Positive Ageing Newsletter
What’s inside?
• 50 Years of PROBUS
• Bridging the digital divide
• Grandparents playgroup
• Books, blokes and bubs
• Free pet desexing
• Grants and funding
• Multicultural Network
• Dying to Know Day
Celebrating 50 Years of PROBUS
PROBUS was founded in the United Kingdom in 1968 by Rotary International to help retirees stay socially connected. In 2026, PROBUS proudly celebrates 50 years in Australia, having grown into a vibrant, inclusive movement focused on friendship, learning and enjoyment.
This spirit is strongly reflected locally. The Peninsula is home to more than 20 PROBUS clubs, including Mornington Beach.
In just over two years, it has grown into a thriving community. Members enjoy walking, reading, dining and a wide range of social activities.
It’s proof that friendships grow and calendars stay full in retirement.
Visitors are welcome on the first Tuesday of each month at 10am at St Peter’s Church Hall, Mornington. For enquiries, contact Marg (Club Secretary): 0425 750 825
Stay safe this winter
• Test your smoke alarms, keep heaters away from furniture and have an escape plan.
• Stay connected with neighbours, family, and friends to help keep your community safe.
• Stay informed about severe weather, protect important documents, and prepare an emergency kit.
• Review your insurance coverage for fire and flood.
emergencydashboard.mornpen.vic.gov.au/general crem@mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 1375
Standing up to elder abuse
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June raises awareness of elder abuse and highlights ageism as a key contributing factor.
Older people have the right to live in safety, be treated with dignity and respect, and make their own decisions. Elder abuse occurs when these rights are denied, whether the harm is intentional or unintentional.
When a trusted person causes harm or distress to an older person it’s considered elder abuse. This person is often a family member but could be anyone in a position of
Warm Safe Homes
Warm Safe Homes is a community activity that encourages conversations about respect for older people. The program will run as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Shire libraries from 15-19 June 2026.
Activities will be available for both adults and children, including story time sessions with a focus on positive ageing.
For more information, contact Ebony, Bayside Health Peninsula: 0466 024 216 eloft@phcn.vic.gov.au
trust. Abuse can take many forms, including financial, physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, social abuse and neglect.
One in six older Australians experiences elder abuse. The Shire works closely with the Respecting Seniors Network, Peninsula Advisory Committee for Elders and Seniors Rights Victoria to raise awareness, challenge ageism, and support older people. If you or someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse, free and confidential advice and support is available.
Contact Seniors Rights Victoria: 1300 368 821
Eco-corner
Home energy kits are available to borrow from our libraries, along with free energy consultations. mornpen.vic.gov.au/energyconsultation mornpen.vic.gov.au/energysmart
Energy-saving tips, children’s activities and stargazing workshop Fri 19 June, 4.30-5.15pm. To book: winterwarmers26.eventbrite.com.au
Peninsula Harvest Share
Share your excess produce, get gardening tips and enjoy a cuppa with other home gardeners.
First Saturday (monthly), 11am – 12pm
Third Thursday (monthly), 9.30-10.30am mornpen.vic.gov.au/ ELDC-Harvest-Exchange
Book a workshop: 5950 1681 (Jacqui) mornpen.vic.gov.au/enviroworkshops
Bridging the Digital Divide
An article published in The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald by Stephanie Wood highlighted the challenges many older people face in navigating digital technology.
Described as “keyboard worriers”, some older people rely on adult children for help or opt out of the digital world altogether. As Wood notes, many adult children find themselves acting as their parent’s “bookkeeper, tech adviser, online shopper, security guard and remote help desk”.
The article featured Peninsula local Sandie Hesline. In her early 70s and now retired, Sandie previously worked in the Melbourne Museum’s booking office — a job she loved. However, during COVID lockdowns, she found the transition to working online from home overwhelming.
Since then, Sandie has become a regular attendee of the Tech Support Sessions run by Youngster.co at Mornington Library. She arrives prepared with a list of questions and receives a half-hour one-on-one session with her tech mentor, Cheyne.
“Cheyne answers all my questions and gives me the confidence to have a go,” Sandie says. With Cheyne’s support, Sandie has learnt how to use a new Samsung phone, send photos and emails and to create Google Docs. Sandie has also learnt how to navigate essential services such as MyGov, superannuation, ambulance subscriptions, pension applications and utility concessions. Beyond the practical benefits, Sandie values the sessions for their social impact. “My Tuesdays at the library are also a social activity for me. I always walk out feeling calm, happy, and with a real sense of achievement.”
Book a personalised tech support session with the Shire: 5950 1710 library.mornpen.vic.gov.au/tech-help
The Age article: smh.com.au/by/stephanie-wood-hve7c
Grandparents and grandchildren explore the Briars
Grandparents and grandchildren are warmly invited to join a weekly supported playgroup at The Briars, where nature-inspired fun brings generations together.
Each session is filled with joyful, hands-on activities such as gentle bush walks, bird watching, scavenger hunts, and even making mud cakes! With each session, there’s a beautiful sense of community that continues to grow.
