Get the appBenton's Square Shopping Centre has reopened, with Woolworths and Dan Murphy's trading again. A fire gutted Harcourts Family Butchers, formerly Lindens Meat. Neighbouring businesses Top Pho and The Pantry House also suffered significant damage.
French Ambassador to Australia David Martinon has visited The Briars on the Mornington Peninsula to view its Napoleonic collection. He was joined by Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie, mayor Stephen Batty and deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro. The collection dates to the Balcombe family, who befriended Napoleon during his exile on St Helena in 1815. The homestead is due to reopen later this year after restoration works, with a dedicated exhibition of the collection planned.
A community group has questioned the Victorian government’s transparency after the Planning Minister failed to respond to a request for information about changes to a planning permit. Save Our Seat sought details about changes to the Arthurs Seat Eagle’s luge permit conditions, which were reportedly modified before final approval. The group claims the government is withholding information about the process, raising concerns about accountability. The state government declined to comment on the lack of response.
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Get the appPaid parking will start at Rosebud Hospital and The Mornington Centre from 27 October. Bayside Health says the fees will cover rising operational and maintenance costs. Staff will pay $4.50 per eight-hour shift, matching other Peninsula Care Group sites. Nepean MP Anthony Marsh opposes the changes, calling them tone-deaf during a cost-of-living crisis. Parking will remain free for visits under 30 minutes.
It is a company profile of Mornington Peninsula News Group, a locally owned and independent media business established in 2006. According to that text, the group publishes five weekly community newspapers, including the Western Port News, Mornington News and Frankston Times, along with two glossy magazines, Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids. Because the material provides no details about the shopping centre, the fire, its closure or any response by authorities, no summary of those events can be reliably written from it.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is seeking community feedback on its Dogs in Public Places policy. The request follows an update to dog control signage at nineteen locations across the peninsula. The policy sets a consistent approach to deciding where dogs may be leash-free, on leash, or prohibited.
French Ambassador to Australia David Martinon will visit The Briars on Friday 23 October to view selected items from its Napoleonic Collection. Federal Member for Flinders Zoe McKenzie will join him, and the visit will be welcomed by Mayor Stephen Batty and Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro. The collection traces back to the Balcombe family, who befriended Napoleon during his exile on St Helena in 1815. The Homestead is set to reopen to the public later this year following restoration works, with the collection on display.
Mornington residents have expressed alarm over a state-funded telecommunications tower planned for 900 Moorooduc Hwy. The 900 MHz tower, part of the Connecting Victoria Mobile Program, is exempt from public review. Neighbours Tim Hannaford and Natalie Harper question the site selection, citing environmental and health concerns. Harper has requested the shire defer the application and demand further ecological evidence. The shire is currently reviewing the proposal and awaiting additional information from the applicant.
Mornington Lions Club has donated $5000 to the peninsula branch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. The money helps pay for two new ultrasound machines at Frankston Hospital. The cheque was presented at Mornington Police Station on 16 October. The Lions Club raised the funds for Blue Ribbon Day, held on 29 September, which honours Victoria Police members who have died in the line of duty. Foundation president Rhon Nation said the donation helped the group reach its target. The foundation has given Frankston Hospital more than $1 million over fifteen years.
Bunurong representative Zoe Upton will speak at an information session on the Victorian Treaty with First Peoples in Mornington on Saturday, 31 October, at 2pm. The event is hosted by the Southern Peninsula Allies at the Studio on Wilsons Road. Organiser Maureen Donelly said Upton's connection to the peninsula and her understanding of its history made her a valued speaker. Donelly said the Treaty, which commenced on 12 December 2025, gives First Peoples a say over policies affecting them and their families. Donelly said it also allows Aboriginal communities to deliver solutions in health, education, employment, justice and housing.
The boat ramp at Schnapper Point has reopened following upgrades designed to improve safety and access. Better Boating Victoria fully funded the work, which included new jetties, a rebuilt ramp, a concrete pedestrian area and accessible jetties with a hansa hoist. Councillor Paul Pingiaro praised the project for being delivered on time for the boating and snapper season. Mayor Stephen Batty said the facilities would let people of all abilities enjoy boating and fishing. Boardwalk reconstruction is due to start in late October and is expected to finish by Christmas, with temporary closures during construction.
Mornington Peninsula Shire will grant Freedom of Entry to HMAS Cerberus at a ceremonial parade in Mornington on Saturday 31 October. The parade starts at 9.30am and will be led by the base's commanding officers, accompanied by the Royal Australian Navy Band. Personnel will march along Main Street, with Victoria Police also taking part. The event is free and open to the public, and Main Street and nearby roads will be temporarily closed during the parade. Mayor Stephen Batty said the ceremony recognises the connection between the community and those who serve.
Mornington Tourist Railway has painted one of its locomotives pink to raise funds for breast cancer research. A community fundraiser at the railway on 17 October sent all proceeds to Breast Cancer Network Australia. The colour matches a pink livery the locomotive wore briefly 40 years ago, used in a mock V/Line training video. President Joe Skinner said the railway wanted to combine rail fan culture with a community cause. Volunteers painted the locomotive using paint donated by Haymes Mornington.
Dipsy, a six-month-old kitten, seeks a home where her playful and mischievous personality can flourish. She enjoys exploring, chasing toys, and engaging in light-hearted antics. The energetic feline, identified by microchip number 956000019056979, is available for adoption at the Mornington Animal Adoption Welfare (MAAW) shelter. The initiative is supported by Daylesford’s petstock and honours the memory of Rosie and Curly, previously adopted from the Peninsula RSPCA. Interested parties can contact MAAW at 5472 5277 or [email protected].
The Block homes in Mount Eliza are priced between $3.6 million and $3.9 million, but similar luxury properties nearby are available for less. A five-bedroom home a minute's drive away is listed for $3.2 million to $3.5 million, featuring a tennis court and swimming pool. The housing market downturn and interest rate rises are making it tougher to sell high-end properties in the area.
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Get the appMornington Peninsula Shire Council has settled its position on a proposed redevelopment of the former Bata site on Nepean Highway, Mornington. All but one councillor support the plan for 11 restricted retail premises. Because no decision was made in time, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal will now decide whether the plans are appropriate. Councillor Pingiaro says the site suits the proposal and that road and pedestrian safety were considered. Councillor David Gill opposed the plan, citing safety, amenity and streetscape concerns.
Melbourne's lowest-priced homes have gained value faster than the rest of the market over the past 12 months, according to Real Estate Institute of Victoria data. Mornington led the rise, with its bottom quarter of sales up 12 per cent to a typical $920,000. Overall, the city's median house and unit prices fell 0.7 per cent in the September quarter, with steeper falls in affluent inner suburbs. REIV chief executive Toby Balazs linked part of the squeeze to a federal scheme offering 5 per cent deposits and landlords selling rental homes.