MORNINGTON MP Chris Crewther joined a large contingent of retirement village residents on Bungower Road last Wednesday (15 July) to catch the newly rerouted 784 bus into Mornington for a coffee. The bus route has been altered to take into account the public transport dependent retirement village resident in the area. “It was exciting board the new 784 bus service with residents of Beleura Village and Peninsula Grange,” said Crewther. “Residents and I have been advocating for this service for years, to what were unused bus shoulders. “They now have a bus service for the first time, along with Mornington…
Author: mpnews
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is seeking community feedback on its draft Arts, Culture, and Events Plan, which has been placed on public exhibition for six weeks. The plan outlines the shire’s ten-year investment and support approach to the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, public art, the creative sector, festivals and events, and cultural heritage. The draft will be available online for public consultation and feedback until 19 August. Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the draft plan reflects the community’s interest in the future of arts and culture. “The plan reflects on what makes our peninsula’s creative community distinctive and sets the direction…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will hold the free Dying to Know Day event on Thursday 6 August at the Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington, giving locals a chance to speak openly about death, dying and end-of-life planning. The event will commence at 10.30am, with the program wrapping up by 12.30pm and a light lunch to follow. Dying to Know Day is part of a national push to challenge the discomfort around discussing death and encourage more people to plan ahead. This year’s theme, ‘Nobody Knows’, is a reminder to share end-of-life wishes with loved ones. Expert speakers will unpack key aspects…
Police arrested a man in Melbourne’s south-east this morning as part of an ongoing investigation into drugs and money laundering, which has seen over $17M worth of property restrained across the state. Detectives from the Mornington Divisional Response Unit and Criminal Proceeds Squad executed a warrant at a Scotch Avenue, Keysborough address shortly after 5.30am on Tuesday, 21 July. A 40-year-old Keysborough man was arrested at his property and will now be interviewed by police. Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad proactively commenced an investigation in 2023 after identifying an increase in the number of cannabis grow houses that had…
A senior constable from southern region has been charged following an internal investigation. The 40-year-old man has been charged with one count of sexual exposure. The incident occurred on 24 April while the police officer was on-duty. Police will allege he was not in uniform or performing police duties at the time.He was charged on summons to appear before a magistrates’ court at a later date.
A NEW monthly service will be launching in August to provide free career counselling to young people on the peninsula. Mornington Peninsula Shire has partnered with Chisholm Institute to help provide support to young people aged 15 to 25 years old. The counselling will take place at the Tounnin Wominjeka Youth Hub in Rosebud and will help attendees explore different pathways into education, training, and employment. One-hour appointments will be available between 10am and 4pm on the first Thursday of each month. Mayor Stephen Batty said this new service will help young people make informed decisions about their future. “Choosing…
Resigned at the first appropriate opportunity I’d like to respond to last week’s letter suggesting I delayed my resignation so the Briars Ward by-election could not be held earlier (Briars Ward concern, Letters 14/7/26). It would not have been appropriate to resign before the result of the Nepean by-election was declared. I was declared elected at approximately 10am on 14 May and resigned immediately afterwards. It was a privilege to serve the people of Briars Ward, and I thank them for the support they showed me over many years. I also thank the people of Nepean for the faith they…
LAST week, the WPBA Big V players took to the court in a uniform with a story as significant as any result on the scoreboard. Designed by local Bunurong artist Carla Lauch for Basketball Victoria’s First Nations Round, the design reflects the story of Somerville Recreation Centre, home to WPBA. From the fire that destroyed the centre, to its rebuild by the shire, standing today as a symbol of community resilience and renewal. For a club whose pathway has now produced a player heading to the United States, the uniform is a fitting reminder. What’s built locally, brick by brick,…
RUGBY By David Burke ON Saturday (18 July) the Peninsula Dolphins rugby league third grade men’s side headed to Bruce Comben reserve in Altona to face the Hume Eagles for the second time in a month. Hoping to square the ledger after a 26-16 loss in Boronia on 27 June, the side was confident they had prepared well for the second meeting. However, the Dolphins were quickly put on the back foot with Hume coming out firing and scoring two quick tries and one conversion in the opening ten minutes. The Dolphins kept their composure and directed their focus on…
After a triumphant 2025 tour that played to standing ovations across the state, this delightful and rarely performed masterpiece returns for one performance only in a wonderful opportunity to experience it here on the Mornington Peninsula. Full of warmth, wit, and irresistible melody, The Merry Wives of Windsor showcases Lyster Opera at its most vibrant – sparkling ensemble work, lively storytelling, and a genuine affection for this charming score. Performances of this opera are few and far between, making this revival a rare chance to encounter one of the hidden gems of the repertoire in a fresh, engaging production. The performance will take place at Rye Civic…
