I will fight to: Get our fair share of federal funding Tackle cost of living by taking on pricegouging supermarkets Put the Peninsula first Save Rosebud Hospital As an independent, I only answer to you, not a major party.
Ditch the major parties Vote 1 Ben Smith
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire
councillors have narrowly decided to ditch the shire’s climate emergency declaration after questions were raised about whether spending $11.7m was “delivering genuine value”.
The decision was made at the council’s 22 April meeting, which will now see a “renewed focus on practical, community-focused climate initiatives”.
This is despite the shire having unanimously adopted a climate emergency declaration in 2019, along with 30 other councils in the state.
But deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro, who led the motion to scrap the declaration along with its associated climate emergency plan, said it was “never been about denying or dismissing climate change”, but “ensuring that every dollar we spend delivers something tangible, measurable and real”.
Following a lengthy debate at the meeting, councillors narrowly supported the motion in a 6-5 vote, prompting criticism from various environment groups including the Mornington Peninsula Climate Action Network.
In presenting his case, Pingiaro said, “Over the past three years, this council has invested over $11.7m into climate related initiatives, including $4.15m in wages - that’s a serious investment, but what’s missing is equally serious, clear, visible, com-
munity facing outcomes”.
Pingiaro said additionally the council planned to spend $534,000 as part of its urban forest strategy without a single tree being planted.
“That’s not climate action, that’s expense without delivery,” he said.
He also took aim at a weather station pilot with $200,000 spent on public consultation which received three responses, noting the “new units won’t deliver early warnings” nor “integrate with big emergency”.
“Meanwhile, the same council that
declared the climate emergency also built a gas heated Aquatic Centre Yawa, responsible for 50 per cent of the shire’s gas use, and yet we asked residents to electrify. That’s not climate leadership, that’s policy contradiction.”
But Cr Michael Stephens, who voted against the motion, said he was deeply concerned as the climate declaration “was not just a simple symbolic gesture, it provided a road map”.
Continued Page 6
Amy Dees Until Monday 10 March
Saturday 29 March - Sunday 25 May
Women of the Mornington Peninsula is a public art initiative designed to honour and celebrate the vital contributions of women in shaping the cultural, social, and historical identity of the Mornington Peninsula.
New Wave 25 showcases the works of VCE and VCE VET art, visual art, media arts, fashion, design and technology students within our Shire. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics, installation and more. The show also inspires senior students by celebrating the creativity and ideas of their peers.
MPRG has a new series of Monday workshops, including sculpture, photography and landscape painting workshops, a Young at Art program for pre-schoolers, and affordable school holiday workshops.
The project draws on the International Women’s Day 2025 theme, March Forward, aligning its message with global calls for accelerated action toward gender equity. Through visual storytelling, HERstory engages the community in a dialogue about the triumphs and challenges faced by women, inspiring reflection on how their legacies resonate today.
Mornington Shire Building (External wall)
Visit the website for details about the free events over the 3 months.
Nuno’s Southern Hospitality is serving up great coffee and food (Thu–Sun).
Image: Install New Wave 25
E: publicart@mornpen.vic.gov.au
mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Local artists Maxon and
release their debut duet Everything is Green on May 7, after 14 years of musical collaboration.
New Wave 25 showcases the work of local VCE and VCE VET art, visual art, media arts, fashion, design and technology students. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, multimedia, ceramics, installation.
Written for—and winner of—the Green Wedge songwriting competition, the track blends soothing harmonies, ukulele, and harmonica, with folk duo, Brook St. “The song is a reminder for us all to reconnect with the simple, profound joy that nature and human connection bring”–Maxon.
James Tylor’s exhibition examines histories of colonisation and brings together his unique daguerreotypes, digital photographic series, and hand-made Kaurna cultural objects.
Accompanied by a stunning music video from ARIA-nominated director Liam Kelly (Tones and I), the release celebrates our deep bond with the natural world.
As part of the NGA’s Sharing the National Collection program, MPRG is displaying a neon artwork by internationally celebrated American artist Bruce Nauman over the next two years.
W: mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Image credit: Behind the scenes filming by Riley Sugars, Film Producer. artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au
We’ve had an overwhelming response from mentors—now we’re looking for passionate 18–25-year-old creatives keen to be mentored by local artists.
Nature-inspired, contemporary art.
Celebrating International Women’s Day and the HERstory public art exhibition, the In Our Backyard series presents HERstory.
Join award-winning broadcaster and journalist Tracee Hutchison as she interviews six remarkable women who have shaped the Peninsula’s identity, sharing their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
Learn from experienced creatives, grow your skills, and build industry connections. The program runs for 3 months, with mentors committing 8 hours a week to support you.
From pioneers and activists to artists and everyday heroes, their stories inspire and empower.
Delivered in partnership with VicHealth, this project supports local creative careers and community connections.
W: website.com.au
Sounds like you? Complete the Expression of Interest form on our website and take the next step in your creative career.
artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Discover Our Welcoming Youth Hubs on the Mornington Peninsula!
Glenn Walker
Tuesday 11 March - Monday 7 April
Mornington Peninsula Shire Youth
Landscape photography exhibition.
Services offers free programs, friendly spaces, and support for young people aged 10–25 at our three local Youth Hubs:
SOMERVILLE EXHIBITION SPACE
The Corner – Mornington
Shed 11 – Hastings Tounnin Wominjeka – Rosebud
HASTINGS EXHIBITION SPACE
This Girl Can
Wednesday 5 March - Sunday 13 April Photographic exhibition led by VicHealth.
Each hub includes chill-out zones with couches, pool tables, gaming gear, art supplies, outdoor areas, and fully equipped kitchens. Our trained youth workers provide support, referrals, and fun weekly activities. Drop in with Youth Services to relax, connect, and belong.
mpys.com.au/our-youth-hubs
Womindjeka Balnarring Ngargee (Festival)
Velvet Bloom’s music transcends genres; a sonic voyage through the cosmos with Maddy Herbert’s soulful prowess and lyricism serving as a beacon of authenticity.
HERstory: Women of the Mornington Peninsula is a public art initiative honouring the vital contributions of women in shaping the cultural, social, and historical identity of the Mornington Peninsula.
“Equal parts enthralling and enchanting, Velvet Bloom is undeniably on the cusp of big things in the near future.”
Join us for final talk in the HERstory series at Mornington Library.
- Tyler Jenke, Rolling Stone Magazine
Saturday 10 May
This album is proudly supported by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Performing Arts Fund.
Speaker: Cate Cox – Historian and member of the Rye Historical Society.
Topic: Lila Rowley: A Legacy of Strength and Service.
W: velvetbloommusic.com
Visit our website and find out more Make Music Matter.
Free event with morning tea provided. Bookings essential. mornpen.vic.gov.au/herstory
Where the community can gather to share, begin conversations and walk with First Peoples.
W: balnarringfestival.com.au
Join us at historic Mount Martha House for a day of discovery as part of the 2025 National Trust Australian Heritage Festival – Unearthed.
UNTIL SUNDAY 23 MARCH
EXHIBITION ‘SCALE’ - LANDER-SE
Curious about the history behind your heirlooms? Bring along your treasured items for a professional antique valuation at our special one-day heritage celebration!
Browse fascinating displays, exhibits, and heritage films.Take part in talks, a workshop or meet artists on the lawn. Enjoy Devonshire Tea in the reimagined Mt Martha Coffee Palace.
SCALE is an all-female exhibition bringing together eight Australian painters, examining our relationship with Landscape through a unified lens of proportion. This exhibition is accompanied by a series of artist-led creative workshops, inviting visitors to interact with the rural landscape of Red Hill.
W: landerse.au
Visit our website for more information about arts, culture and our community.
Free event (excluding workshops and catering). Bookings essential for valuations and workshops. mornpen.vic.gov.au/ac-unearthed
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
THE Somers Residents Association (SRA) is calling for the reinstatement of a community committee to oversee the Somers Foreshore Reserve amid growing concerns of the reserve’s deteriorating condition.
Residents say the coastal asset, which currently sits on Crown Land, had been left in a state of neglect with overgrown vegetation and poor maintenance of public facilities having prompted increased frustration.
The reserve is currently managed by Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) but the SRA said the site had been in poor condition for a long period of time “including extensive weed growth, cessation of revegetation works, and deterioration of community facilities and path infrastructure including art installations”.
The SRA has appealed to Hastings MP Paul Mercurio and are “hopeful that the reestablishment of the Somers Foreshore Reserve committee of management will occur,” which, if approved, would be made up of community and government representatives.
The absence of a committee of management, which ended about ten years ago, “has effectively ended the involvement of volunteers in the management of the foreshore,” the SRA said.
Authorised community works are only currently allowed in council-controlled areas “despite many requests and offers for action over many years
in those areas managed by DEECA.”
According to the SRA, DEECA had advised “of their intention” to appoint a new land manager for the Somers foreshore, and “disappointedly, they ruled out any community consultation prior to an announcement being made”.
But a DEECA spokesperson said, “while discussions are continuing with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
on the management of the reserve, no decision has been reached at this stage”.
The SRA’s secretary Michael Borowick said members of the Somers community were passionate about maintaining and improving the foreshore environment and remained “deeply concerned about its current state”.
“Our community wishes to revive
SOMERS residents are pushing to have a community committee returned to manage the Somers Foreshore Reserve. Picture: Yanni
the long tradition of Somers residents volunteering, which in the past involved landscaping, weeding, cleaning up and revegetating,” he said.
“An example of significant disrepair is the Banksia Picnic area installed in 2007 by the former Somers Foreshore Reserve committee of management with the assistance of volunteers.”
Borowick also noted areas surrounding the car park near The Somers General store were in “urgent need of significant attention,” and had been reported to DEECA (and formerly Parks Victoria) over many years to no avail.
“Serious community concern has been mismanaged and/or ignored despite the notified risks to the public including sightings of snakes in overgrown weeds,” he said.
“The SRA believes that improved environmental outcomes can only come about by reconstituting a Somers Foreshore Reserve committee of management, which enables collaboration between community and government representatives.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, in a statement, said the council has not agreed to take over management of the reserve.
“DEECA has been seeking to enter into a funding agreement to carry out work at Somers Foreshore Reserve, however the shire is not in a position to deliver works on behalf of
DEECA,” Marsh said, adding “it is not the shire’s role to complete works on behalf of others in areas where we don’t have management responsibilities”.
The department confirmed that where a committee of management or land manager was appointed, they were responsible for the management of the reserve.
Borowick said the SRA had written to the Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos in March to “not sign off on a management proposal with council unless it features a committee of management on which residents are represented”.
This is in addition to the SRA writing to the shire as DEECA “won’t engage with us”.
“We want the Minister and the council to talk to us before any decision is made. We don’t want DEECA continuing as the sole manager, and that’s why we welcome a change,” Borowick said.
Borowick pointed to the state government having recently appointing three new community representatives to the Point Leo Foreshore and Public Park Reserve, with an advertisement also seeking expressions of interest for the Tooradin Foreshore committee of management.
DEECA has been contacted for comment about the degraded state of the Somers Foreshore Reserve.
Cr David Gill told The News, “It’s a disgrace that the state government are not looking after Victoria’s foreshore, in particular a foreshore that is very valuable environmentally for visitors like Somers foreshore”.
Journalists: Brodie Cowburn, Brendan Rees
Ph: 5974 9000. Email: team@mpnews.com.au
Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni
Advertising Sales: Ricky Thompson, 0425 867 578
Real Estate Account Manager: Ricky Thompson, 0425 867 578
Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Danielle Espagne
Publisher: Cameron McCullough
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Craig MacKenzie.
ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915
Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.au
DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1 PM ON THURS 1 MAY 2025 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WED 7 MAY 2025
A WOMAN missed out on her fast-food order in Mornington on Saturday 26 April after being caught allegedly three times over the alcohol limit.
Police responded to reports of a woman driving erratically at a drive-thru on Nepean Highway about 11.45pm.
Officers approached the vehicle and
gave the 56-year-old driver a preliminary breath test which returned a positive result.
She was conveyed to a police station for an evidentiary breath test, where she allegedly returned a reading of 0.149.
The Somerville woman did not get what she ordered. Her car was impounded (pictured right) and she will be charged on summons with driving offences.
Operation Compass targeted impaired drivers over the Easter and Anzac Day period.
POLICE will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in Cape Schanck on Anzac Day. Emergency services were called to a beach off Boneo Road about 9.45am on 25 April after reports a man had been washed off rocks and was in the water.
A search of the water was conducted and the Air Wing located an unresponsive man in the water. He was brought back to shore but could not be revived.
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will re-engage with tennis and bowls club officials over outstanding concerns regarding its new leases in what one councillor said was “dragging on for way too long”.
The new lease agreements, introduced last July under the previous council, affect several community tennis and bowls clubs operating on council owned or managed land.
But despite sustained lobbying efforts from club representatives regarding their concerns, support from Tennis Australia, and interventions from two state local MPs, the shire had stood by the new lease terms.
The decision by council to push ahead was made even though “there was an expectation that the new leases would not be implemented” following a meeting last November between the shire, clubs, and the Peninsula Tennis Association.
The council was also expected to make recommendations to councillors earlier this year addressing club concerns which did not occur.
Among the concerns are increased rent, maintenance of facilities solely being placed on clubs, additional fees, and council needing approval for tasks normally carried out by volunteers – with a risk that this may make it impossible for some clubs to operate. With the matter unresolved, Cr Andrea Allen successfully led a motion at the council’s 22 April meeting
calling for shire officers to undertake additional engagement with club representatives from all clubs and associations by June.
It will aim to gather feedback on outstanding issues and concerns with the proposed leases. It will also mean that the new leases will be “formally paused” while consultation with clubs is carried out, with shire officers to bring back a report by September.
Allen said after the new lease agreements were made at the previous council’s 23 July meeting last year, “assurances were made to councillors at that meeting that the clubs had been
consulted on these new leases”.
“However, since then, clubs have indicated that they did not receive advance notice of the proposed rent increases or have any opportunity to discuss the broader implications of the lease changes,” she said.
“The 18 tennis clubs requested that the Peninsula Tennis Association (PTA) represent them in discussions with council regarding these leases. Council received correspondence from solicitors representing the PTA, which details concerns with their leases.”
Allen said council’s process of deal-
Andrea Allen and Peninsula Tennis Association secretary Michelle Vennelle with Sorrento Tennis Club members.
ing with the issue had “stalled and the purpose of this notice of motion is to ensure engagement with the PTA and clubs does occur, to formally pause the implementation of the council resolution from July last year, and to require a report for council consideration by September on these leases”.
A council report, however, noted that most bowls clubs have already signed up to the new lease agreements “and so the focus of the additional engagement will primarily be with tennis clubs in the shire”.
Cr Kate Roper supported the motion saying, “this has been dragging on for
way too long”.
“I had several clubs come to me late last year, concerned about some of the points in the new leases and in discussion with other councillors and the new council, I found that a lot of clubs have been contacting them with the same concern,” she said.
Cr Stephen Batty said engaging with clubs was critical as the council “owe it to the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers that look after our facilities”.
“I, as Cr Roper has, have had numerous discussions with tennis and bowls clubs and they have valid points and I think we’ve got to engage them in understanding their problems and predicaments that they have at each site,” said Batty.
“I think once we get this feedback, then we can look at the outstanding issues and get these leases signed. But as Cr Roper says, this has been going on for six to 12 months. This should be finalised.”
PTA secretary Michelle Vennelle welcomed the council’s decision. She said all tennis clubs had agreed not to sign the leases which were introduced “without proper consultation”.
The new leases were also “very lengthy and very legalese, so they’re very hard to understand and it’s not conducive for a community sporting facility,” she said.
“We will have a consultation process with the Peninsula Tennis Association and all tennis clubs to come to agreement on some of the terms and conditions of the lease.”
SOMERVILLE RECREATION RESERVE: An elected Coalition Government will commit $5 million towards upgrading the Reserve
SAGES COTTAGE, BAXTER: An elected Coalition Government will provide $500,000 for an Inclusive Jobs Hub, supporting people with a disability
FRANKSTON TO BAXTER RAIL: An elected Coalition Government will restore $900m in funding to the Frankston to Baxter Rail Line upgrade.
SOMERVILLE MOBILE RECEPTION: An elected Coalition Government will invest $2 million to improve mobile coverage for Somerville
GIRLS CHANGE ROOMS AT CRIB POINT: An elected Coalition Government will provide $242k to deliver new female change rooms at Crib Point sporting grounds
ABACUS LEARNING CENTRE, HASTINGS: An elected Coalition Government will deliver a shade sail for children with autism
Parents: Elizabeth & Andrew
Birth date: 30.03.2025
Birth weight: 3540gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Parents: Veronica & Daryl
Birth date: 8.04.2025
Birth weight: 3310gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Parents: Beth & Tommy
Birth date: 20.04.2025
Birth weight: 2880gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Parents: Sarah & Paul
Birth date: 8.04.2025
Birth weight: 3230gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Parents: Amy & Daniel
Birth date: 14.04.2025
Birth weight: 3600gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Parents: Cassy & Harley
Birth date: 22.04.2025
Birth weight: 3764gms
Born at: Frankston Hospital
Continued from Page 1
He said requiring every climate action to come with its own separate budget report might sound financially responsible, “but in reality it creates a fragmentation, inefficient process”.
