Compiled by Cameron McCulloughON Saturday the Somerville Tennis Club was entertained by the members of the Naval Base tennis team. For some time this trip had been awaited with interest by our tennis enthusiasts, twenty-five of whom were able to avail themselves of a day’s enjoyment among the Navy players.The weather was all that could be desired, and the motor trip of thirteen miles proved a most interesting journey.On either side of the road the blushing Jonathans on the trees spoke of a bounteous ingathering, while the undulating country, with the beautiful Westernport Bay, forming a background, made a delightful…
Author: mpnews
THE Mornington Peninsula Shire has teamed up with four other local councils to address high drowning rates. Mornington Peninsula Shire and Bass Coast Shire have joined forces to form the Bass Coast and Mornington Peninsula Cross Council Working Group Water Safety Framework. Through that initiative, they are collaborating with Cardinia Shire, City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey, and Belgravia Leisure to work on anti-drowning measures.There were more deaths in Mornington Peninsula coastal areas between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024 than there were in any other Victorian municipality. Surf Life Saving Australia’s annual National Coastal Safety Report showed…
A cross–generation take on IWD WHEN Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) member Maureen Donelly and 83-year-old Marg Madge joined ten young people to prepare for an International Women’s Day (IWD) craft activity at Mornington Peninsula Shire Youth Services “Corner Youth Hub” in Mornington, it soon emerged that an intergenerational approach was the way to go.The two groups came together over an IWD community consultation project conducted by SWAN’s Women Against Gender-based Violence group. For the craft component of the project the young people created the letters EQUALITY in the IWD theme colours: green, purple and white.“During this activity we exchanged…
MEALS on Wheels will keep on rolling in the community after the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Rosebud-based kitchen reached the end of its life. The current kitchen needs significant investment, but the council announced last week it would seek to partner with a “quality food service provider” experienced in producing meals that meet the stringent requirements of the aged care and health sector.“Council has been delivering Meals on Wheels for almost 50 years. Outsourcing the preparation of meals will allow council to continue to be a Meals on Wheels provider without spending significant capital funds on upgrading infrastructure,” said mayor Cr…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughJust as we go to press a reputable ratepayer advises us that this morning he witnessed the man in charge of the sanitary cart make use of the water trough on the Hastings road, near Addicott’s corner, in a manner that should not be tolerated in any well-governed community.It is alleged that the empty sanitary pans were taken from the cart, dipped in the trough and when filled with water replaced in the cart.If the above statement is correct, it is time that stringent action was taken against the offender. Mornington News. Marine Drive.The work of completing…
HUNDREDS of disgruntled locals joined Independent candidate for Flinders, Ben Smith, on Sunday to demand urgent action to save Rosebud Hospital. “The Rosebud Hospital is the only public hospital serving the entire peninsula, and it’s quite literally falling apart while both major parties have failed to secure the funding we desperately need,” Smith said.“Peninsula residents should not be forced to travel up to 80 kms away to Melbourne for urgent treatment. The neglect of the Rosebud hospital is just another example of our region being out of sight and out of mind for too long. We urgently need to change…
ABACUS Learning Centre in Hastings, which provides invaluable therapy and support for children with autism, is in desperate need of a shade sail for their students. That’s why an elected Coalition Government will provide $20,000 for the purchase and installation of a shade sail at Abacus Learning Centre.Our kids deserve safe outdoor play, without exposure to harmful UV rays. Australians suffer skin cancer at greater rates than any other country in the world, and the Mornington Peninsula has the highest rate of melanoma in Melbourne. At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.…
A FULL house attended the campaign launch of Labor Candidate for Flinders Sarah Race at the Hastings Bowling Club on Sunday.Race was officially introduced by Assistant Minister for Women, Ageing, and Social Security, Kate Thwaites MP, as Labor mounts its biggest-ever campaign for the seat of Flinders. Thwaites fired up the crowd, describing how Labor has supported working families and highlighted how a re-elected Labor government would continue to Build Australia’s Future. Thwaites spoke of the investments Labor is making for local families, including in Child Care, Aged Care, and Medicare – reforms that are making it easier for families…
Cat o’ nine tails? Victoria’s current crime epidemic is out of control. Premier Allan and the Victorian government must urgently stop it. Our police and judiciary need much stronger powers than they currently have to help them deal with this epidemic. Our current bail laws are quite inadequate. So bring back something really strong. Bring back corporal punishment. Bring back flogging. “What a really cruel thought” some might say. But are such punishments as cruel as having family members killed or maimed for life by unlicenced teenaged thugs causing major car accidents in stolen cars? The answer is a very…
Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man with reckless conduct endangering life and other offences following an investigation into an alleged assault and separate aggravated burglary. Officers were called to Simon Street, Hastings about 8.30am on 2 November 2024 after reports a man had been doused in flammable liquid and was chased by two men with a blow torch. The victim suffered minor injuries in the incident. Investigators believe one of the offenders was also involved in an alleged aggravated burglary on Stump Gully Road, Tuernong on 4 February. Investigators have been told a man broke into the…
Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following alleged assaults and attempted carjackings in Frankston yesterday morning. Officers responded to reports of a woman being assaulted near the intersection of Cranbourne and Lindrum roads about 11am. It is alleged a man threatened several people in a carpark. He allegedly approached a woman and made demands for her car keys, before assaulting her. Passers-by assisted the woman, who was not seriously injured, and the man fled the scene on foot. Police will allege the same man attended a nearby shop and assaulted a second woman, after making demands for…
By Dr Sarah Russell AFTER the heart-breaking revelations of the Aged Care Royal Commission, many of us hoped stories of neglect and poor treatment of older people were behind us. Not so on the Mornington Peninsula, thanks to our council leaving aged care.Mornington Peninsula Shire Council stopped providing aged care services in 2022 because of changes in the way the Federal Government funded aged care. Thousands of vulnerable older people were left without home care – some for several months. Then mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said the council wanted “to ensure our residents had a choice and the advantage of…
HELICOPTERS are scanning powerlines across the Mornington Peninsula over the next fortnight, as part of United Energy’s year-round bushfire mitigation and vegetation management program.People may see and hear the choppers, which fly about 300 metres above the ground and use technology known as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to scan the distance between tree branches and powerlines. Using the LiDAR data, United Energy teams create 3D models of powerlines and their surroundings, helping to inform what vegetation needs to be cut.United Energy’s Head of Vegetation Management, Ayce Cordy, said it was important that accurate measurements were taken of all vegetation…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough SHORTLY after seven o’clock on Friday night last, a storm of more than average violence swept over Frankston.During the afternoon the heavy clouds presaged that an abnormal change in the weather was imminent, but beyond an occasional shower, nothing transpired until later, as already stated.Then, and almost without premonition, the storm burst in all its fury. Dust, which had been lying dormant for days, was swept along the thoroughfares of usually peaceful Frankston; doors in houses banged in unison; open windows rattled ominously and cleanly people rushed to close them.The gale continued to increase in velocity,…
Ask these questions of election candidates Congratulations and thank you to the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula on the excellent federal election candidate forum held on 14 February in Mornington.Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) was very pleased to attend and hear all candidates acknowledging the critical issue of the housing and homelessness crisis on the Mornington Peninsula.The plight of our homeless, the lack of social housing and the unfairness of housing affordability is a huge problem both for our business sector trying to attract a stable well-trained workforce, and for our community support organisations trying to find homes for…
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.…
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;…