RYMAN Healthcare has decided not to proceed with a contentious retirement development of Mt Eliza’s Moondah Estate on Kunyung Rd and is reported to have offloaded the site at a loss. The News can confirm the new owner of the site is retirement living operator, and owner of the neighbouring land, Chas Jacobsen. A statement from Ryman, seen by The News, said “Ryman has recently
been assessing its future village development sites across Australia”.
“Unfortunately, we’ve decided we are no longer progressing a village at Mount Eliza and instead will pursue other locations within Victoria. As such, we will be progressing the sale of our site at 70 Kunyung Rd.”
Ryman Healthcare, which owns and operates 49 retirement villages in Australia and New Zealand, first purchased the 8.9ha site from Melbourne University for a reported $37.5m in September 2016. Its plans soon hit resistance in the
form of community opposition, and questions on whether the site - which is outside the urban growth boundary - is subject to green wedge development restrictions or whether a “special use” provision would allow development (Ryman confident of retaining zone for ‘village’ plan, The News 18/12/18).
The project also faced significant opposition from Mornington Peninsula Shire, which knocked the plans back. A revised proposal with a smaller footprint was submitted, again to be knocked back, prompting
Ryman to take the matter to VCAT where approval was granted in late 2022.
At a special meeting in January 2023, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council noted its disappointment at the VCAT decision. After seeking advice, the shire elected not to appeal it.
The final proposal would have included 104 independent units, 27 assisted living suites, and a 60-bed aged care centre.
Last month, Ryman Healthcare announced financial results that included its first “positive free cash flow result”
in over a decade, but a net loss after tax of NZ$45.2m (AUD$39.5m). The announcement comes at a time of change for the New Zealandbased organisation with a full bank debt refinancing by way of a NZ$2b (AUD$1.75b) syndicated loan facility. In a media release dated 27 November Ryman’s CEO Naomi James said, “We’re pleased to have already secured two sales from the [land bank] review, with Park Terrace contracted for $42 million and Mount Eliza for $35 million in recent weeks.”
Continued Page 6
The Bomb! 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.
Pictures: Yanni
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Slow start for wallaby relocation at The Briars
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
THE Mornington Peninsula Shire’s efforts to relocate an over-abundant wallaby population at The Briars Wildlife Sanctuary are progressing slower than anticipated with early trapping having captured fewer animals.
The update follows the shire’s 16 September decision to move the wallabies into a secure holding area as part of a staged Macropod Management Plan, which has seen supplementary feeding undertaken twice weekly “where necessary,” a council statement said.
Overall,120 wallabies will be relocated from the Mt Martha sanctuary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the population.
Increased rainfall has stimulated high breeding rates with drier conditions this year having conversely reduced food availability, leading to pressure on the population and the environment.
A specialist working group has been established to guide the process.
According to council, “The team has engaged a working group made up of experts from University of Melbourne, macropod specialist veterinarians and trapping and tranquiliser specialists to progress the Macropod Management Plan.”
“Ongoing meetings of the group have delivered an operational plan and scheduling of field work for phase one which is estimated to finish by the end of December.”
While phase one has begun, the council confirmed “the number of wallabies caught has been lower than expected”.
“The approach to trapping and relocating the wallabies has adjusted based on regular assessments and will continue until all healthy wallabies are in the holding area. Officers will be receiving a progress report in early December. Phase two of the plan will be delivered in the new year which includes fertility controls and assessing viability for rehoming,” it said.
Minor infrastructure works have also been completed to accommodate the relocated wallabies to ensure the area is secured.
In addition to scientific oversight, cultural and environmental authorities have been brought into the process, with council noting “external stakeholders have been engaged including Bunurong Land Council and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action” and “ongoing conversations are happening with stakeholders to ensure involvement in the activities where necessary”.
Council emphasised that all decisions would follow strict regulatory requirements, noting “our licence guides how we are allowed to rehome animals housed in the sanctuary. Several relevant licensed organisations have shown interest in rehoming wallabies if and when the time is right”.
In September, the shire said there were 150 wallabies currently in the sanctuary at The Briars, while the recommended carry capacity – the number of animals to remain sustainable – was around 30.
A WALLABY at The Briars. Picture: Gary Sissons
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Call for extended dust suppression in Flinders
Brendan Rees
brendan@mpnews.com.au
A PETITION has called on the Mornington Peninsula Shire to extend dustsuppression on unsealed roads near St John’s Anglican Church in Flinders, citing parking and heavier traffic on church event days.
The petition, signed by 12 residents, was presented at the shire’s 2 December meeting, with a request that the dust-suppression treatment be extended to cross over Stokes St to the end of Barker St. Council responded, noting that unsealed roads must meet strict criteria to be included in the shire-funded dust suppression program. This included considering “sig-
nificant average traffic volumes,” “proximity or access to Mornington Peninsula Shire community facilities,” “road classification”, and environmental considerations”.
In the case of Barker St council said traffic levels appeared to spike only during short-term events.
“Increases in traffic volumes appear to occur only for short periods, presumably during the Christmas holidays and private events. As a result, the average traffic data may not reflect these peak periods,” the statement said.
Because of this, council advised it is “unlikely that this section of Barker St will meet the selection criteria in future assessments and is therefore unlikely to be included in future
Shire-funded programs.”
However, the shire has agreed to make a small extension to the existing treatment zone.
“As a gesture of goodwill, the shire has agreed to include an additional 50 metres along the road reserve of Barker St (from Stokes St) to maximise the benefit for the two residential properties that have committed to the Resident Funded Dust Suppression Program,” council said.
Council added that “considering the overall cost of treatment, it would be difficult to justify including any additional sections of road, as they do not meet the required criteria.”
The matter is being overseen by the shire’s infrastructure services manager.
Independents launch candidate search
BUOYED by their results in May’s federal election, Independents for Mornington Peninsula, the community group that backed Ben Smith’s federal campaign, has formally launched its search for independent candidates for the 2026 Victorian state election.
Chair Phillip Riley said the group’s focus is on finding local leaders with integrity, who will fight for longneglected services on the peninsula.
“For decades, the Mornington Peninsula has been treated as an afterthought by the major parties. Being in a safe seat means we are taken for granted” said Riley.
“Our roads, hospitals, community services and public transport are woefully underfunded. Residents see it every day: we are not getting our fair share.”
Riley said this state election is particularly important because many of the issues residents care about mosthealth services, rising homelessness, education, roads, climate action and cost-of-living pressures - are shaped at the state level.
The group pointed to the success of this year’s Flinders federal campaign, where the outcome stretched nearly two weeks beyond election day due to the closeness of the result.
The two-candidate-preferred count between Smith and incumbent Liberal Zoe McKenzie saw Flinders become a marginal seat with McKenzie holding a slender 2.3% margin.
“Ben Smith’s campaign showed what’s possible when the community stands up together. The election proved peninsula residents are willing to back independent candidates who will fight for them. Now we’re ready to carry that same momentum into the state arena,” said Riley.
“At the 2022 state election, Independent Kate Lardner came within 400 votes of winning the seat of Mornington. Peninsula residents are tired of political party in-fighting, and are increasingly backing Independent candidates seeking to put the community first.”
Independents for Mornington Peninsula said its candidate search process will include community outreach, open expressions of interest, and interviews by a selection panel made up of local residents. The group says it is looking for someone with strong local roots, integrity, and a commitment to the values that matter to peninsula communities.
“If you’re someone who cares deeply about the peninsula and wants to help shape its future, we’d encourage you to submit an expression of interest to become a state candidate. We want to hear from people who are ready to step up for their community.”
Expressions of interest to become the next independent state candidate on the Mornington Peninsula are open now and can be submitted at www.indiesformp.org.au.
BARKER Street at St John’s Church, Flinders. Picture: Yanni
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Publisher: Cameron McCullough
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Police patrol with Brodie Cowburn
Drivers disappoint on Mornington Peninsula
A HIGH number of drivers were detected breaking the road rules on the Mornington Peninsula on Saturday night (6 December).
There has been a highly visible police presence in the area due to the number of people attending the area to celebrate the end of school.
A number of incidents occurred in a short period of time which has left police flummoxed.
About 9.05pm police attended a crash at a hotel on Point Nepean Road where a Volkswagen ute had hit a building.
A 51-year-old woman from Rye underwent an evidentiary breath test and returned an alleged reading of 0.184.
Her licence was suspended for 12 months, her car impounded with towing costs of $1225 and she is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving offences.
About 9.30pm a car was intercepted after leaving a hotel car park on Hotham Road, Sorrento.
Officers spoke to a 24-year-old man from Beaumaris and he was requested to undergo an evidentiary breath test.
He returned an alleged reading of 0.161 and his licence was immediately suspended for 12 months.
The Beaumaris man will incur towing costs of $1225 and is expected to be summonsed for drink driving offences.
About 10.14pm a white Audi coupe was observed overtaking on double lines on Browns Road, Boneo.
Police kept observations on the car
and it was allegedly observed travelling at 102 km/h in a 80 km/h zone.
The car was intercepted and the driver, a 28-year-old from Coburg, was issued with fines totalling $814 and 6 demerit points.
About 10.20pm a Ford Echo Sport was intercepted on Point Nepean Road, Sorrento for a licence check.
Police spoke to the driver, a 52-yearold Capel Sound man, and determined that he had a suspended licence.
He is expected to be summonsed to court at a later date.
About 11.35pm officers from Somerville Highway Patrol detected a Subaru wagon travelling at 133 km/h on a 100 km/h section of the Mornington Peninsula Freeway.
The driver, a 27-year-old man from Mount Martha, was issued a licence suspension and is expected to be charged on summons for speeding and other traffic offences.
About 12.20am Public Order Response Unit officers intercepted a Volvo station wagon on Melbourne Road, Sorrento.
A 65-year-old man from Rosebud underwent an evidentiary breath test where he returned an alleged reading of 0.13.
His licence was suspended, his car impounded with $1225 towing costs and he is expected to be summonsed to court.
Just before 2am officers intercepted a Mercedes on Point Nepean Road in Rye.
A 20-year-old woman from Mount
Waverley underwent an evidentiary breath test and returned an alleged reading of 0.033.
The probationary driver has had her licence suspended for three months and has been issued a $509 fine.
A random breath and drug testing site was also in operation on Nepean Highway near Dava Drive in Mornington with members from Road Policing and Drug and Alcohol Section.
They also detected a number of drivers including:
n A 27-year-old woman from Mount Martha who allegedly returned a result of 0.156. Her licence was suspended, car impounded with $1225 towing costs and she will be summonsed.
n A 30-year-old man from Pakenham received a $611 fine and a six-month licence suspension for an alleged reading of 0.068
n A 54-year-old man from Mornington received a $611 fine and a six-month licence suspension for an alleged reading of 0.064
n A 45-year-old woman from Hastings received a $611 fine and a six-month licence suspension for an alleged reading of 0.069
Inspector Andrew Mckee, the Local Area Commander for Mornington Peninsula, was disappointed in the detected drivers.
“Anyone putting our road users at risk will be subject to the full extent of the law to keep our communities safe.”
Jacobsen the new owner of Moondah
Continued from Page 1
The News contacted the Jacobsen family for comment and received the following statement: “The family are pleased to have secured this unique property and look forward to enjoying it into the future.”
Chas Jacobsen first purchased in the area with the acquisition of the 11.7-hectare Gunyong Valley estate for $14.5m from the estate of the late Lady Joan Ansett in 2006.
4pm8.30pm
In 2018, Jacobsen added to the landholding with the acquisition of the last parcel of the former Ansett estate in Mt Eliza for an “undisclosed sum”, believed to be around $33 million.
The Moondah estate land, once home to a luxury hotel, but more recently used as a business school, adds again to the landholding.
The sale of the Mt Eliza land is expected to settle in the second half of 2026.
The VCAT decision granting approval for the development in December 2022 read that “this permit will expire if… The development is not commenced within 3 years of the date of this permit”, indicting the existing development approval lapses later this month.
Leanne Ennis and Gen Adams from the community group “Save Sir Reg’s Wedge” that fought against the development told The News
CHAS Jacobsen (right) and an artist’s impression of the now abandoned Ryman Mt Eliza development plans (below). Picture: Supplied
“we remain resolute for the best possible outcome for this special site and hope the new owners plans are more respectful than Ryman’s were”.
“We are committed to working with the new owners to help them understand community concerns and to find ways to respect the flora and fauna, history, outlook, local amenity and the primary school next door.
“We acknowledge the energy and passion our dear friend, Leigh Eustace invested into protecting this land from overdevelopment. Leigh sadly passed away in October 2025 and is dearly missed.”
Jetty welcomes visitors after upgrade
MORNINGTON’S much-loved Fishermans Jetty is officially open again, with locals and holidaymakers able to return to the popular waterfront spot following a major rebuild.
The $18m state government project features new timber decking, solar-powered lighting and seating made from materials salvaged from the old structure.
Safety has also been boosted, with access ladders installed along the sides. The redesigned layout now provides berthing space for up to 27 vessels.
The jetty, originally built between 1880 and 1885, was closed to pedestrians in November 2020 due to advanced structural deterioration with berthing access closed in 2022 following inspections by maritime engineers.
According to Parks Victoria, there is a current waiting list for the allocation of new berths on the jetty, but the existing nearby Mornington Pier has been providing short term berthing for vessels. Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne
celebrated the jetty’s reopening on 1 December, saying, “I’m excited to announce the new Mornington Fishermans Jetty is open for the local community and tourists to enjoy”.
She added the new-look structure would revitalise one of the peninsula’s busiest coastal destinations.
“Mornington is a popular tourist destination and home to a vibrant bayside community and the completion of works at this jetty will ensure locals and visitors can continue to enjoy safe access for fishing, boating and recreation.”
Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh echoed the sentiment, saying, “These new structures will be a great asset for locals and tourists - attracting even more visitors.”
The government said the upgrade was shaped through community consultation to ensure the facilities served residents long into the future.
The rebuild was also sympathetic to the jetty’s original characteristics.
Brendan Rees
Move to cancel planning policy fails in council deadlock
By Brendan Rees
A BID to revoke the council’s new planning matters policy has failed in a tied vote after concerns were raised about its last-minute release and lacking proper scrutiny.
The policy, which sets out a framework for “consistent, lawful, efficient, transparent and best practice approach” to decision making in both statutory and strategic planning matters, was endorsed by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors in an 8-3 vote at their 5 November public meeting.
The council had previously been without a policy for about four years, and it will now replace the now discontinued planning services committee and its terms of reference.
However, concerns were raised at the time that the policy’s late publication had undermined transparency and could erode public trust in council decision-making.
Among those to vote against the policy at the original meeting was Cr David Gill, who subsequently moved a notice of motion at the shire’s 2 December meeting calling for the policy’s revocation, arguing that it was rushed through with little time to review and was “a policy that is much more restrictive on councillors” to raise planning matters with the community.