“It makes it easier to delay, to defund and to quietly shelve vital projects without scrutiny,” he told the meeting.
“Worse, there’s no mention in the motion of how the community will now be involved with shaping climate policy.”
Cr David Gill also voted against the motion, noting the council had been applauded for its efforts in addressing climate change, which in turn brought return on investment on projects such as energy efficient upgrades, solar uptake, having electric vehicle chargers, as well as emergency back-up systems installed at Red Hill and Balnarring.
“It’s all about climate change and what we can do, and we should be doing everything we can because the return on investment increases year by year. Paying a dollar now saves $10,” he said.
A statement released by the shire after the meeting said the new framework would see all future climate-related proposals subject to individual council reports or itemised budget bids, “with clear measures of effectiveness”.
“Each project must also consider emissions and provide comparison data for alternative options, supporting more informed decisionmaking.”
Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said the decision to overturn the council’s climate emergency declaration “reflects a more outcomes-based approach to climate action”.
“This is not about stepping away from climate responsibility. It is about stepping forward with a clearer focus,” he said.
“We want to deliver results that people can see and benefit from. That means investing in better drainage, protecting our coastline from erosion, supporting sustainable infrastructure, and making sure every climate-related initiative is
A WOMAN in her 50s required airlifting to hospital after suffering serious leg injuries in a workplace incident at Bluescope on 25 April.
Paramedics were called to the facility in Hastings at 10.20am where a woman was reportedly trapped under a metal coil.
WorkSafe will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
ON Thursday 17 April, the Dromana Magistrates’ Court heard J Hutchinson Builders Pty Ltd, trading as Hutchinson Builders, had entered into an enforceable undertaking while facing a single charge of failing to ensure a workplace under its management and control was safe and
practical, measurable and linked to community priorities.”
Cr Max Patton, who voted against the motion, noted the declaration plan was adopted with 92 per cent of the community’s support.
Without it, he said there were no targets or implementation strategy, but rather “vague talk of focus and local outcomes without the structure to deliver any of it”.
The decision comes after councillors in January decided to take a closer look at how ratepayer money was spent in its fight against climate change in what one councillor labelled as “wasteful projects” including funding dishwasher upgrades for a private school (Call to end ‘wasteful climate change project’, The News 25/02/25).
Mornington Peninsula Climate Action Network (MPcan) member Jason Gardner said their group was “incredibly disappointed” by the council’s decision made without community consultation while being “pushed through quietly over a long weekend with minimal opposition”.
He said the MPcan group was a key stakeholder in community consultation when the shire adopted its climate emergency declaration in 2019.
“I only learned late last week that there was a possibility of the climate action plan being scrapped at the upcoming council meeting, so I emailed our mayor, Anthony Marsh on Easter Sunday to raise my concern,” Gardner said. According to Gardner, the mayor had given him assurances that any proposed motion would be up for public debate, which he said did not occur.
“It is hard to believe that this decision is about fiscal responsibility and transparency as advertised, when the council’s own report demonstrated net saving as a result of climate actions implemented to date, and when constituents are being given false assurances in order to minimise attention on an upcoming motion.”
without risks to health.
In August 2022, a truck driver employed by another company was delivering three large electrical switchboards to a Hutchinson construction site at Rosebud Plaza, assisted by his 21-year-old son.
As the driver’s son stood on the truck’s tray removing straps, a forklift struck the unsecured load, causing him and a switchboard to fall 1.6 metres to the ground.
The court heard the 770 kilogram switchboard landed on his head and torso, causing life threatening crush injuries including skull, facial and multiple other fractures, brain damage and facial nerve palsy. He was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition and has since partially recovered, with ongoing physical and emotional impacts.
The estimated $1,040,000 undertaking requires the company to perform a range of actions with the threat that WorkSafe may reinstate the charges if the undertaking is contravened or withdrawn.
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
A CONTENTIOUS trial involving council customer service hubs being installed across the Mornington Peninsula Shire will continue despite costing ratepayers about $389 per customer visit.
The hubs, also called “Your Local Connection Points”, are part of a 12-month pilot involving the shire’s “Tier 3 Facilities” with the aim of enhancing accessibility to in-person council services in smaller townships across the region.
Councillors narrowly approved a motion at their 22 April meeting to keep the hubs operating at Mornington, Hastings, Rosebud, Dromana, and Somerville, while exploring a more affordable option at Red Hill. This will occur at least until the end of the pilot which is scheduled to end on 27 June.
Some of the hubs only operate one day of the week with fewer than two visits per day while costing the shire $250,000 to keep running.
The move comes after councillors unanimously passed a three per cent rate increase this month because of “unprecedented pressures” including an estimated $8m to deal with the McCrae landslide recovery, which would see at least $75 from every household needed to help cover the enormous cost.
In considering the future of the customer service hubs, shire offices had put forward a recommendation at the
council meeting to continue operating the hubs at Somerville Library while closing those at Dromana, Red Hill and Sorrento because of higher operating costs.
But Cr David Gill argued that the shire should not get rid of the hubs as it was an “opportunity to include outposts of our community” that did not have access to public transport or nearby in-person council customer services.
He instead put forward a motion calling for the shire to continue operating all hubs while exploring a less expensive location at Red Hill –which was approved by councillors in
a narrow 6-5 vote.
“It comes down to the same arguments all the time; it’s too expensive to have services in the remote areas, and you hang your hats on that. I think that’s shameful. I think that’s wrong,” Gill said, noting that community organisations were prepared to offer sites for “little to no cost” for the shire to use.
“I think that we should be providing some services in those areas [that are remote].”
Gill also noted that the whole idea of the three-tiered system under the shire’s Future Workplace model, which included in-person services,
shire will explore a more affordable option to keep running a customer service hub in Red Hill. Pictured is the current hub in Shoreham Rd, Red Hill.
and a flexible workspace for staff, was about “increasing its connection with the community”.
According to Gill, the “trade-off” in having the customer service hubs was that the shire would be “saving a lot of money” by looking to repurpose or sell one if it’s shire buildings in Mornington and Rosebud after councillors voted in March to consolidate its offices, with the “preferred location” being the shire’s Hastings Marine Parade site.
This option would fall under “Tier 1” while “Tier 2” would explore colocated library and customer support services.
Deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said the pilot had cost $250,000, with a total of 655 customers, which equated to about $389 per visit.
While he also supported the concept, he said the council was facing a “massive cost expense” with the hubs not being financially viable.
“If we’re going to collect $63 for pet registration off these people, we shouldn’t be paying $389 for their visit. It makes no sense,” he said.
Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said while he too backed the idea, he could not support it going forward as it would be a “gross misuse” of council funds.
“It’s pretty clear to me that this trial has failed in terms of engaging people to show up,” he said. He added that the motion was “effectively saying double down what we’ve done with that slight change on Red Hill”.
Confusingly, the motion failed to specify whether the actions it was seeking would only apply within the trial period or be a permanent measure, with The News unable to seek clarification.
But Cr Kate Roper supported Gill’s motion, noting “it’s about connecting the whole community, not leaving people behind”.
“All ratepayers on Western Port are putting a hell of a lot into the bayside community and infrastructure and new pavilions and we’re not getting much back. So let’s share it around and make everybody part of this community.”
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
MORE than 100 residents fighting a high-tech industry and business park proposed for Somerville have signed a petition saying it would destroy the area’s “natural beauty” among other concerns.
The proposed development at 79 and 83 Bungower Rd in Somerville by Procter Investments Pty would see a community hub created with cafes, sports facilities, retail tenant spaces, and possibly a micro-brewery.
If approved, it is expected to provide up to 1100 jobs with the aim of addressing a “critical shortage” of industry land on the peninsula.
The site comprises two property titles totalling nearly 37 hectares, which are zoned as special use port related but deemed surplus to the Port of Hastings needs in 2018. It was declared regionally significant industrial land by the state government in 2019.
As reported by The News in March, a planning scheme amendment which was privately led by Procter Investments Pty Ltd, the founders of navigation technology company Sealite, was open for public feedback in 2023 with the Mornington Peninsula Shire receiving a total of 114 submissions. About 33 per cent of submissions supported the amendment, while 54 per cent oppose it, with concerns cited of traffic impacts and the development being inappropriate for the area (Tech park plan sparks traffic concerns, The News 13/03/25).
One key issue raised was that the land should be rezoned to Green Wedge or farming and not for industrial use.
Mornington Peninsula Shire coun-
Kilkenny – with a panel hearing is expected to be held for a week from 12 May.
Following the hearing, the panel will prepare a report with recommendations for council to consider, but
al is Cr Kate Roper, who, as reported by The News, said while she understood resident concerns, the benefits of such a project were “well supported” and would be an “important driver” for employment on the peninsula.
RESIDENTS have banded together to fight a huge high-tech industry and business park planned for Somerville.
However, a group of concerned citizens have since launched a petition since the council meeting, citing the long-term environmental damage if the proposal was to proceed, traffic impacts, and that the site should be protected by green wedge values.
“There is a risk that concentrated rainfall runoff into groundwater, may affect the salinity of nearby paddocks, affecting soil fertility and livestock.
“This runoff could potentially pollute Western Port Bay, which has been identified as an ecologically sensitive Ramsar Wetland,” the petition, signed by 105 people, said.
“Council could benefit from maintaining these green wedge areas for potential revenues from tourism and not for short term gain of leasing contracts for industry.”
The petition also noted that in 2023, “in spite of council’s research identifying sufficient appropriately zoned land in Hastings, another amendment for rezoning was proposed for the Bungower Rd site”.
Another issue raised in the petition was that the proposed development would be a missed opportunity to address the region’s housing crisis.
“The council could take advantage of the low-density rural area, as it is close to town and residents don’t want to be surrounded by industrial estates,” it said.
“Respondents are of the opinion that a technology park in both Somer-
ville and Hastings would cause leasing competition, with the potential for neither site being able to run at sufficient capacity for success. There are already significant warehouses for lease in Hastings and Somerville industrial areas.”
According to concerned residents supporting the petition, a 400-strong petition was originally signed in 2020 to oppose the proposed development, noting that it was the “community’s understanding this project was not going ahead and council’s own research suggested Hastings was a better option near Bunnings”.
Residents told The News they “felt blindsided by the current proposal as they felt the issue was done and dusted”.
Of the 114 submissions, supporters expressed interest in the land use and employment opportunities, “while many of the opposing submissions raised concerns about traffic impacts on Bungower Road and future industrial uses on the land,” the report said.
Concerned resident Simone Nash said the land on Bungower Rd bordered on green wedge zoning.
“This proposal conflicts with state planning for the Mornington Peninsula. State planning has specified that the Mornington Peninsula is to be preserved for it conservation, tourism and townships,” she said.
“It seems pointless to me that the land would be downgraded to industrial instead of upgraded for market gardens or residences.”
Opponents intend to have their voices heard at a community ward meeting on 1 May at Somerville Community House, which is being hosted by Beek Beek Ward Cr Kate Roper from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Candidates are listed in ballot paper order.
Jason Smart Trumpet of Patriots
My message for the voters of Flinders is simple.
Don’t vote for me.
I ask that you vote for Mike Brown, One Nation.
I originally agreed to run for Trumpet of Patriots but have stepped away because of the ToP’s original preference of Teal candidate Ben Smith, Labor and Greens in this election - against what Palmer led me to believe.
I had amassed support from constituents based on Ben Smith, Labor and the Greens being put last on my how-to-vote card.
Consequently, I fielded hundreds of calls and messages from supporters who were appalled. I made it quite clear that I had no say in the matter and that I would seek remedy. My correspondence with the ToP administrators was met with a response that was generic, condescending and basically ignored.
Actions speak louder than words and it was only after my press release regarding my inability/apprehension going forward with the ToP, pressed upon them how serious I was about the situation they put me in.
Subsequently, ToP preferencing was changed with One Nation put second, followed by a Teal, Labor, the Greens candidate before a Liberal representative, so a vote for ToP is still against my belief that a conservative government is the best outcome for our nation.
We as a people have been misrepresented by the current Labor government. Many families are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table and their desperation seems to go unnoticed.
A vote for the ToP in Flinders is a preference for Teals/Labor, and I won’t stand for it!
Don’t vote for me, instead vote for Mike Brown from One Nation, and follow his howto-vote card – that is the best chance we have of getting out of this mess that The Left has put us all in.
I’ll never forget one young mum who came into the Mornington Community Support Centre last year. She was working two jobs – but still sometimes had to choose between rent or feeding her family. She’d done everything “right” but was falling through the cracks.
I never planned on going into politics. But every day someone would come in with a story like this. Yet, when I tried to reach out to our elected representatives to let them know how people were struggling, I was met mostly with platitudes. The major parties have shown themselves incapable of dealing with the big issues impacting us all.
Here on the peninsula we have so much worth protecting but the reality is we’re being left behind. Four decades as a safe seat has left us in a funding black hole. Our hospital is falling apart. Our roads are crumbling. And our local services are under pressure like never before.
If elected, I’ll fight for investment in local healthcare and infrastructure, policies that ease cost-of-living pressures for families and small businesses, and to bring integrity back to politics – because the major parties have shown that they don’t have the appetite to deliver the reforms we desperately need.
The next federal parliament is likely to be a minority government. Our latest polling shows we can win this seat. No one’s done that before. Your vote has never mattered more.
So the question is: Do you want an independent who will fight for you? Or a backbencher bound by party lines and corporate interests?
As an independent, I’ll only ever answer to this community — to you. I’ll listen to what you need and fight for you in Canberra.
This is our chance. After decades of being taken for granted, it’s our turn to get the representation we deserve.
Zoe McKenzie
Liberal
Prior to election, I ran my own business building opportunities for Australian exporters and was a board director for the Committee for the Mornington Peninsula, NBN Board and Australia Council for the Arts. Earlier, I practised as an IR lawyer.
This experience underpins my understanding of the challenges facing our small and family businesses. I am determined to build the peninsula’s thriving economy, protect our lived environment and ensure we get our fair share.
In 2023, the Albanese government cut over $300m from budgeted infrastructure for the peninsula: roads, public transport, even the National Centre for Coasts and Climate were severed. I fought and saved road safety improvements on the Nepean Highway, the site of countless accidents, and worked with universities to keep the National Centre for Coasts and Climate alive.
I work daily with Nepean and Mornington MPs Sam Groth and Chris Crewther to address key issues of local crime, tighten bail laws and improve community safety. Working together we will secure funding for critical projects like the Rosebud Hospital – which only the Liberal Party has committed to rebuild.
The Coalition has a proud record of investment here, and I opened the Mornington Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Alexandra Park Pavilion, the Rosebud Youth Hub and the Endeavour Fern Gully Education Centre – all funded by the Coalition. I have fought for funding for our sporting facilities, mental health services and telecommunications improvements.
My commitments bind the Coalition to providing up to $900m to modernise the Frankston Baxter rail corridor; $5m for the Mornington to Moorooduc Trail, $5m to rebuild the Somerville Recreation Reserve, $5m to create a Veterans Wellness Centre and $2m towards improving mobile reception in Somerville – to name a few. I ask for your support to keep fighting for Flinders.
Where you can cast your vote - before and on the day
By Cameron McCullough
THE Australian Electoral Commission believes this federal election will have the most complete electoral roll for any Australian federal election since federation, with around 18 million people enrolled; approximately 98% of the eligible population.
The federal election process is a huge undertaking with more than 500 early voting centres currently operating across the country and over 7000 polling places operating on election day.
On Saturday 3 May, over 100,000 temporary staff will work at the election. There will be 20,000 lanyards, and 240,000 vests and staff will use 25,000 copies of the electoral roll to check off the names of voters. There will be 80,000 ballot boxes and 90,000 ballot transport containers. There will be 5000 rolls of tamper proof tape, and 1.4 million security seals.
Voters will mark their ballots with 250,000 pencils (held in place by 250,000 pieces of string to thwart those that want to take home more than just a democracy sausage).
Voting is compulsory, with four options for pre-polling in the electorate of Flinders, as well as 40 election day polling stations spread across the peninsula.
