RESIDENTS are being encouraged to green their gardens this autumn with the return of The Briars Nursery’s popular free plant giveaway. Running across several days from late March into early April, the initiative will allow local households to collect up to three free indigenous plants, while stocks last. The giveaway is open exclusively to Mornington Peninsula residents, with proof of address required on collection. The plants, grown at The Briars Nursery in Mount Martha, have been carefully selected to suit a wide range of garden sizes and conditions. Options include trees to low growing groundcovers, making the giveaway suitable for…
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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.…
EIGHT-year-old Ezra Calabrese has his sights set on a big win, and an even bigger pumpkin, at this year’s Red Hill Show on 7 March. The young Mornington Peninsula grower is nurturing a giant pumpkin that’s already measuring an impressive 500 millimetres in diameter – roughly the size of two basketballs side-by-side, and it’s still growing. Ezra will enter the juniors’ largest vegetable category, hoping to go one better than last year when he proudly claimed second prize. And he’s determined to claim first prize, dad Lee said. Lee said they are a gardening family who grow a wide range…
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…
A PIECE of maritime history has returned to the Mornington Peninsula thanks to the dedication of the New Peninsula Men’s Shed. The Mount Martha shed has completed a four-year restoration of the 12ft Classic Cadet Dinghy, “Bunyip”, a historic Tasmanian sailing boat with a documented 30-year racing history. Bunyip was discovered in Tasmania by a Men’s Shed member and brought to Mount Martha for a complete rebuild. The dinghy, made from cedar, mahogany, and Huon pine, is currently on display in the foyer of New Peninsula Church, Mount Martha, and will later feature at the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally before…
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…
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…
MOONLIT Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park has officially opened a new Aquatic Fauna Conservation Facility, marking a significant step forward in its 25 years of wildlife conservation. The purpose-built facility in Pearcedale will support the conservation of threatened freshwater species through long-term care, research and breeding programs. It features advanced environmental controls and adaptable tank systems, allowing staff to closely replicate natural freshwater conditions including management of water quality, temperature and habitat structure. The first species to be housed in the facility is the endangered Eastern Dwarf Galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla), a small native freshwater fish found in parts of Victoria, Tasmania…
A COUPLE of intrepid Balnarring Beach women are hitting the road this autumn, and driving the length of Australia in seven days in a car rally with a twist. Jane Pincott and Mel Poll are team “Double Parked” that will drive their $1500 car from Port Douglas to Melbourne in the “Shitbox Rally” to raise money for charity. Shitbox Rally is not a race, but a challenge to drive cars worth $1500 through outback Australia via some of its toughest roads to raise money for cancer research. The event has raised more than $61m since the first rally in 2010.…
A DEAF rescue dog from the Mornington Peninsula is being celebrated nationally for a decade of quiet but powerful advocacy that has changed lives – both human and canine. Willow, an 11-year-old Bull Arab cross from Bittern, has been named the recipient of the All Rescues Are Special Medal as part of the 2026 Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards, recognising her extraordinary impact on deaf dog education, inclusion and adoption across Australia. Alongside her human, Joanne Heyman, who is also deaf, Willow has spent nearly ten years proving that deafness is not a limitation. “The impact Willow…
CELEBRATIONS will be once again in full swing at the Village Green in Mt Eliza on Australia Day, Monday 26 January. A free sausage sizzle and entertainment will be happening from 9:00 AM until 12:30pm. The formal program starts at 10:00 AM with the flag raising conducted by 1st Ranelagh Scouts. There will be plenty of entertainment both for kids and all the family to have a fun time while celebrating being part of our wonderful community. Kids will also be able to get up close to wildlife in the hands-on Australian Reptile Show and exhibition – they will be…
FROM the WACA to the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, cricketing legend Adam (Gilly) Gilchrist has fulfilled a life-long dream by developing his Australian owned tequila brand, El Arquero Tequila. Gilly was at Ritchies Balnarring last Thursday (15 January), where customers were treated to a tasting experience with the man himself. El Arquero Tequila is 100% additive-free and has been crafted and produced by a third-generation family-owned distillery . “We didn’t just take their liquid and put a label on it, we worked together with them to develop our own. We wanted to create an authentic liquid profile with the Australian…