Term 2 (until 26 June) Mondays, 10-11.30am
Bookings essential. Learn more or register your interest: 5950 1099 playgroups@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Book online: mornpen.vic.gov.au/ supportedplaygroups
Sandie and her tech mentor, Cheyne
Books, Blokes and Bubs
If you’re a Peninsula dad, stepdad, grandfather or important male role model to a child under 4, you are invited to join a relaxed group at the library.
Come along for a free coffee, a special Storytime session, and the chance to connect with other dads and father figures.
Saturday mornings
1, 8 and 15 August, 9-10.30am
Mornington Library, Vancouver Street
Register your interest: 5950 1099
Support for aged care workers
Keep Able is a free digital platform offering resources developed by aged care experts for those who support older Australians to maintain their purposeful and independent lives under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
This is a wellness and reablement approach to community aged care. It’s practical and personcentred, with a focus on
what people can do, rather than what they can’t. By shifting the conversation from “doing for” to “doing with,” providers can foster confidence, maintain functional ability, and enhance quality of life. Whether you’re looking to upskill your team, engage your community, or strengthen your service model, check our Keep Able: keepable.com.au
Microchip and desex your pet!
Free for seniors
The Community Animal Shelter’s Desexing Program is back.
Mornington Peninsula residents with a Seniors Card can have their cat or dog microchipped and desexed for free.
To book: 5950 1838 casgroup@mornpen. vic.gov.au
Volunteer opportunities at Capel Sound Community Hub
Capel Sound Community Hub is a welcoming and inclusive space where people of all ages can stay socially connected, active and engaged.
The Hub offers a range of programs that support wellbeing, connection and lifelong learning, including social groups, creative activities and shared community spaces where people can meet, try something new and feel a sense of belonging.
As a local Neighbourhood House, volunteers play a vital role in making the hub thrive by supporting the Gather Community Café, welcoming visitors at reception, assisting with programs and events, helping with food relief, and contributing to the garden project. Flexible roles are available to suit different interests and availability, with ongoing support from the team.
11A Allambi Avenue, Capel Sound
Find out more: 5982 2204 info@capelsoundhub.com.au
Shire grants open in July
Are you a member of a local organisation, group or club? Maybe you are planning an event or a community-led project?
Funding opportunities are available to support community-led projects that meet identified needs, encourage innovation and creativity and create social connection.
The Shire is hosting grant information sessions and writing workshops in May and June. Bookings for workshops are strongly encouraged. mornpen.vic.gov.au/grants communityinvestfunding@ mornpen.vic.gov.au 1300 850 600
Find funding for your
project!
Have you checked out the Funding Finder website?
This free online service provides an overview of grant and funding opportunities from all levels of government and other funding bodies. grantguru.com/au/ morningtonpeninsulashire
The secret I’m glad I shared Dying to Know is a national campaign to help us prepare for the inevitable.
Not with fear, but with purpose, love, and a sense of legacy.
The 2026 theme is “Nobody Knows” and is designed to encourage us to share our end-of-life wishes. Not sharing final wishes often leads to a chaotic and confusing situation. It can lead to guesswork and potential family division.
The Shire is hosting Dying to Know Day for its third year with an incredible team of experts who work and volunteer in positions
of relevance to death and dying. The key focus will be on voluntary assisted dying but will also cover palliative care and bereavement support.
This is a welcoming space for interested community members to come together, hear from experts, browse the information tables and share in meaningful conversations over tea and refreshments.
Thursday 6 August, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Road, Mornington
More info:
positiveageing@mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 1695
Multicultural Collaborative Network
Community members and service providers are invited to be part of the new Multicultural Collaborative Network, bringing people across the Mornington Peninsula together to connect, share information and work collaboratively. The Network aims to strengthen relationships with multicultural communities and support a safe, welcoming and inclusive Peninsula. The first meeting will be held in June, with future meetings planned every two months. Get involved or find out more: culture.connects@mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 1516 (Cass)
Peninsula LIVE: Stories from the Mornington Peninsula
Friday 1 May – Thursday 6 August
This new public art project celebrates the region’s rich and diverse music history, from early community halls and church choirs to pub rock legends and contemporary festivals. Presented at the Story Wall in Mornington, the project brings together local stories to honour the Peninsula’s enduring live music culture. Mornington Peninsula Shire office (external wall), 2 Queen Street, Mornington artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au/music-history
Don’t miss!
Aged care webinars COTA Australia and the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) are hosting a series of webinars to help explain the Aged Care Reforms. shorturl.at/VKN5C
Share your journey
The National Centre for Healthy Ageing is looking for people (or their carers) who are receiving in-home aged care services. forms.gle/XcmmAH 73WQzswxYb8 anna.gillard@ monash.edu 9904 4714
Setting the PACE for positive ageing on the Peninsula PACE is a Shire community advisory committee who represent community views and advise about the needs of over 55s. mornpen.vic.gov.au/ pace
The Shire is committed to Positive Ageing. Contact us for a copy of our We All Belong Strategy: positiveageing@ mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 1695
Climb in the back with your head in the clouds, and you’re gone by Artist Jessie Willow Tucker.