Where to vote pre-poll
There are four pre-polling centres where you can vote before election day.
n Advance Community College (Hastings Hub), 1973 FrankstonFlinders Rd, Hastings
n Mount Eliza Community Hall, 90-100 Canadian Bay Rd, Mt Eliza
n Salvation Army Mornington Mission Centre, 750 Nepean Hwy, Mt Martha
n Rosebud Sea Scouts Hall, Rosebud Foreshore – Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud
Where to vote on election day
n Balnarring Primary School, 16 Civic Ct, Balnarring
n Baxter Primary School, 120 Grant Rd, Baxter
n Bittern Primary School, 10 Portsmouth Rd, Bittern
n Blairgowrie Community Hall, 8
William Rd, Blairgowrie
n Boneo Community Hall, 572 Boneo Rd, Boneo
n Crib Point Primary School, 70 Milne St, Crib Point
n Dromana Primary School, 50 McCulloch St, Dromana
n Dromana Community Hall, 2A Verdon St, Dromana
n Dromana Senior Citizens Club, 43 Pier St, Dromana
n Flinders Civic Hall, 54-56 Cook St, Flinders
n Wallaroo Primary School Hastings, Stalwart Ave, Hastings
signage
n Western Port Secondary College, 215 High St, Hastings
n Moorooduc Primary School, 279
Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Moorooduc
n Saint Mark’s Uniting Church, 50 Barkly St, Mornington
n Mornington Primary School, 25 Vale St, Mornington
n Benton Junior College, 261 Racecourse Rd, Mornington
n Mornington Park Primary School, 40-58 Robertson Dr, Mornington
n 1st Mornington Scout Hall (Venice Reserve), Mitchell St, Mornington
n Mount Eliza Secondary College,
204 Canadian Bay Rd, Mt Eliza
n Mount Eliza Fifty Five Plus Club, 90B Canadian Bay Rd, Mt Eliza
n Mount Eliza Primary School, 1 Wooralla Dr, Mt Eliza
n Kunyung Primary School, 50 Kunyung Rd, Mt Eliza
n Mt Martha Primary School, 3755 Glenisla Dr, Mt Martha
n Salvation Army Mornington Mission Centre, 750 Nepean Hwy, Mt Martha
n Osborne Primary School, 120 Craigie Rd, Mt Martha
n Watson’s Pavilion, 33A Blair Rd, Portsea
n Red Hill Consolidated School, 341 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill
n All Saints Anglican Church, 1153-1157 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud n Bayview Church, 1 Inglewood Cres, Rosebud n Rosebud Secondary College, 245 Eastbourne Rd, Rosebud
n Rye Civic Hall (Citizens Hall), 12 Napier St, Rye
n Shoreham Community Hall, 67 Byrnes Rd, Shoreham
n Somers Primary School, 87 Camp Hill Rd, Somers n Somerville Mechanics Hall, 66 Station St, Somerville
n Somerville Primary School, 37 Eramosa Rd E, Somerville
n Somerville Rise Primary School, 34 Worwong Ave, Somerville
n Sorrento Community Centre, 860 Melbourne Rd, Sorrento
n St Andrews Beach Recreational Hall, 99 Bass Meadows Blvd, St Andrews Beach
n Tootgarook Primary School, 7 Carmichael St, Tootgarook
n Tyabb Community Hall, 1535 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Tyabb
I am calling on voters to reject the Climate 200-backed “Teal” campaign and restore honesty and common sense to Canberra.
As a father of seven, grandfather of nine, and long-time Mornington Peninsula local, I am a self-funded candidate — not backed by Climate 200, corporate donors or Simon Holmes à Court’s money.
I believe the One Nation Pauline Hanson team is the only real force keeping the buggers honest in Canberra.
I welcome the support of former candidate Jason Smart, who recently resigned from the Trumpet of Patriots after Clive Palmer overruled him and preferenced the Teals against his wishes. Mr Smart is now assisting the One Nation campaign to stop the Greens, Labor and Teals from gaining control of Flinders.
This election isn’t about left or right — it’s about right and wrong.
Labor and the Greens have barely lifted a finger in Flinders because Climate 200 and their Teal candidate Ben Smith are doing the heavy lifting. It’s time to wake up and push back.
My campaign priorities include:
n A balanced energy future using coal, gas, nuclear, solar and hydro
n Federal support for Rosebud Hospital upgrades and local CFA branches
n Stronger youth crime laws and tougher bail conditions
n Fixing local roads and supporting small family-run businesses
n Ending woke division — one flag, one people, one nation under God
One Nation preferences are structured to strengthen the conservative vote — not split it.
A Vote 1 for One Nation is the strongest message you can send to Canberra. I’m not here for a political career — I’m here to fight for the country I love and the community I live in.
Joseph Toscano Independent
Watching television tears welled up in my eyes when I saw an advertisement asking viewers to sponsor an Australian child to access a decent public education. What is happening in Australia? How can 27 million people living on a resource rich continent fail so many of its children?
I was born in Brisbane in 1951, the son of Italian sharecroppers. I am a father, stepfather, grandfather, widower. For the past fifty years I have been a doctor, community radio broadcaster and activist. Residents, including Denise Hassett the 1993 Flinders Labor candidate, asked me to provide electors with real choices. I’ve made mistakes and have regrets. My journey helps me gain the insights, experience, determination and strength to represent you.
Look in your letterbox for my flyer. Access Facebook @Toscano4Flinders to examine polices that will ensure Australians will never again have to rely on the crumbs brushed off the corporate table to survive.
I am tired of looking into young people’s eyes knowing my generations addiction to the almighty dollar has destroyed their future. I’m disturbed about the lack of significant action on climate change. Residents in this electorate will be some of the first Australians to feel the effects of the climate emergency as sea levels rise.
The experts tell me I have “a snowball’s chance in hell of being elected.” They think I’m a 21st century Don Quixote tilting at virtual platforms. I’ve put my money where my mouth is and financed my own campaign. I owe nothing to political parties or secular or religious groups.
Help me do a Bradbury. Put a cat among the Parliamentary pigeons and Vote 1 Joseph Toscano.
I’m not allocating preferences – your vote, you decide your preferences.
I love the peninsula and chose to raise my family here. Our peninsula needs a strong voice that is part of the government to deliver for Flinders. We’ve been taken for granted by the Liberals for 40 years.
I am a strong community advocate. I’ve rolled up my sleeves and delivered results for our community for years: on council, the kinder committee and at the footy club.
In the biggest ever Labor campaign for Flinders I’ve run a true grassroots campaign focused on everyday people, knocking on 10,000 doors to engage directly with our community.
I’ve also worked to secure tens of millions for our peninsula including:
n an Urgent Care Clinic in Somerville
n crisis accommodation for women experiencing domestic and family violence
n three critical local sports facility upgrades in Rye, Somerville and Hastings
n a major upgrade to Western Port Highway.
This is only the beginning of what better representation can offer our area.
At this election the choice is clear. Keep building Australia’s future with Labor, and with me as part of that team. Or Peter Dutton’s cuts.
In just three years Labor has halved inflation, got wages growing, and interest rates are reducing.
Now Labor is building on those foundations by:
n strengthening Medicare and making more GP visits free
n providing lasting cost of living relief with fairer tax cuts and a $1000 instant tax deduction for all workers
n making free TAFE permanent to boost Australia’s workforce. Investing in every stage of education with a three-day childcare guarantee, fully funding public schools, and cutting HECS debts by 20%.
I ask for your vote so that I can secure these benefits for our community and represent the peninsula as your member in a Labor government.
Adam Frogley Greens
The Greens’ plan is clear. Make big corporations pay their fair share of tax to fund world-class public services working for people, not profit, and genuinely tackle the housing crisis, but also take action on climate, “the greatest moral challenge of our time”.
Other candidates take huge donations from big corporations and billionaires. We don’t. Have you noticed on the peninsula the Greens have not had the exposure that the wealthier, billionaire backed candidates have? I will side with everyday people over big corporations, always.
Greens MP’s and Senators are like terriers, nipping at the heels of the government, arguing for climate action, with no new coal or gas mines, free GP visits, dental on medicare and unlimited mental health services, publicly owned affordable social housing and rent freezes.
The big four banks made $44.6b profit last year. We will pressure government to build good quality homes, sold and rented at a price you can afford, with big banks to offer discount mortgages to all homeowners, including first homebuyers and owner-occupiers. We must stop the $180b in tax handouts to wealthy property investors.
We argue for free education, with fully funded public schooling, $800 per child back-to-school each year, and publicly owned and operated, safe, free child-care for all. Cancelling all student debt as well.
The Independent Parliamentary Budget Office fully costed this plan.
Closing the gap for our First Nations people is urgent. A young First Nations’ man will have more chance of going to prison than university. This weighs heavily on me and motivates me to work in this space and stand as a Greens candidate to pressure for reforms which change this statistic.
I will work assiduously to Keep Dutton out and make Labor act.
Brodie Cowburn
brodie@mpnews.com.au
WITH the election looming, the federal government is under fire for failing to act on proposed gambling reform championed by late Dunkley MP Peta Murphy.
Before her death in late 2023, Murphy chaired a parliamentary inquiry into gambling harm. The inquiry’s report made 31 recommendations, including a ban on online gambling advertising, stronger consumer protections for licensed online gambling, a crackdown on illegal gambling websites, and a legislated duty of care.
Last week, Nine newspapers reported that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had shelved gambling reform put forward by communications minister Michelle Rowland. The “captain’s call” was reportedly made late last year.
During a visit to Frankston before the March 2024 by-election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was non-committal when asked about the recommendations in the Murphy Report. He said “the federal government commits to considering all of the recommendations that are in the report, which is what we do. We give consideration to that – we know that gambling has a real impact on people in this area and right around.”
Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Martin Thomas has slammed the federal government for its inaction on the recommendations. He said the Alliance is “incredibly disappointed, as the Murphy Report was produced by one of their own.”
“Peta Murphy courageously cam-
PETA
paigned even in her last days with cancer. The committee handed down its report which was unanimous across all committee members across all parties.
We know from polling that 76 percent of Australians want a full gambling ad ban, so it seems inconceivable that the government not only hasn’t moved on it but hasn’t officially responded to that report,” he said.
“We are mystified - what we can highlight is the fact that the gambling industry has very deep pockets, donates to political parties, spends money on lobbying, and it also lavishes hospitality on MPs and ministers when key decision making happens.
The NRL and AFL profit from gam-
bling and they put pressure on the government. The trouble is all this is happening behind closed doors - we had an open inquiry where everyone put forward their case and there was an evidence-led response. Since then it’s all been private meetings.”
Thomas said that the recommendations contained in the “You Win Some, You Lose More” gambling inquiry report are “a terrific blueprint to reduce gambling harms.”
“The gambling ad ban phased in over three years will start with TV and go onto online and stadiums and jerseys - there is no reason they couldn’t start implementing that,” Thomas said. He also stated a ban on inducements, a
levy to minimise the financial impact of banning gambling ads on sporting bodies, and a national regulator should be priorities.
Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea says she has been talking to her colleagues in Parliament about implementing the proposed gambling reform.
“As a mum of a teenage boy, I do worry about the prevalence of advertising for gambling in sport. You don’t need to gamble to enjoy watching the footy,” she said. “I continually have conversations with my colleagues and work with them so the government can continue to implement the reform championed by Peta Murphy.
“I want to acknowledge the ex-
traordinary advocacy of Peta Murphy on the issue of gambling harm. The impact of gambling harm is serious, with Australian’s losing about $25b to gambling every year. This costs families financially and can cause psychological and legal harm.”
Belyea said that “the government has been working to address the harms associated with online wagering, including harm on Dunkley residents”. She listed the launch of the BetStop national self-exclusion register for online wagering, banning the use of credit cards for online wagering, and the introduction of mandatory customer pre-verification, mandatory minimum classification for gamblinglike content in computer games, and “evidence-based tag lines in wagering advertising” among the government’s new anti-gambling measures.
“These are important steps and I acknowledge there is more to do.”
After the release of the gambling inquiry’s report nearly two years ago, Peta Murphy said “gambling advertising and simulated gambling through video games is grooming children and young people to gamble and encourages riskier behaviour. The torrent of advertising is inescapable. It is manipulating an impressionable and vulnerable audience to gamble online.”
“A phased, comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising is recommended within three years. This will give major sports and broadcasters time to find alternative advertisers and sponsors, while preventing another generation from experiencing escalating gambling harm,” she said.
committee members.
Picture: Supplied
Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au
LABOR’S Sarah Race has entered the last week of the election campaign focussing on health.
The healthcare and social assistance sector is the biggest employer on the peninsula with almost 10,000 workers; over 15% of the local workforce.
The sector is worth almost $1b to the local economy and supports tens of thousands of people who need medical care, aged care, mental health care, or NDIS support.
“Health, aged care and disability support touch every family on the peninsula. Labor backs our 10,000 health workers and the local families that rely on their support.” Race said.
Race told The News that Labor is building Australia’s future by building the health system and helping with the cost of living including:
n opening an Urgent Care Clinic in Somerville for local, free, urgent care for our communities
n making more GP visits free
n making medicine cheaper by capping the price of a PBS script at $25
n investing over $700m into women’s health, including slashing the cost of contraceptives and menopause prescriptions, and more support for endometriosis
n investing $1b into mental health, including a new national early intervention service which anyone can access, for free mental health support without waiting for a referral or being worried about a gap fee
n training thousands more doctors, nurses and mental health workers.
“These are real commitments and real policies that will be delivered by a re-elected Labor government,” said Race.
“For the peninsula, it is just too important to risk it with the Liberals approach to essential public services, which is to cut. Or the platitudes that have been sprayed across the peninsula by independents.
“I want healthcare on the peninsula to be more Australian, and nothing is more Australian than Medicare. The Liberals want an American health system where our local families pay more, and that’s not the right move for the peninsula.”
Liberal candidate Zoe McKenzie continued the momentum of campaign promises this week, with three major announcements, despite being isolated
for five after contracting Covid.
The first was that a “future Liberal government will deliver a long-overdue upgrade to the Frankston to Baxter Rail Line – committing up to $900m to support the full business case, early works, and construction of this transformative transport project”.
McKenzie was still able to make this announcement in person before testing positive for Covid.
Her next two major announcements were made remotely, the first of which was a $40,000 commitment by an elected Liberal government to repair the Somerville Scout Hall roof.
“The 1st Somerville Scout Group calls Somerville Scout Hall their home, where they provide invaluable support and opportunities for young people in Somerville and surrounds,” said McKenzie.
“The roof of Somerville Scout Hall is in desperate need of repair. Wet weather makes the Scout Hall uninhabitable for weekly Scout meetings and water damage is starting to set in.”
The next announcement, made the day before Anzac Day, was a $5m commitment to establish a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub at Rosebud RSL.
McKenzie said the new Hub in Rosebud would provide a critically important space for veterans’ services and advocacy organisations to coexist and deliver integrated support to current and ex-service personnel and their families.
“I’ve had strong feedback from the local community about the need for a veterans’ and families’ hub. The Mornington Peninsula is fortunate to have our own naval base, HMAS Cerberus, as well as a big community of veterans and their families,” McKenzie said.
“This investment is more important than ever”, said Rosebud RSL president Bruce Turner.
“The expansion of our wellbeing area and services offered will greatly benefit the veterans and the local communities and give us a greater opportunity to assist smaller RSL’s across the peninsula with veteran welfare support.”
Ben Smith’s independent campaign had a final week message it wanted out to the voters of Flinders: “Thousands of conversations. Hundreds of volunteers. One clear message: it’s time to vote independent”.
Lucy Keller from the Smith campaign told The News the campaign is celebrating the “unstoppable momentum behind his people-powered movement”.
“In just a few short months, Ben’s volunteer supporter base has grown from a handful of volunteers to more than 650 dedicated locals of all ages from Sorrento to Somerville,” said Keller.
“Together the team has spoken to over 50,000 voters and put up more than 800 signs on people’s fences. This huge effort has meant that the campaign is also now supported by over 500 local donors.
“Ben’s message to voters is simple: the peninsula has been taken for granted by the major parties for too long, and this election is a once-ina-generation opportunity to turn that around.”
With election day looming, Keller said the Smith’s campaign will be “running at full tilt, with hundreds of volunteers staffing early voting booths, knocking on doors, and reminding voters that only an independent will fight for the peninsula without party interference.”
The community group Independents for Flinders, who selected Smith as their candidate say they couldn’t be prouder.
“Ben’s vision for the peninsula has inspired us all and we’re so proud we chose him,” said Pam Pitt, a coordinator of I4F.
“He’s not just talking about change – he’s talking about real solutions to the problems our community faces, and that’s why we’re backing him all the way.”
“We’re not just fighting for a seat –we’re fighting for our future,” Smith told The News
“This final week is all about ensuring the people of the peninsula know they have a real choice, and that choice is independent.”
In other candidate news, true to his word, ex-Trumpet of Patriots candidate Jason Smart has been busy campaigning with One Nation’s Mike Brown. Smart “withdrew” from the race on 21 April and pldeged to support Brown after the a head office decision to place Ben Smith as the
of Patriots second
Brodie Cowburn
THE Liberals have reaffirmed their commitment to spend $900m on the extension of the Frankston railway line.
The electrification and duplication of the Frankston line towards Baxter has been plagued by false starts in the past. In 2023, the federal government axed a budgeted $225m set aside for the project by the Coalition government in 2018.
