THE Peninsula Raiders have proudly launched their 2025 Indigenous training shirts. The shirts were designed by talented local First Nations artist Holly Ryan. Having painted murals for Hastings Primary School, St Macartan’s Primary and Red Hill Consolidated School, Holly has a special connection with football and her Indigenous heritage. Her great-grandfather, Joe Johnson, is recognized as the first-ever Indigenous Australian to play VFL football, representing Fitzroy and playing in back-to-back premierships in 1904 and 1905. Her grandfather, Percy Johnson, also played 52 games for North Melbourne from 1951 to 1955.The Peninsula Raiders Football Club values community and family, themes Holly…
Author: mpnews
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughMR. E. P. Davies, the radio expert of Bay street, Frankston is installing a complete wireless set (4-valve) at the popular Pier Hotel for Mr. G. M. Yuill, the new licensee.Yesterday morning, Mr. Davies was busily engaged testing the set at his well-known parlours when a representative of “The Standard” made his appearance on the scene, and the journalist spent a few minutes listening to a violin solo broadcasted by the 3LO station from Buckley & Nunn’s, Melbourne. Frankston Fire Brigade. Tomorrow Night the Bell Will Ring.When the alarm re-sounds at 8.30 o’clock tomorrow (Thursday) night, do…
Police have charged three teenagers following an aggravated burglary in St Andrews Beach on Sunday morning. It is alleged the residents of the home woke to hear their Genesis being driven out of their driveway on Bass Meadows Boulevard, on 16 February about 12.30am. Responding police spotted the stolen blue Genesis G70 sedan, about 15 minutes later, driving in convoy with a white Kia Cerato along Boneo Road in Rosebud. The cars were followed as they headed towards the Mornington Peninsula Freeway before the Air Wing was called in to assist. Both vehicles headed into Baxter Park in Frankston South…
THE Bays’ new Cancer Care Centre in Mornington officially opened its doors last week with a grand ceremony, marking a milestone in the community.The centre will be the first of its kind to have a radiation oncology service on the Mornington Peninsula, providing the latest radiation therapy technology and techniques for all cancer types. Other services include diagnostic, treatment, and support, with an integrated approach focused on personalised care for patients and their families. The $15 million project was completed late last year after construction began in April 2023. “Today marks the culmination of years of planning and dedication to…
COMMUNITY independent candidate for Flinders Ben Smith has set himself a challenge to meet as many members of the peninsula community as he can in the next month. His 30 day Listening Lap marathon kicked off last Friday in front of dozens of supporters and interested locals at the Flinders Golf Club.“This what being a community independent is all about; listening to members of our community and hearing their priorities,” said Smith. “Time and time again, I hear that locals feel ignored and neglected by the major parties, treated as just another safe seat. “Almost everyone raises the state of…
Thanks to the brave and selfless firefighters A huge thank you to all the fire brigades from around the peninsula who arrived quickly and put out the lightning lit grass fire adjacent to Nepean Highway at Mt Martha last Sunday night. Luckily the grass had been cut for hay and bales moved. Volunteers arrived within minutes of my triple zero call and worked for hours, amidst frightening lightning. You people are so generous, kind and professional.Ann Scally, Mt Martha Dodgy donations It is interesting that in last week’s edition featured two different aspects of political donations. At the local government…
POLICE are investigating after a male damaged an ATM outside Commonwealth bank in Hastings on 5 February. “It’s believed a teenager on a scooter used a hammer to damage the ATM on High St just after 4.30am before riding away,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said. No one was injured during the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. First published in the Mornington News – 11 February 2025
Compiled by Cameron McCullough The residents of Mornington and district will be glad to learn that in a few months the route from Mornington to Dromana along the foreshore will be open for traffic.It is already possible for all kinds of vehicles; it is even possible for a motor car to get through if driven slowly.A representative of this paper sampled the road from Dromana to Mornington, and found he could negotiate the worst gradients without dismounting from his push bike.There are many graceful curves which follow the contour of the land as it skirts along the cliffs overhanging the…
Mornington Divisional Response Unit officers have charged a man and woman following a warrant in Safety Beach where they allegedly located a commercial quantity of 1,4 Butanediol and a stolen shotgun. A search warrant was executed at a property on Rymer Avenue on Wednesday, 5 February about 1pm. Officers allegedly located a stolen shotgun concealed in an alcove near the laundry. A further search revealed more than 6 litres of 1,4 Butanediol, along with cannabis plants, methylamphetamine and various prescription medications. An Audi sedan and two Honda CBR motorcycles were also seized from the property as proceeds of crime. A…
Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two teenage boys after they allegedly pointed imitation handguns at people in a Somerville shopping centre yesterday morning. Officers allege the boys stole the imitation guns from a store inside the centre on Eramosa Road about 10.40am. Police will allege the boys pointed the guns at members of the public as they moved through the centre. Officers were quickly on scene and arrested three boys. A 14-year-old and 16-year-old have since been charged with possess imitation firearm, affray and theft. They were bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.…
