Positive Ageing Newsletter
What’s inside?
• Celebrating volunteers
• Driver refresher sessions
• Southern Women’s Action Network
• Postcards from Dromana
• Art and Imagination
• Soundwaves at Cerberus
• Recycle right
• Seniors exercise parks
• and more!
Celebrating volunteers
United Nations has declared 2026 the International Volunteer Year. Volunteering helps build social connections, stronger communities and a more sustainable future.
The International Volunteer Year 2026 highlights the essential role volunteers play in advancing global goals, fostering resilience, and driving collective progress.
This is a timely opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge the impact of our local
volunteers Through the Mornington Peninsula Volunteer Network, the Shire supports a coordinated, collaborative approach to strengthening volunteering.
Community groups and organisations working with volunteers are invited to join the network.
For more information, contact Volunteering Mornington Peninsula: vmp@mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 1307
Are you ready to become a volunteer?
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a difference in your community. On the Peninsula, you can give your time to meaningful causes including the following:
Meals on Wheels 5950 1637 mowvm@mornpen. vic.gov.au
L2P 0448 080 527 l2p@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Home Library 0408 680 883 homelibraryservice@ mornpen.vic.gov.au
Explore all positions: mornpen.vic.gov.au/ volunteering
Supporting older drivers
Driving and Dementia Information Session
Learn about dementia and how it can affect driving.
Tuesday 21 April, 1.30–3.30pm, The Mornington Centre, 24 Separation Street, Mornington dementia.org.au/events/ driving-and-dementia-25 1800 100 500
Free driving sessions
Older drivers can enjoy a free one‑hour session with an accredited instructor to build confidence, refresh road rules and adapt to modern vehicles. To book, contact the Traffic and Transport team: 5950 1537 mornpen.vic.gov.au/ drivinglessons
Postcards from Dromana
The Mornington Peninsula Visitor Centre has received a colourful refresh through the Bright Walls mural program. This program aims to reduce illegal graffiti hot spots while supporting artists, fostering community participation, and enhancing public spaces.
The mural, by artist Daniel van de Wiel, celebrates local nostalgia, featuring familiar touches like the old chairlift and vintage cars. More than just a welcome for visitors, the mural is a reminder that the Visitor Centre is a place for locals too.
359B Point Nepean Road, Dromana
Meaningful connections through art
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery hosts a program designed for aged care residents with dementia. Based on the award winning Art and Dementia program by the National Gallery of Australia, Art and Imagination supports participants to interpret their experiences, express themselves and engage in conversation.
All aged care centres are invited to participate. 5950 1580 mprg@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Southern Women’s Action Network
Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) is one of the longest running voluntary organisations led by women in Australia. They promote women’s involvement in the community and support them to advocate for equality and justice.
SWAN is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of guest speaker events, including a lunch with Victoria’s Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Ro Allen.
The Shire is proud to support the event on Sunday 24 May at the Safety Beach Sailing Club.
5950 1579
SWAN also hosts network meetings and casual bimonthly coffee catch‑ups. All women welcome. Donations accepted. For more information, contact: swanwomen@outlook.com
Our stories: 60s & 70s
Step back into a time of bold fashion, big ideas and social change at Our Stories: Living the 60s & 70s, a one day celebration at Mount Martha House.
This lively heritage event brings the spirit of the most transformative decades to life through music, creativity and conversation.
Enjoy talks on fashion and design, hands on workshops like Flower Power floristry, macramé and upcycling, plus kids’ craft activities inspired by the psychedelic colours of the era.
There will be live music, go go dancing, food trucks and a
fun Women’s Weekly themed cake competition. With costumes, chill out lounges and themed surprises, it’s an event for all ages.
Free event! Saturday 16 May, Mount Martha House mornpen.vic.gov.au/60s-70s 5974 2297
Soundwaves at Cerberus
Enjoy a free concert with the Royal Australian Navy Band Melbourne at HMAS Cerberus. Experience a taste of naval life while listening to the band’s full wind ensemble, featuring brilliant brass, light hearted vocals and music from Lord of the Rings.
Bookings open three weeks prior: trybooking.com/events/landing/1526677
Email Able Seaman Musician, Michelle: navyband.soundwaves@defence.gov.au
Seniors exercise parks sessions
Our popular volunteer run seniors exercise park sessions continue throughout 2026. Each park features 16 specialised stations designed to improve strength, balance and mobility. Friendly volunteers support participants and help
them to improve their health and wellbeing.
Tuesdays 10-11am Dunns Road Reserve, 127 Dunns Road, Mount Martha, Fridays 10-11am Hastings Foreshore, 91 Marine Parade, positiveageing@ mornpen.vic.gov.au
The problem with nature strip freebies (and what to do instead)
Leaving unwanted items on the nature strip might seem helpful, but it’s illegal, which can result in a fine. Often, others add their own rubbish to your pile, turning a good intention into a bigger problem. If you have items to give away, keep them within your property boundary or list them online.