A review into ongoing infrastructure projects commissioned by the federal government shortly after its election recommended scrapping the project.
Liberal candidate for Dunkley Nathan Conroy announced the $900m promise prior to the March 2024 byelection. Last week he reaffirmed that promise ahead of the federal election.
“I’ve heard from local residents in Frankston South and Langwarrin about the need for better public transport. This essential project will reduce congestion, improve travel times, and get our community moving,” Conroy said.
Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie said “traffic congestion and availability of
public transport is a major problem for commuters on the Mornington Peninsula.
“This project will be a game changer, connecting residents to jobs, education, services and amenities on the peninsula and beyond.”
The $900m commitment is unlikely to be anywhere near enough to complete the project - a business case completed more than five years ago costed the project at up to $1.5b.
Brodie Cowburn
WAYNE Holdsworth’s SmackTalk organisation will receive money to continue its work in sextortion education if Labor is re-elected.
Holdsworth, the Frankston District Basketball Association CEO, started SmackTalk after the death of his 17-year-old son Mac in 2023. Mac Holdsworth died by suicide after he becoming the target of an online sextortion scam.
Since its inception, Holdsworth and SmackTalk have visited schools and other community groups to share their message. The federal government will spend $450,000 on the initiative if re-
elected.
Holdworth said “I have used Mac’s death as a catalyst to do more and we want to educate every person we can reach to simply be a better listener –but with demand growing month on month, it’s clear to me that SmackTalk cannot facilitate all the conversations we need to have without support.”
“The research clearly confirms that real learned listening techniques can make a world of difference. I am grateful that Jodie [Belyea], and the government she is part of, recognises when urgent funding is needed to support prevention and early intervention methods to fight sextortion, like the work SmackTalk has undertaken to support young at-risk youth,” he said.
“The grief, shock, helplessness and self-blame of Mac’s death knocked me over physically and mentally. I asked Mac regularly if he was ok, he always responded, ‘I am fine Dad’. He was not fine and if I had the knowledge and skills that I have now, to really listen, the outcome may have been different.”
Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea said “the persistence of sextortion cases underscores the need for ongoing education and preventive measures to protect vulnerable Australians.”
“This funding will deliver more targeted resources and specialised training for additional facilitators over a more sustainable period of time, to meet the growing demand that Wayne and his small team are facing,” she said.
Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au
OCCAM’S razor is a philosophical principal that suggests that the simplest explanation of a phenomenon is usually the most likely one.
In the case of the decision of rightwing Trumpet of Patriots to place Climate 200-backed candidates second on a number of their how-to-vote cards, including for Flinders Trumpet of Patriots candidate Jason Smart, the most likely explanations would be that it was a strategic move (at best) or an error in judgment (at worst).
But Clive Palmer had another explanation, quite at odds with the principle of occam’s razor. Instead, Trumpet of Patriots headquarters had somehow been “hacked” and how-tovote cards “tampered with”.
The issue rose to prominence nationally after the candidate for Flinders announced he would be withdrawing his candidacy for Trumpet of Patriots after the party head office decided Smart would be placing Climate 200-backed candidate Ben Smith second.
The head office imposed how-tovote card came just days after Smart had announced he would be running
as a “unified alliance” with One Nation’s Mike Brown, throwing his plans into disarray.
“I was given an undertaking by Clive Palmer and the Trumpet of Patriots that if I ran as a candidate for them, that the Teal/Labor/Greens candidates would be last on the howto-vote card,” Smart told The News
“I only agreed to run on that basis.
“If Clive Palmer thinks I’m going to put my love for my country to the side so he can try and gain some political relevance, he’s dead wrong,” said Smart.
“I’m nobody’s chump.”
The original head office how-tovote card, as well as placing Smith second, had Liberal Zoe McKenzie last, and Labor’s Sarah Race second last, consistent with Palmer’s announcement that Trumpet of Patriots would be placing the “Uni-Party of Labor and Liberal last”.
On Monday (21 April) Smart announced he would be “withdrawing” as a candidate for Trumpet of Patriots and would be, instead assisting Brown with his campaign.
While Smart announced his “withdrawal”, he is unable to be removed from the ballot at this late stage. He
also told The News it is against AEC rules for him to create a how-tovote card inconsistent with the one produced by Trumpet of Patriots head office. Smart believed his only option was to ask voters to “put him last”.
Then came the announcement that Trumpet of Patriots had launched an investigation into the “tampering” of the party’s how-to-vote cards.
“It has become apparent that a number of our how-to-vote cards have been interfered with,’’ said Trumpet of Patriots’ chairman Clive Palmer.
“This incident has not happened in isolation as we have been hacked and had our communications interfered with on previous occasions.
“We will be conducting a full investigation into the matter.
“An error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it. We will be correcting the tampered how-to-vote cards immediately.’’
The statement appeared to indicate that some unknown forces had “hacked” the Trumpet of Patriots sys-
tems, and perhaps used their graphic design skills to alter the how-to-votecards to list a number of Climate 200-backed candidates second.
By the end of the day Tuesday (22 April), there was a new how-to-vote card on Smart’s candidate page on the Trumpet of Patriots’ website.
The new card listed One Nation’s Brown second, but had Labor’s Sarah Race fourth, Smith fifth, and Liberal Zoe McKenzie last again.
Asked by The News if this change meant he would resume campaigning for Trumpet of Patriots, Smart said “Absolutely not. It is not the order I would have [approved] except for Mike Brown”.
Especially difficult for Smart was the placement of McKenzie last, with Smart saying “A conservative government with One Nation/Liberals going forward is the best outcome for our nation”.
By the Wednesday (23 April), Smart had been expunged from the Trumpet of Patriots’ website, with the message “The page you requested was not found”, with the most likely explanation clearly spelled out: “If you clicked on a link to get here, the link is outdated”.
It’s important that you understand how to vote correctly.
On election day you need to complete two ballot papers:
• a green one for the House of Representatives
• a large white one for the Senate.
On the green ballot paper you are voting for a representative of your local area or electorate in the House of Representatives.
On the white ballot paper you are voting for representatives of your state or territory in the Senate.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake. Just ask for another ballot paper and start again.
CONTACT: James Munn 0400 990 833 Michelle Munn 0414 774 816
WELCOME to 21 Park Road, Crib Point
– a stunning, newly built country home that perfectly blends modern design with timeless elegance. This beautifully crafted residence features an understated yet sophisticated aesthetic, highlighted by tasteful landscaped gardens and an expansive undercover outdoor entertaining area that invites you to relax and savour the serene lifestyle.
Step inside to an open plan design flooded with natural light, where oversized sliding doors seamlessly connect the indoors with
the outdoors, creating an effortless flow for indoor – outdoor living. The cathedral ceilings and exposed beams add a sense of spaciousness and architectural charm, while the engineered oak hardwood floors set the stage for contemporary luxury throughout the main living areas.
The heart of the home is undoubtedly the bespoke kitchen – generously sized and meticulously designed with stone and timber benchtops, a large and stylish walk-in pantry and all the modern conveniences you desire. Whether you’re entertaining guests
or preparing family meals, this kitchen is as functional as it is stunning.
The home boasts two beautifully appointed bathrooms, each featuring elegant stone benchtops ensuring comfort and style in every detail. Additional features include double glazing throughout, floor to ceiling insulation, reverse cycle split system heating and cooling, brushed nickel door hardware and tapware throughout, water tanks and a secure double garage.
This property is just steps away from local landmarks like the Crib Point pool, point cafe
ADDRESS: 21 Park Road, Crib Point FOR SALE: $949,000-$1,020,000 DESCRIPTION: 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
AGENT: Lisa Roberts - 0488 910 368, Roberts Partners Real Estate, 99a High St, Hastings, 5979 2489
202, and the train station. Complimenting this is the fact that 21 Park Road is located on one of Crib Points most desirable streets, adding to the allure and exclusivity of this magnificent home. Enjoy the convenience of a short drive to Balnarring Village and the picturesque Somers Beach, offering the charm of a close-knit community. Experience the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and lifestyle – your new haven in Crib Point awaits. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this exceptional property your own n
A home that immediately soothes the soul with a tranquil ambience and delights with family space and comfort with the bonus of a superb covered alfresco terrace and sparkling in ground pool!
Beautifully updated and presented to perfection, the thoughtfully zoned, singlelevel design features up to three spacious bedrooms and incredible formal and family living spaces ready to impress.
A stylish wood burner casts a warming glow in the large main living area with an adjoining room that offers flexibility to use a home office, formal dining space or large additional bedroom.
Gleaming spotted gum floors extend into the family and meals area where French doors open to the stunning alfresco zone that with a raised deck area to lounge and catch a few rays and the free-form solar-heated in
ground pool surrounded by clipped hedge for privacy.
The kitchen is an entertainer’s delight with granite bench tops, stainless steel appliances and glass splash backs while creature comforts are superbly taken care of with ducted reverse cycle heating and air conditioning.
Parents enjoy a main bedroom with a box bay window overlooking the front yard, a
ADDRESS: 2 Dudley Court, Somerville FOR SALE: $1,200,000 - $1,300,000 DESCRIPTION: 4 bed, 2 bath, 3 car 876m2 AGENT: Shaylee Sweetnam - Homes and Acreage, 16/49 Eramosa Road West, Somerville, 1300 077 557
stylish ensuite with walk-in shower and built-in robes. Another new bathroom supports two additional bedrooms with built-in robes and a large laundry offers access to a tandem carport and lock-up garage.
Within easy walking distance of Somerville’s major shopping area and local schools, a host of other features include an 8kW rooftop solar system, Sonos surround sound system indoors and out as well as security cameras.n
SATURDAY
ABC TV, 8pm
Despite what the calendar might say, it feels like autumn has only just begun – how can the deep freeze of winter only be a month away? Time to make the most of May’s sunny days and colourful leaves while we still can. Luckily, Costa Georgiadis and his team have a bounty of ways to enjoy the outdoors before the chill sets in. Tonight, Hannah Moloney (pictured) learns about a dazzling array of dahlias at a flower farm in the adorably named Lower Snug, in Tasmania.
MOVIE: ROGUE AGENT
SBS WORLD MOVIES, 8.30pm, M (2022)
True-crime aficionados are sure to be wooed by this thriller that tells the real-life story of British con man Robert Freegard. James Norton plays the master manipulator, a luxury car salesman who exploits his victims under the false pretence he’s an undercover MI5 agent looking for new recruits. Freegard expertly manipulates his unknowing targets for financial gain, but eventually meets his match in quick-witted lawyer Alice Archer (Gemma Arterton, pictured, with Norton), who seeks to bring him to justice.
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 The Weekly. (R) 11.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 12.00
1.00 Sherwood. (Mlv, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
SUNDAY
BERGERAC
This reboot of the classic 1980s detective series set on the Channel Island of Jersey takes a darker approach than the original. Irish actor Damien Molony (above, Brassic takes on the title role of Jim Bergerac – a brilliant yet troubled detective who is on bereavement leave after his wife’s death. When a member of one of Jersey’s wealthiest families is murdered, the police want their best detective on the case, and turn to Bergerac. But is he up for the job? He wants to prove to daughter Kim (Chloé Sweetlove) and mother-in-law Charlie (Zoë Wanamaker) – and most importantly, himself – that he’s getting back on track, though the case will hit closer to home than he could have ever imagined.
MONDAY SAM PANG TONIGHT
TEN, 8.40pm
They said it couldn’t be done – a tonight show, on network television, in this day and age? But Sam Pang (below) has proved the detractors wrong, staying on air for not only all eight scheduled episodes but earning a second season to air later this year. Pang’s fresh take on the classic format offers a casual approach, with engaging yet guest announcers
7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Secret DNA Of Us: Geelong. (Ma) The team heads to Geelong. 8.35 Liberation: D-Day To Berlin: France. (Premiere) Looks at the liberation of Western Europe. 9.30 Virdee. (MA15+v) Harry confronts Pawa. 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 The Hollow. (Mal) 1.05 Departure. (Madl, R) 2.45 Australia Uncovered: Our African Roots. (PGa, R) 3.45 Barkley Manor. (R) 4.45 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 8. Essendon v North Melbourne. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game. 11.00 Kick Ons. A preview of the upcoming AFL matches. 11.30 Born To Kill? Colin Ireland. (MA15+a, R) A look at serial killer Colin Ireland.
12.30 Emergency Call. (PGal, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
9News.
A Current Affair.
Rugby League. Women’s State Of Origin. Game 1. Queensland v New South Wales.
NRL Women’s State Of Origin Post-Match. Post-match wrap-up.
ahead of Australia’s
ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (10)
6.00 News. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 The Pacific. (R)
11.00 Vera, Farewell Pet. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv, R)
3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (R)
3.25 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30: Australia Votes. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.
8.00 Gardening Australia. Hannah Moloney visits a dahlia farm.
9.00 Sherwood. (Mdlv) The police and Sparrows must work together.
10.00 Gruen Nation. (R)
10.35 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)
11.05 Big Boys. (MA15+l, R)
11.30 ABC Late News.
11.50 Father Brown. (Mv, R)
12.35 Mayfair Witches. (Ml, R) 1.20 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Travel Quest. (PG, R) 10.05 Matched. (PG, R) 11.00 Europe’s Highlands. (PGaw) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 The World’s Most Beautiful Landscapes.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 24 Hours That Changed The World: The Fall Of Nazi Germany.
8.30 The Giza Pyramid: Reaching For The Stars. (PG, R) A look at the pyramids of Giza.
9.30 Scotland’s Scenic Railways: East Fife Railway. (R) An addition to Scotland’s rail network is unveiled.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 A Body That Works. (Ma)
12.05 Between Two Worlds. (Mals, R) 2.00 Agent Hamilton. (MA15+v, R) 3.40 Barkley Manor. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Mecha Builders. 3.55 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 5.50 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown.
A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 8. St Kilda v Fremantle. 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 game.
11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
11.45 Motorway Patrol. (PG) A speeder will not stop.
12.15 The Black Donnellys. (Mdsv)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
(9)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 West Coast Cops. (PGa) Anna is struggling with her work-life balance.
8.30 MOVIE: The Accountant. (2016, MA15+alv, R) A maths genius who works as an accountant for high-rolling criminals is pursued by authorities. Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons.
11.00 The First 48: The Grudge. (Mav)
12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.50 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by guests including Billy Crystal, Hugh Bonneville and Michael Kiwanuka. 9.40 The List. (Mln, R) Two best friends take on The List, a collection of travel experiences most people avoid. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 1.25pm Tan France: Beauty And The Bleach. 2.30 Over The Black Dot. 3.05 BBC News At Ten. 3.35 ABC World News Tonight. 4.00 PBS News. 5.00 Riveted: The History Of Jeans. 6.05
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am
If You Are The One. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Secrets Of Polygamy. 10.10 Adam Looking For Eve. Midnight Pose. 2.50 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
7TWO (72)
6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Jabba’s Movies. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Animal SOS Australia. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00
NITV (34)
Morning Programs. 6.40 The Farewell. (2019, PG) 8.35 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 10.25 Moving. (1993, M, Japanese) 12.40pm The Prophecy Of The Armadillo. (2018, M, Italian) 2.35 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 4.30 A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 6.20 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 8.30 We Were Soldiers. (2002, MA15+) 11.05 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Guardians Of The Wild. 11.00 Going Places. Noon MOVIE: Rumble In The Bronx. (1995, M) 1.40 Pacific Island Food Revolution. 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: Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! (2020, PG) 9.05 MOVIE: Mars Attacks! (1996, M) 10.55 Late Programs.
7.00 Australia Votes. Chief elections analyst Antony Green identifies the trends that will decide the election. David Speers and Sarah Ferguson bring the sharpest and most reliable election night analysis.
8.30 Australia Votes. Coverage of election night as results come in.
12.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Tony Albert. (PG, R) Virginia Trioli meets Tony Albert, one of the most exciting visual artists of his generation, who takes everyday items that represent the most confronting aspects of colonisation to create work that is provocative and deeply moving.
12.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
WOOP WOOP AUSSIE SCULPTURE GARDEN THU 29 MAY $99pp - includes lunch
ARTVO & QUEEN VIC MARKET FRI 20 JUN $85pp NGV - MELB. WINTER MASTERPIECES WED 2 JUL $95pp
ROSE COTTAGE - XMAS IN JULY FRI 18 JUL $90pp
• Flights
• Quality Resort Style Accom.
• Byron Solar Train Ballina Maritime Museum
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Motorway Cops. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 Young Sheldon. Noon MOVIE: Godzilla: King Of The Monsters. (2019, M) 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 9.40 MOVIE: Death Becomes Her. (1992,
• Summerland Farm
• Bangalow
• Piccabeen Park
• Cape Byron Lighthouse Includes: and much more!
