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Western Port News 22nd July 2026

Page 1


Uniforms with a story of their own

New bathing box policy placed on public exhibition

Raia Flinos raia@mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s

Draft Bathing Box Policy has been placed on public exhibition for a period of six weeks.

The policy outlines framework for managing bathing boxes on shire managed land and is set to replace the existing policy which was adopted in 2000.

At the 7 July council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to place the policy on public exhibition from 13 July to 25 August.

Cr Kate Roper said the current lack of formal agreement creates a range of legal, operational and governance risks for council.

“This draft bathing box policy is to replace the policy adopted in 2000, which is now outdated and not fit for purpose,” said Roper.

“It sets out clear responsibilities for owners, council, and state, so we look forward to community input on this draft policy on our well-loved bathing boxes.”

The shire currently manages 819 of 1300 boatsheds and bathing boxes on the peninsula in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action (DEECA).

Peter Clarke, Mornington Peninsula Beach Box Association (MPBBA)

president, said the new policy is only a positive for bathing boxes in the area the shire manages.

The policy will not apply to licensees of beach boxes in Dromana, Capel Sound, Point King, Tyrone, and Blairgowrie, as they are managed by other committees.

Clarke said the MPBBA was consulted and provided feedback to the shire during the development of the new policy, however only some

of their advice was included in the current draft.

“It’s a good basis on which to start the public consultation,” said Clarke.

“We are requesting additional changes to council’s draft policy and proposed licence agreements as part of the consultation.”

Clarke noted the shire’s 6.5 per cent transfer fee payable by the purchaser of the beach box.

Continued Page 5

AN aerial photo of the Norman Lodge Gatehouse at the beginning of the dismantling process in August 2025 (left) and in the final stages of the gatehouse being removed in November 2025.

Pictures: Yanni

Norman Lodge gatehouse reconstruction set to commence

Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au

HERITAGE Victoria has told The News the reconstruction of Norman Lodge Gatehouse was set to commence last week, although by Sunday (19 July) there was no apparent activity at the site.

The statement from Heritage Victoria came after a letter dated 25 May 2026 from Steven Avery, Executive Director of Heritage Victoria, seen by The News, stated “Reconstruction works are expected to commence no later than 29 June 2026”.

The dismantling documentation was provided by the owner’s consultants in November 2025.

Documentation pertaining to the

reconstruction of the heritage-listed Norman Lodge gatehouse was submitted to Heritage Victoria in late February 2026 following a request for an extension.

Heritage Victoria would not confirm to The News when approval for the reconstruction plan was granted, but once approved, works were required to commence within 90 days and be completed within 180 days of commencement.

The fate of the heritage-listed building has been long-running and attracted significant community interest.

The protected gatehouse has been the subject of planning applications in 2013 and 2020 that would have seen the structure deconstructed and moved just metres away to be reconstructed

on a concrete slab footing. The future of the building fell into doubt in April 2024 when it was badly damaged after a large eucalyptus tree fell onto it.

Subsequent to that incident, the shire issued a demolition order after a structural engineer’s report identified the building had suffered “total loss of structural integrity” (Demolition order issued for historic gatehouse, The News 20/8/24).

In June 2024 Heritage Victoria, the responsible authority, issued a notice to show cause under the Heritage Act 2017 to the owners of the Norman Lodge gatehouse requiring a range of works and activities to be undertaken following damage caused by the fallen tree.

On 16 August 2024, a further show

cause notice was issued by Heritage Victoria as a precursor to a potential repair order requiring the dismantling and reconstruction of the gatehouse.

In response to the August show cause notice, the owner of Norman Lodge engaged heritage conservation and architectural firm, Lovell Chen. That firm was tasked with closely monitoring and recording the dismantling of the gatehouse.

At the time of the building’s deconstruction, a statement from Heritage Victoria said “The building is being dismantled in accordance with a methodology approved by Heritage Victoria and includes a detailed photographic survey and measured drawings to allow for reconstruction”.

“Salvaged materials including

bricks, timber, windows, doors, ceiling roses and other decorative elements are being stored on-site.

