Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has welcomed Christine Leahy as the new councillor for Briars Ward following her swearing in today (14 October). The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) officially declared Leahy elected following completion of the count for the 2026 Briars Ward by-election. Leahy attracted 64.17% of the vote in the two candidate contest against Sue Ellison-Whyte. The Mornington Peninsula Shire Briars Ward by-election was the result of a trickle-down of events first started by the resignation of the state Member for Nepean, Sam Groth, in February (“Groth resignation to trigger Nepean by-election”, The News, 4/2/26). A state by-election was called…
Browsing: Mornington Peninsula
MORNINGTON MP Chris Crewther has announced an elected Liberal/Nationals government will fund $1.5m towards an upgrade of outdoor facilities at Mount Martha Primary School, delivering a new covered all-weather shelter, upgraded courts and refurbishment of the school’s synthetic oval. Crewther said he had been fighting for investment in the school’s facilities after visiting Mount Martha Primary School in August and meeting with school leadership, students, school council representatives, Mount Martha Basketball Club and Mount Martha Netball Club. “Mount Martha Primary School is an important part of our local community, and its outdoor facilities are used every day by students as…
CONCERNS have been raised over two 100-year-old trees that were cut down in Red Hill to make way for a CFA shed. Grant Roberts said he was participating in a Nature Stewards program in June at the Red Hill Mechanics Hall, when the group noticed a tree had been cut down on the neighbouring CFA site. “We were in a position to estimate the diameter of the tree. Among us were those with the knowledge to identify it as a eucalypt of 100+ years, despite it being stripped of its foliage,” said Roberts. “We have since understood that the felled…
ANIMAL Justice Party candidate Tamara Champion will contest the seat of Nepean in the upcoming state election. Champion joined the party in late 2022 after a mentor encouraged her to get involved with politics while she was taking part in an animal activism mentorship program. She said she was drawn to the party after finding its values aligned with her own. “Animal protection is absolutely one of the main reasons I entered politics, and I’m not going to shy away from that,” said Champion. “Animals have very little representation in our political system, and I want to change that. At…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire plans to resurface and rehabilitate more than 200,000 square metres of road, clean 500km of beaches, and complete new social housing as part of its Annual Action Plan for 2026-27. At the 29 September council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to adopt the plan, which outlines the key actions the shire intends to deliver over the coming financial year. The annual plan translates the priorities set out in the shire’s 2025-29 Council Plan into specific actions, targets, and performance measures. The adopted plan includes quarterly progress reports following feedback from community engagement. Cr Paul Pingiaro said this is…
MEMBER for Mornington Chris Crewther has announced an elected Liberal government will fund $5m towards major facility upgrades at the Mornington Baseball Club, delivering better facilities for players, families, volunteers and the club’s growing membership. Crewther said the investment would provide the significant upgrade Mornington Baseball Club has been advocating for for over a decade, and help secure the club’s future as a major local sporting facility. “Mornington Baseball Club is an important part of our local sporting community, providing opportunities for children, young people and adults to participate in baseball,” said Crewther. “I have been listening to the club…
Sublime style and luxury by the seaside, this exceptional home invites you into a life where every element has been considered for beauty, comfort and enjoyment.
WITH the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, finding an affordable day out has never been more appealing. Now, Searoad Ferries is giving Victorians the chance to take their car and a passenger across Port Phillip Bay for just $30 return, as its popular Ferry Lottery returns for a third consecutive year. Running for seven weeks from Friday 2 October to Thursday 19 November 2026, the Ferry Lottery invites Victorians to enter a free weekly draw for the chance to secure one of the discounted crossings. Each Friday, a new lottery opens, allowing entrants to nominate…
Police have charged a man after a plate of food was thrown at a woman and child at the AFL preliminary final in September. The 34-year-old man has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of throw missile. The charges follow a report to police that at the conclusion of the Hawthorn versus Brisbane game on Saturday 19 September, a plate of food was allegedly thrown at a 47-year-old woman and eight-year-old child. The pair weren’t physically injured, and the incident was reported to police the following day. The Seaford man has been charged on summons…
Liberal candidate for Hastings in the upcoming state election, Frank Schiefler, has announced a Jess Wilson-led Liberal government will invest $6m to help deliver the full redevelopment of the Somerville Recreation Reserve. The redevelopment will deliver a rebuild of the reserve’s social rooms, grandstand, dedicated female change rooms, public toilets, first aid and administration rooms, additional storage, sealed car parking and the reconfiguration of the netball courts. Somerville Recreation Reserve is the primary community sporting facility for Somerville, supporting 52 teams across five clubs represented in football, netball, cricket, bowls and tennis. Much of the reserve’s core infrastructure dates back…
