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…
Author: mpnews
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,…
Ban jet skis at Safety Beach Having spent four weeks of my holidays at Safety Beach with lots of swimming, every day I was in danger of these hoons on jet skis. They go too fast in the restricted areas, and probably don’t have a boat licence or know the rules. I never saw one Water Police boat in all that time. When some one is killed or badly injured then the authorities may do something. But that will be too late. Allan Dickson, Carrum Downs Jet ski enforcement It is to be hoped that the campaign described on the…
JORDAN Doull has claimed his second Challenger Tour of Australasia title, securing victory in a wild finish to Webex Players Series Victoria hosted by Marcus Fraser at Rosebud Country Club on Sunday. The win came after a dramatic four-hole play-off against last week’s Vic Open champion Cam John, with the pair locked at 12-under-par at the completion of regular play after an afternoon-long duel. They finished one shot ahead of amateur Billy Dowling and WA PGA winner Austin Bautista. Doull, who had led by two shots before making a double-bogey at the 71st hole, eventually sealed the trophy when he…
By Lesley McMillan AUSTRALIA Day has delivered a moment decades in the making for one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most respected racing identities, with local legend Michael Binney capturing the 2026 Barmah Park Balnarring Cup in emotional fashion. Binney’s home-bred mare Diamanda powered to a dominant four-length victory, carrying a record 77kg, sealing one of the most memorable wins in the history of the Balnarring Picnic Racing Club. For the 79-year-old horseman, it was not just a race win, but the fulfilment of a lifelong dream forged through generations of racing heritage, perseverance and deep community ties. Racing runs deep…
Diving for a meal of wild abalone in Port Phillip is something special, enjoyed by lots of people every summer. To keep the bay’s abalone stocks healthy, we all need to do our bit, which includes abiding by bag and size limits. Fisheries Officers recently focused their efforts on the bay, apprehending 2 men at Mt Eliza with 147 abalone, 144 of which were undersize. The daily limit is 5 abalone per person. Both men will be charged on summons. For everything you need to know about abalone, including open days in Port Phillip along with bag and size limits…
THE Rotary Club of Hastings Western Port has donated more than $40,000 to local clubs, schools and community organisations over the past year. The funding has supported a wide range of community groups, including local football clubs, the Hastings Men’s Darts Club and the Hastings Ladies Netball Club, which received a contribution to help with savings and ongoing development. Education has also been a strong focus for the club, with Rotarians working closely alongside primary schools. Initiatives have included the provision of breakfast club support to help ensure students start the day well, as well as hosting a barbecue for…
ON Saturday, 7 March, McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery will transform into a sonic sanctuary as Sculpted Sounds debuts. This one-day festival has an impressive lineup set against native bushland and world-class sculpture. Leading the charge is Ball Park Music, the Brisbane indie-rock icons whose latest album Like Love soared to number one on the ARIA charts in 2025. With five ARIA Top 5 albums and platinum singles un-der their belt, expect a set brimming with euphoric energy and heartfelt lyricism. Sharing the spotlight is Sarah Blasko, a voice that has shaped Australian music for over two decades. Her seventh…
NOMINATIONS for the 2026 Victorian Sport Awards have officially opened, celebrating sport and active recreation in Victoria last year. Eighteen awards will recognise individual and team athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel, and initiatives that encourage others to stay active. Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted via the Vicsport website until 13 February. Following the nomination period, judging panels will select four finalists for each award, with finalists announced in March. First published in the Mornington News – 27 January 2026