Southern Peninsula
Crime dips on peninsula, but concerns remain
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
CRIME across the Mornington Peninsula has begun to ease for the first time in five years, according to newly released figures from the Crime Statistics Agency.
There were 12,194 criminal offences recorded in the Mornington Peninsula LGA in the year ending December 2025, down from 12,726 offences in the previous year, a drop
of 4.2 per cent.
Mornington was the peninsula suburb most affected by crime, followed closely by Rosebud and Hastings.
The data shows crime dropped across some of the highest recorded offences including breach family violence order, steal from motor vehicle, criminal damage and other theft.
However, steal from retail store went up 20.6 per cent with 905 incidents recorded, while family violence serious assaults went up 29 per cent
with 196 incidents.
There were slight decreases in residential aggravated burglaries (186 incidents), residential non-aggravated burglaries (four incidents), and criminal damage (812 incidents).
Motor vehicle thefts went up slightly from 569 incidents to 577 incidents.
Data also showed of 5187 offences being investigated; 42.5 per cent of all offences recorded on the peninsula, remained unsolved.
In neighbouring Frankston, total offences went down 0.5 per cent from 17,386 to 17,293 incidents. The area saw a 11.7 increase in steal from motor vehicle, and a 30 per cent increase in breach bail conditions.
Statewide, criminal offences have continued to rise with 30,592 criminal offences recorded in Victoria last year, an increase of or 4.2 per cent.
Victoria Police said overall crime was “starting to stabilise” after several years of sharp increases.
Car theft reached its highest level since 2001, with more than 32,000 cars stolen last year. Key cloning devices were common in stealing Holden Commodores, Toyotas (Land Cruiser, Corolla, Hilux, Rav4) and Subaru Imprezas.
Child offending has accounted for 57.6 per cent of carjackings, 52.6 per cent of home invasions, 47.8 per cent of aggravated burglaries and 62.4 per cent of robberies.
Continued Page 10
FIREWORKS filled the night sky in celebration of the official opening of Searoads Ferries’ new Sorrento terminal on Friday (20 March). While earlier in the night, attendees were visited by a special guest (inset).
Pictures: Gary Sissons Terminal open!
Only the Liberals will rebuild Rosebud Hospital. Labor hasn’t. Independents can’t.
Authorised by A Hannam, 1243 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud 3939.
Jess Wilson Victorian Liberal Leader
Shire pushes to drop glass bin, ease costs for ratepayers
Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
MORNINGTON Peninsula ratepayers could avoid higher costs associated with the state government’s proposed four-bin waste system, after councillors voted unanimously to remove a glass bin rollout plan.
At their meeting on 17 March at Mount Eliza Community Hall, Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors considered how to implement the government’s waste reform legislation, which aims to standardise recycling and waste services across Victoria.
The full reforms would introduce a four-bin system with consistent lid colours across the state, designed to reduce confusion and improve recycling rates, including bins for general waste, mixed recycling, food and garden organics (FOGO), and glass recycling.
Victorian councils have been given 1 July 2027 as the implementation deadline, but the government has not legislated this requirement yet, and the shire stated, “there are still unknown details to the reform.”
At their meeting councillors voted to continue the mandatory FOGO and bin lid standardisation but would advocate to remove the mandatory glass bin requirement, adding a dedicated glass service would not be able to meet the 2027 deadline.
According to a council report, it’s estimated supplying bins and lids for a fully compliant system, including new purple-lidded glass bins for all
households, FOGO bins for those not currently using the service, and updating non-standard bin lids, would cost around $8.5m.
Removing the glass bin from the rollout would reduce the capital cost to $4-4.5m and lower ongoing operational costs by $1.2m per year.
“Full compliance with the state government’s service reforms (including the glass bin) is estimated to result in an increase in the waste service charge of $55 to $70 per household per year,” a shire report stated.
“Partial compliance, as recom-
mended in this report, would reduce ongoing operational costs by approximately $1.2m per year and result in an increase of $40 to $50 per household, including capital and ongoing operational costs.”
The shire also noted that glass containers were already recycled through the container deposit scheme and that a separate bin could impose unnecessary costs on residents.
Speaking at the meeting, Cr David Gill said removing the glass bin need would relieve the ratepayer hip pocket.
“The staggering cost is $8.5m to
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ratepayers - that’s at a time when we’re saying to everybody we need to watch how we’re going about these sorts of things and the cost of living,” he said.
“I think this is a bit of an unnecessary cost-of-living input onto our ratepayers because they have to pay for it. I believe there’s no longer a need for glass collection, especially if the state government extends the collection of recycled glass to more forms of glass.
“If we can save having four bins, I think our community would be much happier.”
Cr Kate Roper said, “our report shows some of these changes are impractical or impossible within the timelines, especially introducing the mandatory glass service”.
Currently, the council provides FOGO service to around 56 per cent of properties through an opt-in system, which removes food and green waste from the general waste stream. Making FOGO mandatory would initially increase costs for households not currently opted in but may reduce costs for those who already pay for the service. Shire officers said a mandatory FOGO service had multiple long-term benefits.
With the closure of Rye Landfill in 2026, all residual waste will need to be sent off the peninsula, increasing disposal costs.
Another component of the reform is standardising bin lid colours. Many bins currently have dark green lids for general waste and light blue for recycling, which can confuse residents and visitors.
The council said aligning lid colours with state standards is expected to reduce contamination in recycling, saving the shire $1-2m per year in disposal costs.
Shire officers warned transitioning to a four-bin system (accounting for bin production, delivery, lid replacements, and community education) would take 18-24 months to implement.
Some neighbouring councils, such as Frankston, have already implemented the four-bin system.
Brendan
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Flinders MP details second European trip for 2026
FLINDERS MP Zoe McKenzie has updated her parliamentary Statement of Registerable Interests detailing last month’s European trip; the second for 2026, and the seventh overseas trip since she was elected in 2022.
McKenzie travelled to Germany, Belgium and France between 13 and 28 February with transport, meals and accommodation for the 19-28 February portion in Brussels and Berlin provided by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Regional Programme - Australia and the Pacific. McKenzie funded the France portion of her trip herself.
The KAS is a political foundation, closely associated with the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU). The organisation’s website states it makes “a contribution underpinned by values to helping Germany meet its growing responsibilities throughout the world”.
Her other European trip this year was between 21 and 25 January when McKenzie travelled to Germany to attend and address the Political Tech Summit in Berlin, hosted by the Meliore Foundation.
Between 6 – 13 September last year, McKenzie travelled as part of the Denmark Offshore Wind Delegation with partial coverage of international flights and all in-country costs provided by the Royal Danish Embassy and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The group inspected onshore and offshore wind and Renewable Energy Terminal /
port interests in Copenhagen, Allborg, Osterlid, Hvide Sande, Give, Billund and Esbjerg.
In her first term as the Member for Flinders, McKenzie had four overseas trips.
Her first trip was to Egypt in November 2022 to attend COP27, with airfares, accommodation, transportation and hospitality supplied by the Coalition for Conservation.
In October 2023, McKenzie travelled to Brussels and Germany, with meals and accommodation in Brussels
and Berlin provided by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Regional Programme - Australia.
McKenzie travelled to Israel in December 2023 as part of a bipartisan parliamentary delegation hosted by the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council which describes itself as “the premier public affairs organisation for the Australian Jewish community”.
In October 2024, McKenzie travelled to India with flights, accommodation, ground transport and hospitality provided by the Robert
Bosch Stiftung, a foundation active in the areas of health, education, and global issues.
McKenzie’s latest European trip between 13 and 28 February was not acknowledged on her Facebook page, but during the time she was away, there was a post congratulating Angus Taylor for being elected the new leader of the federal parliamentary Liberal Party, a post acknowledging her appointment as a Shadow Minister under the new leadership team, a video criticising the state of Victoria’s
MCKENZIE’S most recent trip to Europe last month included a visit to NATO where she heard Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy address the alliance.
Picture: Zoe McKenzie
roads, a post spruiking a petition to rebuild Rosebud Hospital, a post congratulating Anthony Marsh for being preselected as the Liberal Candidate for the Nepean by-election, and a post launching an Easter colouring in competition.
Her trip was acknowledged with posts on her LinkedIn page.
A spokesperson from McKenzie’s office told The News “No trip was funded by the public purse. Zoe has not joined any of the Parliamentary trips which are taxpayer funded. All Zoe’s trips are all funded externally, and the details are included in the Members Interests Statements”.
“Zoe also has a tendency to work when she is on self-funded holidays built around seeing friends and family overseas, having lived and worked in Europe.
“In fact, Zoe has not taken a holiday without working part of it, since 2022 shortly after her election.
“Zoe has been engaged in France Australian Relations for some 30+ years and was awarded the Ordre National du Merite for service to the bilateral relationship in 2018, a service she continues in her parliamentary career, and has extended to focus on Australia’s deepening relationships with the EU.”
Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au
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Mornington Special Development School
MORNINGTON Special Development School has been upgraded with new classrooms.
The $8m state government project includes new art and food technology areas, a multi-purpose space, and four special needs learning areas, each sharing amenities, kitchen, storage, breakout zones and withdrawal spaces.
Designed by Katz Architecture, it also features wide pathways, accessible bathrooms ramps and indoor-outdoor connections to “promote student
independence and safe movements throughout the school”.
The redevelopment also includes a library and community hub with landscaped areas including meeting rocks and a serpentine trail, each of which realises connections with country.
“Connection with landscape is key, and all spaces aim to engage and relate with external learning areas wherever possible,” Katz Architecture said.
Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh visited the school on 16 March to
announce works had completed before touring the new facilities.
“Our investment in Mornington Special Development School means local students can access world-class facilities close to home,” he said.
“I was delighted to tour the brandnew facilities at Mornington Special Development and see how the school community will benefit from the investment.”
Brendan Rees
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A NEWLY revamped Mornington Special Development School. Picture: Supplied
Looking west for an indication of the voters’ mood
WITH less than six weeks until the Nepean by-election, electoral rolls are now closed and candidates are able to officially nominate for the race.
A new name has entered the contest with Milton Wilde nominating for “End Mass Immigration – Reform AU”. Wilde joins the Liberal Party (Anthony Marsh), Victorian Greens (Sianan Healy), One Nation (Darren Hercus), Libertarians (Peter Angelico), and Indepdendents for Mornington Peninsula (Tracee Hutchison) to make up the six contesting Nepean so far.
Pundits from the major parties would have looked to South Australia over the weekend, and pondered how the results there will offer an insight into both the Nepean by-election and in the general election in November.
One Nation surged in the South Australian poll, grabbing the lower house seat of Ngadjuri that was previously held by the Liberal Party, and could potentially win more than one seat.
One Nation’s Nepean by-election candidate Darren Hercus told The News “For One Nation’s David Paton to win the SA seat of Ngadjuri is a terrific result. For One Nation to be second overall on the primary vote is outstanding. We could potentially win two or three more lower house seats that are currently undecided”.
It is a seismic shift for what has keen considered until recently a minor party. In fact, before Saturday, One Nation had never won a single lower house state seat outside Queensland.
Why does it matter?
The Nepean by-election, not contested by Labor, is shaping up as a barometer of new Liberal Party leader Jess Wilson’s ability to turn around a jaded base, while also being a measuring stick of the purported surge in support for One Nation.
The Liberal Party currently holds just 20 of the 88 seats in the Legislative Assembly. Even in coalition with the Nationals (who hold nine), the parties would need to flip a minimum of 16 seats to win in November.
Come November, if One Nation poll strongly, it is likely to be a preferences boon for the Liberal Party. That could be enough to make the difference to their November fortunes.
If One Nation poll even better, we could see the party picking up lower
house seats in Victoria, just like we have seen in South Australia.
It was unthinkable a few years ago, but one scenario would be that the Liberal/Nationals fail to pick up the required 16 seats, and One Nation pick up seats. It could be that the Liberal Party would be forced to do a deal with One Nation to govern.
The general election is a long way away, but the first indications of what is in store come November may be seen on 2 May.
No doubt the bean counters in both the Liberal Party and Labor are watching closely.
Liberal Candidate Anthony Marsh was joined by the deputy leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, David Southwick MP, on Friday. After hitting the hustings during the day, they attended
the unveiling of the new Searoad Ferries Sorrento terminal on Friday night.
