Two men are facing up to 25 years behind bars over their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking operation spanning Melbourne’s southeast, after police seized $1 million worth of cocaine during early morning raids across several bayside suburbs. From 4am on Thursday, detectives from the Caulfield Divisional Response Unit – with assistance from the Prahran and Mornington Peninsula Divisional Response Units – executed eight search warrants at four homes in Aspendale, Mordialloc and Parkdale; two gyms in Mordialloc and South Melbourne; a storage facility in Braeside, and a factory in Moorabbin. Inside the storage facility, police discovered approximately 3kg of…
Author: mpnews
If you’re planning a Peninsula weekend, the Red Hill Show returns on Saturday 7 March with a full day of country spectacle and family entertainment. Held at the Red Hill Showgrounds, the 98th Red Hill Show brings together the energy of the Woodchop Arena, livestock judging, working dog demonstrations and colourful pavilion competitions, alongside carnival rides, pony rides and hands-on animal experiences for children. Assistant Secretary Kerri Egan says the Show offers something increasingly rare, a genuine country show experience close to home. “It’s a chance to see real competition in the arena, from woodchop to livestock, while the kids…
THE Flinders Fringe Festival is back for 2026, offering over 50 events on the Mornington Peninsula from 26 February to 1 March. In its fourth year, this year’s line-up celebrates local artists, featuring a diverse mix of new works, returning favourites, and emerging voices that showcase the depth and character of creativity across the region. Audiences can look forward to an inspiring program of visual arts, live performance, music, literary events, hands-on workshops, and community gatherings, ranging from locally inspired storytelling and contemporary cabaret to Australian premieres and intergenerational experiences. This year’s program continues the festival’s commitment to providing a…
THE Peninsula Aero Club (PAC) has been announced as the 2025 Australian Aero Club of the Year. This prestigious National Wings Award is given by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, in partnership with the Royal Aeronautical Association and Australian Flying. In addition to having flight training schools located across four locations (Tyabb, La Trobe Valley, Barwon Heads and Warrnambool), PAC also provides valuable flight transport infrastructure for its members, guests and critical emergency services operations across the Mornington Peninsula. As home to Australia’s first Air Ambulance service, the Angel of Mercy, PAC continues its strong heritage of putting a culture…
THE ninth Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee will take place on Saturday 14 March 2026 at Emu Plains Reserve. The event is family friendly; entry is by donation and the entire program is organised and realised by a dedicated group of community volunteers. Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee continues to be an event where the community can gather to share, begin conversations and walk with First Peoples. One of many of its goals is to “honour and celebrate First Nations Peoples cultures, celebrating where First Nations peoples have come from and all they have achieved and continue to achieve”. The festival is…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough AT the Mornington Court on Friday last Mr. D. Berriman, the Coroner, held an injury into the death of George Cook, who was well-known in the Peninsula, and who was killed in a collision at Pt. Nepean crossing, between a motor car driven by himself and the 8.30am motor train from Frankston on January 5. Mr. C. J. Walker, an accountant of Essendon, who identified the body of Geo. Cook, said that deceased was a careful driver and had never drank. Dr. Somers stated that he attended to the victims of the accident on 5th January.…
Engagement vs Endorsement Recent discussion of the Mount Martha Village project highlights a key community issue: the difference between engagement and endorsement. The consultation attracted strong participation, with 488 survey responses and five written submissions on three key elements: a carpark upgrade, centre island works, and a proposed footpath. The results reflected a divided community. The carpark upgrade received 51.9% support, largely conditional on keeping the design simple and natural, while 40% opposed it. The centre island works were opposed by 55.97% of respondents, with only 31.62% in support. The footpath proposal had 48.82% support and 44.34% opposition. For a…
