By Tracee Hutchison*“DON’T it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone, You take out the arts, you’ll lose the Peninsula’s heart” – with thanks to Joni Mitchell. When over 300 people turn up on a chilly night for a council meeting, that’s a community asking to be heard. When they’re singing a universally loved protest anthem, Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi”, and re-working the chorus into a call to action – that’s probably a sign the council has struck a wrong chord with its recent decision to cut $480k in creative arts funding…
Author: mpnews
Let nature do its thing on our beaches It seems our shire again caved in to the entitled few in our community, with its decision to continue with the environmentally destructive and very costly practice of machine beach cleaning. We here in Balnarring have no gripe with the annual shedding of sea weed and it’s repositioning on our beaches. On the contrary, we think it a great bonus for the annual creation of our sandy beaches. It’s a natural process and helps with catching some of the sand that gets taken away by the sea over summer. Why are some…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough A Frankston deputation representative of the Shire Council and Progress Association waited on the Minister for Lands (Mr. Downward) on Tuesday last with a request that portion of the foreshore adjoining the tennis courts be made available as a site for bowling green and croquet lawns.Cr. F. H. Wells said that the Council, at its last meeting, passed a resolution in support of the proposal only two councillors out of fifteen voting against.The Progress Association, which was thoroughly representative of the citizens, was strongly urging the proposal, and it was at the instance of the Association…
A culture war in our shire council During last week’s council meeting, the deputy mayor, Cr Paul Pingiaro moved a motion that included the funding of Creative and Performing Arts be completely cut and six councillors supported it. As the founder of poetry event Poets’ Corner and a creative living on the Mornington Peninsula I think it is incredibly disappointing that the council don’t see the multitude of values, including economic, in funding creative and performing arts.By no longer offering the Creative and Performance Arts fund our shire is effectively removing opportunities for many individuals, local groups and organisations which…
COMMUNITY members have been invited to help create the artworks which will feature at the newly redeveloped Frankston Hospital. Artists Richard Briggs, Dan Elborne, Hannah Quinlivan, and Jody Rallah will each work on murals and sculptures for the new hospital over the coming months. The artists have been tasked with creating works that align with the theme “Healing Country, Healing People”. Expressions of interest are now open to help Briggs and Elborne create their pieces. Briggs’ work will be a line drawing titled “Flourishing Forest” – he is asking for community members to share knowledge about kelp forests. Elborne’s piece…
THIRTEEN historic race car drivers from eight Mornington Peninsula locations will participate in Australia’s longest running historic race meet on 24 and 25 May at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla, which is six percent of the national field. Presented by the Austin 7 Club for 49 years, the 48th Historic Winton will send the crowd of Mornington Peninsula drivers race cars spanning from the 1930s to the 1980s in a variety of race categories including Regularity time trials which involves the competitor nominating the course completion time. Allan Lowe, 83, of Sorrento has dedicated himself to historic car racing for…
By Tracee Hutchison* SOME of the peninsula’s highest profile artists, actors, musicians, film-makers, writers, creative producers and festival directors have joined forces urging Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors to rethink their recent decision to slash arts and culture funding in the upcoming budget. Over a hundred local creatives gathered at the Pig & Whistle’s Shed Theatre in response to proposed cuts to the arts and culture allocation in council’s Community Investment Fund in the FY25/26 budget, including Performing Arts Development grants and Creative Fund grants, to zero. Among those calling on council to reverse the decision is peninsula-based art writer and…
Two teenagers have been arrested after allegedly attempting to avoid arrest in multiple stolen cars that were followed across several suburbs for more than four hours. Patrolling officers first sighted a stolen Mazda CX-5 on Warrigal Road, Olinda, about 10pm on Sunday, 18 May. Police attempted to intercept the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop and sped off along the Princes Highway. The Police Air Wing was called in and observed the vehicle as it was driven up and down the Monash Freeway, performing multiple U-turns and at times reaching speeds of 180-200km/h. The vehicle eventually excited the Monash…
An off-duty police officer leapt to the rescue of two swimmers in trouble off Rosebud Pier on Sunday afternoon. The 31-year-old man and 15-year-old boy from Traralgon were on a family outing when they decided to enter the water about 4.10pm. The teenager had little to no swimming experience and quickly got into trouble. As the adult attempted to help, both began swallowing water and began drifting away from the pier. Enter Senior Constable Frank Ferreria who was enjoying a walk with his family along the pier prior to commencing his overnight shift. Senior Constable Ferreria identified the pair were…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough Despite the repeated assurances that have been received from men in high places to the effect that the construction of the new High School building at Frankston would be proceeded with during the current year, there still appears to be considerable doubt as to whether hopes in this connection will be realised.Disquieting rumors are current this week to the effect that the Mordialloc claim is being pushed in certain quarters, and that the High School there is likely to be commenced before the Frankston building.It is also stated that Mr. Frank Groves, M.L.A., is displaying more…