“This is an important planning policy that has repercussions related to the elected representative role in raising planning matters on behalf of our community yet there has been no real opportunity for the public to see and scrutinise or raise questions about the proposed changes,” Gill said in his motion to the council.
“The marked-up changes were confusing, and it was difficult to understand or amend alterations to the existing policy. The public were not aware of the alterations until the day of the council meeting which is a lapse in governance and transparency requirements.”
But opponents of the revocation including deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro maintained that the policy was urgently needed to provide a stable framework after years without any planning policy.
The motion ended in a 5–5 deadlock, prompting Pingiaro, who chaired the meeting in the absence of mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, to cast the deciding vote against the revocation, leaving the revised planning matters policy intact.
“I have debated on this, and nothing has changed my mind as to the original 8-3 [vote], though I’ve had no further information come forward to me that has changed the position of that vote and that is why I’m casting against the motion,” Pingiaro said.
Earlier in the meeting, Pingiaro said councillors had received at least two council briefings. He also said, “we’ve had no policy for approximately four years” and that consultation had occurred in February, but “we’re still here; it’s December”.
“We really need to think of what has changed. Continually revoking motions and council policy is really hard on our officers. They’ve worked hard on this,” he said.
Cr Bruce Ranken also voted against the motion, saying it “just fathoms me as to why this has been brought back up” after the policy was adopted just weeks earlier.
“The motion effectively scraps the entire policy in one go, all done very quickly... this then questions transparency in governance and its entirety,” he said.
Cr Kate Roper, who supported the motion, said, “I have had people contact me about the changes to policy and complaining about the restriction of their elected representatives to discuss planning matters one-on-one”.
“I just think it needs more scrutiny, and I think it would be more appropriate to adopt it when you get more detail about planning changes that will impact our planning policy.”
THE newly revamped jetty in Mornington. Picture: Parks Victoria
Future looms bright for Dromana College VCE students
Dromana College is extremely proud of our outstanding 2025 Year 12 student cohort and we wish them well as they complete their final exams. We have confidence that they will enhance our reputation as the College of academic excellence within the local community, bearing testament to the engaging, rigorous and sequential learning program delivered throughout Years 7 to 12. We take great pride in our exceptional results and anticipate that new benchmarks will again be set by this year's students. Our community can rest assured that we will continue to strive for continuous improvement in outcomes for all students.
At Dromana College we give first priority to Literacy and Numeracy as the core and essential building blocks which underpin all learning and which enable students to excel. Students thrive in our supportive culture of high expectation, where our excellent teachers are seen as the most important resource towards student success. Our dedicated staff clearly understand their core business: focusing on effective teaching and learning and improving student outcomes. We also encourage and promote an extensive extra and co-curricular program to ensure that students have the right balance alongside their academic endeavours.
Our VCE students can look forward to successful futures as well-rounded and high-achieving young adults, ready and equipped to begin their post-school journey. For the overwhelming majority of them, this will include admission into the university course of their first choice. For others it will
include further study at TAFE, an apprenticeship or traineeship or full-time employment.
We congratulate in advance the Class of 2025 on what we confidently predict to be outstanding final results and wish them all well for their varied future
As the highest performing secondary school on the Mornington Peninsula, Dromana College will continue to work tirelessly to develop and consolidate the many exemplary educational programs on offer.
With outstanding facilities, a committed professional staff and a caring school community, students are challenged to explore their interests and talents to achieve their personal best.
pathways. At Dromana College we provide a steadfast guarantee to our community that we will continue to work tirelessly to further our impressive trend of improving results for all students.
SIMON JONES - Assistant Principal, Senior School
Get set for the 50th anniversary of the Rye Gift
RYE’s premier sporting event, the Rye Gift will be held at R.J.Rowley Reserve, Melbourne Road, Rye on Saturday 10 January 2026.
Now in its 50th year, the event is rated as the third highest ranked event for professional running on the Victorian Athletics League calendar.
Foremost in success is the Pasquali family, with Wally Pasquali winning the men’s 120m Rye Gift in 1995. Then the sensational and record breaking triple winner Anna Pasquali (Nee Deery) won the Women’s 120m Rye Gift in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
2023 saw daughter Bella Pasquali win the Women’s 120M Rye Gift as a 16 year old. Bella went on to take
out the Women’s Stawell Gift in the same year.
2023 men’s 120m Rye Gift winner
Nicholas Antonino also went on to place in the men’s 120m Stawell gift placing second being beaten one hundredth of a second.
2017 Women’s Rye gift Winner, Ebony Lane and 2020 Women’s 120m Rye Gift winner Bree Master represented in the Australian Athletics Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rye Gift Athletics carnival and Family Fun Day prize money for both Men’s and Women’s 120m Rye Gift events will be increased to $10,000 and the men’s and women’s
400m events increased to $2,500.
The Gift is a family-friendly day with free rides, face painting and other children’s activities, which in 2026 will include the addition of an animal petting farm for the children from 10.30am until 3.30pm.
There are bookmakers on site covering horse racing and foot running. Other events include the Senior and Junior Community Club Relays, so come and cheer your local club on.
There is a Rye Junior gift, under six to under 14, (boys and girls events) run under the auspices of the Southern Peninsula Little Athletics Centre conducted from 8.30am to 10am. These events are proudly
Council rejects push for stricter donation rules
Raia Flinos raia@mpnews.com.au
A MOTION calling for stricter regulations on election donations in local government elections was rejected at the 2 December council meeting.
The motion was presented by Cr David Gill and sought to advocate a series of reforms to the state government. These included restricting campaign donations to individuals listed on the local electoral roll, immediate disclosure of all donations on the Victorian Electoral Commission website, banning donations within two weeks of election day, and requesting state authorities investigate to ensure no donations are made after an election.
“We need to ensure that companies are not set up to hide donors or enable candidates to hide where donations come from now. That’s not to say that people deliberately do it, but that could be an outcome,” Gill said.
He said the motion was “in the public interest” and that large donations risk undermining trust in elections.
“This is only for state government consideration to provide fair and transparent elections to help with voter knowledge, transparency and that comes into accountability and that’s what we all should be aiming at,” Gill said.
Councillor Max Patton said he would be supporting the motion as he felt it would give candidates without significant financial backing a fairer opportunity to compete in local elections.
“When we consider what makes a democratic council or a democratic election it’s one that’s been reached fairly and in the age of social media advertising, I think the dollar can go a long way in reaching greater audiences and can help people win elections,” Patton said.
Patton said the technology to support the motion and publish donations immediately already exists and has been used in federal campaigns, so he believes it should be implemented for local elections as well.
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro said they “need to be careful [they] don’t rush into something that creates new problems while trying to solve another”.
He said it doesn’t seem fair to only allow donors from the local electoral roll.
“What if a candidate’s main support network, their family or long-term friends live in Frankston?” Pingiaro said. “Under this idea, ‘sorry, you’re not local enough to donate’.”
He said current candidates already have to declare any donations above the threshold and lodge returns after an election.
“These ideas aren’t necessarily bad, but they belong in state legislation not one-off motions,” Pingiaro said.
“Our role is to follow fair rules that don’t discriminate based on where your support base lives, rules that still allow ordinary people with modest means to run for council and be supported by their community, not rules that accidentally lock them up.”
Gill said they are only asking the state government to review rules because elections are not transparent but should be.
“What I’m trying to do is get the state government to look at the issues, that’s all,” Gill said.
“We should be making them aware, and we should be saying the public don’t like the donation rules the way that they’re set out now.”
Councillors were split when voting on the motion, but Pingiaro had the deciding vote. He said he would not be supporting the motion because of the “geographical fencing on it”.
sponsored by Maw Civil PL and the Rotary Club of Rosebud-Rye.
A full day of running events will commence after the Rye Junior Gift races with heats commencing from 10am and finishing semis and finals from around 2.15pm.
The Rye Gift proudly offers equal prize money for both men and women winners. There will be refreshments, hot food and a liquor booth available on the day.
The major sponsors of this event are Maw Civil PL for the 120m Men’s Rye Gift and the Rye Hotel for the 120m Women’s Rye Gift.
Other major sponsors of the day are the Mornington Peninsula Shire and Community Bank Southern Peninsula who sponsor the Senior and Junior Community Relays. Event sponsors include Rye RSL, South Coast Medical Centre, Clarrie Jennings & Sons P/L, Jim’s Test & Tag, Wittinglsow Amusements PL, Rotary Club of Rosebud-Rye and in-kind support from Haymes Paint Place, Rosebud, Peninsula Bulk Meats, Rosebud and SOLO Resource & Recovery who all make this event possible.
For further details contact the Secretary, Gary Sanford on email; gary.sanford@outlook.com or 0409 194 314
ROSEBUD
Left: A blistering finish sees Alexia Loizou take out the 2025 Women’s 120m Gift.
Above: The juniors celebrate a great day out. Pictures: Barry Irving
Peninsula homelessness crisis worsens as funding pleas ignored
By Raia Flinos
NEW data has confirmed the Mornington Peninsula has the highest number of people sleeping rough in Victoria.
Figures from Launch Housing’s Functional Zero program confirm that as of October 2025, 128 people are sleeping rough on the peninsula, surpassing even Melbourne’s CBD.
Frontline workers say the situation has escalated to an out-of-control crisis.
At the centre of the emergency is Southern Peninsula Community Support (SPCS), based in Rosebud, where the demand for assistance has escalated to unprecedented numbers. CEO Jeremy Maxwell says pleas to state and federal governments for funding assistance have been ignored, leaving local services overwhelmed.
“The Mornington Peninsula is dealing with more rough sleepers than any other Victorian council area, but our pleas for help to fix it are falling on deaf ears,” Maxwell said.
With summer approaching, the problem is worsening, with rough sleepers set to be moved into designated foreshore areas to make way for the influx of Christmas holiday campers. Maxwell said he is concerned about the consequences as it can be a matter of life or death.
“Sleeping rough is about survival but people are not always that fortunate and, in the last year, there were four deaths in the community, I have a real fear that there will be many more,” he said.
SPCS currently supports over 1800 clients, with an estimated 65 per cent “at risk of homelessness”. Maxwell said without any intervention, the situ-
ation will continue to escalate.
“You would think with numbers so high we would receive some government help; we receive no Victorian government funding at all across any of our programs. It’s a humanitarian failure all round,” Maxwell said.
The organisation has invited various politicians to witness the situation firsthand. Recent visits by Special Envoy on Housing and Homelessness
Josh Burns and Federal Opposition leader Sussan Ley were welcomed, but Maxwell said minister visits are essential if funding is to follow.
“This is no longer an invisible crisis, we see it every day, we need urgent funding to meet this escalating need,” Maxwell said.
Maxwell said neighbouring local government areas have received targeted homelessness funding despite having fewer people in crisis.
“We have the highest numbers – we need crisis funding to come all the way down to the peninsula, and we need it now. We want rough sleeping if not all homelessness to be rare, brief and non-recurring,” Maxwell said.
“But we can’t do that alone. We need the state and federal governments to take some responsibility for ending this crisis as there’s only so much we can do.”
SPCS’s Miranda Gillespie, Jeremy Maxwell and Belinda Rodman with MP for Flinders Zoe McKenzie and Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley in front of the SPSC’s SPLASH Van. Picture: Supplied
Carols at Cruden Farm
AUSTRALIA’S “Queen of Carols,” Silvie Paladino, will bring Christmas joy and grace the stage at Cruden Farm on Saturday the 13 December. Silvie will perform more than two hours of beloved Christmas carols and festive favourites, delivered with the warmth and brilliance that have made her one of Australia’s most beloved musical theatre stars.
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s beautiful gift to her community, Cruden Farm, is the perfect setting for this Christmas spectacular. Her enduring love for the natural world and lifelong commitment to creating spaces where people can gather and feel connected is her legacy and exemplified no better than through an event such as this.
Enjoy delectable food and drink from first class food vendors, guaranteed to ensure your evening is delicious as well as memorable. Bring a picnic rug or book a seat via the website
or QR code and be enchanted by Silvie Paladino’s breathtaking voice in the summer twilight. This is a magical holiday event you won’t want to miss and the perfect gift for any loved one.
If you’re looking for a chance to explore Cruden Farm’s beautiful gardens and find oneof-a-kind last minute Christmas gifts from local small businesses then, Cruden Farm’s highly anticipated annual Christmas market on Sunday the 14 December is the event for you. Additionally, head to the Cruden Farm website to join us for a hands-on wreath making workshop using freshly gathered foliage from the Cruden gardens. Prepare for delicious food and drink, gorgeous handmade wares, and a sense of shared delight in a day everyone is looking forward to, guaranteed to become an unmissable Christmas tradition for years to come.
Report highlights need for drowning education
Brodie Cowburn brodie@mpnews.com.au
YOUNG adults swimming on the Mornington Peninsula pose the highest drowning risk in Victoria, a new report has revealed.
Life Saving Victoria’s 2024/2025 drowning report was released last week. It reveals that between 2015/2016 and 2024/2025, there were more drownings on the Mornington Peninsula than in any other part of the state.
The 25-44 age group suffered the most number of drownings on the peninsula. Drownings most commonly occurred while swimming at beaches.
LSV estimates that there is a 99 percent likelihood of a drowning in any given year on the Mornington Peninsula. Thirty-six percent of drowning victims on the peninsula were residents.
The Frankston area ranked eighth for drowning deaths, with young people aged between 15 and 24 the most common victims. Frankston drownings most commonly occurred equally at beaches and in private pools.
Fifty-five percent of Frankston drowning victims lived locally.
In Kingston people aged over 65 were identified
as the highest drowning risk, with drownings occurring most commonly at beaches.
Statewide drownings are on the rise, with a total of 52 fatal and 123 non-fatal drowning incidents occurring between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. Life Saving Victoria’s research and evaluation manager Dr Hannah Graefe said “a whole-ofcommunity response is required to bring about a sustained reduction in drowning incidents.”
“Fifty-two people lost their lives to drowning in the 2024-25 financial year, and a further 123 people experienced a non-fatal drowning incident that can have lifelong impacts on those involved,” she said.
“These figures are both above their respective ten-year averages, pointing to a concerning upward trend in drowning incidents across the state. We must all work together as a community to bring these numbers down.”
The number of drowning fatalities among people with multicultural backgrounds highlighted a growing need for widespread anti-drowning campaigns. Thirty-seven percent of drowning fatalities recorded in Victoria between 2015 and 2025 involved people from multicultural backgrounds.
Bunurong voices drive students’ history project
By Raia Flinos
A BUNURONG representative from the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria visited Padua College on 4 December to take part in a studentled history project. The students produced an audio-visual production about the impact of colonisation on the peninsula.
Zoe Upton, a Bunurong woman, was interviewed by Millie, Logan, and Baron for their history project.