Marsh also took to social media last week after witnessing the aftermath of a learner driver, doing a lesson with an instructor, hitting a pothole, blowing the tyre.
INDEPENDENT candidate Tracee Hutchison’s campaign launch in Rye on Sunday 15 March.
“What could have been a very, very dangerous situation luckily just resulted in some damage to the instructor’s car,” said Marsh.
“This is not good enough. Our local roads are not good enough. Nepean needs a representative with a proven track record of fixing our roads.”
Independent for Mornington Peninsula candidate Tracee Hutchison had her campaign launch in Rye on Sunday 15 March.
After the event she posted to social media “Thank you to everyone who
came to our Campaign Launch. I’m determined to make the positive change you’re telling me you want in Nepean”.
“We’ve been out on the streets listening to your concerns, working hard to be your voice in Parliament.”
Meanwhile, Victorian Greens candidate for the by-election, Sianan Healy has taken to social media to voice her opposition to the planned development at Arthurs Seat Eagle.
“Despite more than 400 submissions from locals opposing it, the Victorian Government recently approved construction of a massive privately owned rollercoaster right through a state park here on Arthurs Seat (Wonga). Yep - this precious public green space, a crucial wildlife corridor and stunning natural environment that should be available to all of us to use, is being handed over to a billionaire-owned corporation,” said Healy.
“And we’re angry about it. We’re tired of not being listened to, of seeing big business and government cosying up together to make decisions that line their pockets while locals and the environment pay the price.”
The Victorian Greens’ will be officially launching their Nepean by-election campaign at Blairgowrie Community Hall on 29 March.
Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au
Picture: Supplied
Photos: Yanni
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Parents: Jessica & Nathan
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Birth
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Council
Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
A PUBLIC reserve strip in Mornington is set to be sold and rezoned for new homes, with a developer expected to create a replacement park.
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors approved the move at their 17 March meeting, despite resident opposition to the proposal.
The land at 93 Watt Rd, described as “part of Reserve No 1 on Plan of Subdivision 346179,” sits between 8 and 10 Woodbyne Crescent. The long, narrow strip stretches about 163 metres and 10 metres wide, providing open space and a pedestrian link between Woodbyne Crs and Racecourse Rd.
Council documents show the site was flagged for sale after a property review and assessed under the shire’s policies for disposing of surplus land.
“The sale of council land is a significant decision. Council adopted the Disposal of Property ‘Deemed Excess and/or Inappropriate’ Policy in 2009 and the Property Strategy in 2018, which guides decision making in relation to the sale of land,” the report stated.
“The sale of council land may only be considered where the land is surplus or unsuitable for municipal purpose (policy) and where there is no ongoing service need or council’s delivery approach has changed (strategy).
“The land has been identified for potential divestment and assessed against the sale criteria within the policy and the strategy.”
If sold, the block would be added to the adjoining property and could be developed under approved planning rules.
The council said the sale would be separate from any rezoning or subdivision applications, including planning scheme amendment c247morn, which is a separate planning pro-
cess seeking to rezone and subdivide the site.
As part of the sale deal, the purchaser would also be required to provide replacement open space in Woodbyne Crs equal to the land sold.
During community consultation, 50 submissions were received. Of these, 64 per cent opposed the sale, citing concerns of traffic, strain on infrastructure, and change the character of the neighbourhood.
Four respondents were unsure, while 28 per cent supported the plan.
Cr David Gill, who voted against the proposal, expressed serious concerns about the impact.
“I have some trepidation about the proposal. I think what I’m seeing, it brings to light the lack of community infrastructure provided by developers in general, without pointing to any particular developers, in general, because that’s the way things are set up,” he said.
Gill warned that developments like this could increase traffic and infrastructure needs.
“Subdivisions like this one increase the amount of traffic. They increase the need for infrastructure,” he said.
“It’s quite substantial. In Mornington, it might not be noticed much, but in most communities on the peninsula, it would be a very large piece of increased housing.”
Council documents noted that the replacement park would need to include full park infrastructure, ensuring the community retains access to green space even as the reserve is sold off.
Cr Kate Roper said she hoped a new playground would be considered.
Acting mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro supported the decision “as it provides a structured pathway to necessary statutory planning and also, importantly, replacement considerations for open space”.
SOVANATABUA
CHARLOTTE MARY
DYLAN
ISABELLA
Brendan
THE reserve at Mornington. Picture: Supplied
Statement indicates mediation progress for landslide victims
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire and South East Water (SEW) have issued a joint statement that agreement has been reached with some affected residents, facilitating critical works to be undertaken, and providing a pathway for residents to return to their homes.
The board of inquiry’s report into the McCrae landslide of 14 January 2025 found the landslide, which destroyed a house and injured a council worker, was due to a burst water main owned by South East Water (SEW).
Inquiry chair Renée Enbom KC found the burst water main was located 450m south of the destroyed property, near the corner of Bayview Rd and Outlook Rd. Prior to its repair on 31 December 2024, the water main leaked 40.3 million litres of water undetected; the equivalent to approximately 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
In the months leading up to the landslide, McCrae residents reported concerns and complaints about water in the area. It was creating potholes, flowing down streets, bubbling up through the roads, and saturating nature strips. The report concluded the shire did not share information with SEW regarding the high landslide risk in McCrae and that overall “landslide risk was, and is, largely forgotten”.
Recommendation One of the board of inquiry’s findings was that “a Vic-
torian Government Minister appoint an experienced mediator to engage in a structured process with the Shire, SEW, affected landowners and any other necessary parties, with a view to reaching agreement in relation to appropriate landslide mitigation and remediation works at and around the
site of the McCrae Landslide”. Recommendation Two was that to inquiry “recommends the Shire and SEW appoint or engage a suitably experienced individual to lead and oversee their participation in the mediation process, with a view to bringing a fresh and pragmatic
McCrae Landslides”.
“Agreement has been reached with some residents during the mediation process, and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and South East Water both consider that this will facilitate critical works to be undertaken and provide a pathway for residents to return to their homes.
“In close consultation with the most affected residents, the design of these critical works is being progressed. While the formal mediation process has now concluded, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and South East Water are both committed to ongoing engagement to address remaining issues.”
perspective to the issues”.
In January this year, Dan Star KC was appointed mediator, and the mediation process began.
On 20 March, the joint statement from the shire and SEW stated that “Significant progress has been made addressing the consequences of the
A total of 19 properties were originally evacuated. Eleven properties have had emergency orders lifted and those residents are allowed to safely move back into their homes. No affected parties were willing to discuss the progress of the mediation with The News understanding they were bound by strict confidentiality clauses.
One source from among the affected parties told The News “We are working very hard with the shire and South East Water towards a speedy agreement”.
Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au
THE 14 January 2025 landslide occurred after 40.3 million litres of water leaked from a burst water main. Picture: Yanni
Mum’s cancer fight finds new meaning
By Brendan Rees
FOR mum Renee Bradshaw,
the Mother’s Day Classic has become an antidote to one of the toughest chapters of her life.
The annual event now holds deep personal meaning for the breast cancer survivor, who will take part for the eighth year and use the occasion to raise awareness and give back after her own cancer battle.
“I was diagnosed in 2018 with breast cancer, and I had no symptoms at all. And my mammogram didn’t pick it up at all,” she said.
“I was at the doctors with my boys. I thought I should get a check; it had been so long. My GP found the lump and sent me to the mammogram, which didn’t find it. So then when she referred me for an ultrasound, that’s what picked it up.”
At just 38, Renee, a support worker at Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter, said the news was hard to process.
“I mean, I was 38 years old, so of course, with the thinking, too young, can’t be me.”
Her treatment stretched over a year including six months of chemotherapy, preventative surgery to remove her ovaries, and a double mastectomy with reconstruction.
But it was during that battle that the Mother’s Day Classic took on new significance.
“While I was going through chemo, I’d heard about the Mother’s Day Classic in the past, but not that having gone through it before, I didn’t really take much notice. And then of course, once you’re going through it, all of a
sudden, everything matters.”
Renee’s first event in 2019 came just weeks after major surgery, and looked a little different.
“My very first Mother’s Day Classic was only two weeks after I had my surgery. While I was in the hospital the day of, I ended up walking around the hospital ward with my IV pole and a pink feather boa,” she said.
“My friends who I was supposed to do it with brought me my medal and did it with me around the hospital ward and gave me my medal at the end, which was really cool.”
Since then, she has taken part every year, even completing the event on a treadmill during COVID, and has turned it into a family tradition, with her eldest son Charlie joining in while younger son Luke prefers to donate.
Her participation is also known for its humour and creativity, with costumes becoming a trademark, including a handmade “bra cape” worn during last year’s 8km walk.
Beyond the fun, Renee said her mission was clear.
“I really want to spread that awareness and make people know that it
doesn’t discriminate with age or even gender,” she said.
Now a Mother’s Day Classic ambassador, she hopes sharing her story will remind others of the importance of early detection and community support - the very things that helped her through.
The Mother’s Day Classic will be held on 11 May.
To donate to Renee’s fundraiser for breast cancer research, visit: mothersdayclassic.com.au/ fundraisers/reneebradshaw
Continued from Page 1
Victoria Police deputy commissioner regional operations Bob Hill said , “While it’s heartening that crime appears to be stabilising, it will take time before offending reduces to levels more traditionally seen in Victoria”.
“With 230,213 different victims of crime, we are seeing far too many innocent community members harmed.
“Our officers are remarkably efficient at holding prolific and dangerous offenders accountable, with thousands of youth gang arrests, record knife seizures, and family violence offenders locked up every half hour.”
Mornington MP Chris Crewther said it was concerning that criminal incidents on the peninsula had seen increases in serious assaults (up 21 per cent), assault emergency services workers (up 19 per cent) including a September paramedic incident in Mornington, and aggravated robbery (up 23 per cent).
“Concerningly, 286,329 crimes across Victoria now remain unsolved, a 15 per cent increase over the past year, not helped by 1500 police vacancies - and more than 40 stations including Mornington closed or operating on reduced reception hours under this state Labor government,” he said.
“Labor has been weak on crime and have totally mismanaged supporting our police over their last 12 years in a row of government.”
Renee Bradshaw at last year’s Mother’s Day Classic. Picture: Supplied
Documentary captures Rosebud from another time
Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au
A PAIR of filmmakers, working on a project to document the lives of centenarians, have interviewed a 110-yearold woman who grew up in Rosebud.
The astounding recollections of Edie Dryden, who was born while Australians were still entrenched at Gallipoli, shines a light on a distant time in our past.
Edie was born on 16 October 1915 in Wandin, country Victoria. Her parents were strawberry farmers and her early life was shaped by a world without many of today’s modern comforts.
As a young child she moved to Rosebud where she completed her schooling and met Edward (Ted) Dryden. They married in 1933 at St Francis Xavier Church in Frankston and began their life together during the years of the Great Depression.
She details how her father sold his farm in Wandin and purchased “a lot of land” on the Mornington Peninsula because it was so cheap.
“People thought we were awfully rich as they were all so poor down there,” said Edie.
She attended school in Rosebud. There were just 47 pupils and one teacher. Her best friends was Ethel Bundy. She stayed at school until the eighth grade.
“My father didn’t want us to go on any further. He used to say ‘women don’t need education’,” said Edie.
“It was a different life then.”
When Edie left school, she worked
in a grocery shop in Rosebud.
After getting married to Ted Dryden, the couple moved to Seaford.
Edie eventually had six children; five boys and one girl.
Edie recounts the trauma of losing daughter Judith at just 13. She had contracted rheumatic fever that damaged her heart.
“I collapsed. I didn’t come to until all my people were there sitting around. So I can’t remember very much about her falling. She was in my arms. I know I was holding her. And that’s when she died.”
Edie never really recovered from the trauma of losing her daughter.
The family lived in Yarragon for a time before eventually moving to Yackandandah, where Edie still lives in a nursing home.
She talks about all her children, with three of them “in heaven”. She says “I hope to see them all again”.
The 100 Project was created by filmmakers John Winter and Ros Walker, who believe that people who have lived the longest offer a unique perspective on the world — one that often leads to the most surprising and powerful stories.
