Thursday 7 August, 10am – 12.30pm, Peninsula Community Theatre, Mornington Community members are invited to attend the Shire’s Dying to Know Day event. Speakers will address Advance Care Planning, Funeral Options, and Spiritual Care followed by a Q&A. Resources on local support and services will be available along with a morning tea.
To join the mailing list or view electronically: mornpen.vic.gov.au/PositiveAgeingNewsletter positiveageing@mornpen.vic.gov.au
To view last year’s event and to learn more about the network visit the Dying to Know website or contact the Shire: mornpen.vic.gov.au/ dyingtoknownetwork positiveageing@ mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 1695
Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges and pays respect to the Bunurong people, the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters. We are committed to the cultural safety of older people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds.
Umbrella Dementia Café hosted by the Point Nepean Men’s Shed
Established in 2016, Umbrella Dementia Cafés is a charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia and their families. Operating in local neighbourhood houses, church halls, and community spaces, the cafés are guided by the principles of choice, connection, awareness, and inclusivity. Each café session offers tailored activities that encourage social interaction and engagement, ensuring everyone feels valued. Volunteers, many with personal experience of dementia, play a vital role in cultivating positive and supportive environments.
The Point Nepean Men’s Shed is hosting the Umbrella Dementia Cafe (UDC) Sorrento at their facility The Hangar at 4 Hotham Road, Sorrento. Alongside the UDC, they will be offering an optional
program designed for men who are caring for a person living with dementia. This is a supportive, confidential, and discreet peer-to-peer group conversation about the realities of being a family care-partner.
The Men’s Shed is seeking a male facilitator(s) for this group. Ideally someone who has experience with dementia. Training will be provided by the UDC team.
For more information, please visit the UDC website or contact Jess Conley: umbrelladementiacafes.com.au jess@umbrelladementiacafes.com.au
To express an interest in the role at Point Nepean, please contact Terry: 0488 115 433 ptnepeanmensshed@gmail.com
Community investment funds Do You Read Me (free exhibition)
Grants opening 13 July
A range of grants will be available to our community to support local initiatives. Funding opportunities will empower volunteers, community groups and organisations to support community-led projects across the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
For more information, contact: communityinvestfunding @mornpen.vic.gov.au 1300 850 600 mornpen.vic.gov.au/grants
Do You Read Me is the current display at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.
This is an exhibition of text-based works from the MPRG Collection, 14 June – 24 August 2025.
Inspired by Bruce Nauman’s use of words and language to convey meaning.
From the personal to the political, these works explore text as a material and subject, offering insight into human culture, history, memory and experience.
The older workforce
Looking for a job after being out of the workforce for a while can be daunting.
The Shire has tips to help make the transition easier. These “tips for the older workforce” include finance plans, use of support services, knowing your skillset and current job search methods. A meaningful role can help to stay mentally well and pay the bills. Find tips online: mornpen.vic.gov.au/olderworkforce
Contact MPRG: 5950 1580 mprg@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington. Open 11am-4pm, Tues-Sun. Closed Mondays.
Cycling Without Age
Feel the wind in your hair again. Cycling Without Age is a charity that provides rides on Trishaw e-bikes that are piloted by volunteer cyclists.
Our wonderful team are currently providing rides for older people and people with disabilities living in two aged care facilities in Balnarring and Mornington on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are plans to further expand across the Shire. For more information: cwawesternport@gmail.com 0403 908 737
Ageing well on the Mornington Peninsula
Library borrower turns 100
Congratulations and salutations to Olive who is an avid reader and a happy recipient of our Home Library Service at the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
For the past four years, Olive has been paired with Dina, one of our valuable volunteers. Olive and Dina have established a mutually enjoyable relationship over time. Dina has kept Olive stocked up with her favourite John Grisham books and helped her discover a range of other great writers also.
If you’re interested in joining this service as a recipient or volunteer, visit one of our Library branches or contact us. Eligibility criteria apply. mornpen.vic.gov.au/homelibraryservice homelibraryservice@mornpen.vic.gov.au 0408 680 883
Free digital reads with Our Libraries
Did you know Mornington Peninsula Libraries offers free access to a world of eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines and digital newspapers? With one simple app called BorrowBox – you can borrow and enjoy thousands of titles on your phone, tablet or computer, anytime you like!
The app is user-friendly and allows you to change the font or increase the size, adjust brightness, or listen to audiobooks at your own pace – perfect for making reading more comfortable.
All you need is your library membership and a device connected to the internet. No need to worry about late fees or travelling.
Simply download the app, log in with your library card details and start reading or listening right away! The BorrowBox app is available from the App Store, Google Play or via: mornington.borrowbox.com
If you need help, we offer free tech support. Visit us in branch or call 5950 1710
Conserving our Peninsula
Are you passionate about preserving the beauty and heritage of the Nepean Peninsula?
