MT Martha Beach has earned its place among Australia’s Top 10 beaches for 2026, rubbing shoulders with some of the country’s most celebrated coastal icons. The official results of the Best Australian Beaches study were unveiled on 26 February revealing a stunning collection of beaches from across the nation, highlighting a diverse mix of coastal environments, from rugged southern shores to tropical northern coves. While the beaches of Bate Bay in Sydney’s south claimed the prestigious number one ranking, Mornington Peninsula’s own Mt Martha Beach emerged as the eighth best beach on the list – making it the only Victorian…
Browsing: Mornington Peninsula
An arrest warrant has been issued for Somerville-based businessman Jamie (Jay) Scicluna after he failed to appear in Frankston Magistrates Court, as ordered, last week. The publisher of the STPL News was due in court to face oral examination last Wednesday (25 February) for failing to pay a court-ordered amount of $5000. After his failure to appear, the judgment creditor signed a “Request for warrant to arrest judgment debtor” that has now been signed off by a Magistrate. Last year the court ordered Scicluna to pay $5000 to his ex-accountant after it was ruled he applied for a personal safety…
A DRAFT tree management policy is set to update the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s practices and provide clarity around trees impacting private property. Under the draft, which was approved by councillors at their 17 February meeting to be released for public consultation, the shire would remove trees or branches fallen from shire-managed land onto private land at the shire’s cost, providing a safe workplace and landowner consent were given. The policy also allows for the installation of root barriers on private land where deemed appropriate by a shire arborist. The estimated additional annual operational cost is $160,000, covering large tree removals…
The Tyabb Airshow returned in spectacular fashion on Sunday, March 1st, drawing aviation enthusiasts, families and visitors from across the region for an unforgettable day. The event showcased a world-class range of aircraft, with an incredible array of unique, historic and modern machines taking to the skies, while high-performance aircraft from the Australia Defence Force impressed with their speed and precision. On the ground, visitors enjoyed a variety of static displays, featuring vintage and modern fixed-wing aircraft alongside several helicopters. Popular displays from the Australia Defence Force, the Cerberus Band and the CFA once again proved to be crowd favourites.…
THE 12th annual Luke Batty Memorial Shield T20 cricket match brought together the Victoria Police Cricket Club and Tyabb Cricket Club in a heartfelt tribute to the young boy whose death changed a community. While the annual fixture commemorates Luke Batty and raising awareness about family violence, the man-of-the-match award is dedicated to Leading Senior Constable Paul Topham, who worked at Hastings Police Station and was part of the initial police response and coronial inquest into Luke’s death. Paul tragically passed away in January 2019 following a struggle with mental health. Tyabb cricketer Josh Swainston was awarded the Paul Topham…
By Andrea Louise Thomas Mornington author Anna Matilda, aka The Urban Nanna, is keen to share her wealth of knowledge about simple ways to live a more sustainable, efficient and economical life. Her bestselling book, Everyday Permaculture, is a beautiful, easy-to-follow guide to living in sync with people and the planet. Given the squeeze of the current economy, this ethos makes a lot of sense, but permaculture isn’t just a philosophy of low waste and economy; it’s also based in community, nourishment and kindness. “Permaculture is about trying to live the most ecologically sustainable life ‘starting where you are, using what…
By Andrea Louise Thomas Barry Randall was three months old the first time he splashed in the sea. Ever since, the ocean has had a magnetic draw. Growing up in a little town on the Central Coast of New South Wales meant Barry and his five siblings spent a lot of time at the beach. They were swimming, surfing and participating in junior surf lifesaving when they weren’t golfing, playing rugby, tennis or any of the other sports they frequently enjoyed. Their Mum clocked up a lot of kilometres on the family car. The sea remains a solace and salvation…
By Andrea Louise Thomas When Mount Eliza anti-vaping campaigner Lily Ford began, she had only one objective – to help others. It came as quite a shock when she received hateful trolling on her social media accounts and online hate despite the mountain of evidence outlining the very unique hazards of this insidious device. (That said, she received a lot of positive messages too.) A recent study discovered that vaping can cause an irreversible type of lung cancer.Like cigarettes, vapes contains a raft of toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde (used to embalm bodies), arsenic (a poison), benzene (a known carcinogen) and…
If you’re planning a Peninsula weekend, the Red Hill Show returns on Saturday 7 March with a full day of country spectacle and family entertainment. Held at the Red Hill Showgrounds, the 98th Red Hill Show brings together the energy of the Woodchop Arena, livestock judging, working dog demonstrations and colourful pavilion competitions, alongside carnival rides, pony rides and hands-on animal experiences for children. Assistant Secretary Kerri Egan says the Show offers something increasingly rare, a genuine country show experience close to home. “It’s a chance to see real competition in the arena, from woodchop to livestock, while the kids…
THE Flinders Fringe Festival is back for 2026, offering over 50 events on the Mornington Peninsula from 26 February to 1 March. In its fourth year, this year’s line-up celebrates local artists, featuring a diverse mix of new works, returning favourites, and emerging voices that showcase the depth and character of creativity across the region. Audiences can look forward to an inspiring program of visual arts, live performance, music, literary events, hands-on workshops, and community gatherings, ranging from locally inspired storytelling and contemporary cabaret to Australian premieres and intergenerational experiences. This year’s program continues the festival’s commitment to providing a…