You can view the interview here: the100project.com/centenarian/ediedryden
EDIE Dryden at 110 and, above, in 1934 during the Great Depression with her firstborn son William. Pictures: Supplied
EDIE (on the right) with her brothers and sister, circa 1918. And, right, pictured with husband Ted at Rosebud in 1952. Pictures: Supplied
THE development proposal is being led by Chris Procter, former CEO of Sealite. And, right, a render of the proposed development in Somerville. Picture: Supplied
State green lights high-tech industry park in Somerville
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
THE state government has approved a plan to build a $405m high-tech industry and business park in Somerville that aims to ease a critical shortage of industrial land in the region.
The project by Procter Investments Pty Ltd would occupy a parcel of land at 79 and 83 Bungower Rd in Somerville, spanning some 37 hectares, with $1b projected in economic value.
Under the proposal, the development would offer facilities for manufacturing, research and development, smaller start-ups and small to medium enterprises, with 1100 jobs expected to be generated.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny last week approved the plans, known as Amendment C243morn, which would see the land rezoned from Special Use Zone (SUZ1) to Industrial 3 Zone to allow development of a technology, industry and business park.
This rezoning represents the first time in more than 45 years that land set aside for port-related uses has been released for general industry.
The site had been set aside for port-related uses since 1981, under what was known as the Hastings Port Industrial Area Planning Scheme. In 2018, the site was declared surplus to the requirements of the Port of Hastings and was identified for investigation for industrial uses.
The business park development is being led by local resident Chris Procter, former CEO of Sealite, which operated for over 20 years in Somerville, designing and manufacturing high-tech navigation aids for
marine and aviation applications.
In 2021, Sealite was acquired by NYSE-listed SPX Corporation.
Speaking to The News, Procter said with the planning scheme amendment now approved, the project would move into a detailed planning and design phase, as well as preparation of a master plan.
He said the direct construction cost was estimated at $357.2m which was expected to generate another $450.7m in indirect construction output elsewhere in the economy, totalling $807.9m construction output to the economy during the construction phase.
“After selling Sealite in 2021, I’m proud to be building something that will make it easier for great businesses to flourish - a place where technology companies can grow and thrive on the peninsula,” he said.
“When we started Sealite in a garage in Somerville, there was nowhere purpose-built for a business like ours to grow into. This precinct is designed so the next generation of founders on the peninsula don’t face that same constraint.”
The Planning Minister’s approval follows Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors voting in support of endorsing an independent planning panel’s report regarding the proposed development at their 23 September meeting last year.
Proponent Cr Kate Roper said, “council have been supportive of this proposal which has come before us several times”.
“This will provide jobs for locals and promote the area as a technology hub, which we hope will increase investment in the tech area with further business and employment opportuni-
ties. Plans for a much-needed soccer pitch also sit in the plans which will address a shortfall in soccer facilities in Western Port,” she said.
Procter said site works were expected to begin in due course with the plan to capture around three hectares on the northwest corner of the site as a community precinct including recreation spaces/sports facilities, hospitality such as a microbrewery, and potential co-working locations among other non-industrial uses.
As reported by The News, hundreds of residents have signed petitions since 2020 opposing the proposed development, citing increased traffic concerns, environmental impacts, and a missed opportunity to address the region’s housing crisis.
A concerned resident lobby group, which is currently fighting the plans, said the state planning decision had “left residents feeling that their environment and the amenity of their town has been disregarded and dismissed”.
“Once again residents have been blind-sided by council failing to provide transparent and clear communication regarding the outcome of this matter,” a statement from the group said.
“Traffic concerns on Bungower Rd remain in the forefront for residents already struggling with the high volume of traffic. The addition of an industrial development on a rural road will only exacerbate this issue.
“A recent traffic study conducted by council has highlighted a blackspot at the intersection of Bungower and Frankston-Flinders roads. This is in contrast to the reports provided at the state hearing which suggested that the increased heavy vehicle movements
would not impact local traffic flow and safety.
“The Somerville area has one the worst koala kill records on the peninsula, which is well within the development radius. However environmental documents submitted stated that there was no significant wildlife within 10km of the site.”
The lobby group’s statement also noted there had been several by-laws including cultural heritage, “that will require much further investigation once a development proposal has been submitted. While the state government have approved the rezoning, to date no current environmental impact studies have been carried out”.
“The existing gas infrastructure has had work undertaken for several months to address a leak. How can this pipeline safely coexist running through an industrial development?”
“Concerned residents remain hopeful that common sense will prevail and any further industrial development will take place in a more suitable area.”
The News raised these community concerns with Procter, who, in response said while there was significant community support for the project, “we also understand that change of this scale can bring community concern”.
“The concerns that have been raised have genuinely shaped the planning framework, and I think the evidence is clear that this precinct will deliver significant net benefits to the peninsula in jobs, infrastructure and environmental outcomes that wouldn’t otherwise be achieved,” he said.
“On traffic specifically, the panel heard expert evidence from two
independent traffic engineers, one engaged by council and one by our team. Their findings confirmed that even under a high-growth scenario with the precinct fully developed, Bungower Rd would carry approximately 15,000 vehicles per day, which is well within the road’s capacity of 18,000 vehicles per day”.
“The one intersection that will need attention (Bungower Rd and Frankston-Flinders Rd) has feasible upgrade options that will be worked through as part of the detailed Transport and Movement Plan required before development proceeds.
Procter also noted the rezoning didn’t introduce industrial activity, but changed the types of industry permitted, from heavy port-related uses to lighter technology-based industries “with significantly lower amenity impacts”.
“The panel found the Industrial 3 zone is specifically designed to buffer between heavier industrial land and residential communities,” he said.
“With respect to the environment, the panel confirmed that ecological values have been appropriately assessed, with a detailed Ecological Assessment and Native Vegetation Management Plan required to identify opportunities to retain the highestvalue vegetation.”
Hastings MP Paul Mercurio, a key supporter of the plan since 2020, said the Minister’s approval of the planning amendment “clears the way for something genuinely exciting for this community, including employment opportunities and economic benefits”.
“I’ve known Chris Procter for six years and his vision for the technology park has never wavered. This is going to be a real win for the area.”
50 Flinders Avenue, Rosebud .
Inviting hidden gem in convenient locale
This warm, inviting and characterful home has been updated throughout, perfect for families and hosting. With well-equipped kitchen, large lounge/dining, 3BRs, 2bath, private patio and gardens, 2 fireplaces, ducted cooling and parking. A hidden gem close to local amenities, beach and freeway access.
belleproperty.com
26 The Avenue, McCrae.
Sunlit bayside property with potential
Delightful move-in-ready home with lounge, dining, modern kitchen, 3BR, 2bath, alfresco, large gardens, ample off-street parking and carport. The generous site is a great development opportunity and offers a perfect setting for a dream coastal home, 500m stroll to the beach, cafés and shops.
belleproperty.com
Federation Icon by Fisherman’s Beach
AN elegant, renovated Circa 1911 beachside residence in a blue-chip location by Fisherman’s Beach, this property creates a captivating scene by the coast.
This is a character-filled Federation-era home delivering a beautiful fusion of period charm and modern luxury, while being steps to the shore and walking distance to Main Street. It is low-maintenance, effortlessly single-
HOME ESSENTIALS
level, and graceful, introduced by a traditional facade and backdropped by a beautiful private courtyard terrace.
Soaring ceilings, hardwood floorboards, chandeliers and shutters share space inside with a fireplace and a magnificent windowwalled family room featuring an exposed brick feature wall.
Enjoy modern bathrooms, an entertainer’s
stone kitchen, and a privileged beachside setting delivering sea breezes and yearround beach walks on a whim.
- Renovated Circa 1911 seaside home on a low-maintenance 321m2 (approx) block
- Blue-chip beachside location steps to Fisherman’s Beach and near Main Street
- Expansive family and dining room, second living with a fireplace, and a sunroom
ADDRESS: 9 Wilsons Road Mornington FOR SALE: $1,250,000 - $1,350,000 DESCRIPTION: 2 beds, 2 bath, 2 car, 321m2 AGENT: Kara James - 0412 939 224, Area Specialist Mornington, Ground Level, Suite 4/315 Main St, Mornington
- Large stone kitchen with shake-style cabinetry, a Miele induction cooktop, and excellent storage
- Modern bathrooms, a large courtyard garden, a double carport, and a front porch
- Ducted heating, split system cooling, and soaring ceilings 3.2m high and above
- Rates $2467.90 per annum approx n
79 Bayview Road, McCrae.
Elegant home with breathtaking views
Set on a generous block, this elevated home has sunlit interiors and a breathtaking bay and peninsula outlook. Elegant and inviting, the home has expansive living, modern kitchen, 3BRs, 2bath, and a spacious front deck. In walking distance to the beach and cafés via a nearby underpass.
belleproperty.com
Sat 28 Mar 2.00pm
- $1,265,000
1 View Point Road, McCrae.
Bayside beauty for a relaxed lifestyle
This immaculate home has superb views of the bay and generous indoor/outdoor zones for family life and entertaining. With lounge/ dining, family room, 3BRs, 2 bathrooms, study, upper deck, lower deck with spa, plus large gardens. Minutes to the beach, shops and cafés, and near freeway access.
belleproperty.com
of interest
Tues 7 April 12pm Unless sold prior
Guide
- $2,695,000
3/40 Burrell Street, McCrae.
Coastal living, just footsteps to the beach
One street from the foreshore with views of the McCrae Lighthouse and Arthurs Seat, this beachside 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom town residence offers a private lift, stylish living areas, a striking kitchen, deck, two balconies, outdoor shower and double garage. One of only five, just steps to beaches, restaurants and transport.
belleproperty.com
2A Moorfield Avenue, Rosebud .
SOLD AT AUCTION | $755,000
Another property successfully sold by the Belle Property Dromana | Rosebud Team which means another ecstatic client and another delighted buyer. These results are why we love what we do. There are plenty of other buyers searching in this area, so if you're considering selling call us for your free appraisal today!
belleproperty.com
Colouring
AND RULES:
1. All details have been provided.
2. Only one entry per person. Age group 5 – 12 years old.
3. The entry must be submitted prior to Wednesday 1 April 2026. st
4. The entry may either be
Belle Property Dromana | Rosebud 03 5987 1999 215 Point Nepean Road, Dromana VIC 3936
dromana@belleproperty.com
belleproperty.com/dromana
Single-Level Villa in Blue-Chip Position
Nestled just a gentle stroll from the heart of Main Street, this enduring beachside villa whispers of coastal elegance, inviting a low-key lifestyle amongst refined style and house-sized proportions.
Brett Trebilcock | 0439 209 891
Cherie Mattinson | 0422 494 446
belleproperty.com
Peace & Privacy in Premier Position
Majestically framed by the lofty heights of established trees, this impressive poolside home achieves a remarkable harmony of space, modern elegance, and privacy on its expansive 3,155sqm (approx.) parcel.
Brett Trebilcock | 0439 209 891 Courtney Galati | 0417 541 207
A Grandstand to the Bay
Commanding a breathtaking panorama along Mornington's coastline and across the glittering expanse of Port Phillip Bay to the Sorrento ferry crossing and The Heads, this luxury residence harnesses the magic of seaside living just steps from scenic Nunns Walk coastal trail leading to Linley Point, Fishermans Beach and Daisy Cafe with Mornington town centre beyond.
The Guide
TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK
SATURDAY HOMEBODIES
SBS, 8.25pm
FRIDAY PATIENCE
ABC TV, 8.30pm
Former criminal record archivist Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis, left) proved herself integral to the York police in season one of this British crime thriller – helping detective Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) with a fresh perspective. But as season two begins, we learn that Metcalf moved to Glasgow without warning and has been replaced by DI Frankie Monroe (Jessica Hynes, Spaced). The abrasive and stern Monroe views Patience, who is autistic, as a liability. In this episode, a famous photographer is found dead at his exhibition.
This homegrown family drama about accepting the ghosts of the past might just give us all courage to love ourselves a little more. It follows Darcy (Luke Wiltshire), a young trans man reluctantly returning to his regional hometown to care for his estranged mother Nora (Claudia Karvan, right) after a fall. However, Darcy soon discovers that Nora hasn’t strictly been living on her own of late. Rather, she’s secretly taken on an unusual housemate: the “ghost” of his teenage, pre-transition self (Jazi Hall). Homebodies is a heartfelt, healing hour of power.
