AFTER a lifetime marked by devastating loss, Karen Taylor of Mt Martha is finding purpose in pain, which she hopes will also help others feel seen and supported. For more than 30 years, she has carried the weight of loss, beginning with a heartbreaking miscarriage followed 18 months later by the loss of her mother to cancer in 1996. Tragedy followed in 1997 when her sister committed suicide. Then came the sudden loss of her brother-in-law to a heart attack shortly after, before a friend and an aunt were taken by cancer. “This left me feeling as if I was…
Author: Brendan Rees
THE Blairgowrie Caravan Park is officially up for sale and is set to change hands for the first time since the 1960s. Expressions of interest are being sought for this five-acre site at 45–73 William Rd, Blairgowrie, as its owner Ross Hartnett, who has been running the park for 60 years, prepares for retirement. CRE Brokers, which specialises in selling motels, hotels, and caravan parks, is managing the sale, opening the door to a rare opportunity on the peninsula with the site’s location being near Point Nepean Rd and within a few hundred metres of the beach and shopping village.…
MT Martha mum and sexuality educator Jenny Wood is being recognised at a national level for the quiet impact she’s making through her business. She has been named as a finalist in two categories of the AusMumpreneur Awards including the Children’s Wellbeing and Wellness and the Children’s Online Education awards, which celebrate and support Australian mothers in business. Wood’s nomination is for her work in running Justasec Education since 2022, which she founded after identifying a need among parents to assist them to speak more confidently with their children about sexuality and relationships. She said thousands of parents had spoken…
THE Hastings Senior Citizens Club is inviting new members to join them for a friendly cuppa and a wide range of social activities. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and packed calendar of events, the group is encouraging local retirees and senior citizens to stop by and see what’s on offer. From craft to carpet bowls, board games, jigsaw mornings, card games, chair exercises and speaking about current affairs, the club has something for everyone. “You don’t have to come with anyone or know anyone – just show up and we’ll make you feel at home,” club spokesperson Dianne Ashton said,…
JOYCE Booth, a long-time volunteer at the Rosebud Hospital, is being remembered as “someone who had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued,” after her passing at 90. She dedicated 25 years’ service to the hospital’s Pink Ladies volunteer group, and in the kiosk where she helped and brought a warm smile to doctors, specialists, patients and all staff. “You couldn’t ask for a more selfless, loving person,” her daughter Tracey Fernandez said. “She made a lasting impact on everyone she met.” Even after retiring as a volunteer, the great-great grandmother would still visit everyone at the hospital…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will review recent changes that have seen several previously on-leash dog areas abruptly reclassified as no-dog zones without public warning. The changes, which affect various reserves and parks on the peninsula, have sparked frustration and confusion among dog owners and residents, many of whom were caught off-guard by the restrictions (“New dog ban areas spark concern”, The News, 16/07/25). Impacted areas include Balnarring Beach Creek Reserve, Fawkner Ave Bushland Reserve in Blairgowrie, Bernards Way Reserve in Cape Schanck, Craigie Rd Bushland Reserve in Mt Martha, and Serpentine Reserve in Mornington. According to a shire report, officers had…
THE Mornington Peninsula Shire is developing a new concept design for the Hastings boat ramp carpark, aiming at easing congestion and improve safety at Victoria’s second-busiest ramp.The proposed upgrade is part of the shire’s effort to support the growing boating and recreational community in Hastings and across the Western Port region. Proposals include changes to the parking layouts, while retaining vegetation, green space, and connections to the Western Port Bay Trail.Under the plans, which is now available for the community to have their say, there would be 34 more sealed car and trailer unit (CTU) parks and two more accessible…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will cut its public meetings from 13 to nine for the remainder of the year after citing an “intense schedule” including working with three different CEOs and producing its biggest budget ever.The decision was adopted unanimously by councillors at their 17 June meeting which will see their future ordinary meetings held every three weeks rather than fortnightly. However it maintained it “will continue to provide opportunities for council to meet its legislative responsibilities and maintain public transparency”. An additional meeting will be held on 16 December for councillors to address any urgent items before Christmas.Deputy mayor Cr…
Offenders armed with a machete have targeted six shops and petrol stations across southeastern suburbs in just about seven hours yesterday, including two in Somerville. Police allege five offenders entered a petrol station on Frankston-Flinders Road in Somerville about 3.50pm before staff members challenged them, leaving them to flee empty handed. However, the same crew entered another service station on Frankston-Flinders Road, believed to be a Shell, a short time later, where they allegedly stole cash and cigarettes. A police spokesperson said a dark coloured SUV was allegedly used in a petrol drive off at a service station in Wonga…
CONSTRUCTION of a new eastern pavilion at Emil Madsen Reserve in Mt Eliza will soon begin after the Mornington Peninsula Shire awarded a multi-million-dollar contract for the works. Councillors made the decision at their 17 June meeting to award the contract to its preferred tenderer.The project will be fully funded by the federal government after it provided $15m last year to initiate stage one of the Emil Madsen Reserve Master Plan. This includes the construction of a new single-storey, multi-use sports eastern pavilion to cater to soccer, junior football, cricket, and netball clubs.As part of the works, one existing netball…
