the seal at Safety Beach. Sammy became a local icon earlier this year, drawn to the beaches between Rosebud and Mornington, with the Safety Beach boat ramp among his favourite resting spots. He gained national attention in April when he took a nap on Point Nepean Road near Anthony’s Nose, closing the road to traffic in both directions for six hours. Sammy died at Coral Cove, Mount Martha, on 12 May, prompting an outpouring of community affection. Tyson, who recently completed a…
One cold night in a car Friday 31 July was the coldest night of the year, and my husband and I were trying to sleep in our car. We’d barely settled when we heard a thin, high whine and thought a mosquito had got in. It took us a while to realise it wasn’t a mosquito. It was our blow-up mattress, slowly going down. We were there for the Southern Peninsula SleepOut, the first one, run by The Ranch with Southern Peninsula Community Support. A car site, a food pack like the ones the centre hands to people doing it…
FRANKSTON South golfer Will Veitch has taken home silver at the US Kids Golf World Championship. The championship took place in Pinehurst, North Carolina from 30 July to 1 August. Seven-year-old Will was tied for the lead after three rounds, before a four-hole playoff decided the title. Will said he was nervous, but it was exciting to get to compete. “It was really cool to play in the World Championship,” said Will. “I was a bit nervous in the playoff, but I just tried my best. I’m really proud of myself.” Will produced a standout performance in the Boys 7…
Over August 7–8, Somerville Highway Patrol members launched Operation Drive-Thru, targeting impaired drivers in the late afternoon and evening. On Friday 7 August they responded to 000 calls for 2 vehicles doing burnouts in Baxter Park. Both were located, with both drivers allegedly testing positive to illicit drugs. One person also received a cannabis caution after a small amount was found. On the same day, police were alerted to a vehicle doing just 20km/h on the freeway and swerving dangerously. The driver was found passed out behind the wheel. She was woken up and taken to hospital due to the…
MAYOR Stephen Batty is calling on all golfers, local businesses, and residents to get behind The Mayoral Charity Golf Day, raising funds to fight homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula. Mornington Peninsula has the highest rate of homelessness in Victoria. With long-term rental vacancies scarce and the few available properties out of reach for many. Cr Batty emphasised that homelessness is not a problem happening somewhere else. “Local families and elderly residents are increasingly being forced to sleep in cars and on our foreshores,” said Batty. “Every dollar raised on the day goes straight to the local support centres doing the…
TEN volunteers planted 29 trees across parks between the Esplanade and Barkly Street on National Tree Day (Sunday 26 July), continuing the Greenway project linking Mornington’s foreshore to the hinterland, via Mornington Station. It’s the second stage of planting, following 24 trees planted between Vale and Elizabeth streets, behind The Bays Hospital last winter (Rotary’s green vision springs to life,The News 14/8/25). The Greenway is part of a concept the Rotary Club of Mornington presented to council several years ago to create a green corridor connecting the foreshore to the hinterland. It aligns with council’s Urban Forest Strategy and the…
NEW regulations have been introduced for amusement ride operators following the death of Eugene Mahauariki at the Rye Carnival in 2017. The Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Amusement Structure) Regulations 2026 commenced on 29 July and introduced new design and item of plant registration and record keeping requirements. The reform is a result of a coronial inquest after six-year-old Eugene Mahauariki died after being ejected from a ride at the carnival in April 2017. WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said the new regulations are an important step for the carnival industry. “For the first time, WorkSafe will…
CAPEL Sound Community Group have obtained a $5000 grant to go towards disadvantaged students at Eastbourne Primary School. The money was granted by Community Bank Southern Peninsula and will help cover costs for camps, excursions, and school sports events. Bettyanne Foster, Secretary of Capel Sound Community Group, said they are proud to be able to give back to the local community. “Capel Sound Community Group is proud to be able to support our local community in this way, especially with the generosity of the Community Bank Southern Peninsula,” said Foster. She said Eastbourne Primary has a lot of students whose…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE agricultural and pastoral outlook in the Mornington district is most favourable, and one of the best for a considerable time. Early in the year it appeared that a serious drought was likely to be experienced, but in the past four months splendid falls have been recorded, and the ground has become splendidly soaked. Farmers then became jubilant about the outlook. There is now plenty of moisture to carry the crops on for several weeks. There have been some warm, sunny days and very few frosts. Crops show a vigorous growth. The area under cultivation is…