Join the Nepean Conservation Group Inc — a dedicated, not-for-profit community group caring for our coast, bushland, and heritage since 1973. The group works with local partners with the support of 15 Friends Groups, to advocate and protect our unique environment.
Whether you enjoy nature walks, local history, or lending your voice to important causes, your involvement makes a real difference. Connect with like-minded locals, share your knowledge, and help keep our Peninsula special for future generations.
For more information: nepeanconservationgroup.org.au info@nepeanconservationgroup.org.au 0408 877 852 (Ursula)
Planning for end of life
Critical info is an innovative new platform developed by social enterprise and death literacy leader Catherine Ashton. It allows users to document their wishes, important paperwork, and life stories across 15 life areas — from pets and finances to heritage, spirituality, digital life, and how they want to be remembered.
Only 18 percent of families know their loved one’s end-of-life wishes, and just 15 percent of funerals are pre-planned. This platform
changes that. Annual access to the Critical Info platform is available for $99, with features designed for all abilities, including easy-English and accessibility integration.
Whether you’re managing your own affairs or supporting an older loved one, this tool can help you take the guesswork out of difficult decisions — and start important conversations before it’s too late.
Catherine says, “It’s not just about paperwork. It’s about peace of mind, reducing grief for loved ones, and ensuring our lives are honoured in the way we choose.”
NAIDOC Week Special Film Screening
Mornington Peninsula Shire’s NAIDOC Week celebrations kick off with a FREE film screening of In My Blood It Runs – rated PG.
This documentary follows ten-year-old Dujuan as he shares his understanding of the complex world around him.
Beautifully shot in Central Australia, we follow Dujuan as he grapples with pressures, shares his truths and somewhere in-between finds space to dream, imagine and hope for his future self. In My Blood It Runs is a beautiful film about Culture, connection, and the importance of family.
RSVP: mornpen.vic.gov.au/inmyblood-event Find all the NAIDOC Week events here: mornpen.vic.gov.au/weallbelong
Winter on the Peninsula
Winter is a lovely time to enjoy the Mornington Peninsula at a relaxed pace.
With fewer crowds, it’s perfect for revisiting favourite spots or discovering new ones nearby.
Peaceful places like Coolart Wetlands, The Briars, and Balbirooroo Wetlands are ideal for a gentle walk and a bit of birdwatching. For beautiful coastal views, try the walking tracks at Flinders or Cape Schanck.
Prefer to stay indoors? The Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery offers free entry and changing exhibitions all year round. Local community centres run winter workshops, talks, and friendly social groups – sometimes a hot drink and a good chat is all you need.
For ideas, maps and local tips, visit the Visitor Information Centre at 359 Point Nepean Road, Dromana or contact: 5950 1579 info@tourism.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Sustainable gardening
My Smart Garden is a free program that will help you grow food, shelter your home from the sun and wind, create homes for native plants and animals, use water wisely and reduce waste.
Peninsula residents can join free events across Melbourne and online. Find events, resources and sign up to the e-newsletter via the website: mysmartgarden.org.au 5970 2890
Carer support
The Brotherhood of St Laurence offers a carer support program for carers living in Victoria, with a particular focus on the southeast region.
The program aims to provide short-term, higher-level support where standard services may not meet the carers needs. You don’t need to live with the person you care for, and carers from all backgrounds are welcome.
Support may include in-home respite, or overnight respite care for individuals over 65, equipment to aid carers in their responsibilities, wellbeing services, social support groups, carer’s groups, outings/short-term holidays and food support. For more information visit: carergateway.gov.au 1800 422 737
2025 Mornington Peninsula Seniors Festival
This year’s Theme is Connect. Create. Celebrate.
During October, you can join in a range of free or low-cost events and activities on our Peninsula.
This year’s theme promotes connecting or reconnecting with your interests, skills, and hobbies. It’s also inviting you to join in events and meet new people.
Furry Felines need a home
Due to the long summer, the Mornington Peninsula Animal Shelter has lots of kittens and young cats waiting to find their forever homes.
We have a wide variety of friendly felines and other animals, all different sizes, colours, and breeds ready to become part of a loving family. Whether you’re looking for a playful kitten, a gentle older cat, or other furry friend, you’re sure to find a perfect match.
You’re welcome to call, email, drop in, or browse our animals available for adoption online at: mornpen.vic.gov.au/petsforadoption 5950 1838 casgroup@mornpen.vic.gov.au 130 Watt Road, Mornington
Have your say
As a community newsletter, we welcome your input. What would you like to read about? Would you like to advertise an event?
Create your own path and remain curious as you age. Be creative and celebrate the diversity of older people on the Peninsula.
The Seniors Festival Guides will be available in August in hard copy and on the Shire website. For more information, contact: positiveageing@ mornpen.vic.gov.au
5950 1695
Please email your ideas to:
positiveageing@mornpen.vic.gov.au
5950 1000
We are committed to Positive Ageing. Contact us for a copy of the We All Belong Strategy.
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