At 82, with an exhibition history spanning more than six decades behind him, celebrated Australian painter Christopher Pyett paints in his Pearcedale studio every day. His practice is disciplined and meditative, while driven by enquiry and experimentation. His exuberant collection of new works will be on display at the Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery from now until October 25. All made within the past five years, these abstract paintings represent Pyett’s sensitivity to the rhythm and character of colour, and his unparalleled knowledge of colour theory. https://mcclelland.org.au/exhibitions/christopher-pyett-years-of-colour
Compiled by Cameron McCullough NOT many years ago Beach Road was covered with ti-tree, with only a track for vehicles to pass through. In quite a number of places the road was practically impassable and a detour had to be made to Cranbourne road involving a distance of a mile further for residents living at the east end of the road. Some of the land in the vicinity of Beach Road commands a magnificent outlook over the bay, and for this reason when opened up for subdivisional purposes was eagerly bought by those anxious to secure homes in close proximity…
DADS, stepdads, grandfathers and other significant male role models with a child under four are invited to a new free program at Mornington Library called Books, Blokes and Bubs. The program responds to the growing recognition of the role fathers and male caregivers play in a child’s development, and the need for dedicated spaces where they can build connections and confidence. Books, Blokes and Bubs offers a relaxed environment where participants can spend time with their children while connecting with other dads and caregivers. Each session includes a free coffee, storytime, and opportunities for shared play and conversation. The initiative…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire carried out a precautionary review of all shire-managed sporting reserves with synthetic cricket wicket covers, following the death of a player at Lalor Recreation Reserve in the City of Whittlesea. The review was completed ahead of winter sport on the weekend of 11–12 July to ensure sporting fields remained safe for players, officials and the community. Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the shire’s thoughts were with the family, friends and football community affected by the incident. “While this incident did not occur on the peninsula, it was important to proactively review our own sporting fields ahead of…
PET owners, particularly those with cats, are being urged to watch closely for signs of illness after the H5N1 avian influenza virus was confirmed in wild seabirds in three Australian states. The virus was first detected on the Australian mainland on 14 June, when a brown skua was found sick at Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, Western Australia. It was confirmed as HPAI H5N1 later that month. Since then, detections have spread to South Australia and as of July to New South Wales, with six confirmed cases nationally. There is no evidence yet of spread to poultry or…
Really disappointing For at least six weeks the signs on Boneo Road (pictured) have been tampered with opposite the council offices. The Primary School, Community Hall and Allambi Avenue now point (through the actions of some idiot) towards Flinders while Allambi Avenue has morphed into Boneo Road. Having reported it a number of times in person to our council – no action. If I wasn’t 88, I would adjust it using a sledge hammer, as friends have got lost trying to get to us. Surely one of our many council employees, councillors or even the Mayor have noticed this vandalism on…
RUGBY By David Burke LAST Friday night (10 July) the Peninsula Dolphins senior women’s tag team headed out to Casey Fields in Cranbourne to face the top of the ladder side, Casey Warriors. After coming off a bye due to state representative City verses Country rugby league round (July 4) the team went in feeling very confident. Over the last fortnight the team had trained in all conditions from pouring rain to a night so foggy they almost couldn’t see each other from 15 metres apart. The weather didn’t stop the enthusiasm and commitment to prepare for matches in any…
The new seven-day route will connect Hastings and Mornington, improving access to jobs, schools, retirement villages, shops and local services.The route will also improve public transport coverage along the western section of High Street in Hastings and connect with Frankston-bound buses at Mornington town centre.“The community has asked for a cross-peninsula bus service for decades. I listened, I advocated, and I am so proud that we are delivering this service, thanks to the Allan Labor government,” said Hastings MP Paul Mercurio.“It will enable you to head to work, school or appointments on both sides of the peninsula, making it easier…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) invites the community to a rich winter exhibition season, featuring leading contemporary artists, new commissions and interactive experiences for all ages. Helen Britton: The Story So Far, an Australian Design Centre’s Living Treasures: Masters of Australian Craft touring exhibition, Natalia Miłosz-Piekarska: Sifted Light, In the Company of Animals from the MPRG Collection, Synthetic Memories, and a dedicated children’s activation space designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Internationally acclaimed artist Helen Britton presents The Story So Far, a personal exhibition exploring memory and creative legacy. Grounded in photographic documentation of her great aunt’s home on Yaegl…
REPOWER Mornington Peninsula, a volunteer run not for profit group, is running a series of short and snappy webinars to help residents make their homes more comfortable, on a budget. The first one, Draft Proofing and Insulation is on Wednesday 29 July, 7 – 7.40pm. Do you or someone you know live in a drafty, poorly insulated house? Of all the steps you can take to make your home cosier and cheaper to run, eliminating drafts is the first one. It is not expensive and is something even renters can do. Good insulation does cost a bit more for homeowners,…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough AT the Shire Council meeting Inst Friday opportunity was given “The Standard” representative, by the Shire president to present each councillor with an enlarged photograph, showing the councillors and officers seated at the council table on the occasion of the first meeting in the new municipal chambers. Cr. Oates said he was pleased to accept the photo from “The Standard” and referred to the fine spirit now existing between the local paper and the council. Such a spirit would have magnificent results throughout the district generally. The local press was doing all that was possible to…