Bring back the Baxter to Mornington train line The Frankston to Mornington line was cancelled after WWII and reinstated in 1966. In 1978 the line was replaced with a bus service. Now in 2025 the demographics of the Mornington Peninsula are radically changed in both numbers and age demographics. With retired and senior citizen demographics having increased, not only on the Port Phillip Bay side but the Western Port side as well, access to public transport for retired and aged citizens is becoming a major issue. Medical facilities and their supporting services in Mornington need to be accessible, hand in…
THE Salvation Army has been out in force across Frankston and Mornington to raise money for the 61st annual Red Shield Appeal. Nationwide the Salvation Army hopes to raise $38 million this year. Funds raised locally will “will stay in the local community and will be used to meet the specific needs faced by the most disadvantaged and vulnerable”, the Salvation Army says. “Earlier this year, The Salvos released their Social Justice Stocktake; a survey which polled over 16,000 Australians and provided national, state and electoral reports highlighting the biggest issues faced by communities. Within the electorate of Flinders, it…
Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two men following four separate incidents in Seaford and Crib Point this week. It is alleged two men attended a supermarket on Seaford Road in Seaford and reversed a vehicle through the front door before entering the store and leaving empty handed on 5 May about 1.30am. The men allegedly attended a pharmacy on Seaford Road and drove the vehicle through the front doors, before entering and stealing an amount of perfume about 1.40am. Detectives allege the following day, the two men attempted to ram the door of a liquor store with a…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough Legal argument had postponed a claim at a previous court for £20 for an assault by a dog on a child at Chelsea, Mr. P. Cohen, P.M., having reserved his decision.It arose over the biting of a child of Robert Joseph Lambert while on his way to school.Mr. J. M. Hickford, of Hickford & Murray, appeared for Mrs. Amy Chittenden, a widow, the owner of the dog in question. Mr. Reg. Wadham spoke for Lambert.The case was heard on Monday at the Chelsea Court.Mr. Hickford submitted that an infant could not sue in Petty Sessions except…
Call to pause and rethink tree destruction policies THE Mornington Peninsula is being stripped bare under the shire’s current tree management regime.This week, I returned home to find contractors savaging the once-thriving nature strips on my street. When I questioned the workers, I was physically pushed and had branches cut dangerously above me, striking my body. I have video footage of the incident, which left me shaken and dismayed.Beyond personal safety concerns, the greater tragedy is the devastation of habitat for our local wildlife — possums, birds, bats, and insects who depend on these trees for survival. These are not…
GOT some unused spectacles or sunglasses tucked away in a drawer? They could be making a greater difference to someone in a third-world country. The Mornington Peninsula’s Friends of Lospalos Inc is partnering with the Lions program’s Recycle for Sight to encourage locals to donate their old glasses to help offer the gift of vision to the people in Timor-Leste. The program sees preloved spectacles and non-prescription sunglasses cleaned, graded, and refurbished before being sent to Timor-Leste, where the quality of eye care is often out of reach. “Timor-Leste is one of our closest neighbours. The Mornington Peninsula Shire and…
FRANKSTON’S annual South Side Festival returns this month with an exciting 11-day program, delivering a captivating mix of performances, comedy, art installations, visual arts, and a few delightfully naughty surprises. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, the festival offers something for everyone, sparking creativity, challenging perceptions, and creating vibrant opportunities for community engagement. One of the highlights this year is the return of Neon Fields, transforming Beauty Park into a mesmerising, glowing fantasy world. This interactive light installation invites both children and adults to explore a magical space, encouraging play and engagement within…
Flinders candidates have their say before voters head to the polls this Saturday. Candidates are listed in ballot paper order. Jason SmartTrumpet of Patriots My message for the voters of Flinders is simple. Don’t vote for me.I ask that you vote for Mike Brown, One Nation.I originally agreed to run for Trumpet of Patriots but have stepped away because of the ToP’s original preference of Teal candidate Ben Smith, Labor and Greens in this election – against what Palmer led me to believe. I had amassed support from constituents based on Ben Smith, Labor and the Greens being put last…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough “I was pooled into it,” said Percy Jackson to Senior-Constable W. R. Elliott, when stopped in Bay street, Frankston, at 5.30 of the afternoon of Good Friday last, when travelling in his car at a rate estimated by the Constable at 40 miles an hour, and by Jackson at 37 miles.The Senior-Constable told the Bench, over which Mr. W. G. Smith, P.M., presided, that Jackson was driving furiously along the Point Nepean road, between Mornington and Frankston.He pulled up at the Prince of Wales Hotel, where the Constable accosted him, and accused him of driving in…
The strength of our vote As the federal election draws closer, all eyes turn to Canberra – but here in Flinders, the decision is ours. Our voices will shape the next chapter for our towns and coastlines, and the nation itself.This campaign has been lively, passionate, and – at times – sharp around the edges. That’s to be expected when the stakes feel high. People care. They’re paying attention, asking questions, and getting involved. And that’s something to celebrate, not shy away from. Flinders is no stranger to strong opinions and spirited debate. We’re a region of thinkers, doers, and…