THE Mornington Rotary Art Show has returned to the Peninsula Community Theatre, bringing one of the region’s largest and most popular visual arts events back to Mornington. Running from 16 January to 24 January, the annual show will feature around 750 artworks, including oils, acrylics, watercolours and pastels. The exhibition is being held at the theatre on the corner of Wilson Rd and Nepean Hwy, with doors open daily from 10am to 5pm, and a special late-night opening until 8pm on Friday 23 January. At the special Friday night opening, guests will be treated to a drink of their preference…
THE RSPCA has issued a warning to animal owners as the Summer heat ramps up. During last week’s hottest day, RSPCA Victoria said it had received 20 heat-related reports. RSPCA Victoria director of veterinary services Dr Melissa Meehan said the “hot and extreme weather conditions pose a serious risk to animal health.” “Heat stroke can develop rapidly and may be life-threatening, with common warning signs including excessive panting, vomiting or diarrhoea, and unusually bright or very pale gums. If you notice these symptoms in your pet or are concerned about their immediate wellbeing, seek veterinary advice immediately,” Meehan said. “Even…
STORM-BATTERED beaches, worn-out facilities and damaged walking tracks across the Mornington Peninsula have been given a major upgrade for the busy summer season. The works, undertaken by Parks Victoria, include the Mornington Peninsula National Park, with safe access restored to Gunnamatta Beach after the October 2024 storm surge wiped out the stairs and lookout. The main access ramp beside the Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club has been rebuilt with an all abilities-design and a new link from the car park, improving access for all visitors. The upgrades will also support faster emergency responses by the surf lifesaving club, while helping…
THE lineup for February’s Frankston Waterfront Festival has been unveiled. Australian band Hockey Dad will headline the two-day festival. They are joined on the lineup by Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir, John Course, The Gnomes, Cool Out Sun, Sunday Lemonade, Ruby Mae, DJ Cooper Smith, Sundance, and more. Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming formed Hockey Dad in 2013. They have gone on to tour Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, the USA, and the UK. They are touring with their fourth album, titled Rebuild Repeat. In addition to the live music, the Waterfront Festival will also feature food, drinks, and family-friendly…
THE Western Port Community Support Christmas Giving program helped provide relief to many local families this December thanks to the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of the community. The centre distributed 350 food hampers and toys to over 400 children from the local community on 17 and 18 December at their centre in Hastings. Demand for community support has risen in recent years, with many families struggling due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and rising rental prices. Western Port Community Service has seen a disturbing rise in the number of families and individuals needing urgent assistance as the largest…
THE Peninsula Aero Club has held its annual toy run with over 800 toys donated by the local community in support of families in challenging circumstances at Christmas. The gifts will be supplied to Food for All and Western Port Community Support group who will distribute them. The day was fun all around with the Holden Enthusiasts Club and the Antique Aeroplane Association for supporting the day. Live music was donated by Jon Burstow and the Catalina Cruisers Band, while visitors enjoyed a free sausage sizzle. A band of PAC members and volunteers ensured the day was enjoyed by all.…
Over 40 volunteers have spent countless hours and supplied their own materials to decorate nearly 40 tress and bollards on Main Street Mornington this Christmas. Photos: Yanni First published in the Mornington News – 9 December 2025
BLAIRGOWRIE artist, Melinda Piesse, has taken home first place in her category at the Hand & Lock awards in London for her embroidered tapestry. Her piece was featured in an exhibition among 24 other finalists from 5 – 7 November. Piesse won first place in the Open Textile Art category and received $6000 USD and an embroidery course, which she will undertake online at the end of January. “The award means the world to me, having international recognition and the chance to exhibit my work internationally,” Piesse said. Hand & Lock are a global ambassador for embroidery. The embroidery competition…
AROUND 200 motorcyclists are set to make their festive run from Frankston Pier to Rosebud Secondary College for the 24th annual Southern Peninsula Food For All toy appeal. The 6 December event will see a convoy, often featuring bikes decked out in tinsel, soft toys and the occasional Santa suit, join the much-loved tradition on the peninsula. Riders donate toys and festive goodies, all of which go directly to families struggling during the holiday season. Food for All volunteers say the toy run provided a significant boost to their annual appeal, helping ensure no child on the southern peninsula goes…