• Aus. Turtle Rescue Centre
BEETLEJUICE - 11 JUN $159pp ANNIE - 6 AUG $155pp 7 days/6 nights - $3999 ($690 s/s)
• Clarence River Cruise
Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 11.05 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Preparing To Give. (PG, R) 3.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. FlecheWallonne Women’s Race. Highlights. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Fleche-Wallonne Men’s Race. Highlights. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.30 How To Lose A War. (Premiere) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Hawkesbury Cup Day, Caulfield Members Day, Guineas Day and SA Derby Day. 4.00 7NEWS: Election Day. 5.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – Election.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Titanic In Colour. (R) Charts the history of the RMS Titanic
9.20 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Tuscany. (R) Stanley Tucci heads to Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where he is joined by his parents. 10.10 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Helensburgh To Connel. (R) Hosted by Michael Portillo.
11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R) Felton is torn between duty and friendship.
3.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – First Count. Hugh Whitfeld and Mark Riley take an up-to-the-minute look at the results of the federal election.
8.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – The Result. Hugh Whitfeld and Mark Riley take an up-to-the-minute look at the results of the federal election.
11.00 MOVIE: Life. (2017, MA15+v, R) Scientists discover a dangerous life form. Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal. 1.05 The Black Donnellys. (Mdsv) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
(INCL. PHILLIP ISLAND PENGUINS) - COACH 18 -22 MAY $2255 ($390 s/s) BROOME WINTER ESCAPE - FLY 24 - 31 AUG $5999 ($1199 s/s) CANBERRA FLORIADE, LAKES & GARDENS - COACH 11 - 18 SEP $2699 ($620 s/s) MERIMBULA & THE SAPPHIRE COAST - COACH 27 - 31 OCT 2025 $1895 ($350 s/s)
For more tour info see our website
6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. (R) 12.30 Drive TV: Launch Pad. 1.00 Great Australian Detour. (R) 1.30 Young Sheldon.
Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights. From Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. 5.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Polls Close.
6.00 9News Saturday.
7.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Vote Count. An analysis of election results.
8.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Election Night Live. An analysis of election results.
10.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Analysis. An analysis of election results.
11.00 MOVIE: Miss Sloane. (2016, Mls) Jessica Chastain. 1.30 Destination WA. (PG, 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)
6.00 10 News First: Australia Decides. Coverage of the 2025 federal election, hosted by Sandra Sully, Hugh Riminton and Ashleigh Raper, with commentary from The Betoota Advocate’s Errol Parker and Clancy Overell. This poll Australia’s 18,098,797 voters will elect the members of the 48th Parliament of Australia. The 2025 Australian federal election will contest 40 of 76 seats in the Senate and all 150 seats in the House Of Representatives. The Labor Party is seeking a second term in office, and the main opposition party the Liberal/National coalition. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. Religious program. 6am Morning Programs. 1.50pm Spiraling: Crypto Special. 2.20 Beyond Oak Island. 3.15 BBC News At Ten. 3.45 ABC World News Tonight. 4.10 PBS News. 5.10 Over The Black Dot. 5.40 Mastermind Aust. 6.40 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 The Push: Scotland’s Murder On The Cliff. 11.15 The YouTube Effect. 1.05am MOVIE: Drive. (2011, MA15+) 2.55 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.00 Tiddler. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Thomas. 3.55 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 PJ Masks. 5.50 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Jnr. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6am The Battle Of The River Plate. Continued. (1956, PG) 7.10 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 9.00 The Kids Are Alright. (2021, PG, Spanish) 10.40 Boccaccio ’70. (1962, M, German, Italian) 2.25pm The Farewell. (2019, PG) 4.20 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 6.10 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG)
6.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.30 Offsiders. 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Monty Don’s Paradise Garden. (Final, R) 3.35 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Restoration Australia. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Compass: Unsettled. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano. (Premiere, PG)
Hosted by Amanda Keller. 8.30 Bergerac. (Premiere, Mlv)
When a member of one of Jersey’s wealthiest families is murdered, the police turn to ex-cop, Jim Bergerac. 9.20 The Split: Barcelona. (Ml, R) Lawyer Hannah Defoe and her family are reunited to attend the wedding of her daughter Liv. 10.20 MOVIE: My Brother Jack –Part 2. (2001, Mnsv, R) Matt Day. 11.55 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (R) 12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
4.00 Outback Ringer. (PG, R) 4.30 Insiders. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Great Irish Interiors. 10.00 FIFA Classics. 11.30 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS. 12.55 Blind Sailing. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbikes. 4.00 Grace Brown: Time For The Rest Of Life. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World. Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Women’s. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World. Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Men’s race. 5.30 How To Lose A War. (PGav) 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 8. Hawthorn v Richmond. 6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Macchu Picchu: City Of Stone. Looks at Macchu Pichu. 8.30 Invasion: The Normans. (Mav, R) Charts how an exiled Irish king persuaded the Anglo-Norman Lord Strongbow to help him recover his kingdom during Ireland’s 12th century when provincial kings vied for supremacy.
10.30 The Temple Of Hatshepsut. (R) A look at Hatshepsut’s temple. 11.30 Hell On Earth: WWII: A Dream Of Great Success. (Mav, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.
8.05 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.05 24 Hours In Police Custody: The Murder Of Jane Doe. (Premiere, Mav) Detectives investigate after a woman, who called the police in distress, is found in a coma. 10.05 Menendez & Menudo: Boys Betrayed: Abuse Of Power. (MA15+av) Roy Rosselló gives his testimony. 11.15 Autopsy USA: Grace Kelly. (Ma) 12.15 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R)
1.15 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. 8.00 David Jeremiah. 8.30 Shopping. 9.00 Cities Of The Underworld. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Escape To The Country. 1pm The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South
6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Travel Guides. (PGln) 8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.10 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Premiere, Mlv) Piers Morgan speaks with some of the most notorious killers in the United States, starting with Karl Karlsen.
10.10 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) A look at the latest round of the AFL.
11.10 9News Late.
11.40 The First 48. (MA15+av)
12.30 Oz Off Road TV. (PGl, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
NITV (34)
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6.00 The Sunday Project. Joins panellists for a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. (PGal) The contestants must cook a dish that represents who they are now. 8.40 Matlock. (PGlv) Billy tries to help Sarah when her client is arrested after his business partner is found murdered. Matty and Olympia contend with a pressing confidential matter. 10.40 FBI. (Mv, R) An officer is shot dead at a pawn shop along with the store’s owner. 11.30 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm Paul Merson: Football, Gambling And Me. 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 ABC World News Tonight. 5.20 PBS Washington Week. 5.45 Abandoned Engineering. 7.35 Science Fiction Revolution. (Premiere) 9.35 ABBA In Concert. 10.35 WWE Legends. (Return) 12.15am Surviving Nova. 1.10 Letterkenny. 2.15 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.40pm Ben And Holly. 2.05 Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.45 Tiddler. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Thomas. 5.50 Paddington. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Dancing Ninja. Continued. (2010, PG) 7.25 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 9.45 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 11.40 Emma. (2017, M, Italian) 1.50pm A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 3.40 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 5.50 The Movie Show. 6.20 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 8.30 The New Boy. (2023, M) 10.40 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Pro Bull Riding Australia. Noon John Ware Reclaimed. 1.20 MOVIE: The Final Quarter. (2019, PG) 2.40 Artie: Our Tribute To A Legend. 3.15 Precious Leader Woman. 4.05 Bob Marley: Uprising Live. 6.05 Queer & Here. 6.45 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 7.40 The Frontier. 8.30 Reel Injun: On The Trail Of The Hollywood Indian. 10.05 MOVIE: The Black Balloon. (2008, M) 11.50 Late Programs.
Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 4.20 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.20 Travel Quest. (PGa, R) 10.20 Matched. (PG, R) 11.10 Europe’s Highlands. (PGaw) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 3.00 Travel Shooters. (PG) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Greatest Train Journeys From Above. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Australian Story.
8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.
9.15 Media Watch. Presented by Linton Besser.
9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas.
10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 Planet America. 11.40 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) 12.10 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 1.00 Long Lost Family. (R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Prague With Michael Portillo: Prague 2. 8.25 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Oman. (R) Bettany Hughes explores Oman. 9.20 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGaw, R) Alexander Armstrong takes a train ride. 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Classified. (Malv) 11.35 Don’t Leave Me. (MA15+a, R) 1.40 Son Of. (MA15+av, R) 3.25 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.55 Poh & Co. Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
9.00 Soccer. Major League. Sporting Kansas City v LA Galaxy. 11.30 France 24 English News. Noon MOVIE: The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) 2.05am The Weekly Football Wrap. 2.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School: What’s Cooking? 4.00 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 5.50 Paddington. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 The Crystal Maze. 9.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 8.35 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 10.15 Rogue Agent. (2022, M) 12.25pm Truth. (2015,
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Playing Cupid. (2021, PGa) Laura Vandervoort. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
8.50 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mav) Carlos is determined to solve his father’s murder. Owen is offered a life-changing opportunity.
9.50 The Agenda Setters. (R) A team of trusted and respected footy voices tackles the biggest topics in the AFL world.
10.50 Suits L.A.
11.50 Autopsy USA: Tom Petty. (Mad, R) 12.50 Treadstone. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Learning To Love. (2023, G) Ina Barrón. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Floor. (PG) Hosted by Rodger Corser. 8.45 Footy Classified. (Ml) A team of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.
9.45 Players. (Ml) A look at all the AFL news.
10.45 9News Late.
11.15 The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (Mal) 12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Special guest is Peter Gilmore. 8.40 Sam Pang Tonight. (Final, Mals) A weekly tonight show hosted by Sam Pang, featuring a monologue roasting the news of the week. 9.40 Taskmaster Australia. (Mals, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 10.50 10’s Late News.
ABC (2)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.30 Compass. (PG, R) 11.00 If You’re Listening. (R) 11.20 Gruen Nation. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (Ma, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.05 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. 8.00 Foreign Correspondent. (Final)
8.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Richard Tognetti. (Final, PGv) Virginia Trioli meets Richard Tognetti.
9.00 Freddie Mercury: The Final Act. (Ml, R) The story of Freddie Mercury’s final chapter.
10.30 The ABC Of... (Final, Ml, R) 11.00 ABC Late News. 11.15 The Business. (R) 11.35 Four Corners. (R) 12.20 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.35 Q+A. (R) 1.40 Grand Designs: The Streets. (Ml, R) 2.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (10)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Travel Quest. (PG, R) 10.05 Matched. (PG, R) 10.55 Vienna: Empire, Dynasty And Dream. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGaln, R) 3.00 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 3.30 Destination Flavour. (R) 3.40 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Greatest Train Journeys From Above. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Solent. (R)
8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi investigates rising premiums.
9.30 Dateline: America’s Gay Rodeo. Takes a look at the world’s longest-running gay rodeo.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.00 Snow. (Ma)
11.55 Unbroken. (Malv, R) 1.35 Invisible. (PGa, R) 3.05 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R) 4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
NINE (9)
9News Morning.
The Floor. (PG, R)
My Way. (R)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.20 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. 9.05 Doc. (Ma) Amy teams up with TJ to treat a patient suffering from mysterious liver issues.
10.05 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics. 11.05 Accused. (Return, Ma) A psychic medium helps a couple.
12.05 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Floor. (PG)
8.45 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Murders Most Wicked. (M) An elderly couple is murdered. 9.45 Footy Classified. (Ml) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.
10.45 9News Late.
11.15 The Equalizer. (Mav, R) 12.05 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R) 12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 ACA. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Special guest is chocolatier Kirsten Tibballs. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was. 9.40 NCIS. (Final) The team uncovers a highstakes plot involving stolen nuclear material. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 2.20pm Cryptoland. 3.25 BBC News At Ten. 3.55 ABC World News Tonight. 4.20 PBS News. 5.20 Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies. 6.15 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Guy Martin: The World’s Fastest Electric Car? 9.50 Cannes Uncut. 11.25 Alone Australia. 12.30am Taskmaster. 1.25 Love And Sex In India. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School: What’s Cooking? 4.00 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 5.50 Paddington. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 Deadly 60. 9.20 Hippo Watch With Steve Backshall. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 7.55
12.45pm Light From The Shadows. 1.40 Pacific Island Food Revolution. 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 Haututu Hunters. 8.30 Unleash The Beast. 9.30 Over The Black Dot. 10.00 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.30 MOVIE: Rhymes For Young Ghouls. (2013, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs. NITV (34)
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs.
3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French, German) 10.05 Once Upon A Time... In Bethlehem. (2019, M, Italian) 12.05pm The New Boy. (2023, M) 2.10 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 4.20 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 6.05 Tourism. (2017) 7.30 A Call To Spy. (2019, M) 9.50 Fisherman’s Friends. (2019, M) 11.55 Late Programs.
ABC TV (2)
WOOP WOOP AUSSIE SCULPTURE GARDEN THU 29 MAY $99pp - includes lunch
ARTVO & QUEEN VIC MARKET FRI 20 JUN $85pp NGV - MELB. WINTER MASTERPIECES WED 2 JUL $95pp
ROSE COTTAGE - XMAS IN JULY FRI 18 JUL $90pp
• Flights • Quality Resort Style Accom.
• Byron Solar Train Ballina Maritime Museum
(3)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Travel Quest. (PG, R) 10.00 Matched. (PG, R) 10.55 Vienna: Empire, Dynasty And Dream. (PGas, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Destination Flavour. (R) 3.40 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 World’s Greatest Train Journeys From Above. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Gruen Nation. (Final)
8.35 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. A satirical news program.
9.05 Planet America. Hosted by Chas Licciardello and John Barron.
9.40 Big Boys. (MA15+l)
10.05 Mayfair Witches. (Malv, R)
10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.20 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (R) 12.20 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 1.10 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Mal) Survivalists face their physical limitations.
8.40 Just One Thing With Michael Mosley. (Final) Michael Mosley shares simple tips that could transform your health with some surprising benefits.
9.15 The Handmaid’s Tale. (MA15+) June spirals after a shocking revelation.
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 My Brilliant Friend. (Ma) 11.45 The Wall: Cover Your Tracks. (Mav, R) 3.05 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R) 4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.05pm Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School: What’s Cooking? 4.00 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 5.50 Paddington. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Rabbit-Proof Fence. Continued. (2002, PG) 7.25 Tourism. (2017) 8.50 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 10.20 Long Story Short. (2021, M) 12.05pm The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 2.00 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 3.55 Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 5.35 Goddess. (2013, PG) 7.30 Up In The Air. (2009, M) 9.30 Dirty Dancing. (1987, M) 11.25 Late Programs. 5.55am Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG)
Children’s Programs. 8.00 The Nanny. 9.00
FIA Formula E World C’ship. 10.10 Bewitched. 10.40 I Dream Of Jeannie. 11.10 Young Sheldon. 12.10pm MOVIE: Cry Macho. (2021, M) 2.20 The Nanny. 3.20 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Miss Congeniality. (2000, M) 10.40 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Counting Cars. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers: Best Of. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 2.30 Gem Hunters Down Under. 3.30 Duck Dynasty.
• Bangalow
• Piccabeen Park
• Summerland Farm
• Aus. Turtle Rescue Centre
(34) 6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better
BEETLEJUICE - 11 JUN $159pp ANNIE - 6 AUG $155pp 7 days/6 nights - $3999 ($690 s/s)
• Cape Byron Lighthouse Includes: and much more!
• Clarence River Cruise
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG) Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.
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. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Nurse Georgie Carroll Sista Flow 2.0. (Mls)
11.45 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
12.15 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv, R) 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
W: www.daytripper.com.au /daytripperaustralia GIPPSLANDS BEST (INCL. PHILLIP ISLAND PENGUINS) - COACH 18 -22 MAY $2255 ($390 s/s) BROOME WINTER ESCAPE - FLY 24 - 31 AUG $5999 ($1199 s/s) CANBERRA FLORIADE, LAKES & GARDENS - COACH 11 - 18 SEP $2699 ($620 s/s) MERIMBULA & THE SAPPHIRE COAST - COACH 27 - 31 OCT 2025 $1895 ($350 s/s)
For more tour info see our website
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Floor. (PG, R) 1.15 Innovation Nation. 1.30 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R)
Pointless. (PG)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
9News Afternoon.
Tipping Point Australia. (PG)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (Mls) Comedy panel show.
8.30 The Grand Tour. (MA15+l) The boys compare cars of the past, present and future, bringing in a Lamborghini Aventador S.
10.00 Wild Cards. (Mv)
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+av, R)
12.15 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R) 12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGal) Guest chef is Shannon Bennett. 8.40 Elsbeth. (PGv) Elsbeth begins to suspect a wife is behind the death of her husband after a Celebrity Christmas curator is killed in a freak accident. 9.40 NCIS: Origins. (Mav) A military sergeant is found burned in her car. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The
With
Colbert. (PG) 1.00
Shopping. (R) 4.30
Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 1.55pm Queer Sports. 2.50 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.25 BBC News At Ten. 3.55 ABC World News Tonight. 4.20 PBS News. 5.20 Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies. 6.15 Fast And Furious Face-Off. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Contact. (1997, M) 11.15 MOVIE: Mars Attacks! (1996, M) 1.10am Letterkenny. 2.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
Nanny. 9.00
Programs.