MONDAY
THE OUTLAWS
ABC ENTERTAINS, 8.30pm
In this series from Stephen Merchant, seven strangers are court-ordered to work on the renovation of a derelict community centre in Bristol. Their disdain for the menial labour grows into a resentment for each other, but their luck changes when a bag of cash falls from a ceiling tile. Poldark Eleanor Tomlinson, Baby Reindeer breakout star Jessica Gunning and Hollywood icon Christopher Walken (above right with Merchant) round out the cast.
WEDNESDAY MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL: ALLSTARS SUPERSHOW
ABC TV, 9.30pm
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival marks its 40th anniversary this year. And what better day to broadcast the celebration than April Fool’s Day?
Let our family help your family
At After-Care, we understand how important it is to feel safe and supported at home. Whether it’s a little extra help with daily tasks or more regular support, our caring team is here to make life easier for you and your loved ones. Let our family help your family – with compassion, dignity, and care you can trust.
Thursday, March 26
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes: Uzbekistan – The Golden Road.
8.30 Our Medicine. (PGa, R) George and Rob help a stroke patient.
9.40 A Spy Among Friends. (Final, MA15+) Old loyalties are tested and hard truths surface.
10.45 SBS World News Late. 11.15 In Memoriam. (Madls)
12.10 Blackwater. (MA15+as, R) 2.25 Silent Road. (Mav, R) 4.15 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 3. Geelong v Adelaide. From GMHBA Stadium, Victoria. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the match.
11.00 Kick Ons. Kane Cornes, Josh Jenkins and Jason Richardson debate the hottest topics and preview the upcoming AFL matches.
11.30 To Be Advised.
12.40 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R) 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.
Brett Blake and Bron Lewis (left) host this extravaganza from St Kilda’s Palais Theatre, featuring the comic stylings of Celia Pacquola, David O’Doherty, Dilruk Jayasinha, He Huang, Jenny Tian, Josie Long, Lou Wall, Nazeem Hussain, Phil Wang, Reuben Kaye, Tom Cashman and Sam Jay. From festival favourites to nextgeneration talents and everything in between, this legendary line-up has something to tickle even the creakiest of funny bones.
6.00 10 News+. 6.30
7.30 RBT. (Mdl, R) 8.30 Emergency. (Mm, R) A pregnant woman is injured in a traffic crash.
9.30 A+E Crash Scene Emergency. (Mahlv, R) Staff treats a 76-year-old heart attack victim.
10.30 The Equalizer. (Mav)
11.20 9News Late.
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 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
Friday, March 27
ABC (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Compass. (PG, R) 10.30 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
(3)
1.00 The Piano. (R) 1.45 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ml, R) 2.15 The Assembly. (PG, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.25 My Dream Green Home. (PGl) 10.15 Inside The Steam Train Museum. (R) 11.10 Inside Oxford Street. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Windsor Castle Fire: The Untold Story. (PGa, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy!
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Patience. (Return, M) A body is found drained of blood.
9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) Hosted by Alex Lee.
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGs, R)
10.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.15 Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala. (R)
1.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R) 2.00 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) Brooke Blurton meets the marine life of the Dampier archipelago.
8.30 Titanic In Colour. (R) Charts the history of the White Star Line’s RMS Titanic through colour images.
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Sisi. (Ma)
11.50 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+a, R)
1.40 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)
3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (PG, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(7)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown.
A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 3. Collingwood v GWS Giants. From Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the match.
11.15 GetOn Extra. Lizzie Jelfs, Matt Hill, Simon Marshall and Brent Zerafa dive headlong into the weekend’s best racing.
11.45 To Be Advised.
12.55 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
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6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Airport Security: USA. (PGad) Customs officials target express delivery items.
8.30 MOVIE: The Blind Side. (2009, PGdlv, R) A homeless teenager realises his dream of becoming a gridiron player, thanks to the aid of a kind family. Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw.
11.10 MOVIE: Fall. (2022, Malv, R)
Grace Caroline Currey.
1.00 Next Stop. 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. (PG, R)
(10)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Six contestants answer multiple-choice questions that escalate in cash-prize value. 7.30 Soccer. FIFA Series. Australia v Cameroon. From Accor Stadium, Sydney. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 Gogglebox Australia. (R) 1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Bamay. 3.05 Where Are You Really From? 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 Inside The Huddle. 6.10 Over The Black Dot. 6.40 The Future. 7.10 Jeopardy! 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Stolen. (2012) 10.15 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.05 Homeland. Midnight The Swiping Game. 12.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Volta a Catalunya. Stage 5. 2.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm Daniel Tiger’s. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Thomas. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 5.20 Millie Magnificent. 6.05 PJ Masks. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.50 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am
Discovering Film. 6.40 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 8.10 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 10.00 Fallen Leaves. (2023, Finnish) 11.30 That Good Night. (2017, M) 1.10pm The Fence. (2022, M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 5.10 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 7.30 Paradise Road. (1997, M) 9.40 Birthday Girl. (2001, M) 11.20 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Guardians Of The Wild. 11.00 Going Places. Noon MOVIE: The Fringe Dwellers. (1986, M) 1.45 Blackbird. 2.00 Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Guardians Of The Wild. 7.30 MOVIE: Gremlins. (1984, M) 9.30 MOVIE: Tenacious D In The Pick Of Destiny. (2006, MA15+) 11.10 Late Programs. NITV (34)
Saturday, March 28
TV (2)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 Football. VFL. Round 2. Sandringham v Werribee. From Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Victoria. 3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (Final, PG, R) 4.10 The Matter Of Facts. (PG, R) 5.00 Australian Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (PG) Two locals are poisoned by their own dinner.
8.15 Top End Bub. (M) Taya’s birthday turns to chaos with the arrival of Ned’s high-maintenance mother. Lauren secretly discovers who Taya’s father is.
8.40 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) Neville and the team investigate a death and discover a hidden world of data mining, crypto and murder.
9.40 Frauds. (M, R) Bert reveals her master plan.
10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.00 Vintage Voltage. (R) 10.55 Peter Andre’s Greek Odyssey. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Milan-San Remo. Men’s Race. Highlights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Gestapo: Hitler’s Secret Police. (PGavw, R) 5.35 Orphans Of WW2. (PGaw)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean: Majorca Pt 3. (PG) Joanna Lumley narrates a travelogue of Majorca. 8.25 Homebodies. After a man returns home to look after his estranged mother, he discovers her unusual housemate.
9.25 MOVIE: The Hostages’ Story. (2025, Mal) Documents the human cost of state hostage taking, including interviews with Australian Kylie Moore-Gilbert. Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, Richard Ratcliffe. 11.05 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R) 1.45 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R) 3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am The Zoo.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Family Stakes Day and Australian Cup Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Athletics. Maurie Plant Meet. From Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne. 9.30 MOVIE: Men In Black: International. (2019, Mv, R) After a probationary member of the MiB, an organisation that monitors and polices aliens on Earth, teams up with a fellow agent, they uncover a sinister plot that reveals a traitor is aiding an invasion. Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neeson.
11.45 To Be Advised. 1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Open For Inspection. 12.30 Drive TV: What Drives Us. 1.00 My Way. (R) 1.30 Great Australian Detour. (R) 2.00 Global Energy Revolution. 3.00 Explore TV. (R) 3.30
6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) The team helps Marg declutter her home.
8.30 MOVIE: Meg 2: The Trench. (2023, Mav) An exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean of a daring research team spirals into chaos. Jason Statham, Jing Wu, Shuya Sophia Cai.
10.50 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009, MA15+sv, R) Chris Carmack.
12.35 Epic Builds. (R)
1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa) 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)
6.30 The Dog House. (R) A man is hoping to find a best friend.
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. The competition is on, with team List It wanting to find Skye and Andrew a new home.
9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) A ’90s supermodel returns to New York for revenge. 11.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mv, R) The unit searches for an assailant. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am Morning Programs. 2.00 WorldWatch. 4.00 The Story Of. 4.35 The Future. 5.05 Mastermind Aust. 6.10 The Food That Built The World. 7.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike Championship. Round 2. 10.00 Abandoned Americana. 10.55 Marcella. 12.45am Bamay. 1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Volta a Catalunya. Stage 6. 3.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.50pm Kangaroo Beach. 2.25 Mister Maker Around The World. 2.45 Wiggle. 3.00 Play School’s Very Jazzy Street Party. 3.45 The Gruffalo. 4.30 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.10 The Snail And The Whale. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.25
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (R) 3.30 Inside The Sydney Opera House. (R) 4.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30 Fake Or Fortune? (Return)
6.30 Compass: Reclaiming Pride. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano. (PG) Presented by Guy Sebastian and Andrea Lam.
8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms) Debbie’s on a mission to catch a blackmailer.
8.50 Frauds. (Mlv) With Sam reeling and Bert desperately trying to keep control, the heist is thrown off track when trouble from home catches up with Bilal.
9.35 Blue Murder Motel. (PGa, R)
Two locals are poisoned by their own dinner.
10.25 Top End Bub. (Ml, R)
10.45 MOVIE: Sweetie. (1989, MA15+l, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Estonia From Above. (R) 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike Championship. Round 2. Replay. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Milan-San Remo. Women’s race. Highlights. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.30 Orphans Of WW2. (PGa)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Valley Of The Kings: Secret Tombs. Archaeologists look at the burial complex of Pharaoh Ramses III.
9.20 Leonardo Da Vinci: Painter–God Pt 1. (Ma, R) Looks at Da Vinci’s time as a military engineer.
10.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGav, R) 11.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Men’s race. 1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Women’s race. 3.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show. Pre-game coverage of the match. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 3. Carlton v Melbourne. 6.00
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
8.45 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Auditions continue as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
10.00 King Con: Life And Crimes Of Hamish McLaren. (Mal, R) A look at con man Hamish McLaren.
12.00 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Escape To The Country.
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls)
8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 9News Late.
10.10 My Wife, My Killer And The Secret Footage. (MA15+assv) A woman orchestrates her husband’s murder.
11.10 The First 48: Death In Desire. (MA15+a, R)
12.00 A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+av, R) 1.00 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
NITV (34)
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) The tribe continues to target the returnees. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) The team heads to the Top End to investigate a US-Australian training exercise that has appeared to turn deadly. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mas) A man claims his girlfriend has been kidnapped. Tynan comes down hard on Benson after a disagreement. Griffin defends his policework. 10.30 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.55 PBS News Compass Points. 5.25 Smoke And Steel: Secrets Of The Modern World. 6.20 The Architecture The Railways Built. 7.15 Abandoned Engineering. 8.15 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 9.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Volta a Catalunya. Stage 7. 11.20 House Of Blak: Miss First Nation. 11.50 The Great Amazon Heist. 12.50am Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm Mister Maker Around The World. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Thomas And Friends: Sodor Sings Together. 4.30 Little J And Big Cuz. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 8.00 Foxes: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Another Mother’s Son. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 8.50 Enchanted Kingdom. 10.30 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 12.20pm The Hummingbird. (2022, M, Italian) 2.40 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 4.25 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 6.25 Merchant Ivory. 8.30 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 10.40 Burning Days. (2022, MA15+, Turkish) 1am Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Pro Bull Riding Australia. Noon Over The Black Dot. 12.30 Inside The Huddle. 1.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 5. Highlights. 2.00 Dreaming Big. 2.30 Buffalo Legends. 3.40 Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90. 6.40 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 7.30 Our Medicine. 8.30 Saints And Warriors. 10.25 MOVIE: He Got Game. (1998) 12.55am Late Programs.
March
R)
Long Lost Family. (R) 1.15 Parliament Question Time. 2.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
Ragdoll. (MA15+av, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG) Thousands of fragile VE Day poppies arrive at the Tower.
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) Game show. Hosted by Jimmy Carr. 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) Hosted by Greg Davies. 10.05 SBS World News Late. 10.35 Other People’s Money. (Ml) 11.30 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R) 2.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 2.30pm Daniel Tiger’s. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Thomas. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 5.20 Millie Magnificent. 6.05 PJ Masks. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Crystalized. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Kids Baking C’ship. 11.05 Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 7.05 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 9.10 Discovering Film. 10.05 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.25pm Gloria Bell.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Brax and Ricky face a difficult decision.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Hen continues to seek out a diagnosis for her mysterious symptoms.