The Matthew Flinders statue in Mornington Park has been stolen with police investigating the crime. The bronze statue, which was lopped at the ankles, was first noticed missing on Tuesday 6 October. A statement released by Victorian Police spokesperson Kathryn Muffett says: “Police are investigating the theft and criminal damage of a statue from a park in Mornington.” “It is understood unknown offenders stole part of the monument of Matthew Flinders on Schnapper Point Drive.” “Officers are investigating when the statue was stolen.” Mornington Peninsula Shire deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro says the council condemns vandalism and theft of any…
By Melissa McCullough THE recent RedBridge Group and Accent Research poll on the numbers in the run-up to the Victorian state election provide an interesting glimpse into an unpredictable race. The September polling shows Labor on 24 per cent of the primary vote, the Coalition on 29 per cent and One Nation on 25 per cent. Labor are down from 32 per cent in September last year, a drop of eight percentage points. But also down by eight per cent in the same time period is the Coalition who were on 37 per cent in September last year. Of course,…
PAUL Mercurio pulled off an unlikely victory in 2022, swinging the seat of Hastings to Labor for the first time in 16 years. Less than two months out from the next state election, and marked as the underdog, Mercurio plans to prove the doubters wrong once again. On the wrapping up of parliament two weeks ago, Mercurio expressed his gratitude in a social media post, stating: “I never really thought I’d be doing this but thank you very much to everyone who has supported me in being here.” After serving as the Member for Hastings for nearly four years, Mercurio…
MEMBER for Hastings, Paul Mercurio, has announced a re-elected Carroll Labor government will invest $5m to support a new pavilion and redeveloped grounds at Somerville Recreation Reserve. “Currently, the reserve’s pavilion is outdated. Facilities haven’t kept up with demand as participation grows among women and girls,” said a press release sent to The News. “That’s why Labor will back the local council and deliver $5 million towards a brand-new pavilion and upgraded grounds – helping bring to life the new masterplan. “The current facility was built at a time when sport was largely designed around men’s participation. “Labor’s investment will…
IT’s less than eight weeks until the state election on 28 November, and Labor is still to announce candidates for the seats of Mornington and Nepean. A Labor insider told The News an announcement would be made “hopefully next week” after earlier saying “we are quite frustrated”. The delay in pre-selecting a Labor candidate condenses the time available for campaigning and announcements, putting them at a distinct disadvantage against the four other candidates already campaigning. Liberal member Chris Crewther made his first big election commitment on Saturday 3 October with $7m to finish the Emil Madsen Reserve Master Plan. The…
MEMBER for Mornington, Chris Crewther MP, has announced a $7m funding commitment from an elected Liberal government towards the completion of the full Emil Madsen Reserve Master Plan. The commitment was announced at the Mount Eliza Football Netball Club Awards Night on Saturday 3 October. It is the final major funding contribution needed to complete the project, bringing together funding from the federal government, Mornington Peninsula Shire, and the clubs. “This is fantastic news for Mount Eliza and for sporting families across the Mornington Peninsula,” said Crewther. “I have been fighting for this funding because our local sporting clubs deserve…
THE family of 12-year-old Marnie, this year’s school captain from Hastings Primary School, have turned to the community for support as the vibrant student faces a battle against childhood cancer. Marnie’s aunty Jessekah Thompson told The News her “beautiful niece” Marnie was “incredibly proud” to be named school leader for her final year of primary school. “Marnie has always been someone who goes above and beyond to help others,” said Jessekah. “Whether it is helping younger students, getting involved in the school community or simply being there for another child, Marnie has always been the kind of person who puts…
THE Mornington Peninsula “Friends of Lospalos” group will this week continue their major ophthalmic cataract outreach surgical clinic in Timor-Leste. A self-funded team of five will continue the initiative to help with deteriorating eyesight and eye health at the Lospalos Hospital, led by Dr Juvinal Fonseca and his medical staff. New funding has allowed eye doctors to travel from the Timor-Leste capital of Dili to Lospalos to conduct eye operations for those most in need. This will be the fourth ophthalmic clinic funded by the Friends of Lospalos program with donations coming from the Mornington Peninsula community, Cr David Gill…
After wild September weather delayed the start of the season, the Hill & Ridge Community Market returns to Red Hill on Saturday 3 October, bringing more than 200 stalls, great local produce, street food, art, craft and makers to the Red Hill Recreation Reserve. Set in the heart of Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, Hill & Ridge is a place to shop, eat, caffeinate and enjoy a great spring day out. Wander among stalls filled with fresh local produce, plants and flowers, handmade goods, vintage finds and plenty of delicious things to eat. Community is at the heart of…
NESTING season has begun for one of Victoria’s most threatened species, hooded plovers. The Conservation Regulator’s Operation “Save our Hoodies” (SoHo) is underway for the sixth year to help the next generation of hoodies take flight. The operation is delivered with Parks Victoria and BirdLife Australia and involves nest monitoring, community education, and enforcement of rules around nesting sites. The Conservation Regulator Regional Operations Manager Andrew Johnstone said it takes a village in order to protect the threatened species. “Protecting this threatened species takes a village, with officers, rangers, volunteers and community members all playing an important role during the…