The initiative was started by vice principal Sam Wright, who said the school wants to present an accurate and inclusive account of local history. Wright said he is hopeful the final video will be shared within the school and the wider community.
“By making this video, the students are providing a resource for others to learn what happened to Bunurong People,” Wright said. “I am very proud of them and the way they have carried out their roles as F.I.R.E (Friends Igniting Reconciliation Through Education) students.”
The students found the experience educational and eye-opening. Millie the project was “learning with a difference”, as it allowed students to engage directly with a Bunurong woman and learn about the history from her rather than reading textbooks.
“The students had many questions and were excited to have them answered face to face,” Wright said.
With permission from Bunurong Elder Aunty
Dyan Summers, Upton shared oral histories passed down through generations, including the abduction of Summers’ ancestor from Mon Mar (Point Nepean). Logan said they heard stories about Bunurong women being taken from their families by sealers in the 1830s.
“The Bunurong lost mothers, sisters, and wives at the whim of these seal hunters,” Logan said.
Wright said it is important for students to learn about the history of the First Peoples.
“After all theirs is the oldest living civilisation in the world,” Wright said.
Upton is passionate about truth telling and First People having a voice through the new Treaty Act which was recently passed.
“Young people are paving the way forward, reckoning with the past, listening to First Nations people and aspiring for healing,” Upton said.
“Coming from a family affected by the stolen generation, having young people like this walking together with us helps us heal. They, and the school, are to be commended in their journey to reconciliation,”
This project was coordinated in partnership with Southern Peninsula Allies, a local reconciliation action group. There are plans underway for students to meet with Bunurong Elders next year to continue their learning.
BUNURONG woman Zoe Upton, First Peoples’ Assembly Victoria with Padua College students Millie and Logan. Picture: Supplied
Peninsula Memo
Tis the season to be giving!
Thanks to everyone who got behind and donated to the Shire’s Christmas Giving Program. We’re humbled by your support and acknowledge everyone who dropped off gifts for children aged up to 13 years at Christmas trees at the Shire’s offices and Local Connection Points.
This is the second year the Shire has run the Christmas Giving Program. We have a longstanding commitment to supporting and working in partnership with the Western Port, Mornington and Southern Peninsula Community Support centres.
Each year, these organisations work tirelessly to hold Christmas toy drives, helping to bring the yuletide spirit to families on the Peninsula – so children can wake up on Christmas day with a gift under the tree from Santa!
Ho, ho, ho. We’re rapt to support our local community groups and Chambers of Commerce as they share the Christmas spirit on the Peninsula.
From Christmas carols to festive markets and family activities, there’s so much happening and we’re proud to help make it shine.
This year, the Shire has committed $15,000 to support the 3MP Merry Peninsula campaign and $60,000 to our Chambers of Commerce — Mornington, Western Port, Mount Eliza and Sorrento — to boost their existing Christmas activities.
So, what are you waiting for?
Be sure to check out the street decorations, Christmas window displays, roaming Santas, colouring competitions and much more! Together, we’re making the festive season brighter for everyone.
13 December 4–8.30pm
Mornington Park
20 December 6–9.30pm
Rosebud Village Green
21 December 5.30–8pm
Somerville Presbyterian Church
23 December 7.30–9pm
Mount Martha Parade Lawn
24 December 6–7.30pm
Dromana Park
From twinkling light displays to community events and handy holiday tips, we’ve got you covered.
The Shire is proud to be a major sponsor of the ‘Merry Peninsula’ website - your one-stop festive hub for everything Christmas across our beautiful region.
From seaside carols to twilight markets, discover the best places to celebrate. It’s magic across the Peninsula. Whether you’re lighting the tree in Mornington, browsing crafts in Hastings or enjoying music under the stars in Rosebud, there’s something merry for everyone.
Learn how to decorate with care, dispose of your real tree responsibly and keep your celebrations bright and safe! merrypeninsula.com.au
Yuletide spirit
Our Merry Peninsula
Christmas carols
A little birdie told me about the
best golf fun!
Mount Martha Public Golf Course is the place to be this summer, with long warm days and plenty of ways to enjoy them.
We’re staying open later so you can make the most of the extra daylight – perfect for a relaxed twilight round or an after-work hit. We’ve also boosted our fleet for summer, with 30 golf carts now available, making it easier than ever to cruise the fairways. For good vibes beyond the green, join the Summer Sunset Sessions every Saturday and Sunday in January and February 4 – 7pm. Enjoy live music, food and the perfect Peninsula evenings. For a night out with a twist, the glow-in-the-dark Night Golf Series returns after last year’s sell-out run – think neon targets, glowing golf balls and plenty of laughs.
And if the weather turns, our indoor golf simulators are always ready with world-class courses and friendly competitions. mtmarthapublicgc.com.au
On track for a new look
We’re giving one of the Peninsula’s favourite trails a refresh! The Shire has received funding through the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Grant to upgrade directional and interpretive signage along the Red Hill to Merricks Rail Trail.
This project will make it easier for you to explore the trail, find your way between points and learn more about the local stories, cultural connections and natural beauty that make it so special.
But before we start designing, we want to hear from the people who know the trail best: you. Community consultation is open and closes 23 January 2026. mornpen.vic.gov.au/redhilltrail
Shire offices: closed from 25 December – 1 January. Our afterhours customer service team is ready to assist during the office closure. You can find the answer to anything Shire-related on our website!
Resource recovery centres (tips) at Mornington, Rye and Tyabb: closed Christmas Day.
Sport and recreation centres: closed Christmas Day and open with reduced hours on the public holidays.
Mount Martha Public Golf Course: closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The Briars Visitor Centre and Sanctuary: closed Christmas Day, total fire ban days and days of extreme weather.
Libraries: closed from midday on Christmas Eve and reopening 2 January.
Household recycling bins: emptied weekly from 22 December and returning to fortnightly on 2 February.
Adult Art Club, Hastings
Libraries After Dark, Rosebud
Christmas Book Art, Mornington
Christmas Movie, Rosebud
Soul Night Market, Hastings
Community Market, Crib Point 13 Yack and Yarn, Mornington
Racecourse Market, Mornington
Oak Hill Gallery Market, Mornington
Sensitive Santa, Mornington
Tech Class, Rosebud
Community Market, Boneo
Emu Plains Market, Balnarring
Repair Cafe, Hastings
Two Bays Trail Run
Children’s Pizza Making, Mt Martha
Bay to Surf Run, Portsea Information is correct at time of printing. mornpen.vic.gov.au/events
Alexandra Park revamp takes out top state honour
MORNINGTON’S Alexandra Park Pavilion redevelopment has taken home a prestigious state accolade from AFL Victoria.
The $10.5 million upgrade was made possible thanks to the Mornington Peninsula Shire, community groups, state and federal governments and AFL Victoria.
The new-look pavilion, which opened late last year, had matches return on ground this season, marking a turning point for one of the region’s busiest sporting precincts.
In recognition of its success, the project was announced as the winner of the 2025 AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Project Award on 3 December.
AFL Victoria venue and government partnerships manager Jessie Doull said she was thrilled to acknowledge the redevelopment of Alexandra Park Pavilion “as the deserving winner”.
“As football participation continues to grow in Victoria, it’s important that our facilities evolve to support increased demand. This redevelopment supports the growing football programs here in Mornington and also provides a community hub for the wider Mornington population to enjoy,” she said.
A major driver behind the redevelopment was the Alexandra Park project group, a volunteer committee that raised $400,000 in community donations.
AFL Victoria also contributed $100,000, helping push the project across the line. Larger funding
partnerships added further momentum, including a partnership with The Bays Healthcare and the federal government’s Community Health and Hospitals Program, which saw $2.6 million contributed to the shared facilities, along with $4.5 million from the Mornington Peninsula Shire, and $2.9 million from the state government’s growing suburbs fund.
Alexandra Park project group
president Mick Wunderly said it was a “fantastic achievement showing what can be done when the community, government and council come together”.
The redevelopment was undertaken to fix long-standing issues with the ageing pavilion, which previously had open showers, cramped change rooms, limited unisex facilities and very little space for social events. Now complete, the two-storey
LARGEST RANGE OF SKYLIGHTS ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
building has been transformed into what AFL Victoria described as a premier community and sporting hub.
It features purpose-built football and cricket amenities along with allied health and medical suites. The pavilion now includes gender-neutral home and away change rooms, complete with shower and toilet cubicles, medical and trainer rooms.
Mornington Junior Football Club,
AFL Victoria venue and government partnerships manager Jessie Doull presented the award to the shire and representatives of the clubs.
Picture: Supplied
Mornington Football Netball Club and the Peninsula Raiders AFL Masters are already reaping the benefits. Since reopening, the Alexandra Park clubs have reported a five per cent rise in total participation, with more than 750 locals now involved in football programs.
Registrations from women and girls have also grown by four per cent compared with 2024.
The AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Project Award is presented annually to highlight excellence in community sport infrastructure and to recognise the clubs, councils and volunteers delivering standout projects across the state.
Alexandra Park will now be put forward as the Victorian nomination for the national AFL Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award.
Councillors reject plan for Eagle upgrade objection
Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire
councillors have rejected an officer recommendation that the shire lodge an objection to the Arthurs Seat Eagle’s planned upgrades, at their 2 December meeting.
The upgrade of the Arthurs Seat Eagle was mooted last year with the expansion of both the bottom and summit stations, the addition of a pedestrian bridge over Arthurs Seat Road, the building of an observation tower, and the building of a “lugestyle” ride down the escarpment.
The plans were subsequently altered after community feedback, including the scrapping of the pedestrian bridge, and shortening the proposed luge track (Eagle plans scaled back but community still concerned, The News 28/8/25).
Such is the upgrade’s scale, the planned redevelopment has been deemed a “project of significance” under Victorian planning provisions. Practically, this removes decision making authority for the project from the shire, with the ultimate authority resting with the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny.
The removal of authority from the shire does not remove their ability to object to the project.
In the report, shire officers deemed the main issues to be a lack of use approval for the luge, the visual impact of the project, and the lack of critical information in key areas.
Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh was absent from Tuesday’s meeting, and two councillors, Crs Stephens and Patton, declared conflicts of interest over the matter and recused themselves from the vote. This left eight of the 11 councillors to decide the matter.
The motion that the shire lodge an objection to the Arthurs Seat Eagle’s
AN artist’s render of the proposed upgraded summit station. Picture: Supplied
planned upgrades was moved by Cr Gill and seconded by Cr Binyon.
In favour of the motion, Gill said “The problems that are there are probably unnecessary. I think the size, the issues to do with vegetation, issues to do with the new idea of the luge could have been modified and perhaps would have had a better reception”.
“The current proposal seeks a planning permission and I agree with the officers that the expansion is a little too much given the problems that it may create.”
With no other councillors wanting to speak on the motion, deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro spoke against the officer’s recommendation to lodge an objection.
“Our role tonight is to provide a balanced evidence-based advice on a proposal,” said Pingiaro.
“The report acknowledges policy support and finds elements acceptable yet ultimately concludes that the overall proposal is unacceptable and
recommends council object.
“The officer report raises considerable legitimate concerns regarding vegetation removal, landslip risk, visual impact, traffic and parking, bushfire risk and flora and fauna. In my view, many of these impacts are capable of being managed through strong conditions and further design refinement, and some changes have already occurred in response, especially the shortening of the luge section.
“Our decision is about what kind of advice we send the Minister. I’d like that advice, whatever council resolves, to be constructive, clearly setting out our concerns and also any conditions we think could mitigate them.
“With no predetermined position, I’m not confident I have the full picture of what could be achieved through the recommendation put before us as I do not feel that I’m either able to support or object to the
proposal at this point.”
With no further debate, discussion or questions on the contentious and long-running issue of the upgrade of the Arthurs Seat Eagle, the matter was put to a vote. In favour of endorsing the officer’s recommendation to lodge an objection to the project were Crs Binyon, Gill and Roper. Against lodging an objection were Crs Pingiaro, Williams, Allen, Batty and Ranken.
The motion was lost.
With the motion lost, and no alternative motion proposed, Mornington Peninsula Shire will not be lodging a position, or be making any recommendations to the Planning Minster, Sonya Kilkenny, by the 10 December deadline.
Chief Executive Officer of the Arthurs Seat Eagle, Matt Mulkearns told The News they were pleased the recommendation to oppose their planning application was voted against by the council.
“The factual inaccuracies and
the presentation of erroneous and overstated concerns contained in the report did not assist to provide councillors with a thorough understanding of the project proposal and its true impacts. Based on this, it was ultimately the right position for the majority of councillors to vote against the motion to object the planning application,” said Mulkearns.
“While the Mornington Peninsula Shire are not the responsible authority, the advice that the council sends to the Minister for Planning may hold weight in the decision-making process.
“Of course, our door remains open to councillors and community members, for anyone seeking additional information or offering constructive suggestions as the planning process continues.”
Save Our Seat spokesperson Kylie Greer said their group was “bitterly disappointed with the councillors who rejected the advice of their own experts within council.”
“This was an opportunity for councillors to stand up on behalf of the community — and they failed miserably,” said Greer.
“The most infuriating aspect is that the rollercoaster is planned for an area council itself recognises as mediumhigh landslide risk and already subject to an Erosion Management Overlay.”
“This council was severely criticised by the McCrae Landslide Inquiry for failing to address landslide risk on the Mornington Peninsula, yet at the first opportunity to stand up to a developer proposing a high-risk project in a landslide zone, they’ve rolled over like lapdogs.
“The Mornington Peninsula community — and every Victorian who loves this part of the world — should feel deeply let down by the actions of the dominant pro-development faction of council.”
Community leaders recognised with inaugural award
THE Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula has announced that Phil Hayes-Brown and Ross Kilborn are the recipients of the committee’s first Annual Leadership Award. The awards were presented on 3 December at the committee’s Annual General Meeting.
The head of disability support organisation Wallara, CEO Phil Hayes-Brown’s, recognition came during an important week for the disability community, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disability, which promotes awareness, understanding and acceptance.
“I’m honoured by this recognition, but it belongs to the Wallara team and our partners across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula,” HayesBrown said.
“It’s proof that inclusive social enterprise can strengthen a region, socially, economically, through the opportunities it creates for people with disability.”
Over the past 12 months, HayesBrown has led the transformation of Sages Cottage Farm into a regional hub for inclusion, paid work, tourism and community connection. The redevelopment is credited with generating long-term social and economic benefits for the peninsula.
A standout achievement has been the creation of the Hub@Sages, a new community facility at Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter, designed to bring
people of all abilities together to connect, learn and participate. The site includes a working flower farm and a state-of-the-art sensory garden. The award also acknowledges Hayes-Brown’s partnerships with organisations including Lend Lease,
A.G. Coombs, Frankston RSL, Monash University and the Melbourne Events Group. These collaborations have delivered fresh employment pathways; social procurement outcomes and hands-on education programs.