9.40 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
10.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)
11.40 Autopsy USA: Frank Sinatra. (Ma, R) 12.40 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)
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 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The unforgettable final test is back.
9.00 Footy Classified. (Ml) A team of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 100% Footy. (Mal)
11.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)
12.30 Sight Unseen. (Mav) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PG) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG)
Tuesday, March 31
ABC (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.05 The Matter Of Facts. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.05 My Dream Green Home. 10.00 Rome: Rise Of Empire. (PG, R) 10.55 DNA Journey. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Great House Revival. (R) 3.00 Trail Towns. (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters
6.30
8.30 The Matter Of Facts: Disinformation Versus Democracy. (PG) The team investigates how democracy is weakened.
9.20 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Nazeem Hussain. (PG, R) Virginia Trioli meets with Nazeem Hussain. 9.50 Compass. (PG, R)
10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Four Corners. (R) 11.50 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.10 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R) 12.55 Long Lost Family. (R) 1.40 Parliament. 2.40 Ragdoll. (MA15+v, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)
8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi explores sibling relationships. 9.30 Dateline: Glasgow – No Vacancy. 10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa) 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (Return, MA15+adlnsv) 11.55 Wolf. (Madlv, R) 2.10 Reset. (Mn, R) 3.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 2.30pm Daniel Tiger’s. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Thomas. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 5.20 Millie Magnificent. 6.05 PJ Masks. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.10 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.35 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs.
11.00 Destiny In Alice. 11.30 Vacation Plantation. 1pm MOVIE: The Saltwater Story. (2018, PG) 2.00 Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Ocean Parks. 7.30 Faboriginal. 8.00 House Of Blak: Miss First Nation. (Final) 8.30 MOVIE: Waiting To Exhale. (1995) 10.40 Late Programs. NITV (34)
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6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Casey is bitterly disappointed.
7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) Thousands of dollars are found in the street.
8.30 Doc. (Mad) Charlie fights for his life at Westside with Hannah by his side. The board launches an internal investigation.
9.30 House Of Wellness. (Return, PG) A team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates shares insights and experiences to highlight living well.
10.30 The Agenda Setters. (R) 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
12.00 Dirty John. (MA15+v)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Ambulance: Code Red. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30
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6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The final phase of the experiment sees a huge twist.
9.00 The Hunting Wives. (MA15+lnv) Margo hits the campaign trail.
10.00 Footy Classified. (Ml) 11.00 9News Late.
11.30 Next Stop. (PG)
12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Our State On A Plate. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
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6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PG) Contestants compete in a high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to win a cash prize. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Six contestants answer multiple-choice questions that escalate in cash-prize value. 7.30 Soccer. FIFA Series. Australia v Curacao. From AAMI Park, Melbourne. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 2.35pm Kars & Stars. 3.05 BBC News At Ten. 3.35 France 24. 4.05 PBS News. 5.05 Alone Denmark. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May: Our Man In... Japan. 9.30 Into The Void: Life, Death And Heavy Metal. 10.25 Chasing Speed. 11.20 Brassic. (Return) 1.10am WWE Legends. 3.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
Programs.
6am Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 10.00 Staring At Strangers. (2022, M, Spanish) Noon Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 1.40 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 3.35 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 5.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 7.30 Dragons Forever. (1988, M, Cantonese) 9.15 Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 11.00 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
9GEM (92) 7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Addams Family. 11.00 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.40pm MOVIE: Heart Of The Man. (2024, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Bruce Almighty. (2003, M) 10.30 Late Programs.
Wednesday, April 1
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.30 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.05 My Dream Green Home. (PGl) 9.55 Rome: Rise Of Empire. (R) 10.50 DNA Journey. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.35 Insight. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs) Hosted by Alex Lee.
8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGs) A satirical news program.
9.00 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms, R) Debbie’s on a mission to catch a blackmailer. 9.30 Melbourne Comedy Festival: Allstars Supershow. (Final) Hosted by Brett Blake and Bron Lewis.
11.30 Planet America. (R) 12.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 12.50 Long Lost Family. (R) 1.30 Parliament Question Time. 2.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip: Monaco To Menton. (PG) 8.25 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG, R) Explores the Nessie phenomenon. 9.20 Prisoner 951. (M) Richard’s hunger strike brings global attention. 10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Rise Of The Raven. (Premiere, MA15+v) 11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Return, MA15+v) 1.40 Classified. (MA15+v, R) 3.20 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (Ml, R) 3.45 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGas)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hamish McLachlan chats with Alastair Clarkson.
10.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Mal)
12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)
12.30 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 Explore TV: Antarctica. (R)
Pointless. (PG)
Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Travel Guides. (PGls, R)
8.30 MOVIE: Bride Wars. (2009, PGal, R) Best friends schedule their weddings on the same day. Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway.
10.20 One Tank Holiday. (R)
10.50 9News Late.
11.20 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Mav, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+.
Deal Or No Deal. (PG) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Tribemates give it their all at the reward challenge. 9.00 Elsbeth. (Mlv) Elsbeth leaps into the cutthroat world of New York ballet when an avant-garde choreographer’s Nutcracker rehearsal turns deadly. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.
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SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 1.50pm Kangaroo Beach. 2.30 Daniel Tiger’s. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Thomas. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 5.20 Millie Magnificent. 6.05 PJ Masks. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 9.05 Adv Time. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 7.05 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 8.55 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 10.35 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish, Icelandic) 12.30pm Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 2.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 4.00 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 5.40 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 7.30 Bad Eggs. (2003, M) 9.25 The Wog Boy. (2000) 11.10 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 MOVIE: Waiting To Exhale. (1995) 1.40pm Generations Of Men. 2.00 Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.45 Ocean Parks. 7.35 Ice Vikings. 8.30 Pro Bull Riding: USA. 9.30 Over The Black Dot. 10.00 Inside The Huddle. 10.30 MOVIE: Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, M) 12.20am Late Programs.
The Movie Show. 11.40 Lion Dancers: The Crane And The Lion. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Jeopardy! 1.00 BBC News At Ten. 1.30 France 24. 2.00 PBS News. 3.00 MOVIE: Groundhog Day. (1993) 12.40am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
Mount Eliza residents call for road traffic changes
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
A PETITION has been lodged with the Mornington Peninsula Shire, calling for a series of traffic management improvements on Baden Powell Place in Mount Eliza.
Residents are seeking an extension of a keep clear zone adjacent to the street to allow better access to driveways, particularly during peak pick-up and drop-off times at the nearby childcare centre.
The 19 signature petition also called for lower speed limits along the street to prevent excessive speeds, particularly from drivers using Baden Powell Place as a shortcut to avoid traffic lights at Nepean Hwy and Canadian Bay Rd.
Residents have suggested the installation of speed humps at both ends of the street, noting that such measures have “proven successful in other metropolitan areas.”
Safety concerns were also highlighted, with the petition requesting caution signs at the northern end of the street, warning that “there are small children in prams and elderly pedestrians who are forced to walk on the road because of the difficult camber of the footpath.”
Attention is also drawn to recurring potholes and the deteriorating road
surface at the southern end, where school traffic is heavy, along with a request to notify residents of traffic flow diagrams when development occurs at the old Lintons Nursery site.
The shire has responded to the petition, acknowledging the concerns.
Baden Powell Place has a default speed limit of 50kph, consistent with other local roads in the area, a shire
report said.
“Previous investigations undertaken by the shire in 2023 identified that speeds of the majority of vehicles was below the 50kph speed limit. They
also showed that the volume of vehicles using the road was well within the acceptable range for a road such as Baden Powell Place which has a number of residential properties and a childcare centre,” the report stated.
Regarding the keep clear zone, the shire said that “the Australian standards have very clear guidelines regarding the use of keep clear line marking and advise that they shall not be used primarily for the purpose of facilitating access to or from a side street or driveway”
“Therefore, the extension of the keep clear line marking to include the driveway access is not considered appropriate.”
Shire officers have indicated they will continue to monitor traffic behaviour and “consider what if any changes are warranted in the street to improve safety or the operation of the street.”
The petition was formally received at the shire’s 17 March meeting.
Shires approves retirement village rate cut and revised waste charges
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire
councillors have approved changes to its rates system including a discounted rate for retirement villages and a revised two-tier waste service charge.
From the 2026–2027 financial year, retirement villages will be charged at 80 per cent of the general rate, providing an average reduction of about $181 per year for 2514 properties.
The council said the differential rate recognised that retirement village residents contributed to villageprovided infrastructure and services, generating comparatively lower demand on council facilities, and ensured a fairer allocation of rates across property types.
Councillors supported the proposal in a 6-4 vote at their 17 March meeting following extensive community consultation in which a survey
showed 63 per cent of respondents supported the idea.
But among those voting against it was Cr Max Patton who said the decision required careful consideration.
“There is good reason both for and against the rate differential for retirement villages. Residents pay additional fees for some services that would traditionally be managed by council, but they don’t receive those services because they are provided within the village,” he said.
Cr Patton noted that many residents already receive a means-tested pension discount and said applying a differential rate could set a precedent for other properties seeking reductions based on services they may not use.
Cr Michael Stephens also expressed concern about shifting costs onto the broader community.
“Around 68 per cent of people living in retirement villages already receive a state government subsidy. By introducing a 20 per cent discount,
we would effectively be shifting the cost onto the broader community at a time when many householders are facing cost of living pressures,” he said.
According to a council report, the objective of the retirement village differential rate was to recognise that residents contribute to villageprovided infrastructure, amenities, maintenance, and services that reduce their reliance on council services and infrastructure.
It also noted a “distinct differential rate category supports equitable and transparent allocation of the rate burden across property types”.
Councillors also voted in favour of introducing a revised two-tier waste for rateable properties effective for the 2026-27 financial year.
Under the new framework, a new waste service charge will be split into a waste collection charge covering direct costs for properties receiving kerbside collection, and a public cleaning charge covering
indirect waste-related costs such as street sweeping, footpath cleaning, beach cleaning, public bins, litter collection, and the state government landfill levy.
According to a shire report, the revised structure aimed to better align charges with services actually received, increase transparency between direct and indirect waste costs, ensure the waste service charge remains fully cost-recovered, and supports long-term sustainability by fairly allocating costs across all rateable properties.
Cr Andrea Allen said the changes addressed concerns from businesses and property owners.
“I’m comfortable with where the waste service charge has landed and it’s supported by the consultation,” she said.
“The main concern from shop and beach box owners was being charged for a service they couldn’t access. These changes make it fair - they still contribute to general waste costs
like street bins but aren’t charged for kerbside collection they don’t receive”.
Other updates include a rolling program to review farm land properties receiving discounted agricultural rates every four to five years, starting in 2026-27. This will include reviewing about 240 properties each year.
A community survey showed 61 per cent supported this measure.
Cr David Gill said, “We don’t get much support for our farmers in terms of taxes and land taxes and all sorts of things, but this council does support you”.
“The community should recognise the value of farming on the peninsula. Without farming we don’t have a green wedge. Simple as that.”
Councillors also voted to remove the due date for full payment of rates, offering four instalments only with the aim to “improve cash flow and support ratepayers in managing their obligations more effectively”.
RESIDENTS have raised concerns about Baden Powell Place in Mt Eliza.
Picture: Gary Sissons
Your next overseas trip is closer than you think
THERE’S a moment, somewhere between leaving the shoreline and watching it fall quietly behind you, where things begin to shift. The air feels different. The pace softens. The day opens up.
It’s not overseas. But it feels like it.
Searoad Ferries offers one of the simplest ways to turn a standard Peninsula day into something more considered. In just 40 minutes, you cross Port Phillip Bay and arrive somewhere that feels distinctly removed from the familiar. Salt air, open water and uninterrupted horizon do most of the work for you.
For Mornington Peninsula locals and visitors, it presents a different way to explore. Rather than retracing the same well-worn paths, you step on board and let the journey do the heavy lifting. As a foot passenger, it is a genuinely effortless day trip. No traffic, no parking considerations at your destination, no need to plan around the usual friction points of travel. You arrive in Queenscliff ready to explore.