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following an alleged burglary at a sporting facility in Boneo. Police were called following a burglary at a sporting facility on Boneo Road, Boneo on 7 February. It is alleged an unknown man forced entry to the building and stole over $11,000 in prize money and salaries for an upcoming competition. Several computers were also stolen along with a number of personal items belonging to staff members. On 17 February, police arrested a 34-year-old man from Cranbourne. Police will further allege the man also stole a number of items, including…
Detectives from Taskforce Icarus have this week charged two people and seized over $15m worth of LSD and almost $100,000 in cash and cryptocurrency as part of a joint investigation with US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) into the alleged importation, exportation and manufacture of LSD tabs. The LSD seizure is the largest ever in Victoria and believed to be one of the biggest in Australian history. The investigation commenced in the USA in September 2024 after HSI identified what was established to be the importation from Australia of border-controlled drugs. After determining the person of interest lived in Australia, HSI…
WITH the federal subsidy on home batteries, state rebates on solar panels and increasing electricity bills, many people are realising there is no time like the present to invest in home renewable energy and storage. Repower Mornington Peninsula and Flinders Zero Carbon Community will be hosting another “Solar and batteries – Is now the time?” forum at Flinders Civic Centre on Sunday 15 March at 3pm. As before, there will be a presentation by an independent expert from the Yarra Energy Foundation, followed by a demonstration of the innovative tool ‘Repower and Save’ that enables research on electric products, prices…
MORNINGTON Green Living Legacy Gardens will unveil the world’s largest sunflower later this month, offering locals a rare chance to see the enormous floral landmark up close. Created from 3000 individual sunflower plants arranged to form one spectacular giant bloom, the installation will be open to the public for one weekend only from 20-22 February. The display returns for its third year after the success of the 2025 event, which drew thousands of visitors. The sunflower sits at the heart of Mornington Green’s Living Legacy Forest, a world first initiative that transforms processed ashes into nutrients that help grow memorial…
REGIS Mornington resident John Taylor was surrounded by family and friends on 10 February to celebrate his centenary. John’s journey began in the sunny streets of Merbein, where he attended Merbein West Primary School before continuing on to Mildura High School. Growing up in a lively household of four siblings, one brother and two sisters, John learned the value of connection, laughter, and resilience early on. John began his working life at just 15, stepping into the role of Junior Clerk with the railways in Merbein, a formative start that set the tone for his dedication and reliability. By age…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough On Sunday a fire started on the old Langwarrin camp site, and taking a course from Robinson’s Road, on the Langwarrin side, swept through the property of Mr. Alex. Russell and entered the paddocks of Messrs. Geo. Young and Harry Docwin, where the fire-fighters succeeded in stopping the advance. A great body of fire rushed down on the property of Mr. Newton Holdsworth, and although valiant efforts were made to combat the flames the homestead and adjoining buildings were soon ablaze, and in an incredibly short time were reduced to ashes. Mr. Holdsworth made several unsuccessful…
MORNINGTON Yacht Club’s Schnapper Point Regatta 2026 concluded on Sunday after a competitive weekend of racing that drew strong participation from sailors across Victoria in the 29ers, ilcas, i14s, 420s, sabres, 125s and optis. Held on 14–15 February, the long-running regatta attracted over 120 competitors, supported by more than 70 volunteers, officials, and race management personnel. This year’s event carried added significance as Mornington Yacht Club celebrates its 80th anniversary, while the Schnapper Point Regatta itself continues a tradition spanning more than 40 years on Port Phillip. The regatta program also incorporated the ILCA Victorian 2026 Under-21 Championship, proudly sponsored…
MORE than 100 golfers converged on the Valley Golf Club at Safety Beach on 6 February for a Charity Golf Day in support of the Save Rosebud Hospital campaign. Players enjoyed a lively day on the course, with drink shots offered at the notoriously tricky 12th hole water hazard – an added incentive to clear the water on the first attempt. Buggies buzzed across the fairways as participants embraced the fun and fundraising spirit. After lunch, a well supported raffle was drawn, featuring valuable prizes donated by local businesses that had rallied behind the cause. Winners warmly welcomed the prizes,…
