SOMERVILLE Primary School turned back the clock last week to mark a major milestone – its 140th anniversary.To mark the occasion, students dressed in attire from different decades, bringing the past to life in a vibrant atmosphere while celebrating the school’s rich history, which first opened its doors on 1 January 1885. The school hallway was also transformed into a museum featuring photos and memorabilia from years gone by.The celebratory week from 6-10 October also saw students learning about what school was like in the past as well as listening to guest speakers who attended Somerville Primary in the past,…
Author: Brendan Rees
A quiet sporting revolution is underway on the Mornington Peninsula – and it’s happening one paddle and plastic ball at a time. Pickleball, a fast-growing social sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, is quickly becoming a local favourite.New data from January to September showed Somerville Recreation Centre recorded a 97 per cent increase in hours of play from the same date range last year (9857 hours), while Mornington’s Civic Reserve Recreation Centre saw a 145 per cent surge (7350 hours).Its popularity comes as World Pickleball Day was celebrated on 10 October. And with the potential of…
GOLFERS will unite at Devilbend Golf Club for a charity day this month supporting Mornington Peninsula Legacy, raising funds for families of veterans who have served their country.The 24 October event will see more than 90 players come together for a day of fun and solidarity with all proceeds going to Mornington Legacy; a charity that has been dedicated to supporting dependents of veterans for over 100 years.The not-for-profit provides a range of social activities, services, and support. It cares for families from Chelsea, running through Frankston, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, down to Portsea and across to Hastings in…
A MUCH-loved all abilities golf program has returned to Mt Martha Golf Club this spring, celebrating diversity and accessibility in golf.The program, which offers inclusive access to the sport for players of all skill levels and abilities, has two more sessions remaining: 17 October and 21 November. Each event begins with a welcome and warm-up at 1.30pm with this month’s warm-up featuring the new simulators at the course. This is followed by participants heading to the course in groups to play a shortened version of several holes.Organiser John Bowers said the program, which began in March last year, continued to…
A NEW crew has taken to the water at the Coast Guard Safety Beach – and for the first time in history, it’s made up entirely of women. The team, which includes Sara Dailey, skipper Nadine Huels, Michelle Ellicott, and Georgina Wakim are fully trained and are now ready to carry out patrols, assist in rescues, and respond to emergencies on the bay.The crew, all of whom are volunteers, will operate on a rotating roster including weekends, showing what’s possible with some dedication and teamwork. Ellicott, a mum of three, joined the Coast Guard two years ago after a lifelong…
BY day Simon Mildren is a Mornington Peninsula firefighter – but it’s his work outside the fire station that’s now gaining international acclaim as a beekeeper. His company HiveKeepers, one of Australia’s most-forward thinking tech start-ups, took out Gold for Innovation at the Apimondia World Beekeeping Awards in Copenhagen, Denmark.The win, on 7 October, marks a major milestone for Mildren, also a peninsula resident and a Fire Rescue Victoria senior station officer at Mornington Fire Brigade’s Station 94. “Receiving gold at Apimondia is a career-defining moment, not just for HiveKeepers but for Australian innovation,” said Mildren, who founded HiveKeepers and…
MORE than 30 roads across the Mornington Peninsula Shire are set for major improvements under a $7.3m project.Works are now under way as part of the council’s annual Road Resurfacing and Rehabilitation Program, funded by $5.3m from the council and an additional $2m from the federal government’s Roads to Recovery program. The 2025-26 rollout aims to improve road safety, extend the life of existing infrastructure, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.Works are under way at Uralla Rd in Mount Martha and Old White Hill Rd in Dromana. Additional resurfacing is planned for Wooralla Dr and Canadian Bay Rd in Mount Eliza,…
A FORMER Mornington Peninsula-based doctor who engaged in sexualised behaviour with two patients as well as writing false prescriptions has had his registration banned for five years.The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) referred seven allegations about Dr Mahmoud El Said Ali to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law.The allegations occurred between 2010 and 2018 during the time Dr Ali was a general practitioner based at Mt Martha Village Clinic from 2007 to 2017 and at Elite Medical and Dental Clinic in Mornington (2017 to 2018). He also practised briefly in the middle…
THE Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM) has received a $4000 community grant from Australia Post to support its Mornington Peninsula arts-based veteran wellbeing program. The program, called Making Space, is designed to foster connection, creativity and peer support through creative engagement among local veterans.ANVAM deputy director Kat Baldwin said they were “thrilled and grateful” on hearing the news. “This grant recognises the importance of veteran-led creative spaces and the role they play in building resilience and community connection,” said Baldwin.Funding will go directly towards program costs, expanding access for more veterans across the peninsula. “It will make a real…
AN independent specialist school in Hastings is set to move forward with a $4m plan to build a new educational facility at its existing campus as the school reaches capacity in student numbers.Advance College of Education has submitted a proposal to create a new education facility adjacent to the current campus at 1973 Frankston-Flinders Rd in Hastings, which aims to accommodate a growing demand for courses and space. The proposal also aims to better support students aged primarily between 15 and 19 who may face challenges in mainstream schools, increase support for at-risk students, additional staff and resources, a comprehensive…