From there, the Bellarine Peninsula unfolds at its own pace. Historic streets, coastal walks, cellar doors and long lunches that feel earned rather than scheduled. It is close enough to be easy, yet far enough to feel like you have gone somewhere new.
You’re not just visiting a place. You’re arriving differently.
For drivers, the ferry is less about novelty and more about efficiency. It removes the long drive around the bay and replaces it with a direct crossing. That means less time in the car and more time at your destination. It also means avoiding Melbourne traffic entirely, which in itself can reshape the day.
There is a practical benefit here that resonates more than ever. By cutting out the drive, you reduce fuel use and keep more in the tank for the rest of your trip. It is a small shift that makes
a noticeable difference, particularly for those planning longer journeys. And that is where the ferry begins to extend beyond a day trip. Used as part of a broader itinerary, it becomes a gateway to some of Victoria’s most iconic coastal experiences. Crossing to Queenscliff places
you at the start of the Bellarine, with the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road within easy reach. Instead of a long departure through Melbourne, you begin on the coast, already immersed in the landscape you came to see.
It reframes the journey. Not as a means to an end, but as part of the experience itself.
That is where the idea of an “overseas” trip starts to land. Not in distance, but in feeling. In the shift from routine to something more open. In the sense that you have left one place behind and arrived somewhere with a different rhythm. Don’t just travel. Be moved.
SEAROAD Ferries. Photo: Supplied
A fair share for the Mornington Peninsula
On Monday night (16 March) I attended a public meeting about housing with Minister Harriett Shing as part of the panel.
The panel of speakers put forward the urgent position about housing issues on the Mornington Peninsula. They articulated our urgent need for housing stock, including crisis housing and in situ housing support wrap around services. BUT the impression I got was that this information and local knowledge sharing fell on deaf Ministerial ears.
I do understand the limitations the Minister is held to. We heard broad statements about lots of dollars towards housing and initiatives to address housing issues, but we know from experience that the Mornington Peninsula rarely is the recipient of those supports or funds. That needs to change.
A SWAN Housing Round Table in late 2025 heard about the extraordinary level of state government funding the Frankston area gets in housing and housing services support, we have heard about the extraordinary level of funding the Geelong area gets, a similar area to ours. The Mornington Peninsula is ignored, overlooked, fobbed off. We are woefully underfunded.
There is a state election at the end of the year. I will be voting for whoever is committed to ensuring the Mornington Peninsula gets its fair share of Housing build and Housing wrap around services funding.
Denise Hassett, Mt Martha
Infrastructure
I have just spent a few days at Lakes Entrance. Despite having a fraction of the population of Mornington, the infrastructure is incredible.
On the beach, a six person shower and foot cleaning facility on concrete, an indestructible toilet facilities and change rooms, beautiful footpaths, no rubbish , adequate parking(free), and happy tourists and locals.
Our council must have 100 times the revenue of their council, but what do they spend it on? Take Fishy’s Beach, for example , so dangerous to even walk down the path, no railing to get on the beach, wash your feet (if the tap is working) then they’re covered in sand straight away, or shower in 100 year old facilities. And Main Street! Plane tree cones litter the footpaths, and if you slip on one, you’re down. So many shops closing because of huge rentals. Please, Mornington Peninsula Shire, could get into the 21st Century? Just visit another shire and see what is possible.
Wendy Doyle, Mornington
Electrify the ferry
Meeting friends recently at Sorrento who had travelled on the ferry from Queenscliff provided a chance to see the new terminal (Unique over-water ferry terminal opens in Sorrento, The News, 17/3/26).
It’s world class. But it also raises the question of how much longer Searoad Ferries will rely on diesel engines.
The company notes that “less than 13.5kg of CO₂ is emitted per vehicle on a ferry crossing between Queenscliff and Sorrento, compared to 57.2kg per car by road for the same trip”, but emerging technologies can do even better.
Incat in Tasmania recently launched the world’s largest battery-electric ferry, capable of carrying more than 2,100 passengers and over 220 vehicles, for routes of around 55–70km overseas. By contrast, the Searoad crossing is just 11km.
A Tasmanian-built electric ferry on the Queenscliff–Sorrento run would be the logical next step — and a point of real pride
Ray Peck, Hawthorn
Luge opposition
Much of the Arthurs Seat escarpment sits within the new Mornington Peninsula Shire planning overlay that identifies the area as prone to landslip. We only need to remember the McCrae landslip to understand how real that risk is.
Cutting tracks, altering drainage and increasing construction on a fragile slope should be approached with extreme caution, if at all.
There is also a broader question of principle. Arthurs Seat forms part of public Crown land. Allowing private profit-making ventures on land that belongs to everyone deserves serious scrutiny.
But perhaps the simplest point is this: Dromana and McCrae already offer something far better than an amusement ride.
One of the most beautiful and safest beaches in Australia is right at the foot of the hill. Give the kids a bucket and spade, bring an umbrella and a towel, and let them build sandcastles, paddle in the calm water and enjoy the bay.
Not every natural place needs to be turned into a commercial attraction.
Some places are valuable precisely because they remain natural.
John Steele, Dromana
Kangaroo fate
It was heartbreaking to see seven kangaroos left dead along a rural road (Seven dead kangaroos
found in Flinders, The News 17/3/26).
Having just watched the Four Corners report showing sick and dying kangaroos in South Australia—poisoned by toxins from the prolonged algal bloom—made it particularly upsetting.
Although losing any wildlife is distressing, the sheer scale of the algal bloom in South Australia is staggering. It has devastated marine life, littered beaches with dead fish, and cost the tourism and fishing industries millions. This is an ecological disaster, driven largely by warmer waters, and it has now been unfolding for a year.
At what point do we start talking more seriously about the toll this is taking on our South Australian neighbours, and what it signals for all of us? If this were happening on our beaches, how would we respond?
Amy Hiller, Kew
Medical cost alert
Recently, I was referred by my GP for a echocardiogram and was quite shocked that Medicare didn’t give me any rebate.
Investigating this, it seems only one echocardiogram is allowed every 24 months; this I was completely unaware of.
Apparently, I had an echocardiogram last March ordered by my cardiologist while having a battery replaced in my pacemaker. I was not made aware of this first echocardiogram.
So, please be aware if you are to have any procedures. Make sure there is a rebate from Medicare. I am out of pocket nearly $400, a considerable amount as I am on an aged pension. Ask your medical practitioners about rebates before proceeding with any medical procedures.
Name withheld, Mt Martha
Mutual respect
In the spirit of Victorian Treaty it was uplifting to see the mutual respect between the community independent candidate for the Nepean by-election,Tracee Hutchison, and Jillian West, a Bunurong Traditional owner, at the launch of Tracee’s campaign in Rye.
It speaks volumes of Tracee’s character that she sought approval to represent the Nepean lands from Jillian before nominating for the election. Following the inspiring story of Jillian’s father’s life the genuine emotion in her voice as she endorsed Tracee’s nomination was very moving.
If only there was more genuine care for fellow life travellers the world would be a better place.
Rosemary Bates, McCrae
Promises, promises
Your correspondent (Liberal promises, Letters 17/3/26) mentions what he feels are the sins of the Liberal party, but overlooks the greater sins of this Labor government.
In his estimation the Liberals don’t like spending money on us. It is the Labor government’s reckless lack of fiscal responsibility that has landed the state, i.e. us poor taxpayers, with an almost insurmountable debt.
The same government that has spent so much more across the bay than in the so-called Melbourne metropolitan suburbs of the Mornington Peninsula. The Jetty Road overpass has not been built because this (Labor) government won’t fund it.
As for the East-West tunnel being a white elephant, it must be a white mouse compared to the Suburban Rail Loop. And to the cost of cancelling said tunnel? That was a decision of the Labor Government to cancel a project duly initiated by the (previous) Liberal Government.
Compare that to the decision to cancel the Commonwealth Games at enormous cost. Those Games were fought for by the Labor government, then cancelled once they had harvested the extra votes from the regions. Blow the cost of the cancellation, all those extra votes must be worth it, and again, all paid for by us poor taxpayers.
A couple of other observations: I suspect the Uyghurs and Taiwanese don’t see China as an industrious, mainly peaceful nation.
And I join with what I am sure are many other readers in hoping Cliff Ellen had a wonderful birthday on Sunday - even though he is on what many of us would see as the wrong side of politics, and worse still, a Collingwood supporter! Jack Wheeler, Mornington
Think before you commit
Our local ALP correspondent John Cain writes (Liberal promises, Letters 17/3/26) about
Liberal promises not eventuating with typical gusto. Is that because the state and federal ALP governments put taxpayers’ money into projects where they have the security of holding seats? John’s closing remarks are correct. Just think before you complete your ballot paper.
Think about Daniel Andrews saying, “the cancellation of the East West project would not cost a cent”. $1.1b of taxpayer’s money later he decides to build a West East project then handing responsibly to replacement Premier Jacinta Allan whose incompetent management leads to costs doubling.
John has also forgotten to tell us who or what government project received the $15b that is alleged to have disappeared into the thin air of corruption.
The real issue is the debt from borrowings and interest the Andrews and Allan inept governments reaching $200 billion; to put that number into perspective it is $200,000,000,000. An ageing debt our future generations will be saddled with.
Of course one can never forget Covid issues: $20m dollars for security at a city motel by an unknown company sacked after seven days.
The current $124m taxpayers’ dollars for “out of court” compensation recently paid to businesses for losses during the Covid shut down.
The $589m dollars for Andrews/Allan cancelling the Commonwealth games: $380m to the Commonwealth Games Commission and $200m spent on pre-games costs.
The above highlights financial mismanagement. We should not forget this has led to insufficient funds to address the condition of Victorian roads, increasing crime statistics, motor vehicle thefts, the ongoing teachers strike, etc.
Responsible citizens will vote according to their wants and needs; however, a good recommendation is… “Think before you commit”. Bruce White, Safety Beach
Flinders bright spot?
As a Labor Party member, I read with interest the article on the Liberal’s 2025 federal election campaign (Liberal autopsy tells of Flinders ‘bright spot’, The News 10/3/26).
To see a margin reduced from 6.7% to 2.3% as a bright spot does talk of desperation. What the report seems to have missed is the Coalition need to do more to listen to the community and develop effective policies that address the key issues that are facing people today. Watching Parliament question time, it seems that the whole focus of the Coalition is to can everything that Labor introduces, oppose the extension of renewable energy, create fear and divisiveness and blame immigration for all the problems.
As I write this I am having a battery installed by a workforce that includes two Muslim immigrants out of a workforce of four. If we reduce immigration who will do that work? We need a good opposition for an effective democracy. I hope the coalition can do some soul searching and develop effective policies, but so far the signs look a little depressing.
Marg D’Arcy, Rye
Well done Jess
I enjoyed Victorian Liberal Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, and her Liberal colleagues’ so very humorous “lost Commonwealth Games” video send up, of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s great mess. When as Minister for Major Projects, Allan oversaw the Commonwealth Games, disaster costing Victorian taxpayers almost $600m. The video is right on the money. And Jess seems to have heeded Moliere’s, “The most effective way to tackle vice is to expose it to public ridicule. People can put up with rebukes, but they can’t bear being laughed at: they are prepared to be wicked, but they dislike appearing ridiculous”.
And so savvy, young Jess and Co have certainly done that to Jacinta Allan, and Victorian Labor!
Howard Hutchins, Wantirna
Truth denied
$50m hotel bungle bill, “the Allan government settles a massive class action linked to the state’s controversial hotel quarantine program”. But Wait!
Now “Taxpayers cough up covid $125m of taxpayer’s money”.
Then on the Channel Ten News on Monday 16/03/26 at the Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has the
BEN Smith, CEO of Mornington Community Support Centre, Mornington MP Chris Crewther and Victorian Minister for Housing and Building, Harriet Shing, on stage at the Walk in Her Shoes Community Forum on Monday 16 March. Picture: Supplied
audacity to say, “We have settled at this amount ($125m) to save Victorians further cost”.
This is BS. The Labor government has lied time and time again to the Victorian public. It is not Lies we want, it is the truth that we desire. The Labor government has made a $125m payout to cover the decisions they made during covid.
By doing this, they will do anything to hide from an open court case, we can all remember Daniel Andrews saying “I cannot remember”. More lies!
