A NEWLY redeveloped Community Animal Shelter and Pound has officially opened in Mornington, delivering a purpose-built facility designed to prioritise animal welfare, comfort and long-term wellbeing while animals wait to be rehomed. Mornington Peninsula Shire said the project had been designed with animal health, happiness and quality of life at the centre. “Every animal deserves comfort, care and hope while waiting for their forever home. We’re proud to unveil our completely transformed Community Animal Shelter and Pound – a purpose-built sanctuary that puts animal welfare at its heart,” the council said in a media release statement last week. Dogs are…
Author: mpnews
THE Chamber Philharmonia Cologne is set to travel from Germany to Frankston for a performance next week. The concert will feature works from Antonio Vivaldi, Mozart, Handel and Boccherini. The Chamber Philharmonia Cologne (pictured left) performs 200 concerts each year, regularly touring Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, and Germany. “Classical Music Around the World is the guiding idea of the ensemble. Whether performing in a small village church, an open-air venue, a cathedral, or a large concert hall, the musicians bring the same passion and dedication to every performance—be it in their hometown of Cologne or in cities…
THE RSPCA has issued a warning to animal owners as the Summer heat ramps up. During last week’s hottest day, RSPCA Victoria said it had received 20 heat-related reports. RSPCA Victoria director of veterinary services Dr Melissa Meehan said the “hot and extreme weather conditions pose a serious risk to animal health.” “Heat stroke can develop rapidly and may be life-threatening, with common warning signs including excessive panting, vomiting or diarrhoea, and unusually bright or very pale gums. If you notice these symptoms in your pet or are concerned about their immediate wellbeing, seek veterinary advice immediately,” Meehan said. “Even…
BEACHGOERS at Flinders this summer are being invited to experience the ocean in an unexpected way – not just by looking at it, but by listening closely. A new site-specific artwork titled Deep Sound will unfold in and alongside the waters of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary on Saturday 24 January, transforming the familiar coastline into an immersive soundscape. Created by Mornington Peninsula–based artist Janenne Willis, the work blends art, ecology and sensory exploration, encouraging audiences to tune into the hidden acoustic life of the sea. Using hydrophones placed beneath the water’s surface, Willis has captured the subtle and complex sounds…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough PUBLIC dressing sheds and conveniences are urgently required on the Seaford beaches. These works are estimated to cost £3000, and the sole income which the foreshore yields is £8 a year from bathing-box sites, of which £4/10/- is used to subsidise the water service. As the Minister for Public Works (Mr. Goudie) has refused to make a grant available for the improvement of the outer bayside beaches, ways and means of raising funds were discussed by the Foreshore Trust of the Frankston and Hastings Shire. “The control of the foreshore has been placed in the hands…
Landslip mapping report Following the state government’s urgent direction from Minister Sonya Kilkenny to implement an Emergency Management Overlay (EMO), I wish to raise serious concerns. I thank the councillors for their positive and practical response regarding the potential landslide mapping for the Mornington Peninsula. However, I am astounded that a report containing so many apparent errors and/or misleading information could be considered acceptable as a basis upon which to draw sound or constructive conclusions, let alone expect ratepayers to fund it. MP Chris Crewther is cited as calling on the Minister for Planning to clearly explain how approximately 27,000…
MORE lifesavers have been rostered across Victorian beaches amid rising temperatures. The decision to deploy more paid lifesavers came during last week’s heat wave. Life Saving Victoria chief operations officer emergency management capability and response Kirsty Robertson said “no one wants a day by the water to turn to tragedy.” “One drowning is one too many, and we need everyone to do what they can to keep themselves and each other safe. Water safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Robertson said. A Life Saving Victoria report released late last year found that young adults swimming on the Mornington Peninsula posed the highest…
By Barry Irving SATURDAY saw the running of the 50th Annual Rye Gift, hosted by the six local clubs that make up the Rye Sports and Social Club: Southern Peninsula Little Athletics, Rye Foot-ball Netball Club, Rye Junior Football Club, Rye Tennis Club, Rye Cricket Club and Rye & District Basketball Club. The VAL (Victorian Athletic League) providing the professional administration of the events timing, handicaps etc. The shire management and preparation of the oval and running surface must be congratulated on producing what many competitors and parents said was a running track second to none. The day kicked off…
Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a ramming in Mornington last month. Police were called to reports of a suspicious loiter at a unit complex on Fleet Street on Friday 12 December about 7.40pm. Officers attended and located an allegedly stolen black Toyota Land Cruiser utility in the driveway of the property. It is alleged the utility rammed the parked police vehicle multiple times before it became wedged in the property’s driveway. The driver allegedly exited the vehicle and fled north bound on Fleet Street. During the incident, the two male senior constables retreated to take…
Rosebud Police are appealing for public assistance following a serious assault in Dromana on Tuesday the 30th of December 2025. Police were called to multiple reports of a male assaulting a female in the vicinity of the Dromana Hub shopping centre and surrounding shops on the corner of Pt Nepean Road and Pier Streets at approximately 8.30pm. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam / CCTV / video footage or information is urged to contact Rosebud Police on 5986 0444 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