THE Peninsula Aero Club (PAC) has been announced as the 2025 Australian Aero Club of the Year. This prestigious National Wings Award is given by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, in partnership with the Royal Aeronautical Association and Australian Flying. In addition to having flight training schools located across four locations (Tyabb, La Trobe Valley, Barwon Heads and Warrnambool), PAC also provides valuable flight transport infrastructure for its members, guests and critical emergency services operations across the Mornington Peninsula. As home to Australia’s first Air Ambulance service, the Angel of Mercy, PAC continues its strong heritage of putting a culture…
As expected after last night’s preselection as the Liberal candidate for the upcoming Nepean by-election, Marsh has taken leave from his duties as both Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor and Briars Ward councillor, effective immediately. A statement from shire CEO, Mark Stoermer, said “I have been advised by Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh of his intention to take leave to contest the upcoming Nepean by-election”. “Cr Marsh will not perform council duties or attend meetings between now and the by-election to be held on May 2, 2026. “Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro will act as Mayor during this time and has also agreed…
A LOCAL koala conservation group is calling for urgent action after multiple koalas have been killed on the Westernport Hwy this year. Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation (MPKC) committee member Sue Boggan said since the start of this year an estimated ten koalas had been killed on the road. She said the area of concern along the highway was between Thornells Rd and the intersection of Oneills Rd and Mckirdys Rd. “We’ve lost two females who would have had joeys with them. The koalas were left to the side of the road, and we couldn’t find the joeys.” Since 2024, more…
Anthony Marsh has won preselection as the Liberal Party candidate for the upcoming Nepean by-election. News out of Liberal HQ is that Marsh had a clear win against the other candidates in the first round of voting. Out of 19 votes cast, it is understood Marsh received 10 votes, Briony Camp received four votes, Nathan Conroy received three votes, and David Burgess received two votes. Marsh now has less than ten weeks to campaign for the 2 May poll to elect a replacement for retired MP Sam Groth. Precedent exists for what will be in store for Marsh, currently Mornington…
A ROSEBUD youth service charity is facing an uncertain future after a federal government decision to redirect mental health funding away from local initiatives. Jimmy’s Youth Wellbeing Sanctuary manager Jeanette Horsley said they had been told that by 30 June the federal government’s funding currently committed to Jimmy’s would cease. She added that there would be “no ongoing or recurrent funding due largely to the commitment by the Australian government to channel critical mental health dollars into national projects and Primary Health Networks”. “While we understand the strategic thinking behind these decisions and remain extremely grateful for the very positive…
WITH the change of leadership for the parliamentary Liberal Party came the inevitable reshuffle of portfolios. Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie, remains in the shadow ministry after the ditching of Sussan Ley in favour of Angus Taylor, but in different roles. On 28 May last year, McKenzie announced that she had been asked by new leader Ley to serve in the capacity of Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning and Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health. At the time McKenzie stated she was honoured at the elevation into the shadow ministry stating “I have a deep passion for…
OPINION: There is no doubt that the current councillor term at Mornington Peninsula Shire has been marked by considerable change. There has been a vast restructuring inside the organisation and a swathe of well-publicised changes including, perhaps most notably, the scrapping of the Climate Emergency Plan in April last year. While suggestions of a “block” are refuted by Marsh, some votes in the current council terms appear predetermined, if not by connivance, then by undoubtably by councillor’s personal philosophies. That is a pity. For the best outcomes for ratepayers are the ones where every item is carefully considered not through…
MICHAEL “Mick” O’Rourke, a large figure in community sport on the Mornington Peninsula, was posthumously awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours. For more than six decades, O’Rourke’s life was inseparable from the Rye Football Netball Club and the wider Rye sporting community. His contribution spanned playing, coaching, administration and tireless behind-the-scenes work that helped shape not just a club, but generations of people connected to it. His family said the honour, which recognised his “service to community sport”, reflected what they had always known about him. “Our family is deeply proud of…
WITH the federal subsidy on home batteries, state rebates on solar panels and increasing electricity bills, many people are realising there is no time like the present to invest in home renewable energy and storage. Repower Mornington Peninsula and Flinders Zero Carbon Community will be hosting another “Solar and batteries – Is now the time?” forum at Flinders Civic Centre on Sunday 15 March at 3pm. As before, there will be a presentation by an independent expert from the Yarra Energy Foundation, followed by a demonstration of the innovative tool ‘Repower and Save’ that enables research on electric products, prices…
CHRIS Brayne, who was the Member for Nepean between 2018 and 2022 before being ousted by Sam Groth, has re-emerged from self-imposed exile with some pointed commentary about the upcoming by-election. Brayne was a shock winner in the 2018 state election when, at just 25-years-old, he snatched the seat retiring MP Martin Dixon had held for 16 years. Brayne pulled off an 8.5% swing in his favour, albiet holding the seat with a tenuous 0.9% margin. Brayne faced an uphill battle in 2022 against high-profile Groth and was ousted at the poll. Brayne retired into the background and has been…
