By Raia Flinos AT 94 years old, Frank Brown is living proof that creativity knows no age. A beloved gem to the community of Hastings, Frank has become an unlikely celebrity at FiRST Early Learning Hastings thanks to his handcrafted dioramas.What began as a personal hobby has become a gift to local children and families. Frank creates miniature masterpieces; detailed, life-like landscapes built from dense foam, cardboard, and paint, some of which now sit proudly in the early learning centre.This latest chapter is only one part of Frank’s remarkable life. Born and raised in Northern England, Frank met his wife…
Browsing: Mornington Peninsula
RESIDENTS are voicing concern over increasing amounts of litter washing up on Mornington beaches, believed to be drifting in from other parts of Port Phillip Bay during high tides. Much of the debris has reportedly washed up at Fishermans Beach, Mothers Beach, and Mills Beach in recent weeks, which is understood to be a reoccurring issue in winter months when there is a combination of stormwater runoff and high tides that push rubbish across the bay.Residents Chris and Lorraine, who asked not to share their surname, described the sight as “heartbreaking” after finding piles of litter at the Fishermans Beach…
A RED Hill glass studio is celebrating the launch of its book at an exhibition, showcasing the family’s rich legacy and its place in global artistry and broader art world. The book Blowing In A New Era: Three Generations, One Family by Gordon Studio Glassblowers and Gallery is on show at the McClelland Sculpture Gallery and Sculpture Park in Langwarrin, which is also exhibiting more than 130 pieces of Gordon-Donaldson glass art.The event, which runs until 27 July, celebrates intergenerational artists on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as the launch of the book. As part of the exhibition, visitors can…
AN agenda item dealing with Mornington Peninsula Shire’s flag policy, set for this week’s council meeting (Tuesday 22/7), has been pulled to allow more time to ensure the policy “matches the intent” of councillors.The flag policy review comes after a furore when it was discovered a flyer produced by the shire encouraging families to register their children in the shire’s kinder programs included the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Pride flags – but not the Australian flag (Kinder flyer flag snub prompts councillors to take over, The News 10/6/25).Cr Bruce Ranken raised the matter as an urgent business motion at…
Emergency services responded to a multi-vehicle head-on collision on the corner of Graydens Road and Frankston Flinders Road at around 3:20pm today (17 July). Two specialist Air Ambulance Victoria helicopter crews, six Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic crews and a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic crew attended the scene. Following emergency onsite care by Ambulance Victoria, a woman was airlifted to The Alfred and another woman was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital. Five children were transported by road ambulance to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
NEWLY installed signs that have unexpectedly restricted access to previously on-leash dog areas will be debated among Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors following community backlash. The shire has recently put in new signs banning dogs at various locations aiming to protect wildlife. Cr David Gill said the signs had caught dog owners off-guard, creating “public anxiety”.According to the shire’s website, “there are a number of areas where dogs are prohibited from entering or remaining, even on leash (…) to ensure we offer the greatest amount of protection to these species”. “Some of these species include the threatened Hooded Plover, migratory shorebirds,…
MEN’S DIV TWO Somerville picked up a vital win over Devon Meadows on Saturday afternoon. Both sides came into the match at Glover Reserve in the mix for finals spots. Somerville struck the first blow and went into the quarter-time break ahead by a goal. Devon Meadows held Somerville goalless in the second term, opening up a three-goal lead. Somerville whittled the lead back but still needed to close a 16-point gap in the last quarter. Somerville mounted an impressive comeback in the closing stages. Devon Meadows failed to kick a goal in the final term, which handed Somerville an…
By Beck Cridland*RENTERS are being hit from all directions by the housing crisis, with no relief in sight. Rents are skyrocketing during a cost-of-living crisis and the number of properties available to rent are dwindling. Real estate agents on the Mornington Peninsula advertise that median rents have increased by up to 50 per cent in some suburbs. When I last checked, there were only ten properties available for rent under $450 per week. In Dromana, where median rent prices have increased by 50% in the last 5 years, the average price of a rental is $600 per week.Approximately one third…