THE lineup for February’s Frankston Waterfront Festival has been unveiled. Australian band Hockey Dad will headline the two-day festival. They are joined on the lineup by Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir, John Course, The Gnomes, Cool Out Sun, Sunday Lemonade, Ruby Mae, DJ Cooper Smith, Sundance, and more. Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming formed Hockey Dad in 2013. They have gone on to tour Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, the USA, and the UK. They are touring with their fourth album, titled Rebuild Repeat. In addition to the live music, the Waterfront Festival will also feature food, drinks, and family-friendly…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough A SHOCKING fatality occurred at the railway crossing over the Mornington railway line on the Somerville road near Baxter, on Friday evening last. The victim was Herbert Melville Prosser, aged 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. H Prosser, of Frankston. Deceased was in the employ of Messrs. Sherlock & Hay, timber merchants, and at the time of the accident was returning to Frankston with an empty motor lorry. He was attempting to cross the line at the point referred to when the steam train from Mornington crashed into him. When picked up the unfortunate young man…
A NEW exhibition, Unfolding, is on display at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, showcasing First Nations works on paper. The exhibition recognises the significance of paper as a material which demonstrates a particular kind of strength and permanence. Through prints, drawings, and paintings, First Nations artists have used paper to express their identities, connection to Country, history, language and community. The exhibition was curated in collaboration with Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman, and Karra Jarri artist and curator Jenna (Mayilema) Lee and features over 100 works by more than 80 artists. Some of the prominent artists include Queenie McKenzie, Gloria Petyarre, Robert…
THE Western Port Community Support Christmas Giving program helped provide relief to many local families this December thanks to the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of the community. The centre distributed 350 food hampers and toys to over 400 children from the local community on 17 and 18 December at their centre in Hastings. Demand for community support has risen in recent years, with many families struggling due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and rising rental prices. Western Port Community Service has seen a disturbing rise in the number of families and individuals needing urgent assistance as the largest…
THERE are few milestones more auspicious than that of a centenary, and the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School was no exception. Held on 11 December 2025, the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN hosted an official reception and Ceremonial Sunset, honouring 100 years of Recruit School shaping Navy’s future. The RAN Recruit School was opened in 1925 at HMAS Cerberus, continuing the work of the ‘Boys’ Training Ship’ HMAS Tingira, where recruits had been trained since 1912. RAN Recruit School Commanding officer, Commander Ben McGrath, addressed the gathered guests.…
The annual arrival of the jet ski nuisance We live in Safety Beach – have done for 15 years, and every summer the visiting tourists are getting worse. They leave piles of litter on the beach, are rude to the locals, and park cars on footpaths near Martha Cove Marina. But my main point is that I think someone is going to get killed by a jet ski. First of all, I would ask why they are banned in Mt Martha but allowed in Safety Beach. I will let you make up your own mind there. With the jet skis…
THE Mornington Peninsula Shire will consider a proposal to enter into new nine-year lease agreements with 17 community tennis clubs following months of unresolved issues over potential rent increases. The proposed leases would apply to tennis clubs on council owned or managed land including Balnarring, Boneo, Crib Point, Dromana, Flinders, Hastings, Main Ridge, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Red Hill, Rosebud, Rye, Shoreham, Somers, Somerville, Tyabb, and Sorrento. Councillors will vote on the proposal during its meeting on 16 December. The move follows previous council action in July last year to introduce new leases. However, concerns from tennis clubs over consultation…
MCCLELLAND has announced Michael Sibel as the winner of the inaugural Maquette: Sculpture Award for his work Two Parts (2025), a patinated bronze sculpture measuring 40 x 35 x 35 cm. This new $20,000 acquisitive award, generously supported by celebrated Australian artist Rick Amor, honours sculptural skill and expression and will see the winning work enter the McClelland collection. Chosen from an impressive pool of 252 entries and 62 finalists, Two Parts captivated the 2025 judge, artist John Meade with its clarity, conceptual depth and refined execution. “Michael Sibel’s patinated bronze maquette, Two Parts, was a clear standout for me…
STUDENTS at Moorooduc Primary School held their annual Moorooduc Market on 3 December and raised approximately $2000 for charity. The Grade 5/6 students worked alongside Grade 3/4 and designed, refined, marketed and produced a wide range of items, including key rings, snow globes, and tree decorations. The students confidently interacted with customers and were able to enjoy the experience of selling the products they had produced. The school said they were incredibly proud of the students’ hard work, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit. The money raised went towards Milly’s Search, Trap and Reunite, a charity which helps reunite lost dogs with…
A PEARCEDALE company which illegally dumped 37,000 litres of drilling sludge has been hit with a $10,000 fine. A statement from the Environment Protection Authority Victoria read that the drilling sludge was dumped near Ovens River in August. “EPA Victoria officers tracked down the offenders after receiving reports of a truck dumping sludge near Wangaratta, when they spotted the suspect vehicle on the road and watched while it dumped a load at a site on Oxley Flats Road,” the EPA said. Ausconnect Underground Services Pty Ltd was fined $10,176 for dumping industrial waste at a premises that was not licensed…