MORNINGTON Green Living Legacy Gardens will unveil the world’s largest sunflower later this month, offering locals a rare chance to see the enormous floral landmark up close. Created from 3000 individual sunflower plants arranged to form one spectacular giant bloom, the installation will be open to the public for one weekend only from 20-22 February. The display returns for its third year after the success of the 2025 event, which drew thousands of visitors. The sunflower sits at the heart of Mornington Green’s Living Legacy Forest, a world first initiative that transforms processed ashes into nutrients that help grow memorial…
The voters of the Nepean electorate will head to the polls on 2 May to elect a replacement for retired MP Sam Groth. The date was announced yesterday (Tuesday 17 February) by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Maree Edwards, and leaves candidates and voters a little over ten weeks of campaigning. Crucially, candidates will have only ten weeks run their campaign to be elected and only 23 days if they wait until the final nomination day for candidates on 10 April. Voters have even less time to update their enrollment, with the electoral roll closing on 20 March News from…
Volunteers at the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad Op Shop (SPRS) in Rye have been left disappointed after a counterfeit $50 note was used in the store two weeks ago. The fake note, which passed through the shop undetected, was later identified by Bendigo Bank. SPRS committee member Pamela Taverniti said the note wasn’t an obvious fake and only came to light when the shop’s banking was processed. She said the incident was the first time the store had ever encountered a fake note. “It went past our staff in the op shop and then the lady who does our banking…
BEC Watson, who has risen to digital fame with her “Bec’s Unhinged Reviews” social media account has had a short but succinct look at the Nepean by-election before deciding to pass. The Mornington resident has had a meteoric rise since starting her page in October last year to over 40,000 Facebook followers of her scorched earth reviews of local towns and landmarks that have captured the imagination of a community who always knew it but were too polite to say it. Taking to social media on 6 February, Watson told her followers “Alright I need to be very clear because…
CRIB Point pool has celebrated a significant milestone, marking 50 years of operation with a vibrant anniversary event. Opened in 1975, the outdoor pool has long been a central part of life in Crib Point, hosting swimming lessons, carnivals and family fun days, while providing a daily meeting place for locals who begin their mornings with a swim as the sun rises. A recent golden anniversary celebration saw families, long-time patrons and first-time visitors to the pool to share in the occasion. Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said the milestone highlighted the value of shared spaces within the community. “Crib Point…
A Liberal Party source has told The News there are at least six contenders for preselection for the upcoming Nepean by-election with applications believed to be closing on Monday 16 February. Among the mix are ex-Frankston City mayor and two-time Dunkley candidate Nathan Conroy, who contested the 2024 by-election after the death of Peta Murphy, and again in the 2025 federal election, both times losing to Labor’s Jodie Belyea. Also putting her hand up for another attempt is Briony Camp (nee Hutton), who ran for the seat of Hastings in the 2022 state election, losing to Labor’s Paul Mercurio. Her…
Independents for Mornington Peninsula have announced they are stepping up their search for a candidate for the state seat of Nepean, after the news of Sam Groth’s resignation and the forthcoming by-election. President of Independents for Mornington Peninsula, Phil Riley, told The News they had been searching for candidate for this year’s state election since November, but the by-election had created a “new urgency”. “The voters of Nepean will be forced to the polls twice in eight months,” said Riley. “Once again, voters of the Mornington Peninsula find themselves paying the price for Liberal Party incompetence. “This by-election isn’t about…
SOUTH East Water’s major upgrade at Mount Martha Water Recycling Plant has passed a key milestone towards delivering a more resilient and sustainable wastewater service for the Mornington Peninsula’s growing population. Upgrade operations have completed the base slabs of the two new clarifier tanks that are being constructed to relieve capacity constraints in the secondary treatment system. Clarifier tanks are large tanks or basins designed to remove solids from water by settling. Once the clarifier upgrade is fully completed, the wastewater treatment plant will become more resilient to severe weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, which can put additional pressure…
MEMBER for Mornington, Chris Crewther, has vowed to focus on a Liberal win in November after failing in his bid for the deputy leadership of the Victorian Liberal Party. The position opened up after the announcement by Nepean MP Sam Groth that he would not be contesting November’s election and would relinquish his deputy leadership role (Groth calls game, set and match on political career, The News 13/1/26). David Southwick, who had previously served as deputy to both Matthew Guy and John Pesutto, was challenged by Crewther, who is in his first term as a state member, after previously representing…
HMAS Cerberus will be “partially divested” as part of a massive sale of 35,000 hectares of defence real estate – including some of the nation’s most historic barracks – that is expected to raise almost $2b. Announced by Defence Minister Richard Marles on Wednesday 4 February, the announcement is the long-awaited response to a sweeping audit of the nation’s defence estate portfolio released in 2023. The government has acknowledged the sale of defence facilities has been a challenging issue, with the expectation of push-back from veterans and local communities to the sale of some of the country’s most iconic defence…