Compiled by Cameron McCullough AN outstanding feature of the annual Palais ball, held last Friday evening, was the magnificent decorations. Never before had such an elaborate decorative scheme been attempted in Frankston, and the effort speaks volumes for the enterprise and enthusiasm of the Palais management. From the centre of the ceiling to the four walls of the building were ropes of pink flowers, joined up with lattice work, bearing rose leaves, red roses and poppies. The effect was very beautiful, and won the admiration of all beholders. The floor had been specially prepared for dancing, and proved a delight…
Author: mpnews
A MORNINGTON Peninsula tradesman has been celebrated for his remarkable bravery after saving a woman with a disability from her burning home on New Year’s Day. When an illegal firework ignited a blaze in a Tootgarook house just after midnight, bystander Jon Croft sprang into action. Without hesitation, he smashed through a bedroom window and pulled wheelchair user Nikki Gill to safety – mere moments before flames consumed the room. Croft was officially recognised for his heroism on 25 October, receiving the CFA Citizen’s Commendation for Bravery during a ceremony in Rye. The award honours members of the public who…
EXPERIENCE the wonder of Roy Orbison in this brilliant theatrical portrayal of the man, his music, his voice, and his life. Only the Lonely…Crying…You Got It…Penny Arcade…Working for the Man…Pretty Woman..so many more…Mark Shelley is simply brilliant in his characterisation of Roy. He not only has the vocal range and tone to honour his songs, he also has the sensitivity and artistic ability to ‘be’ Roy. His seven piece live band are the finest of Australia’s musicians.“I am both a massive fan and admirer of Roy’s immense talent, singing and song writing ability. There has been no one like him…
By Barry Irving After visiting family in New Zealand, local woodworker Dennis Conner returned home inspired by a simple but meaningful idea — handcrafted wooden tulips sold to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease. In New Zealand, craftsmen have created more than 5,500 wooden tulips over the past five years to support the cause. Wanting to bring the initiative to Australia, Dennis approached the Fight Parkinson’s group and suggested a local fundraising effort. Members of the Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula embraced the idea, turning, sanding, and painting 700 tulips as a club project. The finished tulips were recently presented to…
If you love beautiful gardens, live music and talking about food, then be in Somers on Sunday 9 November. The Somers Open Garden Day has it all.Tour five magnificent private gardens in Somers, not usually open to the public. Enjoy creative coastal and native gardens; be inspired by bountiful vegetable and flower gardens. Start your garden tour at Green Hedges, 71 Tasman Road, Somers, for maps and entry bands. Purchase entry tickets on the day at Green Hedges or book online. Gardens open from 9.30am to 1pm.Then come along to Coolart Wetlands & Homestead for a free live concert at…
By Barry IrvingRye Sports and Social Club held its annual Sports Person of the Year awards at the Rye Hotel on Wednesday, 22 October. Guests included club sponsor Southern Peninsula Community Bank Bendigo Bank, led by board chairman Vin Cheers and accompanied by Paul Zaltsberg and Renae Dunston. The Mornington Peninsula Shire was represented by Andrea Allen and Cam Williams, while Rye RSL was represented by Bruce White and Andrew Laing. Life members, nominees, club delegates, and family also attended. MC for the evening was Gary Sanford, with nominees interviewed by Fiona Shepheard-Sanford and Vicki O’Sullivan.Nominees for the awards were:…
NESTLED among the rolling hills and towering gums, the Hill & Ridge Community Market is fast becoming a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Held on the first Saturday of each month at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve, the market brings together a variety of stallholders showcasing the very best of the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.In 2024, the Red Hill Agricultural & Horticultural Society – proud custodians of the Red Hill Show since 1922 – embraced the opportunity to run the monthly market, ensuring it continues to thrive as a celebration of community, creativity and country life.From artisan breads…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughTHE proposal of the Shire Council to dispose of its present offices in Bay street and erect spacious new buildings on the Davey street site is agitating the minds of a section of the ratepayers who, not quite conversant with all the facts, have visions of additional loan burdens staring them in the face.It is certainly a good sign to see the ratepayers on the alert to protect their own interests by applying the searchlight of public inquiry to all undertakings likely to involve them in financial responsibility.In the past they have been too docile, or perhaps,…