A STRONG trio of Mornington-based surfers are gearing up to represent the peninsula at the Australian Longboard Titles this month.Chris Hanrahan, Tas Dunton, and Tom Bellisai will compete in the six-day event which begins on 22 July and will take place at some of the most renowned surf spots, including Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff Beach, Fingal Beach, and Duranbah Beach in northern New South Wales.As the longest-running event on the surfing calendar, with 300 surfers representing all six surfing states, the competition promises to be thrilling.All three Mornington surfers are members of the Maladiction Longboarders Club, which has been based on…
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…
DROMANA’S Torello Farm is set to add three new market stalls dedicated to selling locally produced wine, beer and cider. The White Hill Rd venue is a family-run market garden and farm gate selling produce grown on site and across the local region. It is also popular for its homemade meals, pickles and preserves cooked from its commercial kitchen with the same local produce they sell from their farm gate.Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors at their 1 July meeting approved a planning permit amendment to allow Torello Farm to add three market stalls, bringing the total number of stalls onsite to…
VOLUNTEERS at the Sunshine Reserve Conservation Group have been rolling up their sleeves and getting to work ahead of this year’s National Tree Day on 27 July. The reserve at Mt Martha is a pocket of natural bushland with volunteers passionate about preserving it and seeing indigenous flora and fauna thrive.Volunteers have been busy weeding out invasive plants and preparing for tree planting sessions for National Tree Day. They are now inviting all community members to a planting session at the reserve from 9am to 12pm on 27 July. The event will also include a smoking ceremony.“Unfortunately weeding is the…
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,…
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…
SOMETHING colourful is moo-ving through St Joseph’s Primary School in Sorrento – and it’s got everyone talking.Students from Year 3/4 have been busy turning a life-size fibreglass cow into a dazzling masterpiece as part of Dairy Australia’s “Picasso Cows” program. Covered in farmyard flair, the colourful cow showcases the young artists’ knowledge of the dairy industry. Health and nutritional benefits of dairy, life on the dairy farm, and how milk ends up in their lunchboxes have been among their key learnings. The school will now enter a national competition that will judge the best creative cow.Sustainability/visual arts teacher Jane Byrne…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will clean up erosion it caused after burying a pile of old asbestos found at the Balcombe Creek Estuary in Mt Martha – two months after it was first reported and taped off. The material, which was left from the former Balcombe Army Camp decommissioned in the 1980s, was discovered among bush scrub on the side of the boardwalk by a resident on April 8.The site was initially cordoned off with tape, but the public still had access to the pathway while the asbestos was exposed for weeks (“Asbestos found at Balcombe Creek Estuary,” The News 20/05/25).…
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…
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 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…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have firmly rejected a proposal to erect a 27.4-metre telecommunications tower adjacent to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in McCrae, after deeming it “unacceptable” for its location and visual impact.The proposal, sited at the freeway entry road near Lonsdale St, attracted 51 objections, with residents citing concerns of visual impacts including view lines of Port Phillip Bay, neighbourhood character, poor proposed location, the lack of need for the facility, and proximity to residents and the overall height. According to a council report, the tower would have been “well-placed in a central location” to provide an upgrade in…
SHRINKING space is threatening the Mt Eliza Men’s Shed’s survival, with low membership and limited government funding prompting urgent calls for a permanent new home.Tucked away behind the Mt Eliza Country Club on Old Mornington Rd, the shed has struggled to attract new members since 2016 because of its cramped conditions. The shed is only 28sqm, which is not much bigger than a single-car garage, leaving little space for workshops, safe storage of tools and materials or social activities – the core of what their group offers.Committee member Rod Wickes said members were doing the best they could, but it…
KATHERINE Griffiths has always had a fascination with photobooths. Like many, she took thousands of photos of her life journey, squeezing herself, friends, and family into the frame, some mid-laughter and others, with the inevitable blink. She also has a remarkable collection of vintage photos and historical memorabilia related to the history of the simple analogue machine – all of which she shares in an online blog.Now, the Mornington resident is thrilled that her work of nearly 50 years is being featured in an exhibition called Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits at the RMIT Gallery in the city. “Catlin Langford,…
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…
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…
THE Flinders community is stretching its fundraising muscles to pump up support for a new outdoor gym at the Flinders Recreation Reserve that it hopes everyone can enjoy.The Flinders Community Association (FCA) spearheaded the idea three years ago to provide a free and accessible way to stay active, while promoting health and fitness to people of all ages and visitors. It has so far proved a success with the association having raised about $100,000 for the project which is expected to cost between $120,000 and $130,000. The association’s major partner, the Mornington Peninsula Shire, has provided a community capital grant…