This marks his second major accolade for 2025, following his earlier social traders award.
Under Hayes-Brown’s leadership, Wallara continues to grow as a trusted partner for councils, businesses and families seeking person-centred, meaningful support.
Ross Kilborn was the other award winner, having demonstrated exceptional leadership by bringing together community groups, government, and hardworking volunteers to deliver meaningful outcomes for the Mornington Peninsula.
“Ross’ work extends across coastal management, environmental advocacy, tourism development, and community wellbeing projects, where he has led with clarity, fierce collaboration, and long-term vision,” said a statement from the committee.
“His leadership has been instrumental in advancing key regional projects, often in complex and sensitive community contexts. Ross exemplifies the qualities of a true community leader — professionalism, inclusiveness, strategic thinking, and integrity.
“He is solutions-focused, skilled in stakeholder engagement, and able to maintain respectful communication even in challenging circumstances.”
In the past year, Ross has helped deliver the walking path next to Bays Hospital, improve pedestrian access and community health infrastructure through Mornington Rotary, deliver a
food van for Mornington Community Support Centre, and support locals experiencing hardship. He’s also advanced works on the Beleura Cliff Path, and supported the Peninsula Trail via the Mornington Community Safelink from Moorooduc to Mornington.
As President of the Rotary Club of Mornington for over five years, Ross has helped deliver infrastructure and projects across Mornington that would probably rival any government investment across the same time for Mornington.
CFMP CEO Josh Sinclair said the Committee received 14 quality nominations for this award, and the recipients this year will help set the benchmark going forward.
“Both Phil and Ross have shown exemplary leadership over the past year - overcoming significant challenges to tackle national issues that have a local, meaningful significance.”
“They are both instrumental across a range of issues here on the peninsula, including inclusion and disability, homelessness, social enterprise, and improving health and education opportunities for everyone.”
“They are both highly deserving recipients, and we are proud to have them in our community.”
ROSS Kilborn and Phil Hayes-Brown with Matt McDonald and Josh Sinclair representing Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula. Picture: Supplied
Councillors vote in new climate roadmap after emergency scrapped
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have backed a climate resilience framework just months after scrapping a climate emergency declaration and climate action plan.
The decision was made at the council’s 2 December meeting which will see the proposed framework, subject to community input, to centre on “practical, place-based, costed and measurable outcomes” that address climate adaptation, hazard mitigation, biodiversity protection, and long-term sustainability of local infrastructure.
Councillors supported the new framework for the climate resilience plan in an 8-2 vote.
The plan will now replace the climate emergency declaration after deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro successfully tabled a motion at the council’s 22 April meeting to revoke it along with its associated plan. At the time he said it was “never about denying or dismissing climate change”, but “ensuring that every dollar we spend delivers something tangible, measurable and real” (Shire pulls plug on climate emergency plan, The News 29/4/25).
In August, Pingiaro had outlined a replacement framework – flagging a climate resilience plan and later taking a detailed motion to the 23 September meeting to establish a new, more practical direction.
According to a shire report, the plan will avoid duplication of federal or state responsibility, “targeting local priorities within council’s direct influence where the greatest community benefit can be delivered”.
It would also integrate a resilience strategy with ongoing initiatives such as coastal asset protection, stormwater and drainage upgrades, renewable energy improvements for council facilities, erosion management overlays, and enhancements to biodiversity corridors.
The document also recommended priority projects for the next four years, including estimated costs and potential funding sources to help councillors determine which initiatives should advance through future budget cycles.
Shire CEO Mark Stoermer confirmed community consultation would be undertaken as it was “critical to this project”.
Cr Kate Roper voted in support of the proposed framework but noted “it is concerning that the adoption of this plan will not come back to council until December 2026, which is two years without a solid plan to mitigate climate change damage”.
Cr Michael Stephens, who opposed the new framework along with Cr David Gill, said while the resilience plan set out an important framework for managing the impacts of climate change, “it does almost nothing to address our council’s contribution to the causes that climate change is making in itself”.
“Resilience on its own is not enough. If we plan only to cope with the impacts while ignoring the contribution to the drivers of the crisis, we risk simply managing decline,” he said.
“The plan does not show how council will reduce emissions, accelerate renewable energy, electrify the assets, or lead by example in transitioning away from fossil fuels. It also understates the influence local government actually has over transport, building, procurement, land use, planning, and community behaviour.”
Gill believed the community should have been “involved in the planning from the start”, adding the framework was not about “getting on with the emergency” nor “the idea that we need to act - it’s putting it off”.
Cr Max Patton said while he generally supported a climate resilience plan approach, he too shared concerns the shire would be “without a plan of any kind until the end of 2026”.
“The optimal approach for this would have been to refer to the existing plan to review that alongside the community and with the commu-
nity,” he said.
“Since the decision enabled to revoke the emergency plan and emergency declaration, the climate landscape has changed rapidly in Australia with the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment, an adaptation plan highlighting that across the country things are only getting worse, or the outlook is only getting worse.
“If council does not endorse the proposed plan this evening, it will delay the development of the climate resilience plan, and we can’t wait another moment of not meeting our legislative obligations so I will be supporting this.
“I think it’s a starting point and I look forward to advocating further for better inclusion of emissions reduction as well as comprehensive community engagement.”
Speaking at the meeting, Pingiaro said the new framework would build on the council’s long-standing partnership with the South East Council Climate Change Alliance (SECCA) which was also advocating for external funding.
This included a “financial flood resilience infrastructure project, where the Mornington Peninsula is one of three case study councils working to bring in investment for critical drainage and flood resilient infrastructure”.
“That’s a direct benefit to our residents in terms of better planning, better assets and reduced risk,” he said.
The shire’s previous council term had adopted the climate action plan in August 2020, one year after declaring a climate emergency. The plan had a ten-year program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the effects of climate change.
As reported by The News, environment groups across the peninsula condemned the abandonment of the Climate Emergency Declaration and the Climate Action Plan and have been lobbying for their reinstatement. This has led to a Peninsula Climate Alliance, currently comprising 24 environment groups.
Community invited to help upgrade signage for Red Hill trail
ONE of the peninsula’s favourite walking and riding trails is set for a refresh, with locals being asked to help shape the upgrades.
The Red Hill to Merricks trail will soon receive new directional and interpretive signage thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Grant.
The project aims to make the trail easier to navigate while providing more information about local stories, cultural connections, and natural beauty. The council is asking for community input before beginning design work.
The trail is 6.5kms and accessible from the picnic area at Red Hill Station Reserve or the Merricks Red Hill Station Ground Equestrian Reserve. It is a local favourite and is often used for horse and bike rides.
The council has requested trail users of any kind, whether it be weekly horse rides or the occasional visit with the kids, to have a say in what information appears on the new signage.
Mayor Anthony Marsh said they want the project to reflect community values.
“Your feedback will guide how we share stories, highlight landmarks and help people explore safely and confidently,” Marsh said. “It’s a small change that will make a big difference for everyone who enjoys this beautiful part of the Peninsula.”
The shire wants to help shape a more connected, enjoyable trail experience for everyone.
“I am looking forward to hearing your ideas and input on the proposed interpretive and directional signage to help enhance the experience of walking along one of my favourite Peninsula Trails,” Cr David Gill said.
Consultation is currently open and will close on 23 January 2026. Community members can have their say via a survey on the shire’s website or by requesting a hard copy feedback form from any Customer Service Centre and submitting it via email to trafficrequests@mornpen.vic. gov.au or by post.
Council backs Yaringa harbour build, state nod still needed
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire
councillors have backed a proposal for the development of two factory buildings at Yaringa Boat Harbour in Somerville, as part of a larger boat manufacturing project, which will ultimately need state approval.
The planning application involves Hart Marine, a boat manufacturing company which plans to move from Mornington to the harbour marina, which it bought in 2018 with the intention to expand its operations. Hart Marine, which has been based in Mornington for 45 years and built boats for Victoria Police as well as pilot boats around the globe, met with shire staff last year before making a formal planning application to the state government in April.
The permit application, for which Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny is the final decision-maker, seeks approval for two new factory buildings at 4 Yaringa Rd, as well as retrospective approval for existing boat manufacturing operations at Lumeah Rd properties, a seven-metre-high sign, a reduction in car parking from 201 to 100 spaces, and the removal of some native vegetation, located at 1A, 1 and 3 Lumeah Rd.
Council officers, who received the application on 31 October, submitted a position supporting the plan subject to conditions prior to the public notice period ending on 27 November to ensure its perspective was formally on record.
Councillors unanimously voted at their 2 December meeting to retrospectively adopt the shire submission,
with the addition of a condition requiring the upgrading of Lumeah Rd and Whitneys Rd before occupation of any building at 4 Yaringa Rd.
The land falls within the Special Use Zone for Port Related Uses, with the shire confirming the proposed boat manufacturing was consistent with the zone’s marine service industry objectives.
The two proposed buildings would be 13 metres high with setbacks of 36.8 metres to the west boundary, 20.6 metres to the east boundary and 22 metres to the south boundary and a separation of 32 metres.
Council’s traffic engineers have supported the car park reduction but noted while boat transfers between certain properties have been planned,
access for boats built in the western building at 3 Lumeah Rd would need to be addressed through permit conditions.
It also noted “inconsistencies between the submitted landscape plan, the location of the six silver banksia trees which were required to be planted following the removal of native vegetation, and the defendable space requirements of the submitted Bushfire Management Plan”.
“If this is not resolved, it could result in compliance and enforcement issues. This is highlighted in the submission to the Minister for Planning,” a shire report said. If the application is approved, it would allow the relocation and consolidation of Hart Marine’s boat
building operations on the site. The proposed industry plans to operate from 7am to 5pm on Monday to Friday with a maximum of 83 employees on-site.
Cr Kate Roper, whose Beek Beek Ward represents Somerville, supported the submission saying Hart Marine was a “very successful business” and an important employer on the peninsula.
She noted while some vegetation loss would be replaced and road upgrades would be necessary, “on the whole, this project is a permitted use in the zone and will be of benefit to the local economy”.
Cr David Gill also supported the application but said it came with “fairly big reservations” including
that a reticulated sewerage system was not part of the plan.
“That’s almost incredible. We classify it as a metropolitan area with 24,000 houses or dwellings not reticulated. That’s a health problem,” adding South East Water “haven’t objected as far as I can work out”.
The Planning Minister will consider all submissions, including the shire’s before making a final decision on the application.
Hart Marine founder and managing director Mal Hart said his business had been working closely with shire in relocating its operations in its ambitions to create a “marine precinct” at Yaringa Harbour.
“Hart Marine had the opportunity to buy Yaringa Harbour in 2018 and has since worked tirelessly in rebuilding this dilapidated facility,” he said which included the Cptn Jack’s restaurant.
He said as a long-standing small business in Mornington, Hart Marine was excited to be working with local business and council “to truly bring this small but unique business onto the world stage”.
Hart Marine has also been a contributor of local education, employment, and regional growth, Hart said.
“Hart Marine and their staff support the youth and the kids of the Mornington Peninsula through the local school human powered programs to work experience and has had over 200 apprentices’ programs over the last 45 years,” he said.
The company currently has eight father and son teams with about 80 staff, many of whom live on the peninsula and have worked in this team for over 30 years, with Hart’s sons also working for the business.
HART Marine staff recently gathered at Yaringa Boat Harbour for the launch of a Tasmanian pilot boat. Picture: Supplied
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A private single-level beachside oasis with lush gardens and a studio, in a prime location barely 5 minutes’ walk to Mornington Village Shopping Centre and 10 minutes’ walk (approx) to Fishermans Beach.
Class & Luxury Steps From The Bay
WITH a breathtaking blend of modern grandeur and resort-style luxury only steps from Ranelagh Beach, a glamorous seaside lifestyle awaits at this 4 bedroom architectural masterpiece.
Barely a year old and wrapped around an inground pool and spa with a first-class alfresco entertaining area and multiple living areas including a sumptuous sunken lounge, the home is a testament to refined living by the sea offering a generous sense of scale, bold design yet overwhelmingly relaxed in spirit. From the grand gallery entry, towering walls
HOME ESSENTIALS
of glass flood the home with natural light and immediately emphasize the scale of the sprawling residence, where high ceilings, oak floors, exquisite custom cabinetry, marble surfaces and thoughtful design merge to create a home of distinction.
At the heart of the residence a superb kitchen with a vast island bench, butler’s pantry, three ovens, two dishwashers, a fivezone induction cooktop and a Zip tap with hot, cold and sparkling water and presides over a dining area large enough for a banquet table so all the family can gather.
The adjoining sunken lounge with a wood fire leads out to the covered alfresco featuring a barbecue kitchen and another open fireplace, also downstairs is a billiards and bar room, built-in display wine cabinets, a mudroom/ storage area, powder room and access to the triple remote garage and workshop. On the upper level, the sumptuous accommodation wing includes a fantastic main bedroom with its own entry foyer, a fitted walkin robe and dress area, stunning ensuite with a free-standing bath and double shower and generous bedroom with retreat lounge area.
ADDRESS: 1 Granya Grove, Mount Eliza FOR SALE: $3,695,000 - $4,050,000 DESCRIPTION: 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car, 701m²
AGENT: Ben Crowder - 0407 557 758, Crowder Community Real Estate, Shop 1, 20-22 Ranelagh Drive, Mount Eliza, 9787 7221
Three other large guest or children’s bedrooms are supported by the main bathroom with a glass partition screening the bath and open shower and there is also a third living area with a terrace balcony and views of the bay.
Loaded with smart home features, the home also includes reverse cycled heating and air conditioning, heated bathrooms floors, Bowers and Wilkens ceiling speakers throughout, security cameras and keyless entry n
Merry Christmas from Belle Property Mornington & Mt Eliza!
Enter for your chance to win a Nintendo Switch (1st prize), a Bike (2nd prize) or a $50 Kmart Voucher (3rd Prize). Entries ages 2-13.
Entries can be dropped to our Belle Property offices located at Level 1, 311-313 Main Street, Mornington or 40 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza. Alternatively, entries can be emailed to mornington@belleproperty.com by the 19th of December.
The winners will be announced via our socials on the 22nd of December.
The Guide
TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK
SATURDAY
THURSDAY
NEIGHBOURS
TEN, 8.40pm
The last time viewers said goodbye to Neighbours in 2022, a stellar line-up of former residents (Kylie, Jason et al) returned to Ramsay Street to pay their respects to the beloved soap’s legacy. As this encore comes to an end, the somewhat subdued send-off is a love letter to the fans who have stuck by the show in its twilight years. In a prime-time double episode farewell, Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) and Shane Ramsay (Peter O’Brien) present their competing plans for the future. But Susan (Jackie Woodburne, left) isn’t sold on either offer.