“Non-original terracotta roof tiles, general building rubble including plaster and severely degraded timber, are being placed in skips. The roof will be replaced with slate tiles as per its original construction.”

It has been proposed that the gatehouse will be relocated from its original site, based on advice from an arborist, but will remain near the driveway.

A spokesperson from Heritage Victoria said “Heritage Victoria is working closely with the owners, the local council, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the gatehouse is reconstructed and its heritage values are preserved.”

Exploring the gardens of Europe and the UK

EACH spring, Europe puts on one of its finest displays. Tulips sweep across the Dutch countryside, historic châteaux burst into colour, and English gardens emerge from winter at their freshest. Great Trains of Europe Tours’ Blossoms & Bulbs Tour is timed to experience this seasonal spectacle at its peak, linking the Netherlands, France and England by rail in a journey designed for travellers who appreciate gardens at their seasonal best.

Family-owned and based in Toowoomba, Great Trains of Europe Tours has been taking Australians to Europe since 1977. Their small-group rail journeys are known for an easy pace, longer stays and time to enjoy each destination rather than simply passing through.

The tour begins with four nights in Amsterdam. While Keukenhof is one of Europe’s best-known spring attractions, one of the highlights for many travellers in 2026 was the visit to Aalsmeer Flower Market. Around 44 million stems pass through the market each day, and from the viewing gallery the vast trading floor is a spectacle of colour, movement and precision. Workers move in synchrony like bees among flowers, guiding trolleys of blooms through the building with remarkable speed. It is busy, impressive and unforgettable.

The journey then continues to France by train. Travelling in reserved First Class seats while suitcases are transferred ahead to the next hotel means travel days become

part of the holiday rather than simply getting from one place to another.

France offers a striking contrast in garden design. At Château de Villandry, centuries-old formal gardens display immaculate symmetry and geometric patterns, while Monet’s Garden at Giverny reveals a softer, more painterly landscape. In early May, Villandry’s beds are filling with fresh colour, while Giverny comes alive with irises, wisteria and the reflections that inspired some of Monet’s most celebrated works.

England completes the journey with a succession of distinctive gardens.

In North Yorkshire, guests visit Scampston Walled Garden, one of Piet Oudolf’s early designs, and Harewood House before continuing to the Lake District for Holehird Gardens and Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top. Three nights in the Cotswolds allow time to explore Sudeley Castle and the magnificent landscapes of Stowe.

The tour concludes in London with visits to RHS Wisley and the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, bringing together everything that makes a European spring so memorable. From Dutch bulb fields and French masterpieces of garden design to England’s celebrated landscapes, Blossoms & Bulbs is a relaxed rail journey showcasing Europe’s gardens at their finest.

The Blossoms & Bulbs Tour departs again in 2027 on 2 May. For availability, contact David on 0438 733 638 or email david@greattrainsofeurope.com.au

Pictured clockwise from top left: ATTRACTIONS on the Great Trains of Europe Tours’ Blossoms and Bulbs tour: Chelsea Flower Show, Giverny and Keukenhof. Pictures: Supplied

Survey says two-thirds worried about cost of living

A SOUTH-EAST Melbourne advocacy organisation has commissioned a survey that says 67 per cent of people living in south-east Melbourne are concerned about the cost of living.

The survey was conducted by insights firm Redge for Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) which states it “advocates for jobs, infrastructure, investment, liveability, sustainability and wellbeing for the southeast and everyone who works and lives in the region”.

The survey uncovered hidden surprises in cost-of-living stress within seats that could decide the election with residents in Melbourne’s south east borrowing money to pay for groceries, relying on buses to cut costs and warning that infrastructure is falling behind population growth.

The survey showed that 67 per cent of respondents rank cost of living as their main concern and 41% confirming they have accessed some form of financial support in the past 12 months. That number is higher for south-east Melbourne residents with close to 45% needing support to make ends meet.

GSEM chair Simon McKeon AO says the type of support they are accessing means they may not be on the government’s radar.