A WELL-KNOWN construction firm based in Blairgowrie has gone into liquidation, leaving more than 90 unsecured creditors out of pocket by over $1.6m.Made Build, recognised for its architecturally designed coastal homes, stopped operations in early September. The company, which marketed itself as a specialist in bespoke, luxury residential projects, has received multiple awards with articles published in magazines after developing a strong reputation prior to its financial collapse.It also noted its director Daryl Powell was a third-generation builder who “lives and works in Blairgowrie and has had 20 years of experience in the building industry”. “We provide excellence and expertise…
A FATHER-son team from Safety Beach is gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime as they prepare to take part in this year’s Great Vic Bike Ride in the state’s west.David Di Nino and his 16-year-old son Marco have been training for months for the five-day event which will see thousands of cyclists traverse some of Victoria’s most picturesque landscapes from 24-28 November.“We’re mostly recreational riders. I participated in the 2005 Great Vic Bike ride. Marco is a keen mountain biker and has participated in the Aus Cycling Victorian School Mountain Bike races,” David said. “He’s also competed in…
ACCLAIMED author Rachael Johns will be appearing at the Mornington Library next month to discuss her much-anticipated novel, The Lucky Stars. The free event on 3 November will include a talk with Johns, a Q&A session with the audience and the inspiration behind her latest work.The book explores the powerful bond between twin sisters whose lives are turned upside down when they are confronted with the news that they may not have long to live and spiral into different directions.Johns, who has written over 30 books, is usually well-loved for her romances, but The Lucky Sisters takes her back to…
A DEDICATED team of conservation volunteers have been left heartbroken after vandals tore through a newly planted section of the Balcombe Estuary Reserve in Mt Martha, destroying hours of revegetation work.The incident, which was discovered on 30 September, saw dozens of young native plants, as well as protective stakes and guards pulled and strewn across in an area called Rabbit Paddock south of Ferrero Reserve.The damaged site was part of a community-led effort spearheaded by the Balcombe Estuary Reserves Group (BERG) Mt Martha to restore native habitat and support wildlife by planting indigenous grasses, shrubs, trees and ground covers.BERG, which…
WHILE Rosebud Hospital will undergo a major $4m refurbishment to boost patient safety, modernise facilities, and improve emergency care access, Member for Nepean Sam Groth has told The News the amount falls well short of the investment required.During a visit to the hospital last week, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas confirmed the funding, which will support upgrades to ventilation systems, infection control, and the emergency department – designed to enhance care for patients and working conditions for staff.The upgrade will include the installation of new ventilation and infection control systems, helping to improve overall hospital hygiene and safety standards. The emergency…
A tragic incident has claimed the life of a person after being struck by a vehicle this morning, 3 October. Emergency services were called to the Boundary Rd, near Jetty Rd, in Dromana after the person was hit by what is understood to be a truck about 11.30am. A Victoria Police spokesperson said the death appeared to be a self-harm incident. Paramedics from the Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance and Advanced Life Support attended. Dromana fire brigade volunteers were also called. The road was closed in both directions by fire trucks and police cars. Lifeline Australia 13 11 14. Beyondblue 1300 224 636.
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a giant high-tech industry and business park in Somerville is a step closer after Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors backed an independent planning panel’s report.The proposed development, known as Amendment C243morn, would occupy a large parcel of land at 79 and 83 Bungower Rd in Somerville with offerings in manufacturing, research and development, smaller start-ups and small to medium enterprises.The plan is being privately led by Procter Investments Pty Ltd, the founders of navigation technology company Sealite. If approved, it would see a technology, industry and business park created, providing up to 1100 jobs with the…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have voted to endorse a plan that could see height limits raised in Sorrento’s town centre, despite strong community concerns over heritage and coastal character impacts.Under new planning rules, buildings would have a two storey, nine metre building height limit fronting Point Nepean Rd, and a three-storey, 12-metre height limit for new development abutting Ocean Beach Rd.It also proposes new developments have a maximum of two storeys or nine metre buildings at street frontage while any third storey would see a reduced setback from eight to four metres from the street frontage, excluding heritage sites. Additionally,…
CCTV cameras across the Mornington Peninsula Shire will be brought back online after councillors voted to spend $500,000 fixing the issue following growing crime concerns and anti-social behaviour.The decision, made at the 23 September council meeting, will see 60 existing cameras restored in six localities including Hastings, Mornington, Mt Eliza, Mt Martha, Rosebud and Rye. An additional 30 cameras will also be installed across the municipality.Many, if not all cameras, have sat idle due to lack of maintenance, leaving what some say is a huge gap in public safety surveillance, particularly in trouble spots such as Hastings where traders have…
THE Coolart Homestead, a treasured late-Victorian mansion in Somers, has officially reopened to the public for the first time in seven years.The 1895 building, located within the Coolart Wetlands and Homestead Estate with expansive lawns and gardens, reopened its doors after safety concerns relating to the age of the structure forced its closure. Parks Victoria has completed a range of upgrades throughout the site, including improvements to accessibility, lighting and fire safety measures.Initial access will be restricted to the ground floor as Parks Victoria continued to review further repair and funding options for the mansion. “We commit to keeping the…