C’ship.
Bewitched. 10.40 I Dream Of Jeannie. 11.10 Young Sheldon. 12.10pm MOVIE: The Magnificent Seven. (2016, M) 3.00 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched.
Compiled by Cameron McCullough
“I was pooled into it,” said Percy Jackson to Senior-Constable W. R. Elliott, when stopped in Bay street, Frankston, at 5.30 of the afternoon of Good Friday last, when travelling in his car at a rate estimated by the Constable at 40 miles an hour, and by Jackson at 37 miles.
The Senior-Constable told the Bench, over which Mr. W. G. Smith, P.M., presided, that Jackson was driving furiously along the Point Nepean road, between Mornington and Frankston.
He pulled up at the Prince of Wales Hotel, where the Constable accosted him, and accused him of driving in a manner dangerous to the public.
Jackson said he had left Portsea at 4.25 p.m., and had stopped at Mornington and Tanti Hotels for a drink. He had been challenged to a race by another driver. But, apparently, the driver had “pooled” him, as he had not seen him since the challenge.
The passenger in the car was a Mr. Jones, of the R.A.G.A., Point Nepean.
Mr. W. G. Smith, P.M.: Was Jackson sober?
Senior-Constable Elliott: Yes, he was; but his passenger was not. Jackson said he had been driving seven years, and there had never been a conviction against him.
There was a lengthy consultation on the Bench, then Mr. Smith said: “You are looking for trouble when you speed along crowded roads on holidays or any other day. You must see what is happening almost every day in the way of accidents through reckless driving. You happen to be particularly fortunate; the Bench, by
a majority, is in favour of fining you £5.”
***
Fell Eighteen Feet
Whilst Mr. Charles Wells, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wells, senr., of Cranbourne road, Frankston, and brother of Cr. Frank Wells, was helping to shift a signboard on Friday last, he fell a distance of 18 feet, broke three ribs and sustained severe injuries to his face.
He is now an inmate of a private hospital at Mornington, and is progressing favourably.
***
A Narrow Escape
On Sunday last while having a stroll in his garden, Mr. H. Prosser, of Cranbourne road, Frankston, had a narrow escape.
A bullet, fired by some person, passed through his coat under his arm, without touching any part of the body.
***
Personal
We are pleased to report that Mrs. Jacobs, who recently met with an accident in her home, and sustained broken ribs, is now about again.
Mrs. Marshall, who, in conjunction with her husband, manages an up-todate drapery business in Bay street, Frankston, has just returned from a holiday spent in Daylesford.
The son of Mr. Charlie Wells, aged 9, who has been suffering with pleurisy for about a month, is showing some improvement and is under the care of a trained nurse at his home in Cranbourne road.
Mr. E. J. Finn, who has been attached to the railway staff at Frankston for the past twelve
months, has been transferred to Hampton as booking clerk. Mr. G. R. Coad, of Essendon, is filling the vacancy. The public will regret Mr. Finn’s departure, as he was found to be a courteous officer whilst stationed here.
Mrs. Campbell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Bray, of Frankston, who has been recuperating here after a severe illness, is once again, we are sorry to relate, laid aside with an attack of tonsilitis. We wish her a speedy recovery.
We regret to report there is very little improvement in the health of Miss McKenzie, “Beachleigh,” Frankston, who is an inmate of St. Paneras Private Hospital. We trust there will be a decided improvement in the next few days.
Members of the Frankston High School Welfare League are being tendered a social evening by the president (Mrs. J. Bradbury) at “The Fernery,” on Monday evening next, May 4, at 8 p.m.
Mr. W. Stack, who has a fine home on Melbourne road, Frankston, met with a painful accident during the week. Whilst working in his garage, situated on the property, Mr. Stack fell from the roof and sustained a broken rib and other injuries, which necessitated him being laid up for several days. Dr. Maxwell has been in attendance, and under his able treatment, Mr. Stack is progressing favourably.
Mr. M. L. Lalor, the popular S.M. at Frankston, has been promoted and transferred to Dandenong as traffic inspector. We are pleased to know that, in having to leave the Frankston district, Mr. Lalor has gained promo-
tion. This zealous and conscientious officer has always shown untiring attention to the public wants for the past two years while stationed in Frankston. He was also an honorary member of the Frankston Progress Association, and was ever ready to give information in connection with local railway matters.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Lalor made many friends in Frankston and district, and their departure will be regretted. We join in wishing them every success in their new sphere. ***
Owing to continued ill-health, Mr. A. B. Morris, butcher, of Playne street, Frankston, has been compelled to relinquish his business, which has been purchased by Mr. J. R. Sawyer, of Mornington.
The new proprietor notifies in another column that he will take control on Thursday, 7th inst., and as he intends dealing on a cash basis, big reductions in prices are offered..
***
Prospective Ford Owners
Messrs. Taylor & Ritchie, the well known Ford dealers, by special announcement in another column invite prospective Ford car owners and others to attend a service lecture at their garage, Frankston, on Thursday, May 14, at 7.30 p.m.
A Ford expert will be in attendance and his address will not only assist Ford car owners in the care of their cars, trucks or tractors, but will give valuable hints regarding any make of car.
Facts will also be given regarding the most wonderful commercial and manufacturing organisation in the world – Henry Ford.
At the conclusion of the lecture light refreshments will be provided.
***
The balance-sheet of the Baxter Hall for the past year, shows a total income of £124, of which £47 represents net profit on the series of dances organised by the committee; donations, £21, and rent of hall, £25.
The generous support given by the public of this and surrounding districts has enabled the committee to pay £50 off the hall debt, besides spending £25 on improvements and seating accommodation.
It was decided to donate a small honorarium of £5/5/- to the secretary (Mr. H. Lee) in recognition of his work for the past year.
It is expected that after next Saturday night’s dance the committee will be in a position to further reduce the debt; the special attraction for that night being the re-appearance of the amateur string band, whose last appearance was so successful that it is doubtful whether the hall will hold all those who intend coming. ***
A mean man went to a well-known artist and asked the latter if he would paint his portrait for ten pounds cash down!
The artist complied with the request, but when the portrait was finished nothing was visible save the back of the sitter’s head.
“What does this mean?” said the man, indignantly.
“Well, replied the artist, “I Thought that a man who paid so little wouldn’t care to show his face.” ***
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 1 May 1925
As the federal election draws closer, all eyes turn to Canberra – but here in Flinders, the decision is ours. Our voices will shape the next chapter for our towns and coastlines, and the nation itself.
This campaign has been lively, passionate, and – at times – sharp around the edges. That’s to be expected when the stakes feel high. People care. They’re paying attention, asking questions, and getting involved. And that’s something to celebrate, not shy away from.
Flinders is no stranger to strong opinions and spirited debate. We’re a region of thinkers, doers, and people who aren’t afraid to speak up. But the strength of our democracy lies not in how loudly we talk, but in how we listen. All candidates deserve to be heard, and all voters deserve to be respected.
This is not a contest of enemies, but a community of equals – neighbours who might vote differently but stand side by side at the school gate, the jetty, or the dog park. The people stepping forward to represent us offer their time, energy, and conviction. They should be met with dignity, not derision.
As we cast our votes – whether early, by post, or on election day itself – let’s remember that democracy is not just about picking a winner. It’s about honouring the process. The peaceful transfer of power, the right to choose freely, and the knowledge that each vote carries equal weight are gifts not to be taken for granted.
No matter the outcome, life in Flinders will continue – waves rolling in, and people nodding good morning. What unites us is greater than what divides us.
Let’s keep it that way.
Anne Kruger, Rye
As a frequent writer to the letters page at The News I must compliment the editorial team for their excellent work over the period of this election campaign.
It has been wonderful to see a double page spread canvassing the views of each side and the middle of the political spectrum without any obvious bias.
This is a refreshing break from the rest of the mainstream media where readers of the Murdoch papers would get the impression that the Labor party and Greens were sitting either side of the devil and the Coalition are the shining light of hope.
Other papers such as The Age provide at least some balance but none give such balanced coverage and local political information as does Mornington Peninsula News Group. Well done. Ross Hudson, Mt Martha Climate stance
Can anyone believe this? World Earth Day 2025 and six councillors of the Mornington Peninsula Shire council decide on this day to rush through without any community consultation a motion to rescind the council’s climate action plan. On what basis? Given the 2024/2025 council budget allocated $2.1m for “climate action and advocacy” (0.7% of the total budget Income of $295.6m) it can’t be for fiscal reasons as claimed. Science (and common sense) suggests that if urgent action following a considered plan is not undertaken now many many multiples of this 0.7% will need to be spent in the future (the McCrae house landslide costs and consequences will probably in retrospect seem insignificant!).
There was no stated intent for this council decision in any of the elected councillors election statements or pamphlets so is there some ideological intent that the ratepayers have not been informed about?
Rather a sad irony that this egregious vote to rescind was a day after Pope Francis died – who called upon us all to “listen to the cry of the earth”. Obviously these six Councillors aren’t listening (to the Earth or their ratepayers).
Stephen Graley, Mount Martha
It seems there is a need for at least six of our elected councillors who have become members of the flat earth society, to be educated by their electors about the seriousness of the threat of climate change to our lives.
Scrapping climate emergency action without seeking some guidance from their constituents looks very Trumpian and will put many citizen in peril from a changing climate. Sea level rise, just to mention one real issue for a peninsula is already affecting places like Balnarring and other coastal communities.
Also the chances of more serious bush fire threats and flooding of low lying areas of the peninsula are increasing.
This is not the time for six of our councillors to stick their heads in the sand.
Rupert Steiner, Balnarring Beach
I write with deep concern and growing disbelief over the latest wave of tree destruction sanctioned by our local council. The new enforcement rules demanding excessive pruning are nothing short of environmental vandalism.
Take a walk through Tootgarook and you’ll see for yourself: once a thriving green corridor, full of life and native habitat, has been reduced to a wasteland of butchered trees. Trees that have coexisted peacefully with roads and walkways since I’ve lived here (over fourteen years) are suddenly deemed hazardous – reduced to barren trunks.
This isn’t maintenance. It’s desecration.
The foliage that once supported local wildlife has been decimated.
No food for possums, no cover for nesting birds, no habitat for the insects that feed our bats and birds. It’s as though this policy was designed to rid the area of wildlife entirely.
The most maddening part?
Many of these trees posed no obstruction – no danger to pedestrians, no impact on traffic sight lines. This blanket approach of one-size-fits-all is not only wasteful but deeply ignorant.
Meanwhile, cars continue to park illegally on corners (especially during school holidays), genuinely obstructing visibility and risking safety – yet nothing is done.
And for all the native trees that were torn out to make way for new footpaths, where is the replanting? Where is the plan to restore what’s been lost?
Council’s priorities seem entirely backward. Do we want sterile, treeless streets with no wildlife? Is that really the endgame?
The climate crisis is here. Biodiversity loss is here. We cannot afford this kind of shortsighted destruction disguised as “management.”
We need common sense. We need nuance. We need policy that values the life in our streets, not just the concrete.
Nat James, Tootgarook
In reference to John Flynn’s statement that he draws inspiration from Donald Trumps style of government (Make Australia great again, Letters 15/4/25), I find myself wondering exactly which part of Trump’s so called “revolutionary” politics he admires.
Is it the building of a wall stretching from Cairns to Broome or cancelling our $700b dollars in international trade deals to enforce tariffs. Does Flynn support the idea of sending the 30% of our immigrant population to a prison on Christmas Island? Or dismantling the judicial system whenever it disagrees with Peter Dutton’s agenda? Perhaps its the practice of punishing dissenters - making sure they never work again that’s most appealing.
The there’s the threat to education and free thought, withdrawing funding from universities if they express views that diverge from the
current government. Is this the kind of leadership Flynn is promoting?
Maybe, in this vision, Peter Dutton could enlist his friend Gina Rhinehart to take the stage with a chainsaw, symbolically slashing government sector jobs - a theatrical flourish to accompany real world cuts. And when it comes to nuclear energy, perhaps he’ll buy uranium from her too, completing the circle of mateship capitalism.
If this is the inspiration Flynn sees in Trump, it raises serious concerns about the future direction of Australian politics.
Helen Dalton, Rye
Does John Flynn of Rosebud write his own material? If so he must get a gig at next year’s comedy festival.
The idea that one could support both Trump and traditional values is hilarious - sheer genius.
Unless of course we take those values to include vanity, duplicity, vulgarity, sexual abuse, disrespect for the law, intolerance etc.
Ashley Wharton, Flinders
We have a housing and homelessness crisis in this country and in our local community the situation is one of worst in Victoria. As an older person I find it very unfair that young people cannot afford a home indeed distressingly some of them are living in tents on our local foreshores.
Let’s face the facts the housing and homelessness crisis has been over a decade in the making and governments have been too slow to acknowledge the reality of their failure to support the building of more new homes both private and community housing. Indeed it is only recently we have a designated Minister for Housing in the federal government.
There is also no question that the Mornington Peninsula is not getting its fair share of federal and state government funding for community housing and crisis accommodation. It’s a disgrace that the very real and growing needs of our local community are being consistently overlooked. This situation must change.
When you are voting beware of the short term sugar hits being offered by politicians and parties and spend some time asking local candidates how they are going to realistically assist your children and grandchildren to have the security of place to call home.
Marilyn Hoban, Mornington
It was pleasing to read that Sarah Race, Labor candidate for Flinders, is prioritising climate change and the environment in her campaigning (“Smith talks business, McKenzie makes two new pledges, Race leans into climate and cost of living as field of seven set”, The News 22/4/25).
Many concerned about the climate crisis will be disappointed that the Mornington Peninsula Shire council just voted to dump their climate emergency declaration.
As global temperature records continue to tumble, and sea level rise risks our coastal areas, this stance could be considered negligence.
Australians need leaders prioritising solutions that will tackle cost of living and climate issues in one fell swoop.
Amy Hiller, Kew
Despite some numbers not being easy calculated - e. g energy cost reductions. There is only one serious choice at this time for the future of this great country and for the Mornington Peninsula at this time, a vote for a Labor government.
For Sarah Race as a true local candidate who has lived, breathed and served this community bringing up her family and working to make it a better place.
And for Anthony Albanese who has improved our overall debt and guided us through some obstinate and obstructive Coalition opposition and the delays initiated by the Greens who want perfection in every decision regardless of the cost to the nation.
Yes we are better off than we were, have there been and are there challenges yes there are. But only a compassionate and caring Labor government can continue to guide us into a better future.
Ken Norris, McCrae
Zoe McKenzie, the Liberal candidate for Flinders is standing for a party that has a policy position for every occasion.
They started off with a policy that did away with “working from home” then ditched that policy when it was found to be unpopular, but now, the Liberals believe doing away with “working from home” is a really good policy whose time hasn’t come yet.
Next we have sacking 41,000 public servants, which was changed to not sacking 41,000 public servants, which has now been changed to, we will get rid 41,000 public servants as vacancies arise.
What’s next, oh yes, first we have the Russians are coming, that was changed to, that was a mistake, the Russians are not really coming, which is now changed to, but they may be coming.
And finally we have Ms Cash who says if you vote for Dutton you get Trump, which was changed to, well no he is not like Trump at all he is his own man, until now when we have Ms Price who says let’s “Make Australia Great Again”.
So for Zoe McKenzie it really is a smorgasbord of policy positions, she has one for every occasion depending on to whom she is talking. You really couldn’t make this stuff up Bob Impey, Mornington
Early in the election campaign, after I received a negative mail out, I wrote asking for a respectful, honourable campaign. I was hoping there would be a genuine contest of ideas, policies and plans for the future of the electorate of Flinders. Nearing the end of the campaign I have been more than disappointed at the demonising nastiness that has been evident on social media and some mail outs.
Policies aside, as I come to my decision of who to vote for, I know I want the MP who represents me to be a positive, grounded local who does not rely on disparaging the opposition to gain votes. I will be glad when, and hope that, the divisiveness and tensions within our community end on election night.
Rosemary Bates, McCrae Zoe will be in opposition
With Labor likely to win the upcoming election, if Zoe McKenzie wins, she will find herself in opposition again. And let’s be honest – when you’re in opposition, you’re powerless to make real change. No matter how much Zoe talks about delivering for the peninsula, the reality is that she won’t have the ability to do so – as she hasn’t for the last three years.
We’ve seen this before: promises made, but little to show for it. When you’re not in government, you can’t deliver the changes you talk about. Zoe’s time in office has been a perfect example of this – lots of talk, but no action. She may claim to have the solutions, but in opposition, she simply won’t have the power to back them up.
The truth is, Liberal and Labor hate each other so much that they end up stifling progress at every turn. Rather than working together for the good of the country, they spend their time fighting over petty points, leaving communities like ours stuck in limbo.