THE Liberals have reaffirmed their commitment to spend $900m on the extension of the Frankston railway line. The electrification and duplication of the Frankston line towards Baxter has been plagued by false starts in the past. In 2023, the federal government axed a budgeted $225m set aside for the project by the Coalition government in 2018. A review into ongoing infrastructure projects commissioned by the federal government shortly after its election recommended scrapping the project. Liberal candidate for Dunkley Nathan Conroy announced the $900m promise prior to the March 2024 by-election. Last week he reaffirmed that promise ahead of the…
A woman in her 50s has been airlifted to hospital after suffering serious leg injuries in a workplace incident this morning. Paramedics were called to the BlueScope facility in Hastings at 10.20am where a woman was reportedly trapped under a metal coil. WorkSafe will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Mornington Peninsula’s tourism sector is set to benefit from new investment, following the announcement of successful projects under the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund. The fund supports regional projects designed to enhance visitor experiences, attract new audiences, and strengthen Victoria’s position as a world-class destination. Two local projects among the recipients are:Panorama Garden Estate Tours Pty Ltd — Development of a wellness ‘Nature Pod’ at Panorama Garden Estate. This unique project will offer visitors an immersive nature-based wellness experience set within one of the Peninsula’s most beautiful private gardens. Leeno Pty Ltd — Quealy Winemakers — Redesign and…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughIN his half-yearly report to the Mornington Council, the Shire Secretary states:“Once again I would bring under your notice the unjust maximum demand made quarterly. During the last six months the Council has paid £75 for current which it never had, and for the previous twelve months when only read yearly it was considered worse.In seaside places the influx of population and consequent extra consumption of current may be taken to extend from November to the end of April, so that even with quarterly readings the only real benefit is over one quarter of the year (July…
Letters with lies Several recent letters, especially regarding Ben Smith’s candidacy, have contained demonstrably false statements (formerly known as lies), e.g. regarding Climate 200. Could The News please vet letters to the editor and either refuse to publish those containing demonstrably false statements or add an “editor’s note” to such letters pointing out the falsehoods? Lee Seldon, Somers Editor’s note: We get questioned about our approach to the letters page. We try and intervene as little as possible save for the most blatantly offensive, inappropriate or deceptive. To us, the letters page is the “Town Square” where people can mount…
VICTORIA Police said five teenagers and a woman had been charged following a spate of alleged burglaries and other incidents in and around High St over the past two months. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with 20 offences over several alleged incidents, including armed robbery, car theft, theft from cars, burglaries and an attempted carjacking, as well as alcohol and cigarette thefts. A 16-year-old boy was charged following an alleged burglary and theft at a tobacco store on High Street, Hastings, on 19 February. The youths have been bailed to appear in a children’s court. A 35-year-old woman from…
A eulogy for the major parties Ladies and gentlemen, we gather to mourn our beloved major parties, who after decades of dedicated service to themselves, have finally succumbed to terminal irrelevance. Born of lofty ideals, they mastered the art of disappointing voters across the entire political spectrum. Their remarkable ability to transform idealists into bureaucrats was matched only by their talent for being simultaneously for and against the same issues. They leave behind a legacy of corruption investigations and parliamentary behaviour that would get kindergarteners expelled.In lieu of flowers, they request donations to their donors, Coles and Woolworths. May they…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough MORNINGTON residents are hopeful that the railway from Frankston will be electrified. The work is due to be undertaken next, after the electrification of the Healesville line, which has already been authorised.An electric line through to Mornington will bring this beautiful bayside suburb into the suburban residential radius, reducing fares and travel time to such an extent that city business people will be able to reside at Mornington throughout the year.Meanwhile motor transport has converted Mornington in a few years from a sleepy seaside hamlet to one of the most popular seaside resorts.Land values are firming…
HMAS Cerberus welcomed thousands of visitors for an action-packed open day on 6 April. The day showcased the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Crib Point base and its capabilities as a premier training establishment, providing attendees a thrilling first-hand experience. This included live demonstrations of sailors working to contain controlled fire simulations, as well as a weapons training simulation, and survival at sea training. Other highlights were Navy small boats and seamanship displays, recruit school displays, Navy Band concerts, Australian Defence Force careers presentations, and ship damage control demonstrations. Cerberus provides initial training for all new sailors entering the Navy. Up…
LARGER-than-life hot-air balloon sculptures – the giant Skywhale and Skywhalepapa – will grace the skies over Mornington in what promises to be a sunrise spectacle. Created by leading Australia artist Patricia Piccinini, the hot-air balloons will take flight at Dallas Brooks Park as the first light of day breaks over Mornington on 26 April from 5.30am to 7.30am. Measuring 34 meters long and 23 meters high, the Skywhales are twice the size of a standard hot-air balloon. The free community event is being hosted by Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and presented by the National Gallery of Australia and supported by…