NOMINATIONS have now closed for the 2025 federal election with seven candidates competing in the Flinders electorate. The nominated candidates are, in ballot order: Jason Smart (Trumpet of Patriots), Ben Smith (Independent), Zoe McKenzie (Liberal), Mike Brown (One Nation), Joseph Toscano (Independent), Sarah Race (Labor) and Adam Frogley (Greens). The field of seven is substantially smaller than in 2022 when ten candidates contested the seat including two independents, and candidates from United Australia, Liberal Democrats, Animal Justice Party and Federation Party. Zoe McKenzie’s big announcement for last week was a $2m investment by an elected Dutton Liberal government to improve…
Author: Cameron McCullough
LAST week marked the first full week of campaigning since the federal election was called for 3 May.Candidates wasted no time hitting the hustings with a flurry of appearances and some sizeable commitments. Nominations for candidacy in the federal election close this Thursday (10 April), so we should have a full list of candidates by next week’s edition of The News. Labor candidate Sarah Race was joined on the campaign trail by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, to announce a number of infrastructure projects a re-elected Albanese government would undertake. The promises included:…
Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad are this week searching an area of Cape Schanck as part of their investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Sergio Cuesta in 2023. The search, which will take place today and tomorrow, will focus on an area near the Gunnamatta Surf Club. Over the past 18 months, police have conducted a number of searches in the area in an effort to locate Sergio’s remains. Sergio was last seen on 16 September 2023 when he was dropped off by a male friend on Jabiru Drive in Chelsea Heights. A concerned female friend reported the 28-year-old…
WITH the election date set for 3 May, the “phoney war” is over, and the real battle begins. The News is currently aware of five candidates that have elected to run in Flinders in 2025: Zoe McKenzie (Liberal), Sarah Race (Labor), Ben Smith (Independent), Adam Frogley (Greens) and Mike Brown (One Nation). In 2022, ten candidates contested the seat including two independents, and candidates from United Australia, Liberal Democrats, Animal Justice Party and Federation Party. Independent Ben Smith had a busy week including meeting with the CEO of Homelessness Australia, Kate Colvin, to discuss the current housing crisis and explore…
Under new laws set to be introduced on the Mornington Peninsula, swimmers will be afforded much greater protection from the dangers posed by jet skis. The new laws come after years of lobbying by various groups concerned by people and high-powered watercraft being in the same vicinity. Under the plan, swimmers will be restricted from entering the water at Mornington Peninsula beaches except for certain designated windows. Between August and April each year, swimmers will only be able to enter the water between 8am and 11am. During that window, jet skis must remain at least 200 metres offshore. “This is…
LESS than a year after forming a new entity after the collapse into liquidation of the old one, the Hastings Club has again been placed into liquidation. The collapse of the club follows its closure on 30 October last year due to a water leak under the floor; an issue that is still unresolved and has left the club unable to trade and continuing to accumulate costs. An information meeting of members was held on 11 March, outlining the difficult pathway forward for the club. And at a Special General Meeting held last Tuesday (25 March), the 64 members in…
Firefighters are currently responding to a grass fire at Forest Drive in Mt Martha. Currently, seven units are responding to the incident which is listed as “under control” (please see update below). Vic Emergency has advised that smoke may be visible in the vicinity of the fire, but that there is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required. UPDATE – Vic Emergency has put out an ember alert for properties north east of the fire. The alert is a “stay informed” and is from 4.25pm. It states that, contrary to earlier advice, the fire is not…
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a collision involving a stolen car in Langwarrin last night. The allegedly stolen Nissan Pulsar collided with a second vehicle on North Road, at the intersection of McClelland Drive, about 10.15pm. The unidentified male driver of the stolen vehicle was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The female driver of the second vehicle was also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The vehicle was allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary in Cranbourne West about 12pm on 25 March. Investigators will interview the driver, who is under police guard, once he is released…
HOUSING, healthcare, and the cost of living were at the forefront at a federal election forum attended by Flinders candidates last Thursday, 20 March. A large crowd watched the forum at Rosebud Country Club to hear the five nominated candidates outline their vision for the Mornington Peninsula. Taking the stage were Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie (Liberal), Adam Frogley (Greens), Ben Smith (Independent), Mike Brown (One Nation), and Sarah Race (Labor). Topics ranged from housing affordability, healthcare, and infrastructure funding to climate change, crime and the cost of living. Moderated by mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, the shire stated the aim of…
WITH still no election date announced last week, candidates were on the hustings with numerous appearances at schools, stalls and shopping strips by McKenzie (Liberal), Race (Labor) and Smith (Independent). The only other two candidates to have nominated for the upcoming election, Mike Brown (One Nation) and Adam Frogley (Greens) had their first foray into the public realm at the shire-organised candidate forum, making Flinders a five-way race at present. Liberal candiate Zoe McKenzie held a law and order forum on Monday (17 March) coinciding with a visit from Shadow Minister for Community Safety, the Hon Jason Wood MP. “Jason…
