Author: Sarah Halfpenny

Kelly Nash has spent her life saying yes to things that terrify her. She left a secure teaching career in her late twenties to become an actor, despite resistance from those around her. She’s raised kids while carving out her career as a performer and educator on the Mornington Peninsula. And now, as she returns to the role of Patch in Sea Wolves Howl, she’s doing it again: playing a character who has found profound healing in the very thing Kelly herself isn’t a big fan of – the open ocean. When local theatre company, 60% Water, launches their regional…

EVERY second Friday night, a food trailer pulls into the Young Street car park in Frankston, and the smell of a barbecue drifts into the dark. No invitation is needed, and no one is turned away. The trailer belongs to Life-Gate Inc, a Frankston charity that many locals have never heard of, despite the hundreds of lives it touches each year. CEO Lauryn Hornby has been part of the organisation for 20 years and says the fortnightly event is central to what Life-Gate is about. “The heart and purpose of it is a community barbecue, and anyone’s welcome,” she said.…

WHEN the Big Freeze 12 action kicked off at the MCG on 9 June, Rye Bowls Club had its own version well underway, including a volunteer willing to take a bucket of ice over the head. That volunteer was Peter Pearson, who accepted the icy plunge as 52 members and supporters turned out for the club’s Big Freeze fundraiser on the King’s Birthday public holiday. They raised $1,280 in entry fees, plus proceeds from the sale of Big Freeze caps, all donated to Fight MND. Club president Bill White said it was a genuine community effort rather than a club-run…

DEMAND for palliative care on the Mornington Peninsula has surged by about 27 per cent over the past four years, outpacing the resources available to meet it, according to the acting chief executive of Peninsula Home Hospice. Julie Murphy said the local service was feeling the same pressures identified in a new state election campaign by Palliative Care Victoria, which warns that 62 Victorians die every day without ever receiving specialist palliative care. “Access is a challenge,” said Murphy. “Our referral rates have increased, our demand has increased… the ability to respond when needed is a challenge and it’s a…

SEVEN new homes in Hastings will soon offer safe, affordable housing for women and children experiencing housing insecurity, delivering long-term stability for some of the peninsula’s most vulnerable residents. Women’s Property Initiatives (WPI), a community housing provider with 28 years experience working with women and women-led families, is developing the $4.5m modular development in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire. The shire provided the land on a long-term peppercorn lease – a nominal arrangement in which land is leased for a token amount rather than market rate – with funding coming from Homes Victoria through the state government’s Big Housing Build,…

A ROYAL Australian Navy chief petty officer stationed at HMAS Cerberus has been awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal for her work overhauling recruit swim training and data collection. Chief petty officer Michelle Bush received the award as part of the King’s Birthday honours, recognising her contribution to recruit training at the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School since posting there in 2024. Bush collected and analysed swim-test data to identify trends, track failures and measure how long recruits took to achieve the required standard – work that helped identify common reasons recruits struggled with the initial entry swim test. “I love…

TWO years on from her newborn’s near-death experience, Frankston South mum Samantha is thankful she listened to her instincts. Samantha took her two-week-old daughter Zara to Peninsula University Hospital’s emergency department concerned that she was not eating or sleeping properly. Zara was assessed and quickly rushed to the resuscitation area, where a defibrillator was used to reduce her heart rate from 290 beats per minute. Samantha said “when I walked in the doors she went quiet, even though she had just been crying inconsolably. I almost thought ‘she seems fine now, maybe I should take her home’. “It went from…

A WHOLE lot of talent, training and perhaps some help from her lucky number has taken Mornington long jumper, Geena Davy, all the way to the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, after she sealed her spot on the Australian team with a qualifying jump of 6.27 metres. “I was born on the 27th and 27 has always been my number,” said Davy. “I had always said ‘I wonder when I’m going to jump 6.27’ and it happened on my qualifying jump, which was also really cool.” The 19-year-old held off celebrating until Athletics Australia made the official announcement. “The day that…