Elections are coming With the local by-election, closely followed by a Victorian state election, who do we vote for? Federally the situation is reflective of our state. Labor making strange decisions, and Liberal operating a revolving door of leaders, the far right and green left on the rise. Who will reclaim the middle vote? Locally there is a cry of climate change response, yet the Victorian government builds underground train stations. Who will use them when the suburbs they serve flood by rising seas, turning rails into drains? Federally they invite the head of the Israeli government to pacify a…
CRIB Point pool has celebrated a significant milestone, marking 50 years of operation with a vibrant anniversary event. Opened in 1975, the outdoor pool has long been a central part of life in Crib Point, hosting swimming lessons, carnivals and family fun days, while providing a daily meeting place for locals who begin their mornings with a swim as the sun rises. A recent golden anniversary celebration saw families, long-time patrons and first-time visitors to the pool to share in the occasion. Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said the milestone highlighted the value of shared spaces within the community. “Crib Point…
By Barry Irving RYE Women’s football has added two new coaches to its staff list this season. Head coach Scott Gathercole has been reappointed for his third season. Support coaches assistant coach Vicki O’Sullivan and skills coach Gary Sanford bring finals experience and player skills to the team. In 2012 when there was no youth girls football on the Mornington Peninsula, Vicki instigated a Mornington Peninsula youth girls team, which played under the MPJFL banner in an AFL South East Youth Girls competition at Casey Fields Cranbourne. Two years later MPJFL established its own youth girls competition, made up of…
THE statewide Walk in Her Shoes exhibition will be on display on the Mornington Peninsula next month, bringing the lived experiences of women facing homelessness into the public spotlight. Hosted at Mornington Central Shopping Centre from 2-16 March, the exhibition shares real stories of women who have experienced housing insecurity, aiming to build understanding and challenge common misconceptions about homelessness. The exhibition comes as homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula continues to rise. The region now records the highest number of people sleeping rough in Victoria and the highest proportion of women experiencing homelessness among local government areas that collect this…
OVER the last few months, Mornington Community Support Centre has seen a huge increase in households needing support, particularly with food relief. Our team has been working round the clock to ensure we can keep up with demand. Ben Smith CEO Mornington Community Support Centre said “We have been the proud recipient of funds from Mt Martha Community Bank to assist our Fresh Food program deliver quality food to local individuals and families. Since July 2025, we’ve rescued over $500,000 in food, going straight into the hands of local households struggling with the cost of living. This food would otherwise…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough A COMMITTEE meeting was held on Monday evening last when there were present: Messrs. T. Ritchie, P. McArthur, A. D. Kerr, J. E. Somers, E. Swift, T. J. McMurtrie, A. Bartlett, G. Bidgood, C. D. Robertson, J. Houfe, J. Kelleher, P. Olsen, and H. Downward, secretary. Messrs. R. C. Holman, H. Golds, and Cr. J. L. Pratt represented the Frankston Returned Soldiers’ branch. The preliminary balance-sheet of Cup meeting showed a profit of about £256, the race books returning a clear profit of £56. The secretary reported an excellent entry of 116 entries to date for…
MOONLIT Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park has officially opened a new Aquatic Fauna Conservation Facility, marking a significant step forward in its 25 years of wildlife conservation. The purpose-built facility in Pearcedale will support the conservation of threatened freshwater species through long-term care, research and breeding programs. It features advanced environmental controls and adaptable tank systems, allowing staff to closely replicate natural freshwater conditions including management of water quality, temperature and habitat structure. The first species to be housed in the facility is the endangered Eastern Dwarf Galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla), a small native freshwater fish found in parts of Victoria, Tasmania…
A COUPLE of intrepid Balnarring Beach women are hitting the road this autumn, and driving the length of Australia in seven days in a car rally with a twist. Jane Pincott and Mel Poll are team “Double Parked” that will drive their $1500 car from Port Douglas to Melbourne in the “Shitbox Rally” to raise money for charity. Shitbox Rally is not a race, but a challenge to drive cars worth $1500 through outback Australia via some of its toughest roads to raise money for cancer research. The event has raised more than $61m since the first rally in 2010.…