SOUTHERN Peninsula Rescue Squad (SPRS) Victoria has received national recognition for its exceptional dedication to saving lives and rescue missions for nearly six decades.The volunteer team was awarded a commendation by the Australian National Search and Rescue Council on 16 October during a ceremony in Brisbane in recognition of its 58 years of dedicated service. It was also recognised by National Search and Rescue Council.The squad’s secretary Denis Baguley and president Kent Quigley accepted the award on behalf of the SPRS, saying the honour reflected the hard work and sacrifice of every team member. “This is a fantastic recognition for…
TOOTGAROOK Primary School celebrated a major milestone last week, marking 75 years of educating and inspiring young minds in the community.Families, past students, staff, and community members came together for an afternoon of fun, nostalgia, and entertainment on 24 October. The festivities included performances by foundation and year one students, past and present students, and the school band. There were also interviews with former staff and students offering a fascinating glimpse into the school’s rich history.A time capsule opening revealed items from decades past while a photo gallery displayed snapshots of the school’s journey over the years. Another highlight was…
The first Peninsula Surfriders Competition for the 2025/2026 season took place on Saturday, 25 October, at Gunnamatta, highlighting the incredible surfing talent of the Mornington Peninsula. Rye’s Lucas Hickson, recently crowned Victoria State Champion, thrilled spectators with a series of impressive manoeuvres, demonstrating the skill and precision that have earned him the state’s number one ranking. The event set a high standard for the season ahead, offering a glimpse of the exciting performances to come from local surfers. First published in the Mornington News – 28 October 2025
A PERFECT evening of sunshine, sea breezes, and community spirit set the stage for this year’s Mayoral Charity event, the Mayday Cruise, which raised a record $61,278.77 for local groups.Hosted by mayor Cr Anthony Marsh aboard the MV Queenscliff, operated by Searoad Ferries, the 18 October event welcomed over 250 guests from across the peninsula for an evening of entertainment, dining, and fundraising. They were greeted with canapés, fresh oysters, and sparkling beverages, complemented by a selection of local wines, beers, ciders, and rum.The Royal Australian Navy Band performed on the pier prior to departure, while The Baker Boys Band…
McCrae Landslide Debacle I AM gobsmacked after reading the outcome (if you could call it an outcome) of the inquiry into the McCrae landslide on January 14 earlier this year (Inquiry finds burst water main caused McCrae landslide, The News 14/10/25).It appears that 40.3 million litres of water, the equivalent to approximately 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools leaked undetected from a burst water main owned (but obviously not managed) by South East Water.I had to re-read the article to make sure I was fully comprehending. The facts became even more shocking as I read on. The article revealed landslide risk was,…
ONE of the most recognisable landmarks in Mount Eliza, the white, heritage listed Anglican Church of St James the Less on Nepean Highway opposite Peninsula Grammar, celebrated its 160th birthday this month.Over 110 people celebrated the event at a special service in the main, larger church on Sunday 12 October. The celebrations continued in the Pioneer Hall with lunch and a music performance by the Mornington Brass Band.The historic church was built in 1865 on the site given for church purposes by Edward Linott, an early pioneer of the district. Until the church was erected, services were held in a…
ROSEBUD Beach Bowls Club is celebrating an extraordinary milestone, with four of its members winning the right to represent Victoria at the 2025 Australian Championships in Tasmania this November.The talented team of Paul Twyerould, Frankie Krslovic, Steve Brindle, and Joe Turner will line up in the Australian Fours competition on 26 November, with their sights firmly set on becoming national champions. Brindle rejoins the side after Steve Lyon from Balnarring stepped in during the State Finals to help secure qualification.For a club of Rosebud Beach’s size, this achievement is nothing short of remarkable. The team will proudly wear the Stingray…