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
SBS VICELAND, 8.30pm
Sam Claflin (right) and Jeremy Irons lead an impressive cast for this eight-episode interpretation of Alexandre Dumas’ 1846 novel. The men are cast as prisoners on a forbidding island off the coast of Marseilles. They spend five years chipping away at the mortar between them, with the elder Abbé Faria (Irons) educating Edmond Dantès (Claflin) in multiple subjects before his death gives the younger man a chance to escape. Armed with Faria’s knowledge of a treasure, Dantès makes for the island of Monte Cristo.
THURSDAY
MOVIE: A UNITED KINGDOM
SBS WORLD MOVIES, 5.30pm, PG (2016) Forbidden romance in the face of political upheaval is the basis for this real-life story of an African prince and a British clerk falling in love in the late 1940s. When Prince Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo) and Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike, pictured right with Oyelowo) meet, they are so enamoured that nothing will stand in their way despite resistance from both the British and South African governments. A United Kingdom shines a remarkable light on one of history’s lesser-known, extraordinary stories.
PORTLAND COASTAL TREASURE - COACH
Thursday, December 11
ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
SEVEN (7)
NINE (9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 When The War Is Over. (PGa, R) 10.25 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 11.30 Crime Night! (Final, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Madl, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Grand Designs Australia: Hunter Valley. A couple want to self-build an off-grid home.
9.00 Long Lost Family. Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell. 9.45
Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.10 Secret Life Of The Kangaroo. 10.00 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.15 Outta Town Adventures. (R) 10.15 Leave No Trace. (PG) 11.10 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGaw, R) 3.10 Going Places. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain: Spain’s Big Bang. (PGaw) Eva Longoria explores the cuisine of Spain.
8.25 Niagara Falls. (R) Explores the Niagara Falls, the largest freshwater ecosystem on Earth.
9.25 Vigil. (MA15+v) Amy and Eliza are taken hostage.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Vienna Blood. (Mav, R)
12.50 House Of Promises. (Ma, R) 3.30 Charles I: Downfall Of A King. (PGalv, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: A Christmas Spark. (2022, PGa, R) Jane Seymour, Joe Lando. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS: 2025 Year In Review. A look back at the stories that shaped 2025. 8.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PGa) Graeme Hall helps a couple whose St Bernard keeps them prisoner in their own house.
9.00 MOVIE: Robin Hood. (2010, Msv, R)
An archer returns home to England, only to find the country suffering under the yoke of devious noblemen. Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Matthew Macfadyen.
12.00 The Amazing Race. (PG, R)
1.30 Life. (Malsv, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
SUNDAY CRICKET
SEVEN, 7pm
The summer of cricket is now in full swing, treating fans to action left, right and centre. Between Saturday night’s WBBL final, the third Ashes Test commencing in Adelaide tomorrow and the electrifying action of the Big Bash League beginning tonight, cricket lovers are spoiled for choice by the sport’s overlapping fixtures. Live from the Furnace, the first matchup of the Big Bash season pits the Perth Scorchers against the Sydney Sixers. After an early exit in BBL14, the Sixers (aided by new signing, Pakistani superstar Babar Azam) will be eager to make a statement. As Aaron Finch (above left) puts it, “The best thing about the BBL is the unpredictability”.
8.30 Topknotz: Wild On Water. The crew blasts off on a Jet Sprint boat ride.
9.30 Limitless With Chris Hemsworth: Fasting. (PGa, R) Chris Hemsworth learns about fasting.
10.30 Chicago Med. (Mam)
11.20 Next Stop.
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
TEN (10)
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal.
David Oyelowo Rosamund Pike in A United Kingdom
Friday, December 12
ABC (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R) 11.05 The Forsytes. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
1.00 The Newsreader. (Final, Ml, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Gala. Hosted by Jeremy Fernandez and Megan Burslem.
8.30 Maigret. (Final, Mav) Tragedy strikes in Saint-Fiacre. Maigret’s absence in Paris has terrifying consequences.
9.25 Hard Quiz. (Final, PG, R)
Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.55 Crime Night! (Final, R)
Hosted by Julia Zemiro.
10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News. (Final)
11.15 Silent Witness. (Final, MA15+a, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
ABC FAMILY (22)
SBS (3) SEVEN (7)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.15 Outta Town Adventures. (R) 10.15 Leave No Trace. (PG) 11.10 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGaw, R) 3.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Nazca Desert Mystery. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Jaws: Making A Splash In Hollywood. Charts the making of Jaws
8.30 William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill. (Mav, R) An intimate portrait of actor William Shatner’s nine decade-long personal journey.
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Sisi. (Ma, R)
11.40 Culprits. (MA15+v, R)
1.50 Soldiers. (Mal, R)
3.35 Growing A Greener World. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Dark Side Of Comedy. 2.10 History’s Greatest Of All-Time With Peyton Manning. 3.00 Bamay. 3.40 BBC News At Ten. 4.10 France 24. 4.40 PBS News. 5.40 If You Are The One. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Virgin Island. 10.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.20 Married To The Music. 12.50am Letterkenny. 2.15 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Mojo Swoptops. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 Hard Quiz Kids. (Final) 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.35 Officially Amazing. 11.05 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Cooking Up Christmas. (2020, PGa, R) Meagan Holder. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Melissa King visits Castlemaine.
8.30 MOVIE: The Holiday. (2006, Mls, R) Two women who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic impulsively switch homes for Christmas. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law.
11.10 MOVIE: Morbius. (2022, Malv, R) A biochemist is transformed into a vampire. Jared Leto.
7.30 Swimming. Australia v The World. From The Valley Pool, Brisbane. 10.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) The taskforce uncovers a sinister robbery scheme. 11.30 Next Stop. A look at holiday destinations.
12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.00 Drive TV: Launch Pad. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG, R)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple’s house is too small. 9.50 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Celebrity guests include Brie Larson. 11.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.25 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.20 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning
6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Zoo. 2.30 Our Town. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Tales From Zambia. 11.00 Going Places. Noon MOVIE: Drillbit Taylor. (2008, M) 1.45 Yorky Billy. 2.00 On Country Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Living Black. 6.10 Bamay. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 MOVIE: Mee Shee: The Water Giant. (2005, PG) 9.20 MOVIE: Big Momma’s House. (2000, M) 11.05 Late Programs.
6am A
United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 8.10 Living. (2022, PG) 10.00 Breath. (2017, M) 12.10pm The Eight Mountains. (2022, M) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.45 Arthur’s Hallowed Ground. (1984, PG) 5.10 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 7.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 10.00 La Chimera. (2023, M) 12.35am Mothering Sunday. (2021, MA15+) 2.30 Late Programs.
Saturday, December 13
ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7) 6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Return To Paradise. (Mdv, R) 1.25 Maigret. (Final, Mav, R) 2.20 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.10 Le Concert De Paris 2025. 5.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 5.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (R)
6.00 Back Roads: Harvey, WA. (R) Lisa Millar visits the town of Harvey, WA.
6.30 When The War Is Over: Afghanistan. (PGa, R) Rachel Griffiths meets artist Ben Quilty.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Return To Paradise. (PGdv)
A crime writer is found stabbed to death.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) DCI Vera Stanhope investigates after a young man is found dead following a collision with a car.
10.00 The Forsytes. (R) Soames ends Irene’s Parisian dreams.
10.55 Bergerac. (M, R) There’s a breakthrough in the search for Cate’s phone. 11.40 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.10 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 9.20 Matched. (PG, R) 10.10 New Zealand From A Train. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 When The World Watched. 3.25 Cycling. Cape To Cape MTB. Highlights. 4.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 4.35 Such Was Life. (PG, R) 4.45 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 5.35 Britain Under The Nazis. (Premiere)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped. (PGl, R)
8.40 Alpine Hotel At Christmas: Winter Wonderland – Christmas At The Palace. (R) Spotlights Switzerland’s Gstaad Palace hotel.
9.35 Osborne House: A Royal Retreat. (PG, R) A look at Osborne House. 10.50 The Real Spies Among Friends. (PGalv, R)
11.45 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R) 3.05 Being Beethoven. (PG, R) 4.10 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00
NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 4pm Knee High Spies. 4.20 Millie Magnificent. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Super Monsters. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 MOVIE: The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland. (2024) 8.50 Chopped Jnr. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Abbott Elementary. 10.35 Speechless. 10.55 Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 7.55 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 10.20 There’s Still Tomorrow. (2023, Italian, English) 12.30pm Annie’s Fire. (2022, M, French) 2.40 A United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 4.45 Delfin. (2019, Spanish) 6.25 The Giants. (2023, PG) 8.30 Michael Collins. (1996, M) 10.55 Erotic Stories. 1.05am La Chimera. (2023, M) 3.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s
7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Golden Girls. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. 12.10pm Pretty
MOVIE: Nickelodeon. (1976, PG) 3.30 Antiques Roadshow. 3.50 MOVIE: If I Only Had Christmas. (2020) 5.30
Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Antiques Downunder. 8.30 MOVIE: Diamonds Are Forever. (1971, M) 11.00 The Equalizer. Midnight Late Programs. 9GEM (92)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Pakenham Cup Day, Ingham Charity Raceday and Gateway Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Summer. (PG) 12.00 Our State On A Plate. (R) 12.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 1.00 Drive Safer. 1.30 My Way. (R) 2.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R) 2.30 Eatwell Christmas. 3.30 Getaway Presents France. (PG) 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 News. 5.30 Find My Country House Aust. (R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Final. 10.30 Women’s Big Bash League Final Post-Game. Coverage of the WBBL Final post-game. 11.00 MOVIE: The Rock. (1996, MA15+lv, R)
An FBI agent and a convict must break into the former Alcatraz prison to stop a renegade general from going through with his threat of launching deadly poison gas missiles at San Francisco. Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 9News Saturday.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Avatar. (2009, Mv, R) A paraplegic man remotely operates an alien body. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana.
10.45 MOVIE: The Domestics. (2018, MA15+lv, R) A couple search for safety. Kate Bosworth.
12.30 Getaway Presents France. (PG, R)
1.30 Our State On A Plate. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
Market Kitchen. (R) 10.30
6.30 The Dog House UK. (PGa) A family of three dogs are split up.
7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) Mary and Tom finally purchased a dream home.
8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (PGa, R) Mitch and Mark search Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula to help two sets of buyers.
9.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) The Fugitive Task force is called in to connect a series of random poisonings before more lives are lost.
11.30 FBI. (Masv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Tiny Beautiful Things. 1.05 Curse Of Oak Island. 3.35 BBC News At Ten. 4.05 France 24. 4.35 PBS News. 5.35 Mastermind Aust. 6.35 Inside Legoland: A World Of Wonder. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 The Count Of Monte Cristo. (Premiere) 10.40 Snowpiercer. 12.25am Letterkenny. 1.55 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
MOVIE: How To Stuff A Wild Bikini. (1965) 4.40 MOVIE: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968) 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 MOVIE: Live And Let Die. (1973, PG) 11.00 Late Programs. 9GEM (92)
7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Jeopardy! UK. 9.00 MOVIE: Random Acts Of Christmas. (2019) 10.50 FIA Formula E World C’ship. H’lights. Noon NHL. St Louis Blues v Chicago Blackhawks. 2.40 Soccer. English Premier League. Arsenal v Brentford. Replay. 4.40 Australian Roulette. 5.30 MOVIE: Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London. (2004, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games. (2012, M) 10.20 Late Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 9.10 Matched. (PG, R) 10.00 Secrets Of The Deadly T-Rex. (PG, R) 11.00 Secrets Of The Terror Whale. 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Ethnic Business Awards. 5.35 Britain Under The Nazis.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Cleopatra: Cracking The Enigma. (PG) Cleopatra ascends the throne despite many obstacles.
8.30 Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. (PG) New Englanders rush to surround the British Army in Boston, but as war begins, Americans find themselves sharply divided.
10.40 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (PGav, R)
11.35 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGn, R) 1.05 Empires Of New York. (Madl, R)
3.35 Dishing It Up Christmas Special. (PGl, R) 4.30 Growing A Greener World. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.30 Fireman Sam. 3.55 Knee High Spies. 4.20 Millie Magnificent. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Stick Man. 5.40 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 MOVIE: Niko: Beyond The Northern Lights. (2024, PG) 8.55 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021, PG) 10.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.55 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Beretts Tour De Cure. (PG) 1.00 MOVIE: A Christmas Number One. (2021, PGalsv, R) 3.30 Christmas With The Salvos. (PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 1. Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers.
10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers.
11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Liam Bartlett sits down with a killer.
12.00 The Queen Unseen. (PG, R) Takes a look at Queen Elizabeth II.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (72)
6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Cross Court. 10.30 GolfBarons. (R) 11.00 Fishing Australia. 11.30 Explore TV. (R) 12.00 MOVIE: Destination Christmas. (2022, PGa, R) 2.00 The 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards. (PGl) 4.00 Great Getaways. (PG, R) 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG)
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Tipping Point: Celebrity Special. (PG)
8.10 Events That Changed Australia: Black Saturday. (Ma) Looks at the 2009 Black Saturday fires.
9.20 Red Eye. (Premiere, Ml) A London police officer escorts a criminal back to Beijing, but finds herself embroiled in an escalating conspiracy.
11.20 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners: Robertson. (Mv, R)
12.10 Wild Cards. (Mv, R)
1.00 Explore TV. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (92)
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Australia By Design: Architecture. (R) 9.30 Key Ingredient. 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 The Dog Academy. (PGa) 11.30 Jamie’s Cook Ahead Christmas. (R) 12.30 Surf Life Saving. Shaw And Partners Iron Series. Day 2. Eliminator round. 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 12. Melbourne United v Sydney Kings. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 News.
6.00 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. 7.00 William And Harry: The Rise And Fall. (PGa) Explores the relationship between William and Harry, one being the heir apparent, with the other being the spare. 9.00 FBI. (Madv, R) The team races against the clock to take back control of a hijacked train that an unarmed OA and Gemma are riding. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 NCIS. (Mad, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 2.20pm Jeopardy! 4.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 Road To Change. 6.05 MOVIE: Miyazaki, Spirit Of Nature. (2024, PG) 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 Rama X: The Mysterious King Of Thailand. 10.40 Liaison. 11.40 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 12.40am Am I Being Unreasonable? 1.15 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm Rugby League. Murri Carnival. Replay. 2.50 Rugby League. Murri Carnival. Replay. 3.55 Walkabouts. 4.20 Johnny Warren’s Football Mission. 5.20 Australian Music Vault: Emma Donovan. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 The American Buffalo. 8.30 Rock Prophet: Link Wray. 10.05 MOVIE: The Tracker. (2002, M) 11.50 Late Programs.