NEARLY six months on from its official opening, staff at the new Peninsula University Hospital building say that its design is improving patient care. The redevelopment, designed by Bates Smart in partnership with Architectus, has added 130 beds and 15 operating theatres to the formerly-named Frankston Hospital. The redevelopment also included expanded mental health and oncology services, a new helipad, and enhanced women’s and children’s care. The facility has the capacity to treat approximately 35,000 more patients each year. Chantelle Pollard, nurse unit manager of the Chemotherapy Day Unit, has worked at Peninsula Health for eight years and experienced firsthand…

PAUL Maley didn’t give much thought to breast cancer, until a sleepless night three years ago changed everything. The Mornington Peninsula-based former professional NBL player is one of the subjects of Conquering Breast Cancer, a new Australian documentary releasing in cinemas nationwide from 10 June, including at Village Cinemas Karingal on 21 June. Presented by Melbourne filmmaker Sue Collins, the film weaves together survivor stories – including those of Olympic legend Raelene Boyle AM MBE, and First Nations mountaineer Kristal Kinsela – with expert insight from leading oncologists and researchers, asking whether Australia can rise to the challenge of ending…

DROMANA veteran Gerald “Gerry” Shepherd turns 100 on 10 June, and his family is marking the milestone with a celebration at the Peninsula Club, with more than 135 guests expected. It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose daughter, Paula Mandile, describes as having lived “a life of service”. “Gerry has always been determined in living life to the fullest, and passionate about his friends, family, community, and his Navy days,” she said. “He is stubborn and determined, and if he thinks something is worthwhile, he won’t give up.” Born in 1926 during the Great Depression, Gerry joined the Royal…

THE Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Rosebud began more than 20 years ago with a bare warehouse and donated goods laid on hessian bags. It was the vision of Mavis Peet, a woman determined to help peninsula families. Mavis personally funded the start-up costs of the Rosebud ReStore after forming the Mornington Peninsula chapter of Habitat for Humanity Victoria in 2004. She chose the op shop model to raise money for the charity’s affordable housing program, and despite early scepticism – there were already several op shops in Rosebud – the store was soon covering its own costs. By 2009…

RSPCA Victoria has launched a new program to help victim-survivors of domestic and family violence keep their pets safe while fleeing unsafe situations. The SafePaws program provides practical support including emergency pet packs, access to emergency boarding, and veterinary care for animals that have been harmed or require rehabilitation due to domestic and family violence. For many victim-survivors, concern for a pet’s safety can be an overwhelming barrier, delaying their decision to leave unsafe situations. RSPCA Victoria’s senior manager education and community outreach, Dr Lauren Roberts, said the scale of the problem was significant. “We know people in domestic and…

A LARGE boulder bearing the name of David Cassai – a young man killed by a single punch on New Year’s Eve 2012 – now stands permanently at the Rye foreshore, close to the spot where his life was taken. Around 80 people – friends, family, police officers who worked on David’s case and other families who have lost loved ones to one-punch attacks – gathered at the Rye foreshore on Sunday 24 May for an informal ceremony, a catchup and a picnic. The plaque on the memorial reads: “In memory of David Cassai, 19/1/1990 – 31/12/2012. From profound loss…

MORE than 50 families affected by cancer spent a day at Enchanted Adventure in Arthurs Seat on 23 May, as part of a Family Fun Day hosted by children’s cancer charity Camp Quality. Families enjoyed the high ropes course, tube slides and mazes at the park, which has supported Camp Quality for four years through complimentary and discounted entry – a contribution of around $30,000. Enchanted Adventure owner, Michael Savage, approached his team five years ago about increasing the business’s charitable support. The partnership with Camp Quality has since welcomed more than 130 families through the gates. Camp Quality Family…