“Most commonly people are borrowing from family and friends and it’s not for luxuries, but to pay for groceries so they can put food on the table,” said McKeon.

“This is not a one-off hit. Almost

70% of people who needed financial help in the past year needed it more than once, and more than a quarter needed it regularly.”

The new research highlighted that 35% of residents in the region regularly travel by bus and when they were asked what they valued most about the service, users pointed above all to cost.

Hospitals were listed as the top priority for government investment, followed by roads, community safety and public transport. More than half of the GSEM residents surveyed felt that infrastructure was not keeping up with population growth.

McKeon, who lives in McCrae, said he has seen firsthand the effects cost-of-living stresses are placing on Mornington Peninsula community members.

“Speaking to Jeremy from Southern Peninsula Community Support recently, and knowing the results of this survey, I was really struck by how SPCS is coping with all that is being presently asked of it,” said McKeon.

“That organisation is on the front line, day in and day out, dealing with rough sleepers right through to parents who are consistently concerned about providing food for their children, or how they are going to raise

their next rental payment.”

McKeon said the research sends a clear message ahead of the November election.

“Residents clearly need better transport, better roads, stronger communities and more investment in health and services,” said McKeon.

“This is a region that is growing fast, contributing strongly to Victoria’s economy, and asking for its fair share of investment.

“The message is clear. If government invests in the south-east, it will relieve cost of living pressures, improve livability and unlock economic growth for the whole state.”

Continued from Page 1

“Council spends very little money supporting beach box owners or the beach environment for beach boxes given the millions of dollars it raises annually, which continues to be disappointing, and the policy does not deal with this inequity,” said Clarke.

“So, our view would be for the millions of dollars that they take annually, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done with coastal erosion.”

Clarke said the MPBBA encourages members to read what is proposed, make their submissions via the consultative process, and keep the MPBBA advised of their submissions.

Cr Bruce Ranken said the policy currently governing the beach boxes is not reflective of the current legislation contemporary coastal management practises or the expectations the community rightly holds today.

“There’s been genuine engagement already with DEECA, who have confirmed that the draft is satisfactory from their perspective, and with the MPBBA who have raised thorough points around coastal protection, revenue reinvestment, and vegetation management as well,” said Ranken.

He said the bathing boxes carry historical and cultural weight for the community, and the policy should be updated accordingly.

“The bathing boxes are more than just storage sheds; they’re one of our most recognisable and cherished features on the foreshore,” said Ranken. Bathing box owners, residents, and the local community are encouraged to have their say via the shire’s website at shape.mornpen.vic.gov.au/bathingbox-policy.

SIMON McKeon (left) speaks to Jeremy Maxwell and Miranda Gillespie from Southern Peninsula Community Support.
Picture: Cameron McCullough

Journalists: Raia Flinos: Email: raia@mpnews.com.au

Sarah Halfpenny: Email: sarah@mpnews.com.au

Brodie Cowburn: Email: brodie@mpnews.com.au

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We are the only locally owned and operated community newspaper on the Mornington Peninsula. We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential to a strong community. We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.

Council seeks community feedback on arts, culture, and events plan

Raia Flinos raia@mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is seeking community feedback on its draft Arts, Culture, and Events Plan, which has been placed on public exhibition for six weeks.

The plan outlines the shire’s tenyear investment and support approach to the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, public art, the creative sector, festivals and events, and cultural heritage.

The draft will be available online for public consultation and feedback until 19 August.

Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the draft plan reflects the community’s interest in the future of arts and culture.

“The plan reflects on what makes our peninsula’s creative community distinctive and sets the direction for the next decade,” said Batty.

“I invite the community to read the draft and share their thoughts before submissions close.”

The draft was developed after community consultation, which received 4,356 engagements and responses.

Cr David Gill, who is a member of the shire’s Arts and Culture Advisory Panel, said the plan recognises the advantages of a thriving arts culture and the scope of creativity across the peninsula.

“We heard from artists, musicians, performers, writers, event organisers and community groups right across the shire, and this draft plan reflects

that diversity,” said Gill.