By Evangeline MacLeod*THE worldwide social media frenzy for the decadent pistachio-based “Dubai chocolate” has caused the price of pistachios to skyrocket, making it difficult for businesses closer to home.Dubai chocolate is a chunky chocolate bar filled with a bright pistachio cream, tahini and flaky and crunchy kataifi (thinly torn phyllo pastry). The result is a decadent chocolate bar that has caught the attention of those that court attention.Fuelled by TikTok “influencers”, demand has surged, not only for the chocolate bar, but also for other pistachio-based items with ice creams, spreads, chocolates, coffees and even protein powders landing on supermarket shelves.…
SINGER Graham G Toole has hit the jackpot as Kenny Rogers. Graham has made a career out of singing the songs of the greats, performing tributes to Glen Campbell, John Denver, and Kenny Rogers over the past 38 years. Growing up in a musical household, Graham’s passion for music was evident from an early age. He joined an old-time dance band and, at 16, won a talent competition to be the curtain-raiser for a young John Williamson’s travelling out west TV show. Graham’s performances transcend generations, with grandparents eager to share the music. “They’re just such well-crafted songs,” he says.…
MORNINGTON Little Athletics Centre is kicking off the new season with a $1600 grant from Coles to support young athletes and dedicated volunteers. The centre was named one of 72 grassroots Little Athletics Centres across Australia to receive funding from the 2025 Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.Mornington plans to use the grant to invest in new shot puts, relay batons, high jump bars, discuses and javelins. Centre president Brett Perez said the equipment would play a key role in helping volunteers deliver a fun, safe, and high-quality program for young athletes.“This new equipment will make Little Athletics sessions more engaging…
Get ready to tee off for a great cause on Friday, November 21 at Mornington Golf Club. The annual SMART Business Solutions Charity Golf Day aims to raise vital funds for Mental Health Safety Net (MHSN) to facilitate early-intervention mental health programs workshops across the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston and Casey LGAs.All proceeds from the Golf Day will deliver free safeTALK sessions for local secondary schools and community groups, ensuring that more young people and community members have access to this critical education. These lifesaving workshops equip people, from students to business owners, with the skills to recognise when someone may…
Compiled by Cameron McCulloughMR. P. WHEELER, J.P., conducted a magisterial inquiry on Monday last into the circumstances surrounding the death of Percy Evans, aged 49.Raymond Victor Dawson, labourer, deposed that on Saturday, 17th October, at 7pm, he was driving along Hastings road to Somerville, about 3 miles from Frankston, when he saw the body of a man hanging by a rope from a gum tree near the roadside.Witness did not cut the body down, but hurried to Mr. J. Williams’ residence nearby. Mr. Williams was not at home and witness then phoned for the police.Evidence was adduced to show that…
The extensions to Holy Trinity Church in Hastings have officially opened.Since 1993, the Old Church had been used as an Op Shop, but was destroyed by arson in 2017.In its place, the church has rebuilt an extension to the current church premises. The extension comprises a new church foyer and a new Op Shop.The ribbon was cut by Geoff Stockton; a living connection to the church’s founding in the 1880s, as his great grandfather, Alfred Manx Stockton was one of the pioneers who started the church.Having operated in a portable for the last eight years, the Op Shop will open…
A FUNDRAISER for children living with heart disease will take place in Frankston this weekend. The annual Two Feet & A Heartbeat walk takes place at Ballam Park Primary School on Saturday, 25 October. Participants will be walking four kilometres in honour of the four deaths from childhood-onset heart disease each week, or eight kilometres to mark the eight babies born each day in Australia with a heart condition.HeartKids CEO Marcus Sandmann says that money raised through the walks, which take place across the country throughout October, will be used “to increase accessibility to HeartKids support services and programs in…