THE 30th annual National Tree Day is coming up on Sunday 26 July. All across Australia, people will be joining together to connect with nature and care for Country by planting trees and revegetating important areas that will help wildlife and nature to thrive. Here on the Mornington Peninsula, the Sunshine Reserve Conservation Group have been working hard for 10 months to prepare the Upper Sunshine site for this year’s planting. Invasive, prickly blackberries have been removed, other weeds such as watsonia, boneseed and arum lilies have been dug out, mulch has been laid, and the site is now ready…
ANTI-theft devices have been installed across the shire’s reserves to crack down on the increase in copper theft. The thefts have affected public infrastructure in several locations, disrupting community sport and placing additional pressure on already busy recreation spaces. The shire has spent more than $100,000 investigating and repairing damage caused, with several sporting clubs needing to relocate training sessions and games while repairs are carried out. The shire’s building maintenance, sports development and open space planning teams are working with electrical service providers to identify and install preventative measures. When the shire is made aware of copper theft or…
Interesting letters in last week’s papers There were some interesting letters in last weeks paper. First up Maureen Donelly (Australia should embrace multiculturalism, Letters 30/6/26) who certainly sees things differently to me. She wrote “my doctor is Polish, my dentists are Egyptian and Indian and a Pakistani taxi driver is there if I need him”. If we can assume that Maureen doesn’t rack up a huge airline bill to visit her doctor and dentist then I would guess they are actually Australians of a diferent background. It’s sad that we still have people that only see foreigners instead of seeing…
TO maintain safe access to the boat ramp and jetties, sand dredging will commence at Mornington’s Schnapper Point on 13 July, while the Victorian Government’s boat ramp upgrade continues.Mornington Peninsula Shire has appointed a contractor to complete the dredging works, with Parks Victoria issuing the relevant work permits.The dredging will complement the larger boat ramp upgrades, adjusting sand levels to allow boats and watercraft to safely access boating infrastructure. First published in the Mornington News – 7 July 2026
FOLLOWING their critically acclaimed, sell-out summer season of Romeo and Juliet, the Mornington Peninsula Theatre Company (MPtc) returns this July with a captivating new production of Karel Čapek’s 1920 masterpiece, R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots). Running from Wednesday, 8 July to Sunday, 12 July at Bellamy Hall on Albert Street in Mornington, this edge-of-your-seat drama marks an exciting thematic shift for the beloved local not-for-profit company. Founded by passionate Peninsula theatre visionaries Jonty Reason and Donna Johnstone, MPtc has become a cultural staple by stripping classic stories down to their raw essence through a modern, minimalist style. While R.U.R. famously introduced…
By Tony Duboudin CHILDREN and adults turned out in numbers to try out some of the different bicycles on show at the official opening of the Classic Bicycle Gallery in Hastings on Sunday (28 June). The brainchild of local businessman Alan Duke and his family, the gallery is home to around 1000 bicycles from Penny Farthings onwards. The names many of us remember from childhood like Malvern Star and Raleigh are represented along with scores of other brands. The collection includes retro and exotic machines, oddballs, and historic bicycles. The gallery aims to show the history of pedal-powered machines and…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough MRS. Peebles has received word that her eldest daughter, Gladys, who left Australia on May 15, 1915, to “do her bit” in the Great War, is returning home early in July on the “Pakeha” with her husband and children. Nurse Peebles went on duty on July 1, 1915, and “carried on” all through those strenuous years. She joined Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Nursing Staff, and at the time of the signing of the Armistice had attained the rank of Sister. Leave was rare and scanty over there, but there are many of our returned men who met…
ROUGH sleeping has reached crisis proportions on the Mornington Peninsula and, as winter starts to bite, Southern Peninsula Community Support will host a Winter SleepOut on Friday 31 July, to raise awareness and much-needed funds for its critical frontline work. SPCS CEO Jeremy Maxwell says the Mornington Peninsula has the highest number of rough sleepers in Victoria, and the escalating homelessness crisis in the area is stretching capacity to respond. “We are seeing increasing numbers of people sleeping rough every day, and we are completely overstretched. Seven people have died on the foreshore in the last 18 months. We receive…
BETWEEN 5-12 July, communities across Australia will celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, marking a significant milestone in recognising and celebrating the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The anniversary pays tribute to the Elders, organisers, artists and communities whose leadership, strength and commitment have sustained the movement and helped it grow over the past five decades. Mornington Peninsula Shire is inviting the community to mark the occasion with a range of events taking place across libraries, community spaces and on Country. The 2026 NAIDOC Week theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, honours the enduring strength…