A PENINSULA wildlife advocate has resigned from the Arthurs Seat Eagle Local Community Reference Group (LCRG), saying he could not be part of a process that pressured him to frame wildlife displacement as a positive outcome. Craig Thomson, president of Save Kangaroos on Mornington Peninsula (SKOMP) and a wildlife rescuer with more than 25 years’ experience, withdrew from the group following the March meeting, citing disrespect toward him and what he describes as the dismissal of wildlife welfare concerns. “Clearing vegetation in a state park kills wildlife. It displaces wildlife. It fragments habitat. It destroys kangaroo songlines. And no amount…

THE Mornington Peninsula has taken home three major honours at the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Awards, cementing the region’s reputation as a national leader in community-driven environmental action. Held in Launceston on 17 May, the ceremony saw the peninsula recognised in the Circular Economy and Waste Reduction category and the Dame Phyllis Frost Local Hero Award, while also earning a Highly Commended in the Young Legends Award. The Circular Economy and Waste Reduction win went to Shell Savers, a grassroots initiative that collects shellfish waste from local restaurants and hospitality businesses, cleans it using volunteers and transforms it…

A MORNINGTON Peninsula organisation and teenage twin brothers have taken home awards at the 2025 Victorian Sport Awards, presented by the Victorian government and Vicsport on 13 May at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Among 19 awards covering athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators, local winners were Mornington Life Saving Club, and sailing brothers from Sorrento. Sixteen-year-old twins, Henri and Miles Levenspiel, took out Young Team of the Year for a standout 2025 season of sailing (Twins ride high sailing into sports awards, The News 22/4/25). The pair claimed first junior at the Australian 9er National Championships, were crowned Victorian 29er…

COMMUNITY advocates say animals continue to suffer at a Moorooduc Hwy property in Mt Eliza, more than 12 months after peaceful protests began outside the site. The RSPCA, accompanied by police, returned to the property on 11 May and seized an injured horse and a dog – the second seizure operation at the address since September last year, when 35 horses were removed (RSPCA seizes 35 horses in major operation at Mt Eliza property, The News 9/10/25). An RSPCA Victoria spokesperson confirmed the September seizure of 35 horses was part of an active investigation that remains ongoing, and that no…

MORNINGTON Peninsula chef Andrew Ballard will take centre stage at the Good Food & Wine Show in Melbourne later this month, curating the Singapore Airlines VIP Lounge menu and unveiling an exclusive Japanese-inspired lamington. Frankson-based Ballard was named Australian Chef of the Year in 2021, and is in his 20th year as executive chef of the show, which runs from 29 to 31 May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The show draws more than 90,000 visitors nationally each year across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane events, and in 2026 adds two major new experiences: Bakers Alley, a dedicated…

THE Southern Mornington Peninsula Uniting Church has donated $20,000 to Southern Peninsula Community Support through the proceeds of their Dromana Welcome Centre Op Shop, with a commitment to direct all future proceeds to the organisation. The op shop has been running since 1998, originally from a small premises in Rosebud. When Covid made the rent unaffordable, the shop relocated to a former church building in Dromana, which the congregation renamed the Welcome Centre. The building now houses four playgroups, a drop-in morning tea and Soup and Chatter program on Fridays, and a Wednesday osteopath service for health and pension card…

ONE of only two Welsh Ladies Choirs in the entire Southern Hemisphere will spend the weekend of 22–24 May in Flinders, with up to 30 choristers attending the group’s inaugural music workshop. The Mornington Peninsula Welsh Ladies Choir will base itself at the Flinders Motel for the three days, with the workshop to be led by musical director Tom Buchanan OAM at the Flinders Community Centre. Buchanan is also musical director of the Australian Welsh Male Choir, which is preparing for an international tour that includes a performance at London’s Albert Hall. In the lead-up to the weekend, choristers Marissa…