Our Lady of Fatima students, along with other local schools, have been busy making scarecrows from recycled materials. They were displayed at the Rosebud Community Garden open day on 23 November. Ruby and Jac helped to create Fatima’s entry of a blue Banded Bee. Armed with a giant flame throwing stinger it will certainly scare away any crows. First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 26 November 2025
CAPEL Sounds Educational Child Care Centre and Kindergarten has added a vibrant new mural to its service, celebrating the local Bunurong culture. The collaborative artwork, created with the guidance of local Indigenous educator Kristy Maher, tells the story of the children’s relationship with the land. It features the Bunurong “meeting place” symbol, representing the children coming together, alongside journey symbols depicting paths to local destinations, watched over by Bunjil and Waa above. The mural, officially unveiled on 10 November, was brought to life by local artist Aaron Hingston, who worked closely with the children, families, and kindergarten staff to translate…
Have you ever wondered what happens to your drink cans, bottles and cartons after you return them for a 10-cent refund through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic)? With this week being National Recycling Week (10–16 November), CDS Vic shares what happens next, and how every returned container helps power Victoria’s circular economy. This year’s theme, Join the Cycle, perfectly aligns with the mission of CDS Vic: keeping eligible drink containers in the recycling loop so they can be remade into new products again and again. “National Recycling Week is a timely reminder of our shared commitment to a more…
A TYABB-based puppetry duo is bringing creativity and humour into classrooms, helping children tackle life’s toughest challenges. Chris Elkington and Rob Irvin, founders of The Melbourne Puppet Kerfuffle, have performed for thousands of students across the state, using puppet shows to address bullying, resilience, cyber safety, and emotional well-being. Founded in November 2021, the pair first met when Elkington ran a primary school puppet workshop in Langwarrin South. A subsequent visit to a puppet festival in Williamstown inspired them to make family-friendly puppetry more accessible by taking it into schools and kindergartens. “Our first and most popular show, The Prank…
THE Light Up Autism Foundation has announced the launch of its Positive Support Program, a program aimed to help create brighter futures for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the mainstream schooling system. Founded in 2012 by the late Bianca Appleford OAM, the foundation was born from Bianca’s determination to create change after witnessing firsthand how the education system was not meeting the needs of her autistic child. Bianca’s passion and advocacy sparked a movement toward inclusion, understanding, and practical support for children on the autism spectrum. The Light Up Autism Foundation is dedicated to empowering children with autism…
A BUZZ of creativity filled the Studio Hall at the Mornington Theatre last Friday (7 November) as students from ten local schools took part in the Mornington Lions Club’s annual Lego Technical Building Competition. One of the Mornington Lions Club’s signature projects, the event encourages non-physical and creative challenges for children, giving grade four and five students the chance to think like engineers. Teams of up to eight students were tasked with constructing a Lego model that was unique and could perform some form of active work yet remain static, using only the special Lego Technic kit provided by the…
SOUTHERN Peninsula Food for All is seeking support for its 2025 Christmas appeal. Now in its 34th year the volunteer run group is calling on residents to generously donate food items and toys to ensure local families in need can enjoy a festive season of dignity and hope. Founded in 1991, the charity has grown from its roots following poverty forums organised by the then Shire of Flinders and today distributes weekly food parcels as well as annual Christmas hampers and children’s toys. Food is collected from bins marked “FOOD FOR ALL” in local supermarkets. Christmas food items together with…
By Barry Irving After visiting family in New Zealand, local woodworker Dennis Conner returned home inspired by a simple but meaningful idea — handcrafted wooden tulips sold to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease. In New Zealand, craftsmen have created more than 5,500 wooden tulips over the past five years to support the cause. Wanting to bring the initiative to Australia, Dennis approached the Fight Parkinson’s group and suggested a local fundraising effort. Members of the Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula embraced the idea, turning, sanding, and painting 700 tulips as a club project. The finished tulips were recently presented to…
MORNINGTON cyclist Greg Dalton is proving that passion and pedal power can help change lives, as he throws his support behind the Great Cycle Challenge – a nationwide fundraiser helping fight childhood cancer.The Great Cycle Challenges sees riders hopping on their bike throughout October and raising funds for the life-saving cancer research being done in the labs at Children’s Medical Research Institute in Westmead. Dalton, 66, who has been doing Great Cycle Challenge for ten years, is a theatre nurse, and survived melanoma cancer 30 years ago.Despite his minor setback of having a recent knee replacement, he said every kilometre…