MELBOURNE-based artist Michael Vale’s exhibition The Cuckoo, the Herring and the Trembling Tambourines fuses Romantic traditions, absurdist theatre, dark fiction, and mischievous humour. His works invite viewers into worlds where drama and comedy collide, where the familiar and uncanny coexist, and where every detail – gathered through years of observation, travel, and study – is carefully reimagined. Vale has spent much of his life exploring the world and absorbing its artistic treasures, collecting subtle details from old master paintings and popular imagery and absorbing them into his own, imaginative, visual language. Vale began his career as a scenic artist, painting…
Author: mpnews
RESIDENTS are being encouraged to green their gardens this autumn with the return of The Briars Nursery’s popular free plant giveaway. Running across several days from late March into early April, the initiative will allow local households to collect up to three free indigenous plants, while stocks last. The giveaway is open exclusively to Mornington Peninsula residents, with proof of address required on collection. The plants, grown at The Briars Nursery in Mount Martha, have been carefully selected to suit a wide range of garden sizes and conditions. Options include trees to low growing groundcovers, making the giveaway suitable for…
HE’S not yet old enough to hold a driver licence in Australia, but Mornington Peninsula’s Mathew Basso is making waves on the international racing scene. At just 15, he has claimed his first podium finish at the 2026 NAPA New Zealand Formula Ford Championship at Timaru International Raceway, finishing third, marking a major milestone and moving him up to sixth in the championship standings, just two rounds into his rookie car racing season. The Timaru event, held from 31 January to 1 February as part of the iconic Thunder Down Under meeting hosted by the South Canterbury Car Club, featured…
A $30 MILLION TAFE centre focused on AI and other emerging technologies is set to be established in Frankston. The state and federal government has announced the Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence, which will be situated at the Chisholm Institute’s Frankston campus. A $20.6 million “Home and Community Care Centre of Excellence” will also be established at Holmesglen Institute’s Moorabbin campus. The Frankston centre will host TAFE simulation labs with artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other emerging fields with applied research and evaluation. The Moorabbin Home and Community Care Centre of Excellence will help meet the demand for home‑based…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough A WELL organised concert, resulting in a profit of over £20, was held in the Mechanics’ Hall, Mornington, on Friday evening last, in aid of the Bush Fire Relief Fund. As a choral concert, this entertainment stands unsurpassed in Mornington. The audience was indeed fortunate to hear such talented singers as Mrs. Holman, of Frankston, and Mr. William Cadrou, a leading tenor from Melbourne. It was a most inspiring feature during the evening to see about forty singers seated on the stage, giving their services free to raise funds for the alleviation of the unfortunate persons…
A NEW intake of Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) intern paramedics is progressing through specialist training, with two to be stationed at Rosebud after completing the program. They are part of 24 interns who already have experience as advanced life support paramedics, each bringing at least two years of on road experience. All recruits are now undertaking a six week intensive bridging program as part of their transition into specialist MICA roles. Training includes critical clinical responses such as cardiac emergencies, respiratory distress, paediatric and obstetric care, along with sessions focused on wellbeing, pharmacy and leadership. Following completion of the…
Kirsty Sword Gusmao kicks off SWAN’s 30th anniversary To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN), the guest speaker at their first general meeting for 2026 was the former First Lady of Timor Leste, Kirsty Sword Gusmao AO, who spoke about the unstoppable power of women’s solidarity.Kirsty is well known on the peninsula. She supported the establishment of “Friends of Lospalos”; a relationship between the shire and the Timorese sub-district. Since 2000, this partnership provided much needed solidarity and financial support to the Timorese community, as well as reciprocal benefits to our region, by way of awareness…