This would have been the one chance, if the case had gone to the Supreme Court, for the general public to maybe learn the truth. Now we are denied by this rabid government, using our hard earned money to escape unscathed.
The $15b CFMEU scandal, the Commonwealth Games scandal, the inept “Tap and Go” on our train service, when other states have had it for years, the waste goes on and on. Are you, the general public, going to keep letting it happen? You have a chance in November to see the end of the most dysfunctional government this state has ever had.
David Lines, Somerville Marsh for MP?
Anthony Marsh has put himself forward as the new Liberal candidate for Nepean in the 2 May by-election. As the former Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor, Marsh repeatedly misled the public about his intention to leave council midterm to seek election to state government.
Should he win in Nepean, a council by-election would be required for Briars Ward, costing peninsula ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In his time as mayor, Marsh set out to limit transparency at the council and accountability to our community by reducing the number of public council meetings from 24 to 11 a year.
He set alarm bells ringing by requiring the public to send written questions a week before public council meetings, replacing the practice of questions on the night. He threw out citizens panels and worked with the CEO to dispense with questions to officers who formerly presented reports to public council meetings — all effectively restricting the public’s ability to scrutinise council decisions.
Marsh severely limited councillors’ ability to bring Notices of Motion on behalf of residents to public Council meetings, and completely misled the community about how he intended to vote on the “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” lightshow that seriously impacted wildlife at The Briars.
He failed to ensure that council funding was fairly distributed around the peninsula, funding the northern area from Mt Martha to Mt Eliza to the detriment of the southern peninsula, where he is now standing for state parliament. With this egregious record on transparency and accountability, Marsh hopes to represent an area that he does not live in and has shown zero interest in until now.
Ray Aspinall, Bittern
What’s going on?
It beggars believe, not one person found it in their hearts to point out that the unhinged attacks by Israel and the great orange ogre the king of America, Donald the terrible, are 100% illegal actions in international law.
It is great to see that the usual followers of American adventurism have this time declined to jump into the breach. I hope this will stay that way until America and Israel start to negotiate seriously with Iran and apologise for their breach of international law.
No plan Trump, is so beholden to Bibi, one wonders what Bibi’s got over the American king without clothes? What’s the end game of these nincompoops? When all else fails, we’ll drop the big one? I hope they’re not that far gone morally and ethically.
In the meantime the rest of the world pays through the nose for this two fools adventurism.
Rupert Steiner, Balnarring Beach
Price gouging
Raw material crude oil typically represents approximately one-third to 40% of the total price of petrol at the pump.
Wholesale vs. Retail: Between 20 February and 11 March 2026, wholesale terminal gate prices rose by roughly 41.8 cents per litre but retail prices often outpaced this. Using the highest percentage of 40% this means that the wholesale price added 16.7 cents per litre to the bowser price.
Retail Surge: Between 20 February and 11 March 2026, daily average retail petrol prices across Australia’s five largest cities jumped by 48.8 cents per litre, 170.9 cents per litre to 219.7 cents per litre. This is 32.1 cents per litre, essentially double the wholesale price of crude with reports of prices exceeding $2.50 per litre in some areas, an increase of 79.1 cents per litre.
I am ecstatic that The ACCC is monitoring Australian petrol prices daily across capital cities and over 190 regional locations, investigating price gouging amid the current Middle Eastern conflict, with specific focus on rising costs. Is the ACCC just another regulator doing what they do best, not regulating?
Petrol prices have started to push past 230c per litre in most state capitals. I am gobsmacked. The consumer watchdog is calling major fuel suppliers and retailers to an emergency meeting to demand explanations for the recent surge in petrol prices.
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
A ditty for Cliff
There were clues.
Little ones. Scattered.
A number appearing here… disappearing there…
Ninety, perhaps. Nearly. Soon.
We read on. We waited.
And now... no more guessing. It’s official.
You made it.
Happy 90th, Cliff Ellen… and thank you for keeping us all slightly off-balance along the way.
Anne Kruger, Rye
Congratulations Cliff
Happy Birthday Cliff! May there be many more.
Michael Raynes, Mt Eliza
Happy birthday Cliff!
Congratulations on completing 90 orbits around the sun. Best wishes for the coming year and thanks for all your wise words.
Dale Stohr, Crib Point
HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY CLIFF ELLEN
BarleyCharlie@90
March 22nd. OMG, made it. What now, aim for 91? Thinking time?
Aside from the “Wars” looking back (say) three years; 2023? The 300 steps to the RSL now not only a stretch, my scooter is doing the job, AND, using said scooter inside Woolworths.
Still living knee deep on the Mornington Peninsula where tradies, once Labor voters, now almost right wing, roam, sneering?
Reading Anson Cameron fortnightly, still a calm clever runt.
It is a lie to say private schools take pressure off the public system. The opposite, taking money out of public classrooms, entrenching inequality, the creation of thus maintaining the privilege.
Speaking of PM Albanese, climate change is surely our number one concern but who is listening? Wars, floods, fire; record temperatures, ice melting, mass extinction, bleached coral, 1.5 degrees, 2 degrees; IPCC report, drought, heatwave tipping points?
Buy up on illegal cigarettes in anticipation of another legal price rise?
We thank our invisible Lord, comedy is still with us, despite living with ratbags, the true dangers (real stress as against anticipated stress, and DNA superstition forever), BUT, nothing matters, at 90, assuming Collingwood wins? Better thoughts? Thinking (writing) is my necessity, no alternative. If St Peter has access to this, a type of Diary (of Un-entitlements?) a fair chance of no entry into Lahlah land? Maybe an opportunity to ask (St Peter) one or two questions, “Why is it I grow breasts at the same time I lose my bottom, a ‘reverse’ boob job?” And Noah, allowing two bats on his bloody Ark?
Comedy on tap, a Collingwood victory for dessert, fear of heart attack, stress, ghosts attempting entry, into the Spiolto Respimat, deep breaths.
Albo losing votes (no surprise) not enough to lose, thankfully? Finally dodgy tobacco shops,
Minister held up! – Frankston High School move
Compiled by Cameron McCullough
WHEN it was learned at the High School Council meeting on Wednesday night last that the Minister of Education, Sir Alexander Peacock, was at Sorrento attending the A.N.A. Conference and would be returning to Melbourne the following day, it was decided to arrange for a “hold up” at Frankston.
Mr. Bishop, head master of the High school, got Sir Alex on the phone, and acquainted him with the intention of the Frankston people.
The Minister laughed, and the phone survived; so did the plan of campaign.
Yesterday afternoon at about 4.30, Sir Alex’s car slowed down when opposite Frankston House, and was quickly surrounded by a large crowd of residents.
The Minister of Education was introduced by the Shire president, Cr. F. H. Wells, who explained that Frankston was very anxious to know when their High school building would be commenced.
Mr. P. Wheeler, .J.P. (chairman of the Advisory Council) advised the Minister that all was in readiness at this end for the new building. The ground was cleared, tennis courts costing £300 had been constructed, basket ball lawn laid down, and £400 expended on the cricket ground.
Would Sir Alex give an idea when the foundation stone of the new building would be laid?
Mr. Bishop advised the Minister that the Government architect had been in Frankston the previous day and advised that the plans of the building were now ready and that tenders could
be called as soon as the Government made the money available.
Sir Alex.: What you want is that Peacock, Minister of Education should induce Peacock, the State Treasurer, to make the necessary money available?
(Laughter).
He complimented the Frankston people on all they had done for the school; he appreciated their efforts and, the Government would not be found wanting. He promised that the foundation of the Frankston High school would be laid before Parliament re-assembled.
(Loud cheers).
At the instance of the Shire president cheers were given for Sir Alex and Lady Peacock, and the Minister’s party continued its journey to Melbourne. ***
Councillors inspect quarry plants
On Monday last the members of the Frankston and Hastings Shire Council, with the Shire secretary and Shire engineer, also the manager of the Moorooduc quarry (Mr. Pullen) set out for a day’s inspection of quarry pits at Ferntree Gully and Brooklyn. The Council, having had under consideration for some months past the proposal of purchasing at new plant for the Shire quarry at Moorooduc.
Four motor cars set out early on Monday morning for Ferntree Gully.
On arrival the party was met by the quarry manager, and though the machinery was not working, on account of the recent heavy rains, all the machinery was inspected by the visitors, who ascertained how the Council there handled the crushing of the metal.
From Ferntree Gully the party proceeded via Burwood to the city, where
a brief stop was made for lunch.
The next quarry visited was the one owned by the Williamstown City Council. This is a modern plant erected seven months ago. A large International truck conveys the metal from the bins four and five tons at a time, to the various jobs under construction.
The Highfield quarry at Brooklyn was the next place of call.
The roads were very heavy owing to the recent rains, and the cars had to remain some distance from the quarry. Nearby is the modern quarry and crushing plant of the Melbourne Quarrying Co., where plant capable of turning out 400 cubic yards of stone per day was inspected. This quarry, like most others visited, has electricity installed for the driving of the machinery.
The journey home was made late in the afternoon, and on arrival at Frankston a special a meeting of the Shire Council was held and tentative arrangements were made for the purchasing of a new plant.
The total number of miles travelled by the party was about138.
***
Frankston Traders meeting
A meeting of the above association was held in “The Tangerine” last (Thursday) night. The president, Cr. J. Bradbury, presided, and a large number of members were present, including Messrs. T. Marshall, C. J. Pope, McFarlane, Sawyer, Moore, Apthorpe, Royle, Meredith, Lyle, Hiscock, L. Ward, L. Davis (secretary), and J. Nolan: (assist. secretary).
Minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed on the motion of
PUZZLE ZONE
Messrs. Apthorpe and Meredith.
High School advocates complimented
Messrs. Marshall and Lyle moved that a letter of appreciation be sent to the chairman of the High School Advisory Council, also to the Welfare League, for the splendid efforts being, made for the erection of the permanent High school building.
New member
Mr. J. Nolan proposed Mr. Lloyd, of the “Cranleigh” bacon factory, as a new member.
The president said that the association was pleased to have a member from Langwarrin.
Help for fire brigade
Mr. Marshall enquired whether it would be possible for the Traders’ Association to render some assistance to the local Fire Brigade in the raising of funds for the erection of their new building and installation of up-to-date fire fighting equipment.
Mr. Apthorpe said the East Frankton Progress Association had discussed the matter at its last meeting, when a suggestion had been made as to the advisability of making a house to house canvas.
It was decided to communicate with that association re the action they were taking in an endeavour to raise funds for the local Fire Brigade.
The next meeting will be, held in the “Tangerine” on Monday night next, when nominations for the respective office-bearers will be received and arrangements made for the annual meeting which is being held in the Rechabite Hall on Thursday, 8th April.
***
Wedding - McDonald—Gray
The marriage of Miss Florence Gray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gray, of Lyndhurst South, to Mr. Charles McDonald, son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Vesty McDonald, of Lyndhurst, was celebrated at St. Paul’s Church of England, Frankston, on Thursday. The bride was attired in a cinnimon ensemble suit and blue hat. She was attended by Miss Ada Thompson, her niece, who wore an apricot crepe de chene gown and black hat.
Mr.Theodore Gray, brother of the bride, was best man. Rev. A. P. McFarlane officiated. The happy couple motored to Healesville, where the honeymoon will be spent.
***
Personal
Mrs. Bowes, senr., intends leaving for Sydney shortly, where she contemplates making her home.
Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Legge left by motor on Tuesday for a tour of the Peninsula. A few days will be spent at Cape Schanck.
Mrs. Rogerson, of Hastings Road, Frankston, is at present spending a holiday at Macedon. She expects to be away for about a fortnight.
At a meeting of the Frankston High school council held on Wednesday night, Mr. P. Wheeler, J.P., the president, who with Mrs. Wheeler, will sail for Europe in three weeks’ time, was wished bon voyage by his fellow members. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have taken passages by the s.s. “Borda,” and expect to be absent for about three months.
***
From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 26 March 1926
Scoreboard
Mornington beat the odds, Old Peninsula have a close win
By Kennedy McCullough
PROVINCIAL
MORNINGTON have officially been crowned the 2025/25 season winners of the MPCA Provincial Division after clinching the grand final win.
Mornington took on Red Hill in their two-day clash at Red Hill Recreation Reserve on 21 and 22 March.