DEVILBEND Golf Club has been named the winner of “Most Outstanding Club, Facility, Place to Play – Metropolitan Region.” at the Victorian Golf Industry Awards.“This is an incredible recognition of our club’s ongoing commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and community-focused golfing experience. It reflects the hard work, passion, and dedication of our members, volunteers, staff, and committee who together make Devilbend such a special place to play,” said the general manager of the club, Tim O’Sullivan.The award citation states “Devilbend Golf Club has emerged as a leader in community-focused inclusive golf, with a clear commitment to making the game…
When Pt. Leo Estate first opened its doors eight years ago, it quickly became known for more than just its Estate grown wines. Within months of opening, its dining rooms were regarded world-class, its Sculpture Park was heralded as a national icon, and both media and visitors could not get enough of the property’s sweeping vineyard and coastal views. But to General Manager Roger Lancia, this milestone is about far more -it’s about people, place and perseverance.“Reflecting on the past eight years, what fills me with pride isn’t just what we’ve built, but who we’ve built it with,” Roger reflects.…
A FRANKSTON-raised pilot has lived out a childhood dream by leading a Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and United States Air Force mission of F-35A Lightning II jets.Flight Lieutenant Patrick Kane led the mission during Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 in Misawa, Japan. He said the experience was a dream come true.“It was always the fast jets – that’s the only flying I was interested in,” Kane said. The F-35A Lightning II is the ADF’s first fifth-generation air combat fighter. It is capable of supersonic flight while retaining stealth, has 9G manoeuvrability, and is also equipped with advanced…
By Barry IrvingRYE tennis club officially opened the “Hitting Wall” on Sunday 19 October. The wall and its cage surroundings is an ideal safe area to practice tennis returns. Project manager Russell Atkins said the wall is open to the public to come and hit few balls. There is a box that contains racquets and balls free to use.The club has also created a family friendly safe play area for younger children to enjoy while their older siblings are having tennis lessons. This area also boasts some seating and tables providing a comfortable viewing area for watching the tennis. The…
THE Mornington Peninsula Contemporary Art Prize is preparing for its opening night at the Cook Street Collective in Flinders on 31 October. The exhibition, now in its second year, runs through to 23 November, showcasing an exciting and diverse collection of works form artists across the region and beyond.The Cook Street Collective was launched in 2011 and has become an important and highly regarded player on the Mornington Peninsula arts scene supporting talented local artists. Its team of four co-directors Neil Williams, Julie Hocking, Jennifer Buntine and Liz Walker also curate monthly exhibitions by artists from Victoria, New South Wales…
Police will prepare reports for the coroner following the death of two men in Frankston yesterday. Emergency services were called to Frankston Beach following reports of two men in trouble in the water on Wednesday 22 October about 5pm. It is believed one of the men was surfing, when his board snapped. Another man, known to the surfer, jumped into the water to attempt to help him however both men began to struggle. Air Wing came to assist, and both men were winched back to shore but could not be revived. At this stage, the pair are yet-to-be formally identified…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is inviting the community’s feedback for a new accessible shared path between Dromana and Safety Beach.The shire has released two potential route options for the path, which aims to improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Option one known as the “Boundary Rd Route” would run down Boundary Rd, continuing along White Hill Rd and then onto Old White Hill Road toward Peninsula Specialist College.About 1.198 hectares of vegetation would need be removed, with one pedestrian crossing needing to be installed. However, the council noted this route would service fewer residents.The second option known as “Nepean Highway Route”…
Where are Rosebud’s statues? ROSEBUD only had one history board, the one located outside the shop that has been a fish and chip shop for some time and was the first purpose-built post office under private ownership before the Commonwealth bought land east of Jenning’s Model dairy near McDaid’s hotel (until recently known as the GPO HOTEL). It was about the meeting tree, a landmark and possibly planted in 1907. The history board has deteriorated and is useless to indicate Rosebud’s rich heritage.Rosebud built heritage is virtually non-existent. The Rosebud Fishing Village on the foreshore could not look more suburban,…