SECTIONS of the Frankston-Flinders Road are set to have their speed limits reduced by the end of the year to enhance safety and address community concerns.The changes include 1.9km between Tyabb and Hastings (90kph to 80 kph); 4km between Bittern and Balnarring (90kph to 80kph); and 1.8km between Balnarring and Merricks (100kph to 80kph). Other sections include 3.4km between Merricks and Shoreham (100kph to 80kph) and 4.1km between Shoreham and Flinders (100kph to 80kph).The Department of Transport and Planning announced the new measures earlier this month. “When setting speed limits, we need to carefully balance keeping everyone safe on our…
WILDLIFE advocates are raising urgent concerns about boaters disturbing large whales in Port Phillip Bay after reports surfaced that the mammals were being “chased and harassed” in the Bass Strait. There have been three sightings of humpback whales in the bay with two mature humpback whales thrilling onlookers as they swam past Seaford, Frankston, Mornington, and Mount Martha on 28 June.Scientists from the Dolphin Research Institute’s Two Bays Whale Project confirmed the sightings, noting humpback and southern right whales were present in the waters during their northern migration, and each year, some pass through Port Phillip Heads and enter the…
MORE than 300 students across the Mornington Peninsula have spent the term engaging with Aboriginal arts and culture through a creative pilot program.Last week students from Tyabb Railway Station Primary School, Crib Point Primary School, and Red Hill Consolidated School came together for The Deadly Arts Community Celebration. At the event they showed off the work they have undertaken through the “Song Room” initiative.The pilot program is led by Kulin Artist and Song Room Teaching Artist, Aunty Sammy Trist. Students have been working on three shields, using South-Eastern line art, which were unveiled last week. The artworks will be displayed…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have backed a new visitor economy partnership that will aim to drive its tourism growth and strengthen its position as a premier visitor destination. The partnership is a state government initiative, which will see regional tourism boards, councils, and industry state-wide transition into a formalised network of visitor economy partnerships (VEPs).These independent organisations, which will be made up of one independent chair, one local government board member, and up to seven industry partners and/or skills-based board members, will act as an official voice for tourism in their regions, as well as securing grants.Shire councillors voted to…
TWO striking properties on the Mornington Peninsula have been recognised at the 2025 Victorian Architecture Awards. Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio won awards in the Sustainable Architecture and Educational Architecture categories. The building, designed by Mcildowie Partners with Joost Bakker, houses Woodleigh School’s senior campus.The Woodleigh School site is solar-powered and fitted with five flexible learning spaces, staff amenities, social spaces, and an outside Aquaponic tanks with native fish. The roof houses native plants and grasses for native butterflies, birds, and bees.Stumpy Gully House was awarded a commendation in the Residential Architecture – Houses category.Adam Markowitz Design and Stavrias Architecture teamed…
CAPEL Sound and Somerville are looking a little greener, thanks to the planting of 180 trees across the two communities. The Mornington Peninsula Shire coordinated effort is part of its Urban Forest Strategy; aimed at improving tree canopy and providing more shade, biodiversity, and neighbourhood liveability.In Somerville, about 80 trees have found a new home on Jones Rd where a passive irrigation system is being trialled using stormwater. A further 100 trees have been planted along Broadway in Capel Sound as part of the recent road and footpath upgrade project. The shire said Capel Sound and Somerville were identified as…
By Renée E. Gatt*THE Mornington Peninsula boasts a scant number of historic buildings, remnants from the early days of our towns. These structures laid the foundation for the vibrant communities we cherish today. Yet, their survival is under constant threat.Over my 25 years on the peninsula, I’ve actively championed the preservation of our architectural heritage—landmarks that not only define our local identity but also attract tourists eager to experience our unique history. Alarmingly, these irreplaceable assets are vanishing.Both residential and commercial heritage structures are succumbing to lucrative financial offers and unchecked greed. Their cultural and historical significance is often deemed…