THE state government have appointed Renée Enbom KC to lead the inquiry into the cause of the landslide that occurred in McCrae on 14 January. Enbom has appeared in several inquiries in Victoria over the last decade, including the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants and the Yoorrook Justice Commission, as well as several recent Commonwealth Royal Commissions. A statement from the government said the board of inquiry would be asked to “get to the bottom of what happened and to identify measures to prevent similar incidences occurring in the future”. “Once established, the inquiry will develop a…
Police are investigating the circumstances after a woman’s body was located in waters off Seaford this morning (Friday, 21 March). Emergency services were called to the vicinity of Nepean Highway about 6.55am. The woman is yet to be formally identified and it is not yet known if the death is suspicious. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. A second crime scene is in place on Frankston beach front after a number of items were located. Police are investigating whether they are linked to the death of the woman. Anyone with information is urged to contact…
IT was a full house at Eliza Archery on Sunday (16 March) for a female-only archery event in celebration of International Women’s Day. The day was free for all participants, with female coaches on hand to help, and 2024 Olympian Laura Paeglis in attendance.“This is something we are passionate about,” said Alec Potts, owner of Eliza Archery, and founder of the not-for-profit Peninsula Target Archers that hosted the day. “This is the first time we’ve held this event, and it sold out, which we are very happy about. “We have opened especially on a Sunday to host this event, and…
Advice has been issued by South East Water to the residents of Flinders, Point Leo and Shoreham that as of 7:37 pm, 20 March 2025, the tap water is not safe to drink without boiling first. The warning comes after a dead rodent was found in Shoreham Reservoir during a maintenance inspection on Thursday 20 March 2025. While South East Water undertakes water testing and investigations, they’ve issued a Precautionary Boil Water Advisory to make sure tap water is safe to drink. E. coli itself is not necessarily harmful, but finding it means that the drinking water may be contaminated…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough ON Sunday morning last, Mr. H. Stell, of the Peninsula Motor Garage, Bay Street, Frankston, was returning from Mornington in a Hudson Super-Six, after conveying a party to that favourite seaside resort. When approaching the bend leading to the Frankston Pier, a Ford car coming in the opposite direction, also alleged to having been taking up more than a fair share of the roadway, swung in towards the Pier House in front of the car driven by Mr. Stell, who in an endeavour to avoid a collision, negotiated his Super-Six to the right. In so doing,…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has announced it will be lifting its annual investment in road renewal funding to $5.3m. Coupled with the $2.2m from the federal government’s “Roads to Recovery” program the yearly investment on road renewal on the peninsula will now be $7.5m.The shire manages more than 1360km of sealed roads, with their dilapidated state causing roads to be a regular feature in the shire’s customer satisfaction surveys. Residents have gone as far collecting petitions demanding action (Petition to fill potholes, The News 21/2/23) and have raised concerns that the current state of the roads is endangering motorists (Urgent safety…
The current measles outbreak in Victoria is growing with five further measles cases identified. Two of these cases are domestically acquired and linked to the recent domestic outbreak reported in February. Three cases acquired their infection overseas in Bali. These cases were infectious at multiple locations in Melbourne. The current outbreak has led to a list of exposure sites, including a number in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. The local exposure sites are: Frankston Hospital Emergency Department, 2 Hastings Road, Frankston between 8.15pm Wednesday 12 March and 2.15pm Thursday 13 March Frankston Hospital Emergency Department waiting room, 2 Hastings Road,…
IN a major policy shift, and a huge potential win for Hastings, councillors have voted to nominate the Hastings Marine Parade site as the preferred location for consolidated shire offices. The change comes after the previous council had “shortlisted” two sites: Queen Street in Mornington and Wannaeue Place in Rosebud (Shortlist of two for new shire HQ, The News 3/9/24). Officers put forward a motion at the 11 March meeting endorsing the Mornington and Rosebud sites, but councillors had other ideas. An amendment was put forward to the presented motion requesting the removal of Wannaeue Place (Rosebud) as an option…
MERRICKS Station Grounds, an equestrian facility which provides a safe sanctuary for horse riders to pursue their sport and passion, is pushing forward with plans to build a roof over one of its arenas to support year-round equestrian services on the peninsula.The current push comes after years of delays and false starts that have seen cost overruns and bureaucracy stymie the project. “This project was first mooted in the shire’s 2015 masterplan, and it looked like it was set to proceed before covid came along,” said Jenny Moore, chairperson of the Merricks/Red Hill Station Ground Equestrian Reserve Inc, that is…
THE only accommodation currently available for the homeless on the Mornington Peninsula, The Ranch Motel in Mornington, is set to close with no plans for its replacement.A joint venture between Mornington Community Support Centre and Southern Peninsula Community Support, the accommodation was only made possible as the developer had allowed it to be used as crisis accommodation while he finalised plans for redevelopment of the site. The News understands he has given notice that development will take place in the next six to 12 months.“Our understanding is that when the developer is ready to start work on the site, they’ll…