ON Boxing Day, a crew of nine from Mornington Yacht Club will set sail in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race aboard the Ginan. This will mark the first Sydney to Hobart for the boat, which is co-owned by experienced yachtsmen Cam McKenzie and Nigel Jones. The crew is predominantly local to the peninsula and consists of Marc Jukes, Greg Patten, Tim Bilham, Will McKenzie, David Kneed, James Jackson, and Ruben Gustafson. For the crew, the race is not only a sporting challenge but a chance to showcase multiple generations united by long-standing friendships and a shared love for sailing.…
THE Peninsula Aero Club has held its annual toy run with over 800 toys donated by the local community in support of families in challenging circumstances at Christmas. The gifts will be supplied to Food for All and Western Port Community Support group who will distribute them. The day was fun all around with the Holden Enthusiasts Club and the Antique Aeroplane Association for supporting the day. Live music was donated by Jon Burstow and the Catalina Cruisers Band, while visitors enjoyed a free sausage sizzle. A band of PAC members and volunteers ensured the day was enjoyed by all.…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough SIR, In a recent issue of your paper appeared a paragraph stating that “Mr. Williams of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission had attended the Frankston Progress Association meeting with regard to the discoloration of the water, and a remedy was promised.” Lucky Frankston to have water to growl at – we’ve got none at all – and luckier still are the ratepayers of Frankston who have got real live representatives to stand up for them. Ella Wheeler Wilcox once wrote: “To sit in silence when we should protest makes cowards out of men.” But…
AS HOLIDAY-goers head to the Mornington Peninsula this summer, fire authorities are urging both locals and visitors to stay alert to heightened fire risks across the region. The peninsula is vulnerable during periods of hot, dry weather due to many popular beaches, campgrounds, and parks being close to bushland, reserves, and open grass areas. Although parts of Victoria have experienced above average rainfall recently, the bureau is forecasting hotter and drier conditions heading into late December and January 2026. Fire authorities warn that these conditions can quickly dry out vegetation, increasing the risk of dangerous grass and bushfires. CFA Chief…
A SURVEY conducted by Peninsula Community Legal Centre has found that more than one-in-three people are facing hidden legal problems, including unpaid fines and debts. The Peninsula Community Legal Centre’s mobile legal office, the Street Law Coffee Van, made 136 visits across Melbourne’s south-east between February 2024 and August 2025. It conducted 3799 “legal health checks” during that time, finding that 36 percent of clients had a legal issue that needed addressing. PCLC CEO Jackie Galloway said that a majority of the identified issues related to housing insecurity and cost of living stress. She said “this data confirms what we…
SOUTHERN Peninsula Community Support (SPCS) and Capel Sound Community Hub (CSCH) have been awarded grants to tackle food insecurity, totalling $50,000 – just in time to spread some Christmas cheer for families in need. The funding, provided through Chobani Australia’s The Big Difference program, will help grassroots organisations expand services, innovate programs, and strengthen community resilience. SPCS received $30,000 to upgrade its pantry and kitchen, supporting more than 2000 local families. CEO Jeremy Maxwell said each month they provide food and material aid to over 1000 people. “Every week, our case workers work with those at risk of homelessness, and…
AFTER a three-year break, the much-loved Mt Eliza Village Christmas Tree has returned to the Village Lawn, thanks to the efforts of Cr Stephen Batty, the Mt Eliza Lions Club, and generous funding support from the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and the Australian Lions Foundation. The tree was officially welcomed back on Saturday 6 December when Lions President Ian Davey, Councillor Batty and Mt Eliza Chamber President Sue Manson joined fellow Lions members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the 2025 festive season in Mt Eliza. With the decorations now complete, village traders are adding their own…
Pothole of the Week Time to have a conversation about councillor election funding Debates about political donations often focus on state and federal elections. A recent vote at our local council, however, is a reminder that questions of democratic trust frequently arise at the level closest to home. A councillor proposed a motion seeking tighter donation rules for local government (Council rejects push for stricter donation rules, The News 9/12/25). It was not framed as an accusation or a challenge to colleagues’ integrity, but as an opportunity to reflect on whether existing arrangements continue to support public confidence. The council…
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Troy Cunneen. The 35-year-old man is wanted on five warrants for burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft, and contravening bail and a court order. Police would also like to speak to Cunneen in relation to a police car ramming in Mornington on 12 December. Cunneen is described as Caucasian in appearance, approximately 178cm tall, with a medium build and short red hair. He is known to frequent the Mornington Peninsula area. Investigators have released an image of Cunneen in the hope that someone may be able to provide information on his…
Across Victoria, the festive season brings families and friends together for long lunches, shared dinners, and much-anticipated celebrations. For many households, pets are naturally included in these gatherings and often hope for a taste of the festivities themselves. Many dogs are inclined to linger by the table in search of a tasty treat from your plate. However, a safe and engaging distraction, such as treat balls or suitable raw bones, can keep them occupied and make mealtimes smoother and safer for everyone. It is essential, however, to avoid offering cooked bones as they can splinter easily and potentially require urgent…