A POPULAR walking track within Arthurs Seat State Park is undergoing major repair works, following storm damage in 2022 and ongoing wear and erosion.A 1.1km stretch of the Two Bays Walking Trail leading up to Arthurs Seat summit from Dromana will be repaired first by Parks Victoria, with the section of the track known for its rugged terrain and sharp incline. From early July, a helicopter will lift construction materials onto the trail, as well as making multiple flights shipping large amounts of rock that will be used to rebuild steps, trail surfaces and drainage. The chopper will fly in…
THE Australian Electoral Commission has acknowledged an issue at one of its polling places in Flinders during the 3 May federal election, where an AEC employee allegedly instructed voters how they should cast their vote.A letter to the AEC seen by The News detailed the issue where, at the Bayview Church polling booth at Rosebud South, voters were instructed by an AEC worker to place the number seven next to the box of Trumpet of Patriots candidate Jason Smart as “he had pulled out of the election”. It is understood the information was being conveyed to voters as they queued…
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal collision in Hastings last month. Emergency services were called to reports a pedestrian had been struck by an allegedly modified electric bike on Frankston-Flinders Road about 6.40pm on 12 May. The pedestrian, 69-year-old Hastings man William Lothian, was flown to hospital with life-threatening injuries where he later died (Brother of e-bike victim tells of his loss and anger, The News 26/5/25). The bike rider, a 24-year-old Hastings man, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He was interviewed this morning and has been charged with: He will appear…
THE owners of Endota Spa Moorooduc have spoken of their heartbreak and determination after a devastating fire tore through their beloved wellness business on 17 June. Jeff and Sharnee Thompson said it was more than a business but something they poured their hearts into after building it from scratch 14 years ago.The incident occurred just before 9.15pm at the corner of Moorooduc Hwy and Eramosa Rd West where fire crews found the roof of the building well-alight. It took just under two hours to bring it under control with a fire investigation unit now determining the cause.The couple were shellshocked…
THE historic Grand Hotel in Mornington is undergoing its first turret tower restoration in 40 years, with the project expected to be completed next month. The works, which began at the start of this year, will also see upgrades to the original windows and doors on the first floor, as well as to the slate roof and the front façade by blending its historic charm and contemporary comfort for visitors.Located on Main St, the 125-year-old building is considered of historical significance by the National Trust of Australia. The original building (at the time called the Grand Coffee Palace) was only…
A UNIQUE community partnership has delivered a brand-new purpose-built studio for Radio Western Port, empowering local voices across the Mornington Peninsula through live shows and on-demand podcasts.The initiative was made possible by Mornington Peninsula Shire awarding a $34,000 grant to Western Port Secondary College, which joined forces with Atticus Health to bring the project to life. Together, they’ve created a professional broadcasting space now home to Radio Western Port — an internet-based station dedicated to sharing local stories, ideas, and perspectives.“We’re all about community, connection and giving locals a voice,” said Dr Floyd Gomes, founder of Atticus Health. “This new…
THE spirit of generosity and community was on display earlier this month at the RACV Cape Schanck Resort for a special ladies luncheon fundraiser, supporting a worthy cause. The event, attended by 263 guests, raised more than $25,000, which will help fund the Southern Peninsula Community Support’s (SPCS) “Southern Peninsula Laundry and Shower (SPLaSh) for Women”, a new program that supports vulnerable women on the southern Mornington Peninsula.Established in 2016, the current program provides essential services such as showers, laundry, food, and material aid, especially focusing on assisting rough sleepers. The SPCS’s CEO Jeremy Maxwell said homelessness was a big…