THE findings of the Clean Up Australia Litter Report FY25 have been released, revealing that plastics continue to be the number one litter type found in Australia’s streets, parks, bushlands and waterways, representing 80.8% of all counted litter. Concerningly, cigarette butts, also made of plastic, are now the most littered individual item, representing 23.6% of all counted litter. Clean Up Australia Chair, Pip Kiernan said: “Ahead of this year’s Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March, we hope that releasing this report draws attention to the changes needed to stop waste at its source. The litter that our incredible…
SOUTH East Water’s major upgrade at Mount Martha Water Recycling Plant has passed a key milestone towards delivering a more resilient and sustainable wastewater service for the Mornington Peninsula’s growing population. Upgrade operations have completed the base slabs of the two new clarifier tanks that are being constructed to relieve capacity constraints in the secondary treatment system. Clarifier tanks are large tanks or basins designed to remove solids from water by settling. Once the clarifier upgrade is fully completed, the wastewater treatment plant will become more resilient to severe weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, which can put additional pressure…
Demanding our fair share I am writing in response to last week’s article on homelessness (Foreshore fury over abandoned homeless camp, The News 3/2/26), which details some of the major homelessness and sleeping-rough challenges the southern Mornington Peninsula faces. Most of your readers will know that the Mornington Peninsula now has the unenviable claim of having the highest rate of people sleeping-rough in metropolitan Melbourne. The article contains a quote from the Victorian government, which cites the peninsula’s 4,500 Airbnb homes as a critical factor in this problem, and that’s why “the short stay levy is critical to building more…
A recycling truck caught fire in Mount Martha on Thursday morning after hazardous materials were incorrectly placed in a household bin. The incident occurred shortly before 8am when the driver noticed smoke coming from the truck and immediately contacted emergency services. Following their advice, the driver took the burning load to Ferrero Reserve where fire crews were waiting. Firefighters extinguished the blaze before the truck’s contents were emptied in the car park. The materials were sorted on-site, with contaminated items taken to landfill. The area has since been fully cleaned up. While not yet confirmed, we suspect that a battery sparked this fire. Hazardous waste, such as batteries and e-waste, should never be disposed of in household bins because they pose…
A DEAF rescue dog from the Mornington Peninsula is being celebrated nationally for a decade of quiet but powerful advocacy that has changed lives – both human and canine. Willow, an 11-year-old Bull Arab cross from Bittern, has been named the recipient of the All Rescues Are Special Medal as part of the 2026 Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards, recognising her extraordinary impact on deaf dog education, inclusion and adoption across Australia. Alongside her human, Joanne Heyman, who is also deaf, Willow has spent nearly ten years proving that deafness is not a limitation. “The impact Willow…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE Frankston Fire Brigade had a busy time during the early part of the week in assisting to quell scrub fires in various parts of the district. Members of the brigade responded promptly to each alarm, and under the direction of their captain, Mr. D. H. Petrie, did very effective work. On Sunday evening a fire assumed alarming proportions in the scrub along Humphries Road and scores of residents with the Frankston Fire Brigade, turned out to do battle with the flames. Fortunately no homesteads were destroyed, although seriously threatened. The fire fighters did good service…
RACV is urging parents to familiarise themselves with e-scooter and e-bike laws as more than one million Victorian students head back to school. RACV head of policy James Williams said many children may have received e-scooters or e-bikes as Christmas gifts, but some families may not understand the legal restrictions or safety risks. “Electric bikes and electric scooters are not toys. E-scooters are illegal for children under 16 on Victorian roads and footpaths, and they pose serious risks to riders and pedestrians given they can travel up to 25kph,” Williams said. RACV is funding a statewide study into e-scooter injuries,…