Red Hill won the toss and elected to bat first, putting on the pressure by finishing up at 10/181 after 76.1 overs.
Red Hill’s time at the crease was led by Simon Dart, who managed 47 runs off 84 balls. He was followed closely by Luke Robertson, who made 43 runs off 87 and Matthew Gray, who made 38 runs off 121.
The majority of Red Hill's batsman only made single digits, but they were still able to run up a decent total.
Mornington’s captain Cameron Moon was the best bowler for the winning side, taking three wickets.
Tom Panich was by far Mornington’s star player, achieving 107 runs not out off 160 balls and carrying the team to victory. Tom was also supported in the final stretch by Zac Garnet, who managed 32 runs not out off 46 balls.
Overall, Mornington finished on 5/182 after 64 overs, giving them the win after finishing in fourth on the ladder in the regular season.
PENINSULA
OLD Peninsula was able to secure the win in the 2025/26 MPCA Peninsula Division grand final after a very close game.
Old Peninsula won the toss in their two day game against Somerville at Somerville Reserve, and elected to bat first.
Hugh Peacock made the most runs for Old Peninsula, achieving 28 not out and followed closely by Wade Pelzer who made 26 runs. With Old Peninsula having four ducks on the team, they ended their innings all out for just 94.
Somerville did an excellent job at stopping Old Peninsula in their tracks with a standout performance by Ryan McNamara, who managed 7/29 in his 17 overs, providing great support for his team.
It was now up to Old Peninsula to try and de-
fend their low total.
Somerville took to the crease but started out with a duck straight away, and had one other duck throughout the game. Somerville struggled to make runs, with Luke Rowe managing 16 runs off 15 balls and Jack Barbour making 15 runs off 24 balls.
Jamin Barron-Toop stepped in for Old Peninsula as a strong bowler, taking 5/38 in just over 17 overs. Justin Grant also provided good sup-
port, taking 3/19 in 15 overs.
Somerville finished at 10/90, giving Old Peninsula the win and a little extra time at the crease in their second innings, with an extra 60 runs being added.
DISTRICT
CRIB Point has won the MPCA 2025/26 District grand final with an easy victory.
Crib Point took on Carrum Downs at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve, and after winning the toss, elected to bat first.
Crib Point ended up on a score of 10/202 despite having three ducks, one of which was golden. Brady Wilton achieved 77 runs not out off 214 balls, making a large contribution to Crib Point's total.
Josh Dinger held down the fort for Carrum Downs in the bowling, taking three wickets, and Ryan Lynch, Robert Johnston and Jordan Watters each took two wickets.
Carrum Downs then took to the crease, and the team had three ducks. Cameron Muir and Ryan Lynch were the highest run scorers for Carrum Downs, each making 29 runs.
Jai Gleeson was the best bowler for Crib Point, taking three wickets, and Jake Mialitsis, Bradley Davidson and captain Blake Hogan-Keogh each took two wickets, shutting down Carrum Downs at only 106 runs and securing the win.
SUB DISTRICT
TYABB played a strong game and won the 2025/26 MPCA Sub District Division grand final.
Tyabb played in their two day clash against Baxter at Bunguyan Reserve and won the toss, electing to bat first.
Tyabb took to the crease with immediate strength, with their opener earning them the most runs for the game; with Sashin Dilranga managing 78 runs. Luke Rus also aided the team in their run scoring, making 48 runs.
Despite some good performances in the bowling, with Chamika Sattambi taking three wickets and Mark Cooper taking two wickets, Baxter were unable to shut Tyabb down, resulting in Tyabb declaring at 8/266.
Baxter’s innings then begun, and with a very high score to chase, they had a lot of work ahead of them. Unfortunately, Baxter only had three batters make runs in the double digits, with James Long making 21 runs off 33 balls. The team also had three ducks, making it difficult for them to chase Tyabb.
Tyabb’s captain James Holland-Burch put in the effort in the bowling and helped guarantee Tyabb’s victory, taking 5/17 in just over 10 overs and ending Baxter’s run at 74 runs.
In the end, Tyabb came out on top with an easy victory, marking the end of the cricket season.
MORNINGTON on the way to victory and, below, celebrating the win. Picture: Alan Dillon
AUSTRALIA dominated the 2026 Trans Tasman pétanque Challenge held at the Mt Martha Pétanque Club winning both the Open and 60+ divisions. The Australian Bouleroos secured commanding victories against New Zealand showcasing superior consistency and depth throughout the 12 rounds including crucial wins the 60+ division.
In the Open division Australia scored 98 – 46 and in the 60+ division 74 – 46 which reversed last year’s final result in Christchurch NZ. This shows just how close the two sporting nations are in skill. Many close friendships have developed across the Tasman over the years in this fascinating very social sport. see: petanqueaustralia.org
Picture: Gary Sissons
THE Mornington Pirates played in their SL3 East Grand Final on Sunday trying to pull-off the upset of the season against the highly fancied Springvale Lions at K H Wearnes field in Dingley. They fell short with the Lions winning 10 to 4. Pictures: Craig Barrett
PENINSULA Surfriders held their Comp #3 on Saturday showcasing why so many of their surfers from the Mornington Peninsula can mix it with the world’s best. Pictured, Adam Morrison gets some air. Picture: Paul Churcher
Scoreboard
Dover starts it, Kelly ends it
SOCCER
By Craig MacKenzie
MORNINGTON set out on the long haul to VPL glory with a convincing 3-0 win over Collingwood City last weekend.
The match was played at Civic Reserve which Mornington will use for State 1 South-East home games this season while a major redevelopment of its usual headquarters at nearby Dallas Brooks Reserve takes place.
This was a composed and clinical display by the Seagulls who lifted their intensity after an even first half and the impact of their substitutes proved significant.
They broke the impasse in the 64th minute when Keiran Dover finished a well-worked move heading home a Joe Hunt cross.
In the 82nd minute substitute Rhys Craigie’s relentless pressing forced an error from the Collingwood keeper who struck the ball against him to gift Mornington a second.
The result was put beyond doubt in the third minute of added time when a long ball found Dover who unselfishly cut it back for substitute James Kelly to seal the win and cap an impressive team performance.
The Seagulls have signed Cal Goulding from Langwarrin and he will be available for selection this weekend against Boroondara Eagles. Mornington remains in talks with an NPL player.
In VPL1 Langwarrin lost 2-1 away to promotion-chasing Eltham Redbacks on Friday night. Langy started well dominating possession and creating chances.
In the 22nd minute striker Alun Webb won the race with Eltham’s keeper Abdulkerim Koc to a back pass and slotted the ball home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Langy kept up the pressure with Webb hitting the crossbar and Koc making numerous saves. Eltham was much more competitive after the break and drew level in the 53rd minute when Langy keeper Branten Kindler palmed a long throw into his own net.
Langy’s inability to deal with set pieces proved costly in the 88th minute and Finn Diamond scored the winner after the visitors failed to clear properly following a corner.
Kindler was sent off in the dying seconds after handling outside the area.
No 1 custodian James Burgess returns from suspension for next Monday’s away clash with Melbourne Victory.
In State 2 Peninsula Strikers went down 3-1 at home to Waverley Wanderers.
When Matt Harrington scored for Strikers in the 87th minute it was inconsequential to the outcome and the visitors headed home with three points in the bag.
In State 4 Chelsea’s season started on the back foot losing 2-0 at home to East Kew on Friday night while Rosebud got off to a flyer with a 6-3 home win over Ashburton United.
East Kew broke the deadlock against Chelsea with an absolute belter from James Ciccone in the 28th minute.
His left-foot volley from the right wing was
still rising as it hit the back of the net.
Despite Chelsea having more possession it couldn’t break through a resilient East Kew defence and when the visitors capitalised on the counter with a late Ulysses Barberoglou goal there was no way back for the home side.
It was goals galore at Olympic Park on Saturday evening and Rosebud dazzled in the first half as the Craig brothers held court.
Ashburton was already 2-0 down when Ben Jefferson received a second caution and was sent off in the 26th minute.
Elliott Craig notched a hat-trick while Ben Craig nabbed a brace.
Add a Charlie Gunning cannonball which nearly broke the back of the net and Rosebud’s 6-0 lead at half-time was insurmountable.
Ashburton hit back in the 62nd minute and Rosebud paid the price for taking its foot off the pedal as the 10 men scored two goals in time added.
Rosebud has a bye next weekend and will take on Knox Churches at Olympic Park on Saturday (1pm reserves, 3pm seniors) in a friendly.
In State 5 Seaford United drew 3-3 away to Sandown Lions in a spiteful clash at Ross Reserve last weekend.
Zain Ahmad (2) and veteran Dylan Waugh
scored for Seaford but a number of off-the-ball incidents marred the contest.
Seaford claims that Connor Tzelios was punched behind play while Backy Barakzoi was kicked as he lay on the ground.
The local club will submit Veo footage to Football Victoria in support of this claim.
Somerville Eagles lost 3-1 at home to promotion favourite Fortuna 60.
Devlin Lee scored for Somerville.
In State 6 news Mount Eliza won 2-1 away to Old Ivanhoe while Frankston Pines downed visitor Mentone 3-1 last weekend.
Alfie Harris opened the scoring for Mount Eliza when he followed up his shot which was initially parried by Old Ivanhoe keeper Sebastian Martinez in the 12th minute.
Gerry McDonagh’s side went 2-0 up in the 40th minute when a Tom Shalagin strike from outside the box nestled in the bottom left corner of goal.
Old Ivanhoe hit back in the 51st minute when a free-kick was headed in by Billy Skliros but the visitors held firm for the remainder of the clash.
The day finished on a sour note for Mount Eliza when Harris was shown a straight red in the 87th minute.
Pines won their first opening round match since beating Casey Comets 5-0 in 2022.
On Saturday it took Pines a minute to open the scoring.
Naseer Mohammad’s bullet header came from a superb Alec Keisoglu cross.
The impressive Keisoglu was the provider for Pines second goal after 33 minutes intercepting a Mentone pass out of defence to play the ball into Kenny Akalan.
The Pines striker took a touch then smashed a superb shot that curled into the far corner of the net.
Right before half-time great work by Mohammad down the left saw him pull the ball back to Akalan who buried his shot into the top corner and at 3-0 Pines were in command.
Pines started the second half in the same vein and should have added to their lead through Mohammad and Akalan before some poor defending from a corner on 54 minutes led to Luka Varga making it 3-1.
Keisoglu, Mohammad and Akalan had good chances to extend Pines’ lead but failed to convert.
In State 7 Aspendale was in seventh heaven after trouncing Croydon Ranges 7-1 at Croydon on Saturday while Mount Martha was hammered 7-0 away to Keysborough.
Mount Martha was forced to forfeit the reserves game as it couldn’t field a team.
Aspendale’s Mitch Hodder had a game-high four goals to his name, Liam Crowley scored twice and Ryan Mravljak also scored.
Aspendale head coach Jason Grieve isn’t getting carried away by the result and knows that his side will face stiffer competition throughout the season.
NEXT WEEKEND’S GAMES
Friday 27 March, 8.30pm
Chelsea v Ashburton Utd, Edithvale Recreation Reserve
Monbulk Rangers v Seaford Utd, Monbulk Regional Soccer Facility
Saturday 28 March, 3pm
Peninsula Strikers v Brandon Park, Centenary Park
Mornington v Boroondara Eagles, Civic Reserve
Baxter v King’s Domain, Baxter Park
Sandown Lions v Somerville Eagles, Ross Reserve
Mentone v Old St Kevins, Mentone Grammar Playing Fields
Pakenham Utd v Mount Eliza, IYU Recreation Reserve
Whitehorse Utd v Frankston Pines, Terrara Park
Lilydale Montrose Utd v Mount Martha, Keith Hume Fraser Reserve
Saturday 28 March, 4pm
Aspendale v Noble Suns, Aspendale Gardens
Sports Ground
Saturday 28 March, 7pm
Doveton v Skye Utd, Waratah Reserve
Monday 30 March, 8.30pm
Melbourne Victory v Langwarrin, Home of the Matildas
Rosebud BYE
Seagulls soar: Mornington’s Kieran Dover opened the scoring in the 64th minute and set up James Kelly for the final goal in the 93rd minute. Picture: Darryl Kennedy