Police have arrested two men following an alleged road rage incident in Seaford overnight. Investigators have been told a man was driving a Porsche along Nepean Highway about 11.50pm when the occupants of a blue Holden Commodore attempted to get him to pull over. It is alleged the occupants of the Commodore drove aggressively and forced the driver of the Porsche to take evasive action and leave the highway. Officers attended and a car matching the Commodore’s description was spotted at a service station on Nepean Highway, Chelsea. The Commodore drove off and police attempted to intercept the car on…
DRAFT plans for a $2.2m upgrade of the Mt Martha village, including improvements to Watson Rd parking and footpath renewal works have been endorsed for community feedback. The decision was made at the council’s 17 June meeting, allowing the draft plans, which were originally proposed in 2020, to be exhibited for community consultation in July and August. Councillors unanimously supported the plans after $125,000 was allocated to draw up concept designs in the 2023/24 budget. It will see upgrades to the existing gravel carpark to a paved surface, redesign the central island on Watson Rd and enhance footpath connectivity to…
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an urgent Severe Weather Warning at 4:52 pm Tuesday, 24 June 2025 for damaging winds and king tides in coastal regions including the Mornington Peninsula. A low pressure system in the Bight is extending a cold front over Victoria this evening. Vigorous west to northwesterly winds are developing ahead of this front, impacting alpine, western and central parts of the state this evening. Winds are then forecast to ease during Wednesday morning, although blustery showers remain possible in western parts of the state with southwesterly winds behind the front. For the Mornington Peninsula: Strong…
MPFNL MEN’S DIV ONELANGWARRIN pulled off yet another miracle win on Saturday. The Kangaroos came into the game in third place thanks to a string of close wins throughout the season. They hosted Rosebud at Lloyd Park last weekend.Langwarrin and Rosebud played out an all-time classic. Rosebud were the better side for most of the day, and led at each break of play. Trailing by just eight points at three-quarter-time, the Kangaroos made their move in the final term. They hopped into the lead with three late goals, and held on for a thrilling three-point win. Langwarrin defeated Rosebud 12.5…
PROTESTS continue to rage at every council meeting over a multitude of funding cuts made at the council’s 6 May meeting. Gone is the shire’s Climate Emergency Plan, and financial cuts have been made across arts and cultural programs. Compounding the situation is a determination to largely discontinue the contentious hand beach cleaning program, much to the dismay of its ardent and passionate supporters. The result has been rolling omni-protests covering a multitude of issues.Seemingly above the fray is another group that has lost their funding; the Mornington Peninsula Friends of Lospalos Incorporated. Rather than heading to the next council…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have adopted a record budget of $326.3m amid growing community angst over cuts to arts, culture, and environmental programs. Deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro conceded some “tough decisions” were needed to move the council forward, noting “there was a lot of things that we can always do better – but moving forward, that’s what we’ll do as an organisation”. “What we have in front of us is a budget that will hopefully deliver quite a few savings – they’re unrealised at the moment, the work’s getting done, and if the work gets done, we can open up…
MORNINGTON Peninsula’s official crime rate has risen by 24 per cent in the past year, with a surge in thefts from motor vehicles being a primary driver. The rise, which was revealed in the latest Crime Statistics Agency data released on 19 June, was higher than the statewide increase in crime (up 15 per cent in the past 12 months) with Victoria Police making a record number of arrests – equivalent to 208 a day.On the peninsula, residential non-aggravated burglary, theft, breach of family violence intervention order, retail theft, and car theft offences all soared in the year ending in…
Police arrested 25 people during highly visible operation targeting drugs and anti-social behaviour at Frankston Railway Station on Wednesday. More than 50 police and PSOs – supported by the Mounted Branch, Public Order Response Team and local police – saturated the railway station, bus interchanges and shopping centre precinct to deter crime and boost safety. A passive alert detection dog was also deployed to sniff out those illegally carrying or dealing illicit drugs. Police spoke with more than 270 people during the operation and executed 15 outstanding warrants. A total of 25 people were arrested including: Authorised officers also detected…