The peninsula deserves more than just another politician making empty promises. We need someone who can actually deliver for our community, no matter the party in power. Zoe McKenzie’s promises won’t change anything – because, once again, she’ll be sitting on the sidelines.
Craig Fern, Sorrento
Thanks to Kerrie McCoy of Dromana (McKenzie’s past, Letters 15/4/25) for pointing out our current Flinders MP’s previous attempts at election in 2019.
Andrew Barrett also of Dromana (Lies about McKenzie, Letters 23/4/25) made clear that Zoe McKenzie was not on the AEC Ballot in 2019. She could not have been because she did not win Liberal Party preselection in the inner South East Melbourne seat of Higgins.
It took quite some digging find out where she really wanted to be a successful candidate because as Kerrie said, the information was not in the Herald Sun, nor The Australian.
However The Guardian of 24 February 2019, and The Age of the same date reported that McKenzie lost to Katie Allen in the preselection for Higgins for that year.
Given, as Andrew Barrett reports Zoe McKenzie as articulating many times “that she lives in her only home in Sorrento which she bought in 2012”, you have to wonder why the Higgins
attempt if she wasn’t living there. It’s quite some drive to the electorate office.
The contrast between the two areas couldn’t be more stark and clearly, we are the second choice or our current MP.
The commitment to the peninsula and its residents cannot be questioned for either the former shire councillor, Sarah Race nor the CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre, Ben Smith.
Don Juniper, Bittern
The major parties are rattled. And it is no wonder. For the first time in a long time, they are actually being held accountable by someone who is listening to the community.
Ben Smith is not playing by the usual rules. He is not dropping in with promises right before the election. He has been here the whole time, working with local charities, raising his family, and doing the work long before a campaign was on the horizon.
That is what makes him a real threat to the old way of doing politics. He is not backed by party donors or factions. He is backed by locals, just like us.
The fear campaigns, the misinformation, and the sudden flurry of attention from candidates who previously did not bother to show up all point to one thing. An independent like Ben can make a real difference.
We have a real chance to vote for someone who puts the community first, not the party machine.
Judy Seager, Mornington Smith integrity
I realise that now we’re at the pointy end of the election campaign, voters are bound to become more suspicious about any of the candidates’ motivations, not to mention their capacity to fulfil their promises. Perhaps this is simply part of the Australia character – an in-built distrust of politicians – and it’s not altogether unwarranted. Even so, ultimately we all have to make a choice – and let’s remember that it’s not really that onerous a duty – it’s a treasured right which is denied to the vast majority of people around the world.
I make no secret of being a proud Ben Smith supporter. I decided to give him my vote, and my help based on his track record helping people in great need on the peninsula. I’ve heard unsolicited recommendations from people who have worked with him and people who have benefitted from his assistance.
Every time I’ve spoken to him, I’ve found him to be astute thoughtful, attentive and above all, positive. Like most of us, he seeks solutions, no conflict and suspicion. Unlike most politicians, he has the skills and vision to achieve those solutions.
That’s why I consider him the best choice for Flinders.
Jeff Cook, Balnarring
I’m voting for independent candidate Ben Smith this election.
It’s my first time voting for an independent but the policies and direction of the major parties (fossil fuel backers; Trump-style rhetoric;) concern me.
I have been impressed by Ben’s ethos of climate action, housing equity, integrity and social justice. And his promise to listen. Host monthly town hall meetings and actually listen.
As a 25+ year resident I haven’t felt listened to, by the incumbents. And yes, I’ve met with them all.
Having investigated Ben Smith’s donation base – over 35,800 donors through Climate 200; and 400 local donors – I am heartened to see a groundswell of people from all walks of life who support science-based climate policies and consequently a strong cross-bench.
I am concerned about the world that we are leaving our youth (including my four young adults), concerned the incumbent LNP 2nd preference is going to One Nation (far-right); but Ben Smith gives me hope for a fair and just future.
Karina Smith, Somers
I’ve been more invested in this election than I have in years. The reason is the community independent candidate Ben Smith. Despite all the argy bargy mud throwing
politics we witnessed, Ben remained calm and focussed on the goal. Ben led with integrity all through the campaign, when others go low, he goes high. This is twofold as it demonstrates he has integrity plus he knows that what you focus on multiplies.
So Ben is focussed on housing, food, energy costs, gambling reform, GP access, Rosebud Hospital investment, aged care improvements, NDIS improvements, mental health access, accountability in politics, the Mornington Peninsula getting its fair share, small business support, fully funded public education, better public transport, protecting our beautiful peninsula, climate solutions, keeping our communities safe and finding better solutions to end domestic and family violence. It’s a very important list, that covers our important issues here locally.
A local person wanting to focus on our local issues after meeting thousands of people during his “Politics in the Pub” sessions in every town. Of course Ben will be voting on the domestic and international legislation but not at the expense of our local needs.
Ben has earned the votes of thousands because he is invested in helping us get better outcomes for everyone, especially those doing it tough.
Tracey Asquith, Hastings
We’ve seen some incredible independents shake up politics across the country, like Jacqui Lambie, David Pocock, and others, and it’s exciting to think that it could be our turn now. They’ve shown us that there’s another way—politics can be about real people and progress. And I’m optimistic that we can get the same with Ben Smith as our independent.
I know a few people who’ve gotten involved in Ben’s campaign, and honestly, it’s been amazing to watch. This campaign isn’t being run by party insiders or political machines. It’s powered by locals who genuinely care about the Peninsula and want to make things better for everyone. Ben brings experience, integrity, and a calm, thoughtful approach.
The two-party system has been failing us. We all know it. There has been failure after failure. Robodebt. Veterans Affairs. Car Park rorts. For decades no one good or in their right mind has wanted to go into politics because everyone knows it’s a dirty game. So it’s really refreshing to see people like Ben, who has worked in the community for a long time, put his hand up.
He’s here to actually represent the community so we can have our say in the direction of the country. I’ve had enough of the same old, and I’ll be voting for Ben.
Kiran Hayes, Sorrento
Being part of the community movement behind Ben Smith has been one of the most uplifting experiences I’ve had in a long time. It’s been genuinely refreshing to connect with people, young and old, who care deeply about this place and want something better for it.
I’ve made some incredible, lifelong friends through this campaign, people I might never have met otherwise. We come from all walks of life, but what unites us is that we’ve all had enough of politics as usual. I’ve lost trust in the big parties. I’ve seen how disconnected they’ve become from the real world, and frankly, I don’t think they deserve the benefit of the doubt anymore.
Politics is a dirty business, and that’s exactly why we need honest people in it. People who actually listen, who show up for us, the community, and who don’t owe favours to party bosses. That’s why I’m backing Ben.
He’s thoughtful, community-minded, and not afraid to take on the tough stuff. I truly hope he comes out the other side of this campaign as our new MP. He’s exactly what the peninsula needs, and what politics needs too.
Kim
Robbins, Safety Beach
In 1995, while walking along McCrae foreshore with my family, my son and daughter noticed holes in a number of eucalypts and banksias, some estimated as 100 years old or more. Regrettably these trees had been deliberately poisoned. I alerted the press and it hit the front page of the local peninsula news that week. I was quoted saying: “How dare they do this so blatantly. They are for the enjoyment of future generations. Nobody has the right to take that away”.
But nothing came of it. No one was fined and
we watched forlornly as we lost the trees.
Thirty years on, the issues are the same: dunes eroding, bushland cleared, and the major parties still waving glossy promises that never sprout.
This election I’m done waiting. I’m giving my first preference to Ben Smith – our community independent who’s putting us first. If you love our environment, peninsula’s unique beaches and bush, join me. Vote 1 Ben Smith. Peter Marsh, McCrae
Smith has never answered my assertion that he is not an independent because he is beholden to Climate 200. He has to by virtue of the fact that he accepts their funding which is not unconditional.
There is no problem with Ben receiving funding as all candidates do. The problem is the deception that he is free to vote on any issue without being accountable to any organisation. Not true.
He no doubt agrees with Climate 200 that renewables are the only way to achieve net zero in spite of the enormous environmental damage required to establish the wind and solar farms, not to mention the unknown effect on wildlife.
He doesn’t seem to mind that other developed countries that have gone down this path now have the highest electricity prices in first world countries.
Already our efforts to increase renewables , much boasted about by Chris Bowen have cost countless billions, possibly as high as $35 billion, of tax payers money.
Everything to do with renewables; solar panels, electric cars, batteries are all subsidised. They would not be financially viable without subsidies.
How long can this practice go on for? Our country is already heading for $1 trillion debt.
That’s Albanese’s idea of building for the future.
Yes Mr Ray Peck, I do agree that we have to take note of who is saying it but that is always secondary to the message.
That lesson should have been learnt 2000 years ago when possibly the greatest message ever was rejected by the great scholars of the time.
Keith Davis, Somers
The highest calling of the independent candidate in Flinders is probably the very good work he is doing for many people of our Mornington Peninsula.
His supporters in this election are deluded about what he would achieve if in federal parliament.
For the benefit of most residents here, let us look forward to the self-delusion of many letter-writers being overcome by the realism of a majority of voters in our electorate.
There are many writers who are clearly gullible in choosing to support Ben Smith because he says he just wants to please local residents of this electorate.
He would not achieve most of his proclaimed objectives in the parliament as an independent member. Most people who vote for him would ultimately be disappointed, if he were to be elected.
William Whipp, Sorrento
We are currently enjoying the best summer and early autumn that Victoria has had for decades. If this is climate change, then bring it on!
A few facts for our climate change religious zealot correspondents who seem to live in Hawthorn, Kew and Mt Martha.
1. Without oil and gas, we would not have; - most antibiotics or pharmaceutical’s so millions would suffer or die
- fertilisers so millions would starve of starvation
- mobile phones, tv’s or radio’s,
- steel or most metals so the basis of our standard of living would not exist (Housing, transport, electricity cables, solar panels !?)
- fuel for tractors, and agricultural machinery enabling us to grow food, and for trucks to be able to distribute food
2. Scientists say that the world has been both colder and warmer than it is currently. There is nil evidence overall of increased cyclones, bushfires or other weather events, and no shortage of rain. There is an increase in mobile phone cameras recording events.
3. There is nil evidence that a warmer world
would be deleterious to human life. Many more humans die of cold rather than heat and currently humans cope with temperature variations from -40c to +45c.
4. Carbon Dioxide represents 0.04% of the earth’s atmosphere and a minimum of 0.02% is essential to maintain plant life and to ensure that the earth’s temperature does not drop to catastrophic levels for human life.
4. Renewables may provide 40% of the electricity supply on average, and if ignoring the huge subsidies by governments, and the need to overbuild capacity, some renewables may be ‘cheaper marginal’ electricity sources when they are working. However providing reliable 24/7 electricity supply backup will rely on gas generation which must be included in the huge cost of unreliable renewables.
Alan Reid, Sorrento
These pages are certainly alive with community concerns and how refreshing to see independent candidate Joseph Toscano bringing national vision and new policies to the electoral scene.
Emphasising support for public wellness to enrich life across all areas, health, education, housing, aged care, climate emergency etc, and to make the greedy corporations accountable and contributing to the wealth of all Australians. Go Joe!
Ian
McCallum, The Patch
Anzac Day - we all remember and honour those lost once again. But where is the remembrance of those killed in Australia’s Frontier Wars?
Historians and scholars estimate that a similar number were killed during these as during World War 1.
The Frontier Wars persisted for well over 100 years as the frontiers moved to every part of the continent from the 1790’s to 1930.
We need to accord these warriors the respect due to patriots who were defending their homelands against an invader. “This is the war that made the nation not the fateful invasion of Turkey at the direction of the imperial government.” (Henry Reynolds)
Remembrance is seen as a compelling national duty. “Lest We Forget”.
The Australian War Memorial’s stated mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society. We need to get on with this duty when it comes to where we all live.
Joan Doyle, Dromana
A digital water metre was recently installed on our property.
Within a week I had a message on my phone advising that a substantial water leak had been detected.
After one phone call a plumber arrived within a day, they found the leak (from very old pipes) and fixed the problem, all at a very reasonable cost. A follow up message a few days later confirming no further leaks were detected.
Thank you South East Water. A huge saving on a valuable resource and our water bill.
Joy Hille, Mount Eliza
Sadness, come election day. So many picking up a non event as the major reason for their vote; cost of living? Yes an increase, equally no, not political.
Taxation laws favouring the rich is political, as is climate change.
Billy Shorten tried the obvious one, negative gearing, voted out by the sheep easily led majority, albeit shooting themselves in the pocket to favour the rich.
As if that’s not enough we allow the smiling Peter Dutton to promise chocolates, dressed up as boiled lollies, one after the other, following three years of nothing, other than a deep resentment of Victoria, with our thanks (a reprieve from nonsense?) for Easter, Anzacs, the Pope and the dangerous Donald Trump. Anthony Albanese has been sucked in, up to a point. Cost of living my backside. Recalling Hawthorn coach John Kennedy’s famous words “Don’t think, do!” May 3rd, Collingwood and Geelong – such is life.
Cliff Ellen, Rye
By Brodie Cowburn
PINES struck late in the game to beat Frankston YCW in a thriller on Saturday night.
John Coburn Oval hosted the match last weekend. Pines was in control for most of the afternoon - the Pythons led by 29 points at three-quarter-time.
Frankston YCW showed plenty of fight in the final quarter, and managed to sneak ahead in the dying stages of the game. A late goal saw the Pythons steal back the lead and grab the win.
Frankston YCW succumbed to a heartbreaking 10.8 (68) to 10.12 (72) defeat.
Cameron Olden was excellent for Pines, booting five goals. Khyal Jacobson, Russell Gabriel, Johnathan Haidon, Kayden Sharp, and Nicholas Braund were also named in the best.
Luke Paynter was the Stonecats’ best.
After three consecutive wins
by less than a goal, Langwarrin supporters could breathe a little easier on Saturday. The Kangaroos beat Sorrento by 52 points at Lloyd Park. Langwarrin wrapped up the win thanks to a dominant second half. The final scoreboard read Langwarrin 13.14 (92) to Sorrento 6.4 (40). The result leaves Langwarrin unbeaten in second place on the ladder - Rosebud remains in top spot after a 13 point win over Dromana last weekend.
Mt Eliza beat Mornington by 17 points in the ANZAC Day showcase match. Edithvale-Aspendale rounded out the winner’s list on Saturday with a 16 point victory over Red Hill.
A LATE goal saw Seaford grab a nailbiting win over Chelsea on Saturday. Chelsea were the better side in the first half, taking a 15 point lead into the main break. The Seagulls only added one goal, along with five behinds, to their total in the third term. Seaford
booted three goals of their own to stay in the game.
The Tigers never gave up, and managed to finally grab the lead in the final moments of the match. They held on to beat Chelsea 7.13 (55) to 8.11 (59).
Ryan Jacobs, Lachlan Ord, Angus Giddings-Constable, Brodie Scully, and Chris Buttner were Seaford’s best. Pearcedale pipped Somerville to the post on Saturday.
After a tight back-and-forth contest, Pearcedale emerged victorious by two points. They beat Somerville 10.14 (74) to 11.10 (76).
Brett Eddy booted four goals for Pearcedale. Cruiz West kicked three.
An eight goal haul from Dimitri Fasoulis helped Bonbeach pick up a dominant 115 point win over Karingal last weekend. Frankston Bombers also picked up a big win last weekend, beating Hastings by 11 goals.
Crib Point beat Rye by four goals on Saturday. In Friday’s ANZAC Day match, Devon Meadows beat Tyabb 11.17 (83) to 7.4 (46).
FRANKSTON picked up its first win for the 2025 season on Saturday against Bonbeach.
The Dolphins held Bonbeach to just one goal for the afternoon. The Sharks only managed to score a solitary behind in the first half.
Frankston defeated Bonbeach 7.9 (51) to 1.6 (12). Poppy Gardner, Adele Kerley, Jemma Radings, Dayna Smith, and Kiarra Williams-Moses were the Dolphins’ best.
Karingal was defeated at the hands of Warragul on Saturday morning. The Bulls succumbed to their first loss of the season 3.2 (20) to 6.9 (45).
Mornington picked up a big win over Pearcedale to close out the round. The Bulldogs won 20.31 (151) to 1.0 (6).
Olivia McDonald was among Mornington’s best - she booted four goals. Jaime Davis, Isabella Phanivong, Georgia Templeton, and Tara Heath also had great games.
THE Kangaroos got the jump on the Sharks ended up with a 52-point win.