PETSTOCK stores across the Mornington Peninsula will host rescue animal adoption weekends this month, giving locals the chance to offer a forever home to pets in need. Four peninsula stores are taking part, with events running from 10am to 2pm. The events come as new Petstock Foundation research found one in six pet owners had seriously considered rehoming their pet due to cost of living pressures – something Jenny Cooper, manager of Petstock Mornington Central, said she was witnessing firsthand. “I see a lot of posts on Facebook with people trying to raise money because they’ve rescued a dog and…

WHEN Ben Starick steps onto the Mornington Peninsula coastline on Friday 22 May, it will be a walk 30 years in the making. He’ll mark one kilometre for every year since losing his younger brother Joel to suicide. Joel was just 16. Ben, now 48, was a teenager in Swan Hill when Joel died in 1996. “There was no warning, no goodbye. Just a phone call that split life into before and after,” he said. Three decades on, he will walk the 30km route at Coastrek Mornington Peninsula the day after what would have been Joel’s 47th birthday – a…

THREE Mornington Peninsula not-for-profit organisations are among 251 community initiatives across Australia to receive funding through Australia Post’s 2026 People of Post grant program. Projex J, Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association, and Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation each received $2,000 from the program, which awarded almost $500,000 nationally this year. Shivaun Hanlon from Projex J said the grant would support the not-for-profit’s free grief and wellbeing programs for children, parents and families on the peninsula. The organisation was founded by Chantelle Ross following the death of her son Jameson, known as Jammo, in a hit-and-run accident in October 2022. (Keeping busy with…

THE Sydney Writers’ Festival Live & Local program is coming to the Mornington Peninsula this May, livestreaming author talks and panel discussions for free into Mornington Library and Hastings Library. From Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 May, sessions will be screened at the two libraries as part of the national program, which connects 152 venues across every state and territory. Sydney Writers’ Festival Artistic Director Ann Mossop said the festival put four days of programming – featuring both international and Australian authors – on its main stage and made it available for libraries to screen for their audiences. “It’s about…

RESIDENTS curious about passive house design, straw bale walls or off-grid living can step inside four sustainable homes on the Mornington Peninsula this Sunday. Sustainable House Day takes place on Sunday 17 May. A $15 all-day pass gives access to three peninsula homes that will welcome visitors in person, plus an online tour of a fourth property at Red Hill. “If you’ve ever watched Grand Designs and thought ‘I wonder what it’s really like…’ you’re in luck! The famous Cave House in Rye (S12 E3) is one of this year’s open homes, so come and see it for yourself,” said…

Mornington Park Primary School is among 31 Victorian government schools that will share in $294.8m for upgrade and modernisation works. The school will receive $331,000 for its upgrade and modernisation works, with the project due for completion by 31 March 2028. “As a small community school, we are delighted to receive this funding to support important upgrades across our facilities,” said Mornington Park Primary School principal Kathleen Lord. “These improvements will help us create an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and safe, while also enhancing the overall appearance of our school for students, staff and the wider community.” The broader…

NUMBERS of an endangered fish at The Briars in Mount Martha have grown from around 40 to more than 400 in a single breeding season, following a wetland management project headed by Briars Conservation and Wildlife Lead, Lachlan Gordon, and aquatic ecologist Gemma Walker from Ecology Australia. The eastern dwarf galaxias is listed as endangered at both state and national levels. The species grows to a maximum length of 3-4cm and was first translocated to The Briars during the Peninsula Link project in 2011. The team reshaped the water environment to better aligning conditions with the fish’s breeding cycle. “It’s…

TWO Mornington Peninsula homelessness services have welcomed a $500,000 Liberal Party election pledge but say ongoing operational funding remains the more urgent need. Liberal Candidate for Nepean Anthony Marsh announced on 30 April that an elected Liberal and Nationals government would provide $250,000 to Fusion Mornington Peninsula and $250,000 to Southern Peninsula Community Support (SPCS). The funding is contingent on the Liberal-Nationals Coalition winning government at November’s state election. Marsh, the former Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor, won the Nepean seat at the 2 May by-election triggered by the February resignation of former member Sam Groth. “This investment is about more…