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…
Author: mpnews
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
JUNIOR futsal competitions are kicking off at the start of term one on the Mornington Peninsula, with Peninsula Futsal hosting weekly matches for local players in Mornington and Rosebud. Games are held on Sundays at Mornington Civic Reserve and Fridays at Rosebud Basketball Stadium, providing junior players with the opportunity to take part in the fast-paced, five-a-side indoor version of soccer. The competition caters for under 10, under 12 and under 14 age groups, with an emphasis on skill development, participation and sportsmanship. Futsal is widely used to develop ball control, agility and decision-making and is played by millions of…
THE Australian Sand Sculpting Championships are scheduled to return to Frankston from 28 March. The event will run from the end of March until 26 April. Eighteen large-scale sculptures carved from more than 400 tonnes of sand are set to be completed, with ten Australian sculptors and five international artists ready to get to work at McCombs Reserve on the Frankston Waterfront. Sandstorm Events founder and director Sharon Redmond said “we’re thrilled to be back in Frankston for the 2026 Championships.” “This year will be bigger and better than ever, with more fun for families and more affordable access for…
LYSTER Opera proudly presents Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice at Rye Civic Hall on Saturday 7 February at 2:00pm, marking the company’s first appearance on the Mornington Peninsula. Now celebrating its tenth year of operation, Lyster Opera is recognised for touring high-quality professional opera to regional centres across Victoria. With a strong commitment to accessibility, the company aims to present professional opera at an affordable price to communities that otherwise have limited access to the art form. The Rye performance represents an important expansion of this mission, bringing fully staged opera to Peninsula audiences close to home. Christoph Willibald…
On Sunday 25th January at 6.30pm, a collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle occurred at the intersection of Nepean Highway and Kunyung Road in Mount Eliza. The motorcycle rider sustained life altering injuries as a result. Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the motorcycle rider prior to the collision occurring, or anyone who may have dashcam of the collision or the motorcycle in the moments leading up to the collision are urged to contact S/C COAKER at Somerville Highway Patrol on 5978 1300 or submit an online report to Crime Stoppers, or call 1800 333…
MORNINGTON Yacht Club (MYC), in partnership with the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV), will host a historic Ocean Racing Panel on Friday 30 January 2026, celebrating one of the most remarkable careers in Victorian offshore sailing. The event will feature Graeme Taylor, whose achievements place him among the most accomplished ocean racers the state has produced, and whose influence has helped shape offshore sailing culture for more than three decades. Taylor has competed in 29 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races, claimed nine Line Honours victories, an overall win and a race record, and has twice been named Australian Sailing…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough To the Editor Sir, Not so many months ago the finances of the Shire were in such a pitiable condition that the Council had to seek “special bank accommodation” to enable them to pay their sanitary contractor in Frankston and Hastings. Has that statement any “foundation in fact,” Mr Editor? If so, will you be good enough to inform me who the financial wizard is in Frankston who not only apparently squares the ledger, but has been able to rake up a surplus of £250 (and cries because he has £500 to spend and cannot spend…
Peninsula Surfriders Club hosted the Victorian Teams Battle Cash Competition held at Gunnamatta surf beach. Surfers from several coastal clubs came together to create 15 teams. The swell was small but good surfers make something out of nothing. Team Goodtimes were the eventual winners of the comp. First published in the Mornington News – 27 January 2026
Review BlueScope’s rates freeze The BlueScope steelworks site at Hastings has an interesting history (BlueScope’s ‘land bank’ value one reason for takeover rejection, The News 14/1/26). Originally orchards and farms, the land at Long Island Point in Hastings was chosen by John Lysaght Australia Ltd in a joint venture with BHP and Guest, Keens and Nettlefolds Ltd to build a new steelworks. In 1967, Lysaghts used a dummy company called Mellon Nominees to buy 1700 acres at Hastings for $2,000 per acre – total $3.4m. In 1969, Victorian Premier Sir Henry Bolte approved 184 acres of coastal foreshore, 963 acres…
SELFLESS service and community spirit have been recognised across the Mornington Peninsula on Australia Day, as the shire honoured residents and community groups who make a difference through dedication. Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said this year’s awards were about acknowledging people who put their community first. “Each of these award recipients represents the heart and soul of our community. Their dedication, resilience and selflessness inspire us all, and it was a privilege to celebrate them with the community at Flinders Civic Hall on Australia Day,” he said. “This year’s honourees remind us that real change happens through care, connection and…
Start the year with laughter, music and theatrical brilliance when legendary Australian entertainer Gerry Connolly brings his irresistible stage presence to Frankston Arts Centre. For over four decades, Gerry has built a remarkable career as a comedian, actor, impressionist and pianist. Best known for his razor-sharp satirical impressions of public figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Ministers and international leaders, he first honed his talents at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and hasn’t looked back. Audiences and industry insiders alike praise Connolly’s masterful blend of comedy and musicianship. On his celebrated satire, he once said, “I love her… I…
CELEBRATIONS will be once again in full swing at the Village Green in Mt Eliza on Australia Day, Monday 26 January. A free sausage sizzle and entertainment will be happening from 9:00 AM until 12:30pm. The formal program starts at 10:00 AM with the flag raising conducted by 1st Ranelagh Scouts. There will be plenty of entertainment both for kids and all the family to have a fun time while celebrating being part of our wonderful community. Kids will also be able to get up close to wildlife in the hands-on Australian Reptile Show and exhibition – they will be…