6am The
Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 7.45 The Giants. (2023, PG) 10.00 La Chimera. (2023, M) 12.25pm Michael Collins. (1996, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 5.25 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 7.00 P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982) 8.30 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 10.50 Blow Dry. (2001, M) 12.30am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Tomorrow’s World. 7.30 Leading The Way. 8.00 David Jeremiah. 8.30 Shopping. 9.00 The Zoo. 9.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.00 Escape To The Country. 1pm Harry’s Practice. 1.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 2.30 Escape To The Country. 5.30 Greatest Escapes To The Country. 7.00 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. 9.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs.
7.00 Leading The Way. 7.30 In Touch. 8.00 Beyond Today. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 MOVIE: A Man About The House. (1947, PG) 12.25pm MOVIE: Hawaii. (1966, PG) 3.45 MOVIE: On The Beach. (1959, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Man With The Golden Gun. (1974, PG) 11.05 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.20
Monday, December 15
ABC TV (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (R) 10.25 Vera. (Ma, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. (R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 MOVIE: Whatever It Takes: Inside The eBay Scandal. (2024, Mdls) eBay harasses two small-town journalists.
9.30 MOVIE: Embrace. (2016, Mn, R) Follows body image activist Taryn Brumfitt’s crusade. Taryn Brumfitt. 10.55 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PGl, R)
11.25 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R)
12.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
(3)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 9.25 Outta Town Adventures. (R) 10.25 Leave No Trace. (Final, PG) 11.20 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Planet Reef. (PGaw, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGaw, R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Bill Bailey’s Vietnam Adventure. (PG) 8.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas. Comedic game show, hosted by Greg Davies. 9.20 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 The Man Who Died. (Malv) 11.35 Culprits. (MA15+v, R) 1.45 Pagan Peak. (MA15+a, R) 3.45 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.15 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.10pm Octonauts. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Mojo Swoptops. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. (Premiere) 9.15 The Crystal Maze. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am All At Sea. (2010, PG) 7.30 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 9.50 P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982) 11.20 Man Who Didn’t
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Candy Coated Christmas. (2021, PGa, R) Molly McCook. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 2. Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane Heat. From GMHBA Stadium, Victoria. 10.30 Big Bash League PostMatch. Post-match coverage of the game between the Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat.
11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma) In the face of adversity, Pascal searches for justice. Violet struggles to write a letter to Carver. 12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) The guides head to northern Tasmania. 8.40 MOVIE: Muriel’s Wedding. (1994, Mls, R) A young woman, who dreams of marriage, leaves her small town to find romance in the big city. Toni Collette, Bill Hunter, Rachel Griffiths. 10.50 The Equalizer. (Mav)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 William And Harry: The Rise And Fall. (PGa) A last-ditch attempt to reconcile the brothers is brokered. 8.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) The team is in a race against time to find an officer who disappeared during his wedding proposal. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 3.55pm BBC News At Ten. 4.20 France 24. 4.50 PBS News Weekend. 5.15 Al Jazeera. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 I Am Smokin’ Joe Frazier. 11.10 Question Team. Midnight Django. 1.00 Creamerie. 2.05 The Bloody Decade. 3.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
Golden Girls. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 Love Island Australia. (Final) 9.50 MOVIE: The Prep Room. (2024, MA15+)
Tuesday, December 16
ABC (2)
SBS (3)
SEVEN (7)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Art Of... (Mns, R) 10.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Forsytes. (Final, PG, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Travel Quest. (PG, R) 9.45 Outta Town Adventures. (R) 10.15 The Secret Life Of Lighthouses. (PGa, R) 11.10 Who Do You Think You Are? US. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Planet Reef. (PGaw, R) 3.05 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: My Norwegian Holiday. (2023, PGa) Rhiannon Fish. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 When The War Is Over: Australian Wars. (Final, PGa)
8.30 The Piano UK. (Final, PG, R) The final concert takes place. 9.20 The Art Of. (Final, PG) Namila Benson travels to Papua New Guinea.
9.50 The Assembly. (PG, R)
11.20 Escaping Utopia. (Mas, R) 12.20 A Country Road: The Nationals. (R) 1.20 Grand Designs NZ. (PG, R) 2.05 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 2.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Glasgow To Cumbernauld. (R)
8.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Paddy McGuinness. (PG) Paddy McGuinness looks at his family history.
9.40 Australia In Colour: Australia At Play. (PGa, R) A collection of colourised archival footage. 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 Families Like Ours. (Mal) 12.10 De Gaulle. (Mav, R) 2.05 Nordland 99. (Mals, R) 4.05 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.10pm Octonauts. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Mojo Swoptops. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory. 9.10 Super Shark Highway. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 2.15pm Heroines. 3.45 BBC News At Ten. 4.15 France 24. 4.45 PBS News. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.35 The Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.35 Hoarders. 11.20 Dark Side Of The Ring. 12.15am Bad Education. 1.25 Count Abdulla. 2.20 The Bloody Decade. 3.15 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
NITV (34)
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Quincy Jones: Music Man. 1.30 Our Law. 2.00 On Country Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 Water Worlds. 8.30 Unleash The Beast. 9.30 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.30 MOVIE: Rhymes For Young Ghouls. (2013, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.
6am The
Scarlet And The Black. Continued. (1983, PG) 8.05 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 10.20 Let Me Go. (2023, M, French) 12.05pm Unforgiven. (1992, M) 2.25 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 4.00 P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982) 5.30 Mr Blake At Your Service! (2023, PG, French) 7.30 Bandit. (2022, M) 9.50 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 12.20am Taking Lives. (2004, MA15+) 2.15 Late Programs.
Wednesday, December 17
ABC TV (2)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 MOVIE: Whatever It Takes: Inside The eBay Scandal. (2024, Mdls, R) 11.30 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Gala. (R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGa, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Hard Quiz Battle Of The Networks. (M) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
8.30 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering. (PGa) A look back at 2025. 9.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills.
10.20 If You’re Listening. (Final, R)
10.40 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)
11.45 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 12.30 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 3. Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder. From Ninja Stadium, Hobart. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder.
11.00 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGa) When Quinten’s parents visit, George and Rosie are suspicious of their Midwestern manners. 12.00 Miniseries: London Spy. (MA15+ds) 1.15 Travel Oz. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
NINE (9)
Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: The Heiress Of Christmas. (2023, G, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon.
Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: Chatty Cheetah. (PG)
8.30 Jamie Durie’s Future House. The Quercinis and Foxes race ahead. 9.35 Beyond The Build. Jesse and Mel attempt to renovate a heritage home.
10.35 Wild Cards. (Mv)
TEN (10)
11.30 La Brea. (Mav, R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Jamie’s Cook Ahead Christmas. Jamie Oliver shows what to prepare on Christmas Eve. 8.30 Poh Cooks Malaysia. (Premiere) Poh Ling Yeow returns to Malaysia, rediscovering her roots through its vibrant food scene. 9.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav)
9GEM (92)
Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 TV Shop. 9.30 Newstyle Direct. 10.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.00 MOVIE: The Raging Moon. (1971, PG) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow. 3.50 MOVIE: Deliver By Christmas. (2020) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 MOVIE: Moonraker. (1979, PG) 11.15 Late Programs.
7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Seinfeld. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. 12.10pm Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30
SBS (3) SEVEN (7)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Living In A Postcard. (R) 10.15 The Secret Life Of Lighthouses. (PG, R) 11.10 Who Do You Think You Are? US. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Planet Reef. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Costco At Christmas. (R)
8.30 Terror On The Space Station: Science And Survival. (PGa) Looks at the creation of the International Space Station. 9.30 Crime. (Madlsv) A body turns up with similar injuries to another victim. 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Elvira. (PGa, R)
2.15 Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2024. (Malns, R) 3.50 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.20 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.30 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Morning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Evening session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 4. Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers. 11.00 Chicago Fire. (Ma) Kidd connects with a troubled teen interested in Girls on Fire.
12.00 MOVIE: Top Of The Class. (2020, Mav, R) A student is accused of murder. Jacqueline Scislowski, Kate Watson.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas On The Alpaca Farm. (2023, G) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service. (PGal) Presented by Gordon Ramsay. 8.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav) After three men impersonating ICE officers raid a church, the Fugitive Task Force must find the men who were kidnapped. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Fashionista. 3.45 BBC News At Ten. 4.15 France 24. 4.45 PBS News. 5.40 Travel Man. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.35 The Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.40 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 10.30 MOVIE: Reservoir Dogs. (1992, MA15+) 12.20am Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over USA. 2.05 The Bloody Decade. 3.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Mojo Swoptops. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 How To Train Your Dragon Homecoming. 9.05 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Mr Blake At Your Service! (2023, PG, French) 8.00 The Scarlet And The Black. (1983, PG) 10.35 Samia. (2024, M) 12.35pm Bandit. (2022, M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 Mary
7.30 RBT. (PGl, R) Follows the activities of police units.
8.30 Paramedics. (Mm, R) A motorcyclist crashes into parked cars. A flight crew holds a rural GP’s life in its hands.
9.30 RPA: Jamie’s Baby. (PGm, R) In the paediatric ED, a toddler is admitted in respiratory distress after an illness.
10.30 American Crime Story. (Madlsv)
12.30 Resident Alien. (Final, Mlv) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
Work to revamp Arts Centre complete
THE $2.1 million redeveloped Frankston Arts Centre forecourt was officially opened last week. The forecourt now features upgraded pathways and ramps, separate areas for cars and pedestrians with marked drop-off and pick-up zones, enhanced lighting, additional seating, a new water feature, and larger street-facing signage. Alongside the new forecourt, the mezzanine gallery of the dress circle was also renamed the “Gale Dudeck Lounge” last month. Gail Dudeck was among the leading voices in the campaign to build the Frankston Arts Centre - her granddaughter Amy Dudeck said “seeing the forecourt transformed alongside the dedication of the Gail Dudeck Lounge is deeply meaningful to our family.”
“My grandmother believed the Arts Centre should be a place where everyone feels welcome, and this upgrade truly reflects that vision—creating a space that is accessible, vibrant, and connected to the community she loved,” she said.
The $2.1 million project was funded by Frankston Council ratepayers. Council awarded the contract for construction earlier this year. (“Cash for Arts Centre forecourt” The Times, 4/2/2025)
Frankston councillor David Asker said the popularity of the arts hub made the project worthwhile. “The Arts Centre is one of Frankston City’s biggest drawcards, attracting on average 160,000 visitors each year. Almost half of these come from outside the municipality, playing a vital role in our local economy by supporting nearby cafes, restaurants, and shopping centres,” he said.
“This redevelopment cements the Arts Centre’s position as not just an arts and culture institution, but a key player in the vitality of the broader Frankston community. It’s more than just an upgrade—it’s a celebration of Frankston’s commitment to art, accessibility, and the arts-loving community who make it all happen.”
THE opening of the new Frankston Arts Centre forecourt last week. Picture: Supplied
More money for highway reimagining
Brodie Cowburn brodie@mpnews.com.au
UP to $10 million in ratepayer funding is set to be put towards a project to transform Nepean Highway and surrounding pedestrian areas.
Frankston Council ticked off a “Nepean Boulevard Precinct Revitalisation” masterplan in early 2025, outlining a series of projects to improve the road and its surrounds. Proposed works include intersection upgrades at Overton Road; the redevelopment of the Kananook Creek Gateway; upgrades at Davey and Fletcher Streets prioritising pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport; Ring Road safety improvements; central median greening; use of the Comfort Station; construction of shared user paths linking Olivers Hill, the Bay Trail, and Frankston Waterfront; and initiatives to improve vehicle flow and safety adjacent to the Mechanics Hall.
In the leadup to the last election, the federal government promised $50 million towards Nepean Highway upgrades. In a statement released last week, Frankston Council promised to contribute $10 million on top of that “contingent on a precinct-wide scope that maximises community benefit and delivers value for taxpayers.”
Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said that council would spend money on the project “because we believe in the transformational potential of Nepean Highway. We want a genuine seat at the table and we want to help deliver a safer, greener and more welcoming
corridor for our community.”
“This isn’t just about improving one intersection – it’s about improving safety for motorists, public transport, pedestrians and cyclists along the entire length of the highway through our bustling city centre. With $60 million, we can transform Nepean Highway
into a green boulevard that encourages visitors to stop in Frankston, not just drive through it. By integrating urban forest canopy targets and spaces for activation, we’ll deliver shade, comfort and opportunities for public life to support a thriving economy and CBD,” the mayor said.
Discover an idyllic retirement lifestyle at Beachside Gardens just minutes from Safety Beach.
Enjoy newly renovated community facilities, a vibrant social calendar and easy access to local cafes, shopping precincts and more.
Choose from 1 and 2-bedroom villas and enjoy the flexibility to pay for additional services like meals and housekeeping as needed, for peace of mind now and into the future.
Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke said he “welcomes the continued collaboration between all levels of government as we work through the details of this important project.”
PLANS for a revamped pedestrian precinct in Frankston’s CBD. Picture: Supplied
Mornington Cricket Club Disbanded
Compiled by Cameron McCullough
AT a general meeting of members of the Mornington Cricket Club on Tuesday last, it was decided to disband the club; also to write to the secretary of the N.P.C.A., expressing their regret at having to cancel all matches in which the club is engaged for the season.
The material, including the lawn mower, hose, etc., are to be offered to the Mornington Imperial Club, providing they agree to a reasonable figure.
Mr. W. S. Cook, president of the club for over 20 years, expressed his regret at the disbandment, but hoped it would not hinder cricket at Mornington, but would make it advance.
A hearty vote of thanks was proposed to Mr. Cook for his valuable services to the club, by Mr. W. Cavell, who, with Cr. J. G. Barrett, has been associated with the club for over 40 years. ***
Our Foreshore - Visit Of Town Planning Association
The Frankston Traders’ Association is to be congratulated on having arranged with members of the Town Planning Association to visit Frankston on Saturday last.
The object was to meet and discuss a scheme of foreshore management and beautification. Those who visited Frankston were: Sir James Barrett (president of the Town Planning Association) and Lady Barrett; Mr. W. F. Gates (Secretary), Mr. A. D. Hardy, of the State Forestry Department, Messrs. W. Thorn, S. C. Brittingham (who was formerly chief architect of the Public Works Department), W. J. Woolley (engineer), Dr. Edwards, Dr. Gault
(members of the Association), and Mr. R. Vanderkelen (Belgian Consul).
On arrival at Frankston the party were met by Cr F. Wells (Shire president), Cr. Bradbury (president of the Frankston Traders’ Association), Crs. J. L. Pratt and W. J. Oates; Mr. J. A. P. Ham (Shire secretary), Mr. W. Muntz (Shire engineer), Messrs. E. W. Thomason (president of the East Frankston Progress Association), G. Apthorpe, A. Johnston (secretary reception committee) and other members of the Traders’ Association and Mr. J. D. Jennings.