THE Mornington Lifesaving Club is celebrating after securing seven new premium nipper boards thanks to a South East Water community grant.“The new nipper boards mean that more kids can get involved, learn vital water safety skills, and have fun in the surf,” the club’s nipper captain Jeremy Warner said. “It’s wonderful to see smiles on their faces as they grow in confidence.” The new boards will allow kids of all heights and abilities to dive into surf programs and most importantly to promote beach safety.South East Water’s community grants program is designed to support groups adversely impacted by incidents such…
INDEPENDENT candidate for Flinders Ben Smith has launched a petition demanding that the federal and state governments commit to saving and upgrading Rosebud Hospital.“The Rosebud Hospital is the only public hospital serving the entire peninsula, and it’s literally falling apart while both major parties have failed to secure the funding we desperately need,” Smith said. “For our growing community of young families and seniors, having a properly funded local hospital isn’t just about convenience – it’s about saving lives when every minute counts. “This is just another example of how the residents of the peninsula are overlooked. We may be…
PROVINCIALLANGWARRIN put 185 runs on the board on day one of their clash with ladder leaders Pines on Saturday. After winning the toss, Langwarrin chose to bat first at Lloyd Park. They struggled early, losing opener Jack Marget for four, skipper Ricky Damiano for five, and Brodie Matthews for four. Taylor Smith and Trav Campbell dug in at the end of the day to help Langwarrin put a decent total on the board. Smith scored 43 runs, and Campbell scored an impressive unbeaten 54. Billy Humphrey was pick of the bowlers for Pines. He took 3/28.Dromana had a good day…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE enthusiastic members of the Frankston branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. are justly proud men today, for on Saturday last, at 3.30pm, the ceremony in connection with the laying of the foundation stone of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, in Thompson Street, was impressively performed by the Prime Minister of Australia (Mr. Bruce) in the presence of a large and representative attendance.The weather was ideal for the auspicious occasion. It is true that for a considerable space of time a somewhat belated atmosphere had been created by reason of a certain section of the Memorial Committee electing to…
Landslide blame game The catastrophic landslide at McCrae on 14 January has receded from the front pages and the TV news reports but that is of little comfort to the 19 owners evicted from their homes. In the meantime, South East Water has been active in examining their areas of responsibility but the shire is strangely silent.To any long time resident of the area the shire, over many years, is the body clearly at fault. It is the one responsible for drainage, issuing building permits and tree removals. The hillside at McCrae has had natural springs emerge for over 100…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough ON Sunday afternoon, Mr. Frank Duffy, assistant S.M. at Seaford, underwent the dangerous and distressing experience of being bitten by a snake.At about 2 o’clock, Mr. Duffy had occasion to visit the wood pile, and while engaged selecting suitable fuel, received a bite from a reptile which was evidently hidden in the pile.A sharp and sore pricking sensation was his first warning that something had happened. Mrs. Duffy, recognising the two punctures, realised that prompt action was necessary, and fixed a ligature, then made haste to the station, where Mr. Whyte lost no time in getting…
Our coasts are fragile The recent landslip at McCrae once again illustrates the delicate nature of many coastal areas of our Peninsula. In the past there has been numerous slips along the Esplanade between Mornington and Safety Beach. There was a large slip at Oliver’s Hill that closed part of the Nepean Highway. We also have futile attempts to rectify the Beleura Hill pathway that has slipped numerous times in the past and will inevitably slip again.Keith Humphreys, Mornington Time for a change Being of retirement age (& some!), I’ve seen my fair share of elections. I believe this time…
The 2025 Cashie Comp, hosted by Peninsula Surfriders and sponsored by YETI, St Andrews Brewery, and the Mornington Peninsula Shire, was held in large overhead surf at Gunnamatta Surf Beach on Saturday, 25 January. Top Victorian surfers competed for a total prize pool of $5,000 ($2,500 for the men’s winner and $2,500 for the women’s winner). Both representing the Torquay Boardriders Club, Xavier Huxtable won the men’s final, while Ellie Harrison (pictured) claimed victory in the women’s final. First published in the Mornington News – 28 January 2025
FIVE exceptional individuals have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to the community in the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s annual Australia Day local awards.This year’s Citizen of the Year went to Denise Palmer, who has dedicated over 20 years to serving the peninsula community, particularly through her work with the Hastings Police Senior Citizens Register, where she has been coordinator for the past 15 years. The register supports over 950 disadvantaged individuals. Despite battling cancer and severe arthritis, Denise has shown incredible resilience.Phoebe Lambden was named the Young Citizen of the Year in recognition of her significant contribution to Rosebud Sea…
WORLD renowned soprano Danielle de Niese is set to make her way to the peninsula as part of exclusive Australian concert to be held at the picturesque Pt. Leo Estate.The UK-based opera sensation will perform in a concert titled ‘One Enchanted Evening’ on 1 March from 6pm-11pm as part of the Australian Contemporary Opera Co (ACOCO) Festival of Contemporary Opera and Song. The event, which is open to just 150 guests, will also involve a black-tie gala dinner, which promises to be an unforgettable experience that will be set against the backdrop of Western Port Bay with cuisine by culinary…