“It backs our creative people in the shire’s cultural future, and we now welcome further community feedback.”

Gill said it is possible for the arts industry to bring economic value to the peninsula as a whole.

“That means attracting audiences, that means bringing tourists; it’s a huge opportunity,” said Gill.

“We want nobody left behind; we want theatre, we want dance, we want a broad range of music, and we want to have as many cultural experiences as we can on the peninsula for our community.”

At the 7 July council meeting, Cr Max Patton said the community has told council what they want, and now it is important to test whether the draft plan meets those standards.

“In the plan, its first promise to residents is an energised and inspired community,” said Patton.

“The six weeks ahead for me ask one question: does what is written here inspire the people that it’s written for?”

He said community consultation showed a desire for more live music, investment in the creative arts sector, better venues and creative spaces, First Nations culture and heritage, and simpler planning processes.

The draft plan includes ten-year strategic direction and a four-year action plan.

“Part of what makes this consultation matter is that this community

has already shown us it will organise and speak up when it believes we have got an arts decision wrong,” said Patton.

“This consultation is the opportunity to bring those voices into this plan before it’s adopted.”

Patton and Cr Michael Stephens emphasised the success of the recent Peninsula LIVE events and said they set an example of what the future of the arts and culture scene on the peninsula could look like.

“I’d love to see more small-scale music events across the peninsula that showcase local bands and musicians to local audiences,” said Stephens.

“The plan doesn’t include a dedicated live music fund, and that’s something I think could be worth exploring as a way to help grow our local music scene.”

Stephens said council’s most important role should be empowering the arts and culture sector.

“By building local arts community capacity, we can foster a vibrant, sustainable arts and music scene that benefits our community, local businesses, and showcases incredible creative talent that exists here on the Mornington Peninsula,” said Stephens.

Council will consider community feedback from the six-week period before adopting the finalised document.

The plan is now open for community review online at mornpen.vic. gov.au/artscultureevents.

Vandalism leaves Sorrento traders reeling

A MAN used loose footpath bricks in the early hours of Thursday (16 July) to smash around 30 panes of glass at around 12 shops in Sorrento.

Residents were said to be in a state of shock as they surveyed the damage, while some stores face long disruption while waiting for suitable glass to replace broken windows.

Under fire was the Mornington Peninsula Shire, with the loose bricks having been slatted for a repair that had yet to eventuate.

The News understands that, once made aware of the situation, shire CEO Mark Stoermer immediately organised staff to head to Sorrento to make the area safe.

The shire also issued the following statement:

“Mornington Peninsula Shire condemns this senseless act of vandalism. We have been in contact with the Chamber of Commerce and our thoughts are with the affected business owners who have had their premises damaged.

“We understand the significant impact this has had on the Sorrento community and are working with Victoria Police as it investigates this incident.

“The Shire is aware that pavers from the footpath appear to have been used during the incident. We have inspected and cleaned up the area this morning with works underway to reinstate pavers and ensure the area is safe.

“Given this is a Police matter we are

unable to make further comment. If anyone has any information on the incident we urge them to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000”.

Member for Nepean, Anthony Marsh was on scene first thing, and retuned

in the afternoon with the Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, who was on a pre-planned visit to the Mornington Peninsula.

In a social media video, Marsh said “We saw overnight just senseless van-

dalism. Bricks through the windows of about 12 local businesses and locals are just fed up”.

“They know that the crime crisis is all the way down to Sorrento. We’re not immune. And people know there

No fix in sight for ‘dangerous’ St Andrews

Sarah Halfpenny sarah@mpnews.com.au

RESIDENTS of St Andrews Beach say potholes on residential streets, including Constantine Ave, are causing costly vehicle damage and dangerous near misses, with the Mornington Peninsula Shire confirming there are currently no plans to resurface the roads or upgrade drainage.

Constantine Ave resident Shani Hillier has lived on the street for almost 10 years.

“It’s been an issue the whole time,” she said.

Hillier said she had punctured a tyre because of the road surface, and that a nearby tyre shop had told her punctures were an everyday occurrence, not just on her street.