A visit of inspection was made to the Kananook creek, and the foreshore was inspected at several places.
The visitors were undoubtedly impressed with the magnificent view which they obtained from the top of Oliver’s Hill.
A member of the Town Planning Association described it as most beautiful, and added that it would be hard to beat anywhere.
A visit was then made to a point on the foreshore near the pier. Here Sir James Barrett told those present that the association was very emphatic on one controlling body for a modern scheme to be carried out as money became available.
Sir James said that from Port Melbourne down to Frankston, and even beyond, was a waterfront with wonderful possibilities, but it was necessary that immediate steps should be taken for the improvement of foreshore buildings.
“I am not in favor,” said the speaker, “of all these small bathing boxes as at present, but rather favor concentration in one handsome structure.
“The thousands of people who visit your foreshore should also be supplied with up-to-date conveniences, not only with hot water, etc., but cater for them and give them all the foreshore facilities you can.”
Mr. Muntz asked Sir James Barrett did he not think that a person was entitled to a little space on the foreshore to erect a bathing box, especially if they were property owners.
Sir James: I am absolutely against private bathing boxes. Make one building and encourage the people to bathe in the one spot.
Mr. Apthorpe enquired from the Town Planning Association whether they would recommend lawns between the ti-tree and foreshore?
Sr. James Bareet replied that lawns were out of place on the foreshore and not necessary.
The next visit was made to the Frankston park, where the pine trees that give shade to the thousands that visit there in the summer, and the oval, which is now looking at its best, seemed to impress the visitors, who agreed that Frankston was a place where a very enjoyable holiday could be spent.
Cr. F. Wells (Shire president) informed the visitors that it was the Council’s intention to have the bathing boxes erected to a uniform size and at the same time to try and beautify the foreshore.
The boxes when erected would help to protect the ti-tree.
Sir James Barrett asked Cr. Wells did he not think that Nature provided the beauty? “We are at a stage now,” said Sir James, “when the foreshore
PUZZLE ZONE
requires attention. Why, at some parts along the foreshore where we visited today it would make you weep to see the shameful neglect. We must awaken the interest of the Government and municipal councils and others generally to a comprehensive scheme and see that it is carried out.”
The party was then entertained at dinner at McCarthy’s hotel by the Frankston Traders’ Association. Cr. J. Bradbury presided, and in welcoming them, said he could assure the visitors that the Shire Council and residents were doing all they could and making the best of their wonderful asset.
“We realise,” continued Cr. Bradbury, “that Frankston is the ‘Queen watering place of the bayside,’ and that our beaches are the safest in the world. We, of course, are very much handicapped, and the suggestion of one trust to control the foreshore on the bayside is a splendid thing. We know,” he continued, “of the Town Planning Association’s aims and objects, and they no doubt are doing a great national work. We are pleased to have them with us today, and feel sure that they will give us all the assistance and help that they can. (Hear, hear).
Sir James Barrett, on behalf of the visitors, thanked Cr. Bradbury, and the residents for their warm welcome to Frankston, and congratulated them on “the very keen interest that was being displayed by the Traders’ Association in an endeavour to support the Shire Council to preserve and beautify the foreshore.
“My thoughts today,” went on Sir James, “go back to Atlantic City where, with no natural beauty to help
them, they have a population of forty thousand and over one hundred thousand tourists visit this most popular seaside resort. The reason was that it has been made so attractive, and the tourists specially catered for. There is no ti-tree there, only white sand. The time has come, when you people in Frankston must cater for the masses. You must get ready for them. Look after your foreshore, beautify it, and with what I have seen here today Frankston should be a very popular place for the tourist.
(Cheers).
Cr. Wells in moving a vote of thanks to Sir James Barrett and members of the Town Planning Commission for having visited Frankston, said that the result should be very beneficial in helping to carry out the scheme which the people of Frankston had in view. ***
Personal
Mr. and Mrs. Kennett, of Playne street, Frankston, are leaving shortly, for an extended holiday in the Western district.
We regret to learn that Dr. C. Maxwell, of Frankston, is confined to his bed with an attack of influenza.
Miss Faulkiner, who is connected with Marshall’s well known drapery emporium, Bay street, Frankston, has just returned from a holiday, which was spent at Daylesford.
Mr. D. J. Quartermain, who was rather seriously ill last week, has made a good recovery, and is now able to be about again.
***
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 11 December 1925
Tackling the cause of rubbish on our beaches
There are various ways rubbish ends up on our treasured peninsula beaches. One of the most consequential – and fixable – is the contribution by individuals and groups who carelessly choose to leave their waste items behind after enjoying the natural coastal serenity.
When it came to which method the shire should select for beach cleaning (mechanical raking versus by hand), they seem to have overlooked also tackling the causes.
Council can’t control what washes up on our beaches that originates elsewhere in the bay and beyond. But they can implement the laws to prevent and punish the litterbugs locally.
In over four decades on the peninsula, I’ve never seen nor heard of anyone being issued with a fine for beach littering. Do enforcement staff even exist? I swim at the beach almost daily year-round and I’ve never witnessed these mythical creatures.
Their lack of physical presence is a wasted opportunity to stop rubbish at its source. Fines and consequences for sullying our sand are deterrents missing in action.
Hot chip tip: Patrol the Mt Martha beach boxes commandeered each day and evening by visitors to consume their takeaway meals, drinks, smokes etc and who simply walk away leaving everything behind. The regular issuing of fines in this strip alone would surely pay the wages of enforcement officers across the entire peninsula. Set the fines high enough to act as a meaningful deterrent. And ensure penance includes joining the hand cleaners on a shift as the community service component.
A win for the council, the environment, other beach users and the ratepayers.
Ann Scally, Mt Martha
The pits
I was observing a contractor repairing a neglected filtration pit that should have prevented pollutants from entering our bay. This pit was featured in an article in The News (Rye pit hazard raises questions over shire response, The News 30/9/25) and an initial risk of drowning in the pit was reported to the shire on 10 September 2024.
I asked the contractor a very simple question, “When do you think this pit was last serviced?” The contractor’s answer was, “probably never”. He went on to say the pit was full of sludge and made other comments.
The reply from the shire to my request for information on the maintenance of the pit, after I quoted the manufacturers and EPA guidelines that the appropriate frequency would be four times per year, was a confirmation that this regime was being followed by the shire. This reply indicates several possibilities and includes the following.
The shire officer has been misled by the prime contractor, Fulton Hogan or Fulton Hogan has been misled by their contractor, amongst other possible possibilities, including outright coverup.
I would be very interested to see the invoicing for this maintenance, and, from the invoicing and payment details, which service claim has been made.
As it is obvious, the Shire’s reply does not align with the facts; answers need to be provided.
This is starting to look like lies to cover up failure to maintain the pits or a criminal offence of fraud if payment has been made for a service not supplied.
At this stage I have had no reply from the mayor or an acknowledgement of his receipt of my response to the shire’s claim of appropriate service taking place every three months.
As a ratepayer, am I entitled to know if there needs to be more scrutiny of the preferred contractor system?
Eric Dettman, Rye
Housing crisis mistruths
I have to correct a few of the mistruths and dodgy assertions from your correspondent last week (Housing crisis, Letters 2/12/25).
Marg D’Arcy claims Zoe McKenzie only just realised there is a homeless crisis on the peninsula. Given housing, especially low cost and social housing are primarily the responsibility of the state government, it is not a topic where federal MP’s who currently are not in government have great sway.
As a regular reader of the Letters in our local newspaper I can’t recall seeing D’arcy hammering away at the Victorian Labor government over the many years they have been in power in this state, and during which time they have underfunded housing so they can build tunnels and the SRL for which no business case has yet been released - if such even exists.
As for the fact that Zoe votes with the Coalition, well she is a member of the Coalition. Would your correspondent want a Labor MP to cross the floor? Oh that’s right, they are not allowed to. Such hypocrisy!
And then we come to the Housing Australia Future Fund which according to the correspondent’s letter “is now providing thousands of social and affordable houses across Australia”. Fact is they produced about 370 houses as at 30 June this year, and none of those was a new build. They are acquiring existing houses, and renovating them in competition with struggling first home buyers. As for the promised 40,000 homes by 30 June 2029, to use a well-known quote “Tell ‘em they’re dreamin!”.
Jack
Wheeler, Mornington
Net Zero
So, where do you stand, Zoe? What did you say in that meeting? Will you represent the views of your now marginal electorate, or will you toe the party line as you always do?
I have it on pretty reliable authority that Zoe was actually arguing against the grain and advocating for net zero. However, being a member of “The Triopoly” she, without recompense, must tow the party line or resign from the front bench to speak her mind and then be crucified for speaking for herself.
This neutering of free speech and public opinion is not limited to the COALition, it is a problem on both sides of the aisle.
We do not have a duopoly, we have a “triopoly” where we can try to choose from the best of the worst. If we had an Independent representing us we would know exactly where they stand on the issue. They would actually be representing our position, not the illiberal populist policies of the Triopoly. And with enough independents to balance the power plenum, we could see some meaningful change.
Keep in mind, you are not voting for the individual and their beliefs, you are voting for the party and their neoliberalism populist policies, except when you vote Independent..
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Call out affiliations
I noted you recently did some background research on one of your letter writers, indicating an apparent letter writing campaign in favour of the Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade by one commercial contrcution company (The Eagle Upgrade, Letters 18/11/25).
It is about time you did the same with those pushing professional political positions in this letters page.
You regularly publish letters from the senior ranks of the Climate 200 teal movement without any attribution. Over many months you have been publishing letters from the Climate 200 candidate’s family and campaign leaders without any designation.
Most recently you also published one by the former Labor Party’s campaign director regarding homelessness and our Federal MP’s work with the government’s Special Envoy for Housing, to address concerning levels of rough sleeping on the peninsula.
Again, the professional political affiliation is no where mentioned, giving people a false indication of motive and engagement.
Oddly, such characters have been completely silent when Zoe McKenzie MP for Flinders has taken up the issue of housing and homelessness
Disappointment with council decision
IT was disappointing to hear about council voting against an officer report and recommendation which sought to provide local government input into the proposed Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade.
As people would be aware this development is being determined directly by the Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny.
The Dromana Association is providing its own submission to the Minister.
In our view officers had put together a balanced report with a recommendation to object with concerns around some elements of the proposal; but was supportive of others.
This was the one opportunity the local government authority (Mornington Peninsula Shire) could put forward a position to the Planning Minister which could influence the decision.
Given the fact that local government has been bypassed as the relevant planning authority, with all deciding powers sitting with the Minister, we consider it particularly important that the council has a position; even if it is different to that of the officer’s report.
This is disappointing and in my personal opinion, whether through a lack of understanding and/or intent, this failure to arrive at a position is an abrogation of responsibility by the council.
The shire will not have any formal input into this development as a result.
While the three councillors whose wards abut Arthurs Seat/Wonga spoke in favour of the recommendation, the majority of those
over many years with the Labor state government – whose job it has historically been to build public housing – have failed to invest in the peninsula’s existing public housing stock. When there is an industrial partisan relationship – particularly when you have been made aware of it, perhaps the decent thing to do, is to let people know. After all, these political groups are always first to cry “transparency”.
Marg Hawker, Mount Martha
Editor’s note: Marg Hawker is the past Chair of Liberal Women’s Council which is described on the Liberal Party’s website as the “peak body of women in the Victorian Liberal Party”. This information was initially not disclosed by Hawker, but once brought to her attention, she agreed for it to be included at the end of her letter in line with her wishes for transparency when it comes to political affiliations.
Perspective on locality
Regarding the letters about only printing letters from locals (No outsiders, Letters 2/12/25).
I live in Melbourne, but I spend a great deal of time at my extended families’ place on the peninsula and am an active member of a local conservation group.
I care deeply about many issues affecting those who live on the peninsula year-round, especially those concerning nature. And, judging by the many volunteers working to conserve bush reserves and the push back against tree-lopping (Mt Martha resident questions shire’s tree removal decision, The News 2/12/25), it’s clear the health of the peninsula’s environment matters to a lot of people.
Reading The News is an enjoyable part of my week; we don’t get informative community
who voted against the recommendation did not. So, the community is at a loss as to their rationale.
It should be emphasised that the shire is one of many organisations and individuals who have been given the opportunity to respond to this final iteration within a limited time.
This fact also means that the shire has not been party to any negotiations around elements or conditions surrounding the proposal and like all of us would likely not have seen the final iteration in late October.
These negotiations will have occurred between the Planning Minister’s office, the proponent and other referral authorities. This proposed expansion of the Eagle on public land is a significant one and regardless of different views of relative merits versus concerns, it is vital that community can expect their elected representatives to debate the item and come to a position. We are disappointed with the apparent lack of concern shown by the elected councillors to this important development proposal.
We are also frustrated that the amazing landmark of the Mornington Peninsula that is the Arthurs Seat/Wonga escarpment is not managed as a precinct; maximising amazing opportunities and minimising negative impacts. This is despite a council resolution and budget funds being allocated to undertake this exact process.
Simon Brooks, PresidentDromana Associaton Inc
papers in the big smoke.
If I chose to engage by writing to the editor, I can either use my part-time peninsula address or simply be upfront about living in Melbourne. My instinct is that editors and readers value transparency from contributors, but I’m open to what the community prefers.
Amy Hiller, Kew
Fossil fuels
Brian Mitchelson ponders about the perceived electricity shortages and why we are not pursuing more fossil fuel power to maintain the electricity grid into the future (Renewable energy, Letters 2/12/25).
The reasons for this are complex but can be reduced to four main intertwined reasons, reality, privatisation, greed and self-interest.
The reality is that renewable energy is cheap and fossil fuel powered stations can’t compete; it is where the future lies and the power companies can see this.
Sceptics will say that renewables are only cheaper than fossil fuels because of the government subsidies. This argument conveniently ignores the huge subsidies that the fossil fuel industries currently receive.
Removing the subsidies, to be fair from both, would only make electricity more expensive for consumers; not ideal, and renewables would still be relatively cheaper.
Gas is particularly expensive mainly due to short sight acquiescence by successive governments that see vast amounts of our gas sold overseas for virtually no return at the expense of the local market.
The power companies in Victoria are privately owned thanks to a short sighted decision by Jeff
Kennett decades ago.
Prior to this the SEC planned ahead and acted accordingly to secure our energy future. However, once privatised the energy companies looked only to shareholder returns and corporate bonuses. Planning for the future was someone else’s problem.
They see little benefit in expending vast sums of money on building new fossil fuel stations that would not return any dividends for decades, hence the reason they invest in renewables which are quickly and cheaply built returning quick dividends.
Electricity needn’t cost as much as it does but here we are.
Ross Hudson, Mt Martha
Rest your case
Albert Riley give it a rest (Against Treaty, Letters 3/12/25).