THE much-loved Vinnies Kitchen has been popping up in Rosebud over summer, with pop-up lunches and sausage sizzles for people in need of a feed.Vinnies Kitchen, now in its 34th year, is a regular fixture in the Rosebud Youth and Band Hall on the Village Green in Rosebud, serving nutritious free lunches to the local community using donated fresh food from partners like OZ Harvest, and local producers. But the increase demand for fresh food and pre-cooked meals meant the Kitchen opened its doors when it would normally close through January.Vinnies Kitchen Committee President Ree Townsend says the decision to…
THE Mornington Art Show has grown to be one of the most prestigious art shows in Victoria.Run by the Rotary Club of Mornington, the show supports a diverse range of local artists as well as talent from interstate. Carefully curated, it has a reputation for quality exhibitions and is a much-anticipated community event.The show is currently on at Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Rd, Mornington, running until Friday 24 January. First published in the Mornington News – 21 January 2025
When will the peninsula burn like Los Angeles? MANY of the “before” photos of homes in LA looked very like those on the Mornington Peninsula around – Frankston South, Mt Eliza, Mornington, Mount Martha, Dromana, McCrae and others all the way to Portsea. What can be done to ensure that these homes never look like the “after” photos following the awful fires there last week? It couldn’t happen here! That’s what the LA residents thought.Brian Nankervis, Mornington McCrae landslip For a long time the local owners have been saying about the water flows and land moving in this McCrae area,…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughEARLY this (Wednesday) morning Wallis Wright, aged 38, of 14 Mackey Street, Essendon, was drowned while bathing at Frankston, at a point on the bay opposite Beach street.Wright only arrived in Frankston yesterday afternoon, on a visit to friends residing at “Penzance”, Frankston.This morning, at 6 o’clock, he left the house in bathing suit and boots only. He was unaccompanied, and was not seen in the water alive.About 7am, some people passing along the beach saw a body floating.They called for assistance and the body was pulled out of the water.Mr. McIntosh, dentist, came on the scene…
Rosebud police have charged a woman and a man following an alleged hit-run collision in a stolen vehicle in Dromana early last night. It is alleged that a stolen green Toyota Rav 4 was involved in a collision with a second vehicle on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway about 5.30pm. No one was injured. Investigators allege that the driver of the Toyota failed to pull over and exchange details, continuing to drive on at a fast rate of speed. It is alleged that the Toyota left the road near the intersection of Seacombe Avenue and Palm Grove, before crashing into trees…
Detectives are appealing for public assistance after a man was stabbed during New Years Eve celebrations in Sorrento. It is understood an altercation occurred between a group of males on Point Nepean Road, near Collins Parade and Calcutta Street on 1 January about 2am. The victim, an 18-year-old man from Melbourne, was stabbed five times during the altercation before he was able to escape and run to the aid of his friends. He was later taken to hospital with serious upper body injuries and required stiches for his injuries. The offenders fled the scene prior to police arriving. Detectives believe…
SOMERVILLE Highway Patrol police officers made more than a dozen arrests in the first week of the new year.Among those arrested were a 38-year-old Frankston man, who was allegedly involved in a collision. Police say he returned a blood alcohol reading of .181 and lost his licence. Police say a 29-year-old Mordialloc woman later blew .149, was drug driving, and had her unroadworthy vehicle impounded.A 32-year-old Frankston North man had his car impounded for driving with a suspended licence. A 54-year-old Carrum Downs man was allegedly found to be drug driving and was unlicensed.Other people allegedly caught drug-driving were a…
Sound financial management essential for council Good to note mayor Cr Marsh and deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro (Council Rate Cap Set, The News 7/1/25) are keen to focus on core services and to eliminate unnecessary spending. Perhaps the mayor and council can address the excessive salary paid to the previous CEO when seeking a replacement CEO. A cut of at least $100,000pa would seem in order and would both provide additional funds for community use, and I believe would still attract quality candidates.Bureaucracies at all government levels tend to grow and get bogged down with meetings, committees, reports, and assessment…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughACCORDING to the report of a number of fishermen and people fishing off the Mornington pier, a school of sharks, measuring from 6ft. to 8ft. long, and about seven in number, were seen patrolling some distance from the pier.The experience that has befallen people in the vicinity of Mentone and Aspendale has made bathers doubly careful as to the risks they take.In face of such danger, it is only they of the foolhardy and irresponsible genus who venture beyond the limits of safety. DURING the afternoon sitting of the Council on Friday last, the Civic Fathers, in…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Regional Gallery celebrates the first summer in the Bunurong calendar with the stunning and thought-provoking exhibition, The Ecologies Project: How Climate Changes Culture.The Ecologies Project features over 60 works covering a variety of media including photography, installation, video and sound work from artists Maree Clarke, Aunty Netty Shaw, Megan Cope, Sue Ford, Jill Orr, Rosemary Laing, Linda Tegg, Joseph Beuys, Jacobus Capone, Nicholas Mangan and more.Curated by new MPRG Director Dunja Rmandić and Acting Curator Exhibitions Leah Ferguson, the exhibition asks ‘how does a changing ecology change our culture?’. Considering the Mornington Peninsula as a starting point, many…