DIVISION ONE MENS
Saturday 3 May, 2pm:
Edithvale-Aspendale v Mt. Eliza - Edi-Asp Regents Park
Langwarrin v Frankston YCWLloyd Park
Mornington v Dromana - Mornington Alexandra Park
Pines v Rosebud - Eric Bell Reserve
Sorrento v Red Hill - David Macfarlan Reserve
DIVISION TWO MENS
Saturday 3 May, 2pm: Crib Point v Frankston Bombers - Crib Point Recreation Reserve
Pearcedale v Hastings - Pearcedale Recreation Reserve
Somerville v Devon MeadowsSomerville Football Club
DIVISION ONE WOMENS
Saturday 3 May, 12pm: Frankston v Mornington - Kinetic Stadium
Saturday 3 May, 1pm: Pearcedale v Warragul Industrials - Pearcedale Recreation Reserve
Bonbeach v Karingal - Bonbeach Reserve
DIVISION TWO WOMENS
Friday 2 May, 7pm: Red Hill/Balnarring Thunder v Mt. Eliza -Balnarring Reserve
Saturday 3 May, 10am: Frankston (Reserve) v TyabbKinetic Stadium
Saturday 3 May, 4.30pm: Bass Coast v Warragul Industrials (Reserve) - Dalyston Recreation Reserve
Saturday 3 May, 4.40pm: Mornington (Reserve) v Red Hill - Mornington Alexandra Park
Edithvale-Aspendale v Karingal (Reserve) - Edi-Asp Regents Park
DIVISION THREE WOMENS
Saturday 3 May, 11am: Pearcedale v LangwarrinPearcedale Recreation Reserve
Saturday 3 May, 4.40pm: Pines v Crib Point - Eric Bell Reserve
By Craig MacKenzie
SKYE United’s 2-1 home win over St Kilda on Saturday was its fourth success in five games and lifted it into second spot in State 2 SouthEast.
The local side’s start to the season is remarkable given the tumultuous pre-season overseen by head coach Phil McGuinness who had to rebuild his squad after losing many experienced players.
McGuinness methodically sifted through a large group of triallists by playing more preseason friendlies than any other side on the peninsula and the outcome so far has been stunning.
“It’s almost a new squad with a lot of young lads in there and they have gelled well together,” McGuinness said.
“The plan hopefully is to keep a good core group together for a few years like we once had.
“Obviously I’m happy with our start to the season and although the lads have put in a tremendous amount of work leading up to this point nobody is getting carried away.
“You need a little bit of luck along the way and we’ve definitely had that in some games so we’re not kidding ourselves.”
One of the success stories of Skye’s recruitment efforts has been striker Elliott Craig who was signed from Mornington.
“What a fantastic young man with the perfect attitude for a young forward willing to learn,” McGuinness said.
“I told him before I signed him that he won’t start every week and some weeks he might not even be in the matchday squad but his response was ‘all I want is a chance’ and he took it.”
The first half of Saturday’s clash with St Kilda was a lacklustre affair highlighted by the straight red shown to the visitors’ James Dermody in the 33rd minute for a dreadful challenge on Shameit Sharma.
Skye made the most of its numerical advantage just four minutes into the second half after Jason Nowakowski’s 50/50 challenge with the keeper led to the ball spilling loose to Craig who tapped into an empty net.
But on the hour a lapse in concentration saw the 10 men equalise when Stephen Phillips fired home after Skye failed to clear from a set piece. Five minutes later the home team responded when substitute Naweed Alemi’s deflected strike hit the mark.
Skye then defended resolutely and has goalkeeper Steven Hadjikakou to thank for keeping all three points as he made two crucial pointblank saves in the final 10 minutes.
Skye’s State 2 neighbour Peninsula Strikers hit a road bump on its promotion drive when it lost 1-0 at home to Bentleigh United Cobras on Saturday.
Bentleigh keeper Sam Dabinett was the star of the show making multiple saves throughout this clash to continually frustrate the home team. He made three remarkable first-half saves while Wayne Gordon and Riley Anderton had scoring attempts cleared off the line and Strikers could easily have gone in to the break with a 5-0 lead.
Dabinett’s heroics were rewarded in the 68th minute when Marcus Fernandez hammered the ball past Strikers’ custodian Ben Caballero from a tight angle for the winner.
The Cobras’ keeper had the final say late in the match with a stunning save from an Anderton thunderbolt to secure an unexpected three points for the visitors.
In VPL1 news Langwarrin lost 1-0 away to FC Melbourne Serbia last weekend dropping to bottom spot on the ladder a point behind Serbia, Moreland City and Eastern Lions.
The decisive moment came in the 77th minute but it was mired in controversy.
Langy substitute Dante Avian broke into the box and was brought down but the referee ignored his assistant’s flag for a penalty and gave a corner instead.
He then overturned that decision and allowed the home team to take a goal kick from which the ball was quickly sent downfield and crossed for Ben Devine’s match-winning header.
In State 1 news Mornington got back to winning ways following the previous round’s reversal by beating Collingwood City 2-1 at Kevin Bartlett Reserve on Saturday.
Just four minutes had gone when Jacob Brito intercepted a pass on the right wing and played the ball to Rory Wagner.
The former Gippsland United striker laid it into the path of Rhys Craigie whose top-corner finish put the visitors ahead.
A powerful run through midfield from Shaun Kenny in the 32nd minute ended with a one-two with Wagner before Kenny’s strike made it 2-0. Mornington was cruising but was given a reality check right on half-time when Mornington keeper Kane Runje should have controlled a Liam Hiscock cross at the near post and it was 2-1.
The second half developed into a tight contest with Mornington failing to convert a number of chances and Collingwood making the Seagulls fight every inch of the way.
The win lifts Mornington into equal top alongside South Springvale and Hampton East Brighton.
In State 4 news Chelsea maintained top spot in the league with a convincing 4-0 home win over previously unbeaten FC Noble Hurricanes on Friday night.
Youngster Matthew O’Neill was fouled after five minutes and Adam Bartosy took the ensuing free-kick from which Dunsford opened proceedings.
A typically cool finish from top scorer Stinson in the 11th minute doubled the lead and he nabbed his second two minutes into the second half when he curled a powerful shot in from the edge of the box leaving the keeper stranded.
Christian Murray rounded it off with a neat back post finish from a Liam Burford cross.
Baxter lost 2-0 to Springvale City at Ross Reserve on Friday night and with just one point from five matches is in the midst of a relegation dogfight.
Rosebud deserved more than the point it earned in a pulsating 1-1 home draw with Monash University on Saturday evening.
Despite starting strongly Rosebud went 1-0 down in the 12th minute when Monash striker Alex Yu capitalised on a misjudged header from Riley Gill.
In the 15th minute man-of-the-match Connor Wharton drove at the Monash defence and earned a penalty only to missed his conversion attempt.
But Wharton grabbed the goal his efforts deserved when he finished a superb cross from Sean Smith in the 36th minute with a left-foot strike at the back post.
Rosebud bossed much of the second half but Wharton, Ashton McMahon and Mark O’Connor failed to finish and the home side had to settle for a draw.
“The boys played some of the best football I have seen in a long while but it just wouldn’t go in for us,” head coach Stuart Johnston said.
“But I am delighted with how the group is progressing and we have shown that we can be a match for anyone in this league.”
Somerville Eagles stayed in touch with the top six with a 4-2 home win over Mentone last weekend.
Nick Simmons, Joe Simmons, Max Watson and Marcus Anastasiou scored for Somerville.
Frankston Pines remained anchored to the foot of the table after Saturday’s 4-1 away loss to Sandown Lions.
It was 0-0 at half-time but Pines went 3-0 down after the break until a late goal from Davey Jones.
Nevertheless despite double relegation staring the club in the face (due to Football Victoria’s State Leagues restructure) training numbers have improved and director of football Ross Evans is hopeful that half a dozen of the newcomers who trained last week will sign.
In State 5 news Mount Eliza won Saturday’s derby showdown with Mount Martha 3-1 at Emil Madsen Reserve.
Mount Eliza led after six minutes through Josh Luca and made it 2-0 just before half-time when Darcy Purcell’s free-kick was mishandled by Mount Martha keeper Derren Elliott before
going into goal.
Seven minutes into the second half the contest was over when Austin Mcewen finished with a low shot from a one-on-one with Elliott.
The only highlight in an otherwise disappointing Mount Martha display was Josh McMillan’s late consolation goal.
Seaford United defeated Keysborough 3-2 at North Seaford Reserve last weekend.
The home side outclassed the visitors but failure to convert chances and some unlucky decisions kept the game close.
In the 10th minute a Conor Mcfall corner found Tristan Stass whose bullet header gave the keeper no chance.
Not long after Dylan Waugh made it 2-0 with a side foot finish from Naseer Mohamad’s cutback from the right.
Keysborough was fortunate to be given a penalty from what looked like an excellent challenge from Seaford’s Sean Crespo and Tommy Quinton converted to make it 2-1 at the break.
But Seaford restored its two-goal cushion in the 47th minute when Waugh got a touch to a Blake Hicks cross that had sailed over the keeper’s head.
Keysborough hit back in the 65th minute with a looping left-foot strike from Anthony Tang but Seaford keeper Hayden Hicks proved unbeatable for the remainder of the match.
Aspendale had a 4-2 home win over Endeavour Hills Fire last weekend.
The visitors led through a well-placed Ethan Rosemond shot from the edge of the area but Aspendale levelled with a counter attack which saw Samuel Timuska-Carr on target from outside the box.
In the second half Aspendale come out firing and went in front when Kailan Smith slotted the ball home from a tight angle after some good build-up play from James Pilchard.
Matt Leggett made it 3-1 in the 65th minute with a header from a precise free-kick from James Macnab.
Shortly after Endeavour’s Cedric Permal was sent off and Aspendale scored a fourth when Smith headed home his second.
Although Driss Sakho pulled a goal back from the penalty spot Endeavour’s hopes were crushed when substitute Warren Sookun was sent off reducing the visitors to just nine men.
NEXT WEEKEND
Friday, 2 May, 8.30pm
Springvale City v Chelsea, Ross Reserve
Saturday, 3 May, 3pm
Peninsula Strikers v Chisholm Utd, Centenary Park
Doncaster Rovers v Skye Utd, Anderson Park
Lyndale Utd v Frankston Pines, Lyndale Secondary College
Endeavour Utd v Rosebud, Reema Reserve
Somerville Eagles v Sandown Lions, Westernport Secondary College
Aspendale v Casey Panthers, Aspendale Gardens Sports Ground
Fortuna 60 v Seaford Utd, Crinigan Road South
Saturday, 3 May, 5pm
Mentone v Baxter, Mentone Grammar Playing Fields
Saturday, 3 May, 5.15pm
Brandon Park v Mornington, Freeway Reserve
Saturday, 3 May, 5.30pm
Langwarrin v Western Utd, Lawton Reserve
Saturday, 3 May, 7pm
Keysborough v Mount Martha, Coomoora Reserve
Mount Eliza BYE
HEADING into the game, both teams stood evenly matched with one win and one loss apiece, setting the stage for a crucial and closely contested showdown. From the opening bounce, it was clear this would be a tightly fought battle, with neither side able to pull away decisively.
The first three quarters delivered exactly that—score-for-score action, momentum swings, and fierce competition. At each break, the margin remained slim, with the largest lead just five points, underscoring how evenly the two sides were matched.
With everything to play for heading into the final term, the match promised a thrilling finish.
In the last quarter, Crib Point found another gear, slamming home five goals to two to break the deadlock and surge ahead. The defining moment came from Archie Shepherd, who electrified the crowd with two finalterm goals—one of them a monster 60-metre bomb from the boundary that brought the house down.
Crib Point ultimately ran out 96–72 winners in a commanding final burst.
Will Stewart was elite across the ground, earning the prestigious ANZAC Medal for a best-on-ground performance to remember. Dan Farmer also played a crucial role, slotting four important goals when it mattered most.
Draw Keeps Both Teams Even After Intense Reserves Round 3 Clash
This was another game that could have gone either way, and in the end,
the Reserves finished in a draw. Both teams entered the Round 3 match with a 1-1 record. Unfortunately, Crib Point struggled with their accuracy, registering 17 scoring shots to Rye's 12. At the final change, Rye held a narrow 6-point lead. However, Joel Wisken’s goal in the last term levelled the scores. In the dying minutes, the game was deep in Rye's forward 50, but Crib Point's tight defence held firm to secure the draw. The standout players were Jarrod Fisk and Sean Parker, while Ryan Tzeremes was the only multiple goal scorer.
Anzac Day Home Opener Sets the Tone for the Season
There was a true sense of occasion as we hosted our first home game of the season on Anzac Day—an
already significant day made even more meaningful with half our side comprised of current serving Navy members. The importance of the day was not lost on anyone.
Before the match, we spoke about this being our first real opportunity to show the wider club what we’ve been building. And show them we did.
From the first bounce, the midfield set the tone with relentless pressure and smart link-up handballs out of congestion, opening up space and allowing us to play our running game. The half-back line, led superbly by Anzac Day Medallist Chloe Hampshire, was an impenetrable force—turning defence into attack and providing us with repeat forward entries.
While we left a few goals out there
with some wayward kicking, Jemima Perry had no such trouble, slotting five goals—most of them from the midfield—in a dominant all-around performance.
It was a great win, full of heart, discipline, and teamwork. Most exciting of all: there's still plenty of improvement to come.
Round Recap: Big Wins, Gritty Performances & Standout Efforts Across All Grades Under 17s
After a thrilling come-from-behind win the previous week, the Under 17s came out firing on Saturday. A dominant first quarter saw them surge to an 11-goal lead.
Matilda Puru made a huge impact when she came on in the second quarter, piling on an impressive 31 goals. The reshuffle saw Georgia Kingston move into defence, where she was outstanding—keeping the opposition scoreless in the final quarter and earning herself Best on Court honours.
Another dominant performance from our D Grade side this week. All players who rotated through goals made strong contributions, racking up a massive 74 goals. The defensive unit was just as impressive, holding Rye to just 6 goals.
Claire Fisher de Bruin in goal keeper was a wall in defence, barely letting anything through, and was deservedly named Best on Court.
Despite initial worries about being undermanned, C Grade didn’t skip a beat. A commanding 11–3 second quarter gave them the momentum they needed to take control and finish strong.
Emily English was awarded Best on Court for her tireless work in defence, both in the ring and on the outside.
B Grade
B Grade entered the day heavily undermanned, creating a selection headache for coaches. But this team rose to the challenge, delivering a cohesive and impressive performance, especially during a dominant second quarter.
They played like a seasoned unit, showing trust and connection across the court. Kaysie McMahon was exceptional, scoring 32 of the team’s 51 goals, all while being doubleteamed—earning her Best on Court.
A Grade A Grade faced the toughest challenge of the day—missing players and coming up against a very talented Rye outfit. A slow start saw them down by 20 goals at half-time, but a strong half-time reset led to a dramatic turnaround.
They lifted their defensive intensity, forced turnovers, and capitalised effectively, winning the second half and cutting the final margin to just 10 goals.
Kayleigh Briggs was unstoppable in WA—her strong drives, precision feeds, and relentless defensive efforts earned her Best on Court.
Flexible settlement timeframes on selected homes*
Up to $40k in rebates* Zero exit fees, DMF, or stamp duty
215S St Germain Boulevard, Clyde North 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and open by appointment on Saturday Visit our Display Homes.
*Incentive is a rebate to the value of up to $40,000, provided settlement of the home purchase agreement occurs prior to 13 June 2025. Select sites may also be offered flexible settlement timeframes, provided settlement of the home purchase agreement occurs prior to 13 June 2025. The rebate incentive does not change the purchase price of the home and will be applied at settlement by way of an adjustment that reduces the amount owing by the rebate amount. The incentive applies to selected sites at Stockland’s Halcyon Highlands, Halcyon Horizon, Halcyon Jardin, and Halcyon Evergreen communities. The promotion finishes on 30 April 2025 at 5:00pm (ADST). All photographs, illustrations, statements and information in this advertisement, are for illustrative purposes only and are based on information available to and the intention of Stockland at the time of creation (April 2025) and are subject to change without notice. No diagram, photograph, illustration, statement or information amounts to a legally binding obligation on or warranty by Stockland and Stockland accepts no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person who relies on them either wholly or in part. Indications of location, distance or size are approximate and for indicative purposes only. Subject to change. Artist’s impression, subject to change. Furniture and accessories not included. *Incentive is a rebate to the value of up to $40,000, provided settlement of the home purchase agreement occurs prior to 13 June 2025. Select sites may also be offered flexible settlement timeframes, provided settlement of the home purchase agreement occurs prior to 13 June 2025. The rebate incentive does not change the purchase price of the home and will be applied at settlement by way of an adjustment that reduces the amount owing by the rebate amount. The incentive applies to selected sites at Stockland’s Halcyon Highlands, Halcyon Horizon, Halcyon Jardin, and Halcyon Evergreen communities. The promotion finishes on 30 April 2025 at 5:00pm (ADST). Stockland Halcyon Jardin is a new over 55s community in the heart of Clyde North. Discover resort-style living with architecturally designed 7-star energy-efficient homes, which will redefine your lifestyle so that you can live more and maintain less.