Others have presented you with what is accepted fact, but unfortunately you continue to display the worst prejudices of your generation.
I am now quite bored with your pedantic, vicious misinformed statements. Your last letter publicly displayed your total ignorance of Aboriginal history, cultural heritage and gross mistreatment.
Please just go back to your hobby of painting. Do you do it by numbers?
Mechelle Cheers, Rye
Frankston developments
It is good news that the City of Frankston is now getting its act together to get permits through to get new buildings built to increase the Frankston population around the Frankston Station. Other councils such as the Greater Dandenong Council have had plenty of cranes in the skyline for months.
The council has to give confidence to developers because of their past reputation of not giving planning permits to high-rise developments.
The City of Frankston claims in a full window advertisement that there are 1.2 million visitors to Frankston every year and this is why they got the police to remove the homeless near the
Frankston station to hide them. On what legal bases is a mystery, as the vagrancy laws were removed under John Cain’s premiership.
Russell Morse, Karingal Grassfire
risks
We rely so much on technology these days and I was surprised to learn that satellites used to monitor grassland dryness can be hampered by cloud cover and rainfall (CFA seeks volunteers to help grassland fire risk, The News 2/12/25).
As I understand it, about 70 percent of the peninsula is designated as Green Wedge and a significant proportion is grassland — mostly introduced pasture but also remnant native areas in reserves.
As summer approaches, and with the Bureau warning of warmer-than-average days and nights, the risk of grassfire must be increasing.
Volunteering as a citizen scientist with the CFA to help monitor grassland dryness would have to be an important and timely task that could deliver real community protections and help improve the satellite monitoring.
I note that more than 100,000 Australians are contributing as citizen scientists, and about half the records in Australia’s biodiversity database, the Atlas of Living Australia, now come from them.
Who knows — a volunteer might even rediscover one of the peninsula’s ten endangered or vulnerable plant species listed in the shire’s State of Biodiversity Report.
One, the Fringed Spider-orchid, is believed extinct. What a find that would be.
Sue Rechter, Talbot
The dreaded red blob
Last week, we received a brief text message from Mornington Peninsula Shire, with an attachment referring to the proposed C312 amendment which stated that our property is one of the 27,000 residential properties in the shire identified as as being “highly susceptible to Landslide”.
Not “possibly” or “maybe” It is nominated as “highly susceptible to landslide” As it happens, ours is only one of three, out
of 36 properties in our street, which has been daubed with the dreaded “red blob”. We have owned it for 42 years and the slight slope at the rear has never shown any sign of “landslide” susceptibility.
As we immediately realised that any such label on a property would be extremely likely to be devalued in the case of selling, we tried to establish why such a move was being made, without the time to have consultation or a public airing.
It appears that the so-called survey was carried out in 2012 and is being used to create a temporary overlay, which would be rushed through to the Planning Minister to be applied prior to calendar year ending 2025. This would apply to all the 27,000 residential properties.
Then it could take between two and four years before a permanent overlay is applied, when it is anticipated that a more accurate assessment is carried out. This could result in reducing the final numbers affected.
Our request to the shire and the state Planning Minister is not to proceed with this temporary move and then carry out a properly communicated and planned permanent overlay in due course.
Hopefully this suggestion will be supported and promoted by others who are affected by this hasty proposal.
Stan Deed, Sorrento
Good news
There are plenty of reasons to be concerned about the state of the world around us, so it is encouraging when we encounter something positive.
Last Saturday morning (6/12), on my daily jog at Frankston beach, I encountered workers setting up facilities to make the beach more accessible for the disabled; alongside motorcyclists and SES volunteers conducting the toy run to help less well-off families enjoy Christmas; alongside runners racing to raise funds for Street Peace, which assists at-risk young people.
Well done, all of them.
Bill James, Frankston
Support LOCAL
Potton Ave, Rosebud
Golf Links Road, Flinders
Scoreboard
Pines face difficult day two task, Flinders in fine form
By Brodie Cowburn
PROVINCIAL
SOME good bowling from Baden Powell has put Pines at risk of its first defeat for the season.
Pines, who are 6-0 in season 2025/2026, hosted Baden Powell at Eric Bell Reserve. It was an even contest on day one, as Baden Powell’s bowling attack prevented Pines from putting together a big total.
Plenty of Pines’ batters made good starts, but their top-scorer could only manage 28 before being dismissed.
Pines finished the day at 9/157. Luke Long was the pick of the bowlers on Saturday; he took 4/32 from 17 overs. At Lloyd Park, Heatherhill put 6/175 on the scoreboard during their clash with Langwarrin.
Kieran Lenehan was Heatherhill’s best on day one. He hit a patient 70 from 142 deliveries, and finished not out.
Sam Prosser kept Langwarrin in the game, dismissing the top order and posting final figures of 4/66.
PENINSULA
A SOLID performance with the bat has put Balnarring in a good position for a win over Moorooduc.
Balnarring batted for 60 overs during a rain-interrupted day one on Saturday. Mark Walles top-scored with 57, closely followed by opener Joshua Peet’s 47 and skipper Luke Hewitt’s unbeaten 43.
Balnarring scored 5/222 before stumps was called.
Somerville had a good day at home last weekend, putting Seaford to the sword.
Somerville chose to bowl first on day one; a decision which paid off. Seaford only managed to score 8/78 from 61 overs at the crease.
Chris Brittain was fantastic for Somerville, posting 3/21 from 18 overs. Craig Black took two wickets and conceded just three runs from his 10 overs.
After 44 overs, Old Peninsula had scored 4/82 against Mt Eliza at home on Saturday.
DISTRICT
FLINDERS put on a show despite rain delays on Saturday, putting 127 runs
on the scoreboard without losing a wicket.
Openers Max Wilkinson and Thomas Pengelly were infallible. Wilkinson hit 54 from 138 deliveries, and Pengelly scored 67 from 122. They both remained at the crease when rain brought the day to an end.
A late knock of 48 by Waligama Palleguruge saved Rye’s innings on Saturday.
Rye hosted Boneo at RJ Rowley Reserve. Boneo sent the hosts in to bat first, and ended up bowling them out for 154 towards the end of the day.
Palleguruge’s 48 runs batting at number seven could prove vital. Manu Goraya opened and scored 35 from 135 balls.
A five-wicket haul from Luke Chevalier helped Seaford Tigers bowl out Main Ridge on Saturday.
Main Ridge was dismissed for 148. Opener Jarrah Porter top-scored with 56 runs before being bowled out by Julian Walton.
Ladder leaders Carrum Downs scored 6/143 in difficult conditions against Carrum to close out the round.
SUB DISTRICT
A DOMINANT bowling effort from Brock Regan helped Tyabb wrap up a win over Pearcedale on Saturday.
It took no time at all for Tyabb to secure the win on day one of the twoday clash. Tyabb bowled out Pearcedale for 59, which they chased down with ease.
Regan took 6/34 for Tyabb in an impressive display.
Tyabb finished the day at 4/130.
Sashin Dilranga scored 61 from 53 to help guide his side to victory.
Tootgarook are in danger of defeat against Skye. They only managed to set Skye a target of 109 to score to win on day one.
Skye will begin day two at 0/21.
Ballam Park scored 169 against Frankston YCW on Saturday. They batted all day long - opener Pubudu Edirisinghe scored an important 72 from 150 deliveries. Thomas Baron played an important supporting role, scoring 19 from 138 balls.
WOMENS DIV ONE
MT Eliza picked up a thrilling win over Tooradin with a ball left to spare on Sunday.
Tooradin batted first at Rutter Park Recreation Reserve, and put a good total on the scoreboard.
Tooradin scored 2/156 from their 30 overs. Skipper Stephanie Gonsalvez top-scored with an impressive unbeaten 76 from 72 deliveries.
Mt Eliza got to work quickly. Opener Phoebe Miller was in fine form; the captain scored 61 from 76 deliveries.
With time beginning to tick away, number four batter Mary-Lou McCarthy took control. She smashed an unbeaten 37 at more than a run a ball to guide her side to victory with just one delivery left to spare.
An awesome century from Julie Fearns helped ladder-leaders Somerville defeat Tyabb last weekend. Somerville scored 5/185 from their 30 overs. Fearns retired not out for 100 off 78 deliveries.
Tyabb couldn't get close, and was eventually dismissed for 74. Katelyn Van Loo and Lacey Jeremiah took three wickets each.
Mt Martha were comfortable winners over Rye on Sunday, securing a nine wicket victory with 19 overs left to spare. Katherine Laemmle was Mt Martha’s best with 37 not out..
BALLAM Park scored 169 against Frankston YCW on Saturday. Picture: Craig Barrett
Scoreboard The
Strikers sign Valadon, Lindsay
SOCCER
JEROME Valadon and Sonny Lindsay are the first new signings of the Ross Wallis-Stephen Duffy era at Peninsula Strikers.
The Centenary Park outfit has been on the hunt for promotion from State 2 South-East for the past four seasons and joint coaches Wallis and Duffy hope to realise the club’s dream.
The senior squad has held five training sessions but the reserve squad is yet to assemble as the club continues to search for a new reserves coach following Paul Nott’s departure.
“We didn’t want to do an expressions of interest sort of thing and have all these lads rocking up,” Walliss said.
“I wanted to give the senior squad from last season their opportunity first to show us what they can do.
“Quite a few left without even coming down so now we’ve brought in a couple of players.
“We were advised about reserves who were knocking on the door last season and they were invited to come to senior training.
“I don’t want to sound disrespectful but we didn’t want to bring down new signings and have them training with reserve players who are not going to get a look-in with the seniors just yet.
“That brings the standards down too much and is another reason we didn’t want to hold open trial sessions.
“Every session and the drills we do are with a ball and every session is intense.”
Strikers have a preferred candidate for the reserves job but Wallis won’t name him yet.
There’s no doubt that more re-signings and new signings will be announced over coming weeks.
You can expect to see former Strikers midfielder Cal Bradbury among the new signings and Wallis is open about his admiration for him.
“He’s fantastic and he’s my favourite player,” Wallis said.
“Technically he’s brilliant and has the best attitude.
“I just can’t fault the fella.”
Bradbury and Wallis were at Hampton Park United for part of last season and another Hampton Park player – defender Rayyan Siddiqui – seems certain to be another new signing. Of the old guard (no pun intended) quadragenarian Wayne “Buzzer” Gordon should soon be announced as re-signing with Strikers.
“Yeah he’ll go around again,” Wallis said.
“We’ve sat down and had an open and honest discussion and he knows if he’s fit enough he’ll play.
“I can tell you right now he’s looking very sharp indeed.”
Both Valadon and Lindsay have played under Walliss previously and this has made the switch to Strikers a seamless process.
The players are well versed in Wallis’s methods and he is in prime position to get the most out them.
“Jerome’s workrate and attitude to the game are first class.
“He’s an absolute nuisance to play against
similar to ‘Buzzer’.
“He is the sort of player you want in your side and would hate to play against.”
Valadon made his senior debut under Adam Jamieson at Mornington back in 2019 and his CV includes spells at Dandenong City, Mazenod, Mooroolbark and Croydon City.
“Ross is the reason I signed at Strikers,” Valadon said.
“I worked with him at Mooroolbark and he’s a really switched-on coach.
“He knows his stuff and is very committed.
“I have no doubts that he’ll get the best out of this group.
“I expect us to be very competitive in every game and I think we can be successful next year.”
One of the players that caught Walliss’ eye during his spell at Hampton Park United was Lindsay.
“You could see his potential straight away and there were never any doubts about his ability,”
Wallis said.
“I don’t want to say too much about Hampton Park but I was keen to give Sonny the opportunity at a different club with a different culture and I think he’ll thrive here.”
A number of Strikers players are training under Lachlan McMinimee at State 1 outfit Doveton.
Former Strikers defender Billy Rae is training at Doveton along with current Strikers players Sam Maggs, Tom Wood, Kyron Kerr and Coop-
Sudoku and crossword solutions
er Andrews.
Andrews has also trained with Hampton East Brighton.
“While I’m disappointed that a few boys never mentioned that they’d be training with other clubs I certainly accept that they have every right to improve themselves and try and play at a higher level,” Strikers president Adrian Scialpi said.
Late last week Strikers announced that Ben Caballero, Matt Harrington and Alex White had re-signed.
The local club remains confident that Riley Anderton and Danny Brooks will re-sign but there’s uncertainty over Jaiden Madafferi’s plans for next season.
Strikers have arranged six pre-season matches next year.
On Friday 23 January they play Croydon at Dorset Recreation Reserve (KO to be confirmed); on Saturday 31 January they play Mazenod at Centenary Park at 3pm; on Saturday 14 February they play Skye Utd at Centenary Park at 1pm and 3pm; on Saturday 21 February they play Heatherton Utd at Centenary Park at 1pm and 3pm; on Saturday 28 February they play Ringwood City at Centenary Park at 1pm and 3pm; and on Saturday 28 March they play Collingwood City at Centenary Park at 1pm and 3pm.
In VPL1 Langwarrin lost 1-0 to Altona City at Lawton Park on Saturday.
Langy head coach Jamie Skelly wasn’t fazed
by Saturday’s result.
“While we haven’t been scoring goals we’re creating chances and once the players become sharper as the pre-season progresses the goals will come,” Skelly said.
New Langy signing Alex Kubenko, Zac Bates and Tom Youngs all had game time after missing the Dandenong Thunder game through injury.
Kubenko was first signed by Langwarrin as a youngster from Springvale White Eagles in December 2020 but left to get more regular senior experience.
He can play anywhere across the front and is quick and direct.
He has scored regularly at VPL2 level for the past two seasons with Nunawading City.
In other news 20-year-old Langwarrin prodigy Alana Murphy is making her mark in Germany’s second division with SC Sand.
She’s primarily being used as a defensive midfielder but scored with a long-range effort in a recent 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt and won player of the match honours.
Finally this week’s friendlies kick off with Langwarrin hosting Box Hill at Lawton Park on Tuesday at 7.30pm.
On Saturday Langy hosts Melbourne City at 11am (seniors) with under-20s/23s at 1pm.
Skye United is in action on Saturday travelling to Comets Stadium to take on Casey Comets at 11am and 1pm (seniors).
New signings: Jerome Valadon (left) and Sonny Lindsay aim to be part of a successful Peninsula Strikers senior team in 2026. Pictures: Supplied
Automotive Services Guide
Fast, Friendly & Fair
Selling your car privately can be lengthy, stressful and costly. At Peninsula Car Buyers, we have designed a service that allows you to sell your car in a way that is fast, friendly and fair! We purchase your vehicle directly from you, which offers an easy and simple alternative to traditional car-selling methods.
Our service is focused around you. From our onsite inspections to fast payments, you can sell your car quickly, from the comfort of your own home!
With over 25 years experience, we buy all makes and models at any price range.