Did you know many household items can be dropped off at the tip for free? Electronics, white goods, batteries, mattresses
Important
Batteries, electrical items and e waste must not go in any household bins as they can start a fire.
and more are free to dispose of at the tip. mornpen.vic.gov.au/ freetiptrip
Groups and organisations can book the Mobile Recycling Trailer. This free service accepts textiles, bags and shoes and small electrical items. mornpen.vic.gov.au/ recyclingtrailer
The next Free Green Waste weekend is 22 – 24 May. mornpen.vic.gov.au/ greenwaste
Joy through dance in Hastings
Dance is a joyful way to stay active, connected and mentally sharp. Dancing improves balance, coordination and strength and supports memory and concentration.
Marshere Dance Studio in Hastings is a welcoming social space. There’s a Seniors Dance Class on Mondays at 1-2.30pm (includes afternoon tea, no dance experience needed). The cost is $20 per person. 5979 2497 (Adam) hastings@marshere.com.au
Sustainable House Day
Sustainable House Day returns on Sunday 17 May. A selection of local homes will open their doors, showcasing practical ideas that reduce running costs, cut energy use, manage water wisely and minimise household waste.
The Shire’s Eco Living Display Centre at The Briars will also be open 12 3pm.
Families can enjoy hands‑on sustainable living activities and join free guided tours with knowledgeable guides who can answer your questions about:
• solar power
• EV charging
• induction cooking
• window glazing
• and heat pump hot water systems.
Find out more:
sustainablehouseday.com 5950 1681 (Jacqui)
What’s on at the library?
The Libraries have a range of free activities including the following in house webinars.
Understanding data and public Wi-Fi Mornington Library, Thursday 16 April, 10 11am
How to use government websites
Hastings Library, Tuesday 28 April, 10‑11am
One-on-one tech help support continues in our libraries. Basic tech help is available at community halls along Our Library Van’s route. library.mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 1820
Home energy upgrade program
The Shire has partnered with Yarra Energy Foundation and All Electric Homes to offer discounts on energy efficient home upgrades, including induction cooktops, split system heating and cooling, hot water heat pumps and rooftop solar systems.
These upgrades can save you hundreds of dollars on energy bills while making your home more comfortable. Interest free loans are available. Additional discounts for Pensioner and DVA (Dept. of Veterans Affairs) concession card holders.
Join an information session at Rosebud Library on Tuesday 5 May, 9.30 10.30am. To register: homeenergyupgradeprogram.eventbrite.com.au morningtonpeninsulahomeenergyupgrades.org.au
Call Yarra Energy Foundation on 03 7037 6040
Exercise and cultural background
Monash University researchers are studying how cultural background shapes exercise choices in older adults. Residents aged 65+ are invited to complete a survey on physical activity, including awareness of Baduanjin, a gentle traditional Chinese mind‑body practice. bit.ly/MonashBaduanjin
Or contact Mr. Xianhui Liao: Xianhui.Liao@ monash.edu
Harmony Week:
Cultures in connection
This community event explores cultural connection and the impact of unconscious bias in our everyday interactions.
Hear from guest speaker Andrea Gaddie (Centre for Culture, Equity and Health) and local organisations, community groups and businesses.
Hop on the bus and explore our region
The Shire’s outings and excursions program is the perfect way to stay connected while exploring some great destinations across our region.
Designed for residents aged 65+ who have a My Aged Care referral, our program is a safe and accessible door to door service.
Whether you love browsing markets, discovering art, enjoying scenic ferry
Culturally inspired afternoon tea provided. All welcome. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday 18 March, Alexandra Park Pavilion, Mornington
Register: 1300 850 600
CulturesInConnection. eventbrite.com.au
trips, or simply having a relaxing day out with good company, there’s something for everyone.
Upcoming trips include galleries, shopping adventures, coastal visits, and delicious lunches. Passenger numbers are limited, so book early. communitytransport@ mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 1605
U3A Mornington, in partnership with Homeground Café, is hosting monthly coffee mornings for members.
Homeground Café provides young people with real world hospitality experience.
The collaboration highlights the strength of community partnerships, bringing together two organisations with different but complementary goals—supporting young people and enriching the lives of older residents. office@u3amornington.org.au 5975 9773
Save the dates!
• Dying to Know Day (Thursday 6 August) Take part in open, respectful conversations about death, dying and bereavement. The day focuses on sharing information and encouraging discussion.
• Seniors Festival 2026 information session (Wednesday 18 March) for clubs, groups and organisations interested in being part of the festival. positiveageing@ mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 1580
Creative project
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and Playable Streets are seeking primary school students and aged care residents for a multi generational project. If your Aged Care Centre would like to be involved in this unique and engaging project, please contact Amanda Shone: 5950 1580
mprg@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Setting the PACE for positive ageing on the Peninsula PACE is a Shire community advisory committee who represent community views and advise about the needs of over 55s. mornpen.vic.gov.au/ pace
The Shire is committed to Positive Ageing. Contact us for a copy of our We All Belong Strategy: positiveageing@ mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 1695