A RECYCLING truck fire in Bittern has reignited concerns about the dangers of hazardous waste being placed in household bins, marking the second such incident on the Mornington Peninsula in February. The fire occurred on Skinner St after lithium batteries, incorrectly disposed of in a kerbside recycling bin, ignited inside the collection vehicle about 10.15am on 12 February. With flames spreading quickly and no nearby open space to safely relocate the truck, the CFA told the driver to unload the truck’s contents onto the residential street. Emergency services attended and successfully extinguished the fire. Acting mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said…
On Saturday the 28th of February 2026 at approx. 5:00pm, an assault involving two males and a female witness occurred at the intersection of McCombe Street and Thomas Street in Rosebud A male victim was taken to hospital after sustaining significant injuries to his leg. Police investigators believe that an unknown member of the public, driving in a white car, witnessed the incident and filmed it on their phone. Police are appealing to the public for assistance, seeking any witnesses to this incident, or anyone who has video recordings, CCTV, or dash-cam footage. Anyone with information is urged to please…
The Tyabb Airshow returned in spectacular fashion on Sunday, March 1st, drawing aviation enthusiasts, families and visitors from across the region for an unforgettable day. The event showcased a world-class range of aircraft, with an incredible array of unique, historic and modern machines taking to the skies, while high-performance aircraft from the Australia Defence Force impressed with their speed and precision. On the ground, visitors enjoyed a variety of static displays, featuring vintage and modern fixed-wing aircraft alongside several helicopters. Popular displays from the Australia Defence Force, the Cerberus Band and the CFA once again proved to be crowd favourites.…
By Andrea Louise Thomas Mornington author Anna Matilda, aka The Urban Nanna, is keen to share her wealth of knowledge about simple ways to live a more sustainable, efficient and economical life. Her bestselling book, Everyday Permaculture, is a beautiful, easy-to-follow guide to living in sync with people and the planet. Given the squeeze of the current economy, this ethos makes a lot of sense, but permaculture isn’t just a philosophy of low waste and economy; it’s also based in community, nourishment and kindness. “Permaculture is about trying to live the most ecologically sustainable life ‘starting where you are, using what…
By Andrea Louise Thomas Barry Randall was three months old the first time he splashed in the sea. Ever since, the ocean has had a magnetic draw. Growing up in a little town on the Central Coast of New South Wales meant Barry and his five siblings spent a lot of time at the beach. They were swimming, surfing and participating in junior surf lifesaving when they weren’t golfing, playing rugby, tennis or any of the other sports they frequently enjoyed. Their Mum clocked up a lot of kilometres on the family car. The sea remains a solace and salvation…
By Andrea Louise Thomas I’ve always loved being outside – exploring, investigating, and spending time near the beach. Growing up on the Mornington Peninsula, I was spoilt for choice when it came to beautiful natural places. I think my passion for wanting to engage really grew from noticing the gradual changes happening in those places I’ve always loved,” says Hansi Wegner, field officer and founder of Citizen Science Crew at Daangean – Devilbend Natural Features Reserve in Moorooduc. Founded in 2018, this volunteer organisation works to make positive environmental change at ‘The Bend’, as he calls it, running on-ground environmental…
By Andrea Louise Thomas When Mount Eliza anti-vaping campaigner Lily Ford began, she had only one objective – to help others. It came as quite a shock when she received hateful trolling on her social media accounts and online hate despite the mountain of evidence outlining the very unique hazards of this insidious device. (That said, she received a lot of positive messages too.) A recent study discovered that vaping can cause an irreversible type of lung cancer.Like cigarettes, vapes contains a raft of toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde (used to embalm bodies), arsenic (a poison), benzene (a known carcinogen) and…
Whether you’re seeking live stand-up comedy, improv shows, or up-and-coming talent, Frankston Arts Centre offers something for every comedy lover, all year round. In 2026 Lano & Woodley will be touring a brand new show all around Australia. Before they head out on the road join them at the Frankston Arts Centre as they present these very special Work in Progress showings of their latest Opus. For tickets and further info visit the Frankston Arts Centre website: https://artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/Whats-On/Search-All-Events/Lano-Woodley-Work-In-Progress
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…
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,…