AT just 33-years-old, Liberal candidate for Hastings Frank Schiefler would, if he wins in November, become one of the state’s youngest MPs. Schiefler thinks youth and enthusiasm are exactly what the seat needs to make a difference. Schiefler was born in South Africa, and his family emigrated to Australia when he was young. He graduated from secondary school at just 16, and joined the army at 17. Schiefler worked with the 1st Intelligence Battalion before stepping back into a Reservist role and returning to university where he completed a Bachelor of Economics. More recently, Schiefler had been working for the…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Mayor Stephen Batty has attended a community gathering at Portsea Front Beach to hear local concerns about the future of the beach and the ongoing coastal management process. Once a popular destination for families, swimmers and visitors, much of the beach frontage is now occupied by temporary sandbag protection works where sand once lay, significantly reducing public access and limiting use of one of the peninsula’s most iconic coastal locations. The issue carries added significance following Portsea’s recent recognition as Australia’s Top Tiny Tourism Town in the 2026 National Top Tourism Town Awards. While the award celebrates…
OVER the last 18 months Rotary has been committed to a project to refurbish seven apartments, The Ranch 2.0, the only short term crisis accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula. The apartments were provided by the Paton and Upotipotpon Foundations, in May 2025, to the Mornington Community Support Centre. In 2025 the Rotary Clubs of Mornington, Frankston, and Mt Martha undertook all the work to renovate five of the apartments, including arranging all materials, specialist trades and furnishing. The project was completed at no cost to MCSC, and each unit was occupied immediately on completion. Sorrento Rotary Club contributed financially and…
Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged three teenagers following a serious stabbing in Langwarrin where a man sustained critical injuries. It is alleged a group of teens were trying to break into a vehicle outside a property on Govan Street when a man confronted them about 12.20am on Saturday, 26 September. Investigators will allege a confrontation occurred and the 41-year-old Langwarrin man was stabbed before the offenders fled. The victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he remains in a stable condition. Police arrested two boys a few hours later, and a third teen yesterday evening. Three…
Police have arrested a third teenager following a serious stabbing in Langwarrin early this morning. It is alleged a group of boys were trying to break into a vehicle outside a property on Govan Street when a man confronted them about 12.20am. Investigators will allege a confrontation occurred and the 41-year-old Langwarrin man was stabbed before the offenders fled. The victim was taken to hospital with critical injuries. Police arrested two 16-year-old boys, both from the Casey area, about 4am. This evening, officers have arrested a 17-year-old boy from the Frankston area. The trio are in custody and will be…
Police are investigating after a man was located with critical injuries in Rosebud this morning. The 57-year-old Rosebud man was found at the intersection of Point Nepean and Boneo roads by passersby just before 12.40am. CPR was performed, but the man sadly passed away at the scene. Investigators have spoken to a bus driver in relation to the incident and are no longer treating the incident as a potential hit-run. Police will now prepare a report for the coroner. Anyone who witnessed the crash, has CCTV/dashcam footage or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333…
Police have arrested two teenage boys following a serious stabbing in Langwarrin early this morning. It’s alleged a 41-year-old man confronted a group of boys trying to break into a vehicle outside his Govan Street home about 12.20am. Investigators will allege a confrontation occurred and the Langwarrin man was stabbed before the offenders fled. The victim was taken to hospital with critical injuries. Police arrested two 16-year-old boys, both from the Casey area, about 4am who will now be interviewed in relation to the incident. Enquiries remain ongoing to locate a third teen. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with vision…
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a man was located with critical injuries in Rosebud this morning. The yet-to-be formally identified man was found at the intersection of Point Nepean and Boneo roads by passersby just before 12.40am. CPR was performed, but the man sadly passed away at the scene. The SES were called in to preserve the scene. Detectives will investigate if his injuries were the result of a hit-run collision. The investigation remains ongoing with road closures. Authorities are advising to avoid the area. Anyone who witnessed the crash, has CCTV/dashcam footage or anyone with information…
BALNARRING Pre-School has been announced as a finalist for HESTA’s Early Childhood Education and Care Awards. They are one of nine finalists for the awards, which celebrate innovation and excellence within the early childhood education sector. The finalists were selected from 177 nominations across three categories, with Balnarring Pre-School a finalist in the Outstanding Service category. The pre-school is recognised for its 15-year collaboration with Boonwurrung Elders to weave First Nations language, stories, and Country into daily life. Lead educator Karen Anderson said being recognised is a meaningful acknowledgement of the collective efforts of the staff, management, and families. “It…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is repairing significant turf damage at six of its sports ovals. Ovals at R J Rowley Reserve in Rye, Olympic Park Reserve in Rosebud, David MacFarlane Reserve in Sorrento and Emil Madsen in Mount Eliza were damaged after a contractor accidently applied the incorrect herbicide to the turf earlier this year. These ovals will receive major turf remediation works to restore them to competition standard and ensure their long-term sustainability. Two further ovals, Boneo and Olympic Park Oval 2 are also impacted due to increased use as clubs relocated fixtures away from the damaged grounds. Works at…