A MORNINGTON man has been joyfully reunited with his prized vintage model steam train more than a year after it was stolen from his backyard shed.Geoff Woods, 64, a lifelong train enthusiast and passionate collector, had nearly given up hope of ever seeing the 80-year-old gem again, but thanks to an unexpected tip-off that came through a chain of personal connections to the thief’s partner, he was able to recover it.“Little did I know the thief was right under my nose and never left Mornington,” Woods said. Police arrested the thief at his Mornington property in June after executing outstanding…
WILDLIFE advocates are renewing calls for drivers to slow down and stay alert after a mother kangaroo was tragically killed in Arthurs Seat. The incident occurred on Arthurs Seat Rd after the kangaroo was struck by a car, causing critical injuries.According to the Vets for Compassion Facebook page, the mother kangaroo managed to reach dense bushland with her joey but was badly injured and had struggled to move. When rescuers arrived the next morning, they came across a rare and emotional scene with two male kangaroos standing guard over the injured mother with her joey.“Through the long, cold night they…
THE St Vincent de Paul Society Mornington Conference is preparing to mark a special occasion this month as its volunteers work tirelessly helping those in need.The Mornington Conference, which is the local arm of the society, has about 20 volunteers who give their time to deliver food parcels, and vouchers for food and clothing to the disadvantaged. The society can also offer financial help to those families feeling severe economic stress including outstanding bills, as well as providing furniture and white goods.While its volunteers, also called Vincentians, are working hard in the community, they will take a moment to reflect…
MORNINGTON Peninsula has recorded 227 reports of animal cruelty over the past financial year with 22 animals either seized or surrendered. The new data was released in RSPCA Victoria’s latest animal cruelty report, making the peninsula the 13th highest in the state for animal cruelty. The report ranked each Victorian local government area (LGA) with Geelong topping the list with 560 reports, followed by Casey (470), and Hume (431) for the 2024-25 financial year.Mornington Peninsula’s 227 cruelty reports matched the previous year’s figure but was still fewer than the 2022-23 financial year (281 reports). There were also fewer animals seized…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have endorsed a draft “Community Disaster Resilience Plan”, which will now be released for community input. The decision was made at the council’s 2 September and will identify local strengths, needs, and priorities with emergencies and disasters.The draft plan will guide how the council supports the community to prepare for clear communication during emergencies, as well as plan and prioritise emergency preparedness activities, and assess the impact of its actions and improve future responses.A statement from the council’s draft plan said it focused on leading change and coordinating preparedness through strong networks and partnerships, and also…
A booming wallaby population at The Briars nature sanctuary will see Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors hold an urgent meeting about how to best manage their future. Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh called for an unscheduled online public meeting for 16 September to “urgently address animal welfare concerns at The Briars”. He said wallaby numbers had surged to around 150 despite the Mt Martha sanctuary having the capacity to sustainably hold just 30, leading to starvation and some deaths of the macropods. The Briars Wildlife Sanctuary is home to kangaroos, koalas, emus, echidnas and more. Southern brown bandicoots have also been reintroduced…
A TRAIL running couple from the Mornington Peninsula are preparing to represent Australia at one of the world’s most prestigious endurance events this month in Spain. Tom Dade and his partner Miah Noble have earned their place among the world’s elite after being selected to compete in the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships from 25-28 September.The event will be held in Canfranc-Pirineos in the Spanish Pyrenees known for its stunning mountain scenery and rich history. It will bring together the top trail and mountain runners from across the globe as they take on gruelling courses featuring steep climbs…
DEVILBEND Golf Club is set to undergo a major pro-shop and clubhouse redevelopment after the Mornington Peninsula Shire backed the project by agreeing to act as a loan guarantor. The $1.1m project would see the clubhouse facilities upgraded to provide additional and upgraded services for its members. Councillors voted unanimously at their 2 September meeting for the shire to act as a loan guarantor as part of the club’s bid to secure a $450,000 loan from Bendigo Bank, which would be repaid over ten years. The club, based in Moorooduc, has received in-principle approval of the loan from the bank,…
A PLAN to merge Peninsula Health with four other health services under a new entity called Bayside Health to improve healthcare access has been green–lit by the state government. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced the approval of the voluntary merger of five health services including Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Kooweerup Regional Health Service and Peninsula Health, which will become effective from 1 January next year. The decision follows a compelling case made by the services, demonstrating how uniting under one umbrella will enhance healthcare access, bring specialist services closer to home, and lead to better…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have approved a land lease expansion of the Main Ridge CFA brigade to allow the installation of a second water tank, boosting the brigade’s emergency response capacity.The decision, made at the council’s 2 September meeting, comes in response to growing concerns over water availability for fire callouts in the region with the nearest reticulated water supply being in Browns Rd in Boneo, near Graceland Rd, some 12km away. Currently the brigade operates with one tank onsite, however the lease expansion would permit a second tank to be placed within the brigade’s grounds at Main Creek Rd…