Rosebud Police have charged a man after a pedestrian was allegedly hit by a car in Dromana on Sunday night. It is alleged that a woman and her dog were struck by a white 4WD when they were crossing Pier Street about 9.30pm. Investigators allege that the woman ended up on the bonnet of the 4WD before the vehicle increased speed, causing her to fall to the road. The 4WD allegedly failed to stop at the scene. The pedestrian, a 48-year-old Craigieburn woman, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The dog escaped injury. A 36-year-old Dromana man handed himself…
LESS than a year after forming a new entity after the collapse into liquidation of the old one, the Hastings Club again faces an uncertain future with a letter out to members outlining a dire situation.Frantic efforts behind the scenes to get the club open after closing due to a water leak have been met with delay and “lip service from the shire”, according to the chairman of the club David Gibbs. “This isn’t just a ‘Hastings Club’ problem, this is a Hastings problem,” said Gibbs. “Take a look around. The pool was closed all summer, so was the gym.…
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has announced it has appointed Mark Stoermer as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following a Special Council Meeting today (4 March 2025) Mark brings extensive leadership experience in local government, corporate services, and financial management. He is currently the Director of Corporate Services at Brimbank City Council and previously held the same role at Wyndham City Council. He has also served as CEO of Douglas Shire and Nillumbik Shire Councils. As Director of Corporate Business at the City of Melbourne, he led major financial and governance reforms, delivering sustainable budgets and operational efficiencies for…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have voted to create a clear framework that governs the forced sale of property for the recovery of unpaid rates.The policy, to remain in place for three years, governs the criteria that the shire will use to enforce s 181 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Vic) titled “Council may sell land to recover unpaid rates or charges”.Under the Act, the shire can seek to sell property where the outstanding rates are more than three years overdue, no current arrangement exists for the repayment of that amount, and the council has a court order requiring payment…
PORTSEA Surf Life Saving Club has a proud history stretching back to 1949. A true community club, a testament to its success is its over 5000 members, with over 500 active, that patrol the waters of Portsea back beach.The club isn’t just about protecting those in the water but about fostering leadership and commitment among its members young and old, and building the next generation of lifesavers and leaders. “In the early days, surf lifesaving was a traditionally male-dominated arena,” said Susan Crow, a director of Portsea Surf Lifesaving Club. “We are very proud of our efforts at PSLC to…
Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man and a woman following an alleged kidnapping in Mornington. Investigators have been told a ride-share driver was stopped on Mornington-Tyabb Road about 8.30pm on 20 February by a potential fare. A man and a woman got into the car and it is alleged the driver was threatened with a knife and told to drive to an address in Joffre Street, Noble Park where the pair got out of the car. The driver, a 26-year-old man, was not injured during the incident. Detectives have made a number of enquires and on Tuesday…
A teenager has been flown to hospital after an allegedly stolen car crashed into trees before rolling down an embankment in Tuerong on the morning of 20 February. Victoria Police alleged a grey Mitsubishi Pajero was stolen during an aggravated burglary at a property on Atunga Terrace in Dromana about 1.40am. The Mitsubishi then crashed into trees on Old Moorooduc Road, before rolling down an embankment, a police spokesperson said. Ambulance Victoria said paramedics responded to the incident about 5am, which resulted in the male teen driver being airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition…
A BABY has died at a Skye family day care centre. Emergency services were called to the Skye day care on Wednesday afternoon. The infant could not be revived. In a statement, Victoria Police confirmed that it is investigating the death. It is not being treated as suspicious. “Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of an infant at a family day care facility in Skye,” the police statement read. “An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing but the death is not being treated as suspicious.”
CASES of Buruli ulcer continue to remain high in Victoria with the Mornington Peninsula one of the infection’s hotspots. Department of Health data shows that as of 17 December 2024, there had been 344 cases notified for the year, only slightly lower than the 362 cases notified for the same time period in 2023; the highest year on record since the emergence of the infection in Victoria in 2004.Buruli ulcer is a bacterial infection linked to mosquitos that can cause significant skin damage. The condition can be treated with antibiotics, making early diagnosis and treatment vital. Symptoms for the infection…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has launched their “Shout Out for the Peninsula” advocacy campaign in the lead up to the 2025 federal election. The campaign consists of a list of “investment–ready projects” that the shire will advocate for, the reintroduction of the “pledge tracker” to monitor funding pledges made during the campaign, and a community election forum.The cornerstone of the shire’s campaign is a ten page document containing a list of investment–ready projects. The 125 projects in the document have a total value of approximately $300m. Items range widely in size and complexity, with big ticket items including a “Somerville to…