She said a blind corner on Constantine Ave near her home was a particular concern, with drivers swerving to avoid potholes.

“There are kids on P-plates, and there are people coming to holiday here who have no idea. It’s to the point where it’s neglectful, and I would say dangerous,” said Hillier.

Rick Johnson, who moved to the area in 2022, said he and his wife had to drive carefully to avoid damaging their car, though they had not experienced any accidents or vehicle damage themselves.

Johnson, who has a background in civil engineering, said the underlying drainage system was contributing to the problem.

“Because of the way the drainage system doesn’t work here, you get these huge ponds forming,” said Johnson. He believes fixing the roads properly would likely require kerbing and a new drainage system.

is just no consequence for these vandals.”

CCTV obtained by The News shows a man walking down Ocean Beach Road with a paver in his hand, smashing windows.

Beach roads

Johnson provided a copy of a Mornington Peninsula Shire council report from July 2019, detailing a previous proposal to upgrade the roads. The report shows the total estimated cost of constructing the roads and drainage system across St Andrews Beach was $10.1m.

Resident Jules Miles, who has lived in the area for about a year, said navigating the potholes added a hidden safety risk, forcing drivers to divide their attention between the road ahead and the surface beneath them.

“You’re having to look down a lot

more, which is actually very dangerous, because you’re trying to focus on the traffic and other things around you, and you’re having to constantly check if there’s a pothole,” said Miles.

She said the lack of footpaths compounded the risk for pedestrians.

“If cars are having to veer off on a certain angle, there could be pedestrians walking, and there’s no footpaths around here,” she said.

Miles said she had lodged several reports through the council’s Snap Send Solve system, including one from 30 April and another from 24 May, that

had not received a response.

“We actually saw them patching up some recently, and then there’s one outside our house that’s just growing daily,” she said.

Another St Andrews Beach resident, Rob Vanderzalm, said shire crews had resurfaced sections of several streets three or four months ago without notice, in some cases repairing only half a street.

“It was very random. There was no consult,” he said. Vanderzalm said one of the worst-affected spots was on Tiberius Rd, where

a large pool forms after rain.

“There’s a spot on Tiberius which floods so badly locals call it Lake Tiberius. We’re talking 10 metres by 10 metres in diameter,” he said.

The St Andrews Beach road network was built by a private developer in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with responsibility for the roads transferring to the shire following changes to the Road Management Act 2004.

The News put residents’ concerns to the Shire.

Director Assets and Infrastructure, Davey Smith, said, “While the roads were built by a private developer and do not meet current standards, the Shire continues to inspect and undertake limited maintenance in accordance with our road management plan.

“In 2018, Council proposed a special charge scheme to upgrade these roads, however that was not supported by affected property owners and did not proceed.”

He told The News the cost of the proposed scheme would have been split evenly – 50/50 – between the shire and affected property owners.

The shire said the roads are classified as substandard with limited pavement maintenance, meaning they receive proactive inspections every six months and a response to reported issues within 10 days. Constantine Ave was last inspected on 26 June.

It was confirmed there were currently no programmed works to comprehensively upgrade or resurface the road network, and no planned capital works to upgrade the area’s ageing drainage infrastructure.

Routine maintenance and localised repairs would continue to be carried out as required.

WINDOWS were smashed along the Sorrento shopping strip using loose pavers (left). CCTV footage obtained by The News shows a man (right) smashing windows with a paver. Pictures: Supplied
Jules Miles and Rick Johnson at Constantine Ave, St Andrews Beach. Picture: Gary Sissons

Shire shouts out with Hastings electorate wishlist

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has launched its “Shout Out for the Peninsula” advocacy campaign, calling on all political parties and candidates to commit to investing in the future of the Hastings electorate.

The campaign will “Shout Out” for infrastructure, services and community projects needed ahead of November’s election, with key asks across each of the peninsula’s three electorates.

A complete rebuild of undulating, dangerous and pothole ridden Coolart Road features on the shire’s wish-list for the Hastings electorate.

Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the advocacy campaign highlights several critical priorities which will improve safety, connectivity and liveability in Western Port.

“Hastings is uniquely positioned as an employment, industrial and maritime hub, but local infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with the needs of our growing community,” said Batty.

“We’re calling on candidates in the upcoming election to commit to invest in safer roads, infrastructure and housing needed to support the district of Hastings.”

A key priority is the complete rebuild of Coolart Road, which has reached the end of its service life and continues to pose significant safety concerns for motorists.

Increasing freight movement and population growth has placed significant pressure on the road network, making a full reconstruction of Coolart Road essential for safety.

Rough sleeping and homelessness are also major priorities, with the shire seeking $500,000 to provide support for homelessness through the Western Port Community Support.

Visiting WPCS’s base in Hastings, Batty said the organisation’s frontline work demonstrates why continued state funding remains critical.

“Every person deserves a safe place to call home. This funding will

help ensure vulnerable people in Western Port can access the support they need before they reach crisis point,” said Batty.

A sum of $70,000 annually would also continue the shire’s paticipation in the rough sleepers program Functional Zero.

Batty also called for commitments to rezone surplus land associated with the Port of Hastings for hous-

ing, agriculture, rural activities and broader industry.

“Hastings has enormous potential to help meet Victoria’s housing needs,” said.

With a state election approaching, the shire is urging all parties and candidates to commit to these critical projects and ensure Hastings receives its fair share of investment for the future.

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will hold the free Dying to Know Day event on Thursday 6 August at the Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington, giving locals a chance to speak openly about death, dying and end-of-life planning.

The event will commence at 10.30am, with the program wrapping up by 12.30pm and a light lunch to follow.

Dying to Know Day is part of a national push to challenge the discomfort around discussing death and encourage more people to plan ahead.

This year’s theme, ‘Nobody Knows’, is a reminder to share endof-life wishes with loved ones.

Expert speakers will unpack key aspects of end-of-life care, including palliative care and its focus on comfort, dignity and quality of life.

Voluntary assisted dying will also be on the agenda, with speakers outlining the legal pathway available to those who are eligible.

Support for people dealing with grief, loss and bereavement will round out the program.

Anyone unable to make it in person, including people in aged care, will be able to tune in via a livestream on Radio Port Phillip (RPP FM).

“While conversations about death can be difficult, they are essential,” said mayor Cr Stephen Batty.

“Dying to Know Day provides a safe and supportive environment for people to learn, reflect and share their wishes with those who matter most. Bookings are essential via dyingtoknow_mornington.eventbrite.com.au or by calling 5950 1695.

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council mayor Cr Stephen Batty with volunteers at Western Port Community Support, where the shire is advocating for state funds to support rough sleepers and homeless residents. Picture: Supplied

Bee plan to improve green spaces

A PLAN to introduce more bees into Frankston’s green spaces is being formed.

Last week, Frankston Council approved a proposal to begin work on a “Frankston Pollinator Action Plan”. The plan is expected to consider the establishment of “a targeted pollinator corridor” linking Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve to the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre and foreshore.

Cr Emily Green, who raised the proposal for the Frankston Pollinator Action Plan, said that a pollinator corridor is “a network of connected green spaces planted with native flowering plants. These corridors help bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators move safely through the landscape by providing food and habitat along the way. They can include parks, reserves, streetscapes, nature strips, and even home gardens, all working together to

create a healthier and more local, connected environment.”

“As Frankston continues to grow, it’s important that we look after and strengthen the green spaces that we already have,” Cr Green said. “This notice of motion is about connecting those green spaces so they better support local wildlife, particularly pollinators like our native bees, butterflies, and birds. By understanding where pollinator habitats already exist and where the gaps are, council can make more informed decisions about future planting and restoration works so it has the greatest benefit to us,” Cr Green said.

The motion approved by councillors last week read that council’s Biodiversity Action Plan “identifies the development of pollinator habitats, including pollinator meadows, as a positive measure to support urban biodiversity

and ecological resilience.” A council officer report, due back by the end of the year, will “outline a Frankston Pollinator Action Plan, including proposed corridor alignment and staging; provide costings for implementation, including the George Pentland Botanic Gardens demonstration site; identify partnership and engagement opportunities with community groups, schools, and relevant experts; consider integration with existing capital works, operational programs and environmental education initiatives; and outline delivery models, measurable outcomes and reporting mechanisms.”

Cr Green noted that “this notice of motion is only asking for a report. It doesn’t commit council to any future spending or projects. It simply gives us the information we need to make an informed decision down the track.”

Six months in new hospital

MORE than 6000 surgeries have taken place inside the newly redeveloped Frankston Hospital.

The redevelopment of the hospital, now renamed the Peninsula University Hospital, cost $1.1 billion. The new hospital building opened in January, and has since hosted more than 6400 surgeries, more than 2300 oncology treatment episodes, around 370 chemotherapy patients, and nearly 900 births.

The redevelopment added an additional 130 beds and 15 operating

theatres, with capacity to see an extra 35,000 patients each year. Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke said “this has transformed how local families get the free public healthcare they need.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited the hospital last week to mark the six month anniversary of its opening. She said “Labor designed this hospital, built this hospital and opened this hospital and now thousands of Victorians are getting the care they need close to home.”

Expressions of Interest to join Community Liaison Group (CLG) for the Port of Hastings Corporation

The Port of Hastings is seeking Expressions of Interest from community-minded individuals to join our Community Liaison Group (CLG).

The CLG will be a forum to learn more about Port of Hastings operations and assist us with connecting and engaging with community. Why join the CLG?

As a member of the CLG, you will be at the forefront of Port communications. This is your opportunity to:

• Be a voice: Represent your local community, industry or stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard.

• Engage: Help us build open, collaborative relationships with our local community and organisations.

• Provide insights: provide your perspectives and feedback on our operations, consultation opportunities and how we engage with the broader community.

Who we’re looking for:

We are looking for proactive residents, business and community representatives who are keen to participate and engage with our Port. We welcome and encourage a diversity of perspectives and interests and are looking to establish a group that reflects a broad crosssection of stakeholders.

Applicants who express in joining the CLG will need to demonstrate an understanding of:

• community needs, interests and opportunities relating to the operation of the Port of Hastings an ability and commitment to consider and value a wide cross section of community views. a connection to the local community within which the Port operates.

To apply:

Visit our website at portofhastings.vic.gov.au/reference-groups or scan the QR code.

To request a printed application form, you can contact us by calling 03 5979 5500 or writing to us at PO Box 105, Hastings, Victoria 3915

GEORGE Pentland Botanic Gardens is proposed to be the demonstration site for a Frankston pollinator corridor. Picture: Supplied

The Guide

TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK

SATURDAY

THURSDAY

HOME AND AWAY

7TWO, 7pm

Taking the term “cliffhanger” back to its literal origins, this tense movie-length instalment of Australia’s favourite soap opera leaves the fate of one Summer Bay resident actually hanging in the balance. After a fun-filled getaway at an adventure park, Cash (Nicholas Cartwright), Tane (Ethan Browne), Mali (Kyle Shilling) and Levi (Tristan Gorey, left) decide to extend their action-packed itinerary with an overnight bush hike. But what starts as a picturesque wander through the wilderness soon becomes a race against time.

LOVE IT OR LIST IT AUSTRALIA

TEN, 7.30pm

It’s the Melbourne suburb with a name that divides the locals from the pretenders: Prahran. It’s a pronunciation minefield for English-born real estate guru Andrew Winter (left), who visits the chic inner-city enclave with co-host Neale Whitaker in the fifth season of this property series. The pair are coming to the rescue of parents Joel and Anna, who bought an art deco home with the intention of rebuilding – before parenthood and interest rates got in the way. Whitaker sets about overhauling their existing layout, while Winter takes the couple on a tour of open-plan alternatives.

Thursday, July 23

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SUNDAY

MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA

TEN, 7pm

When it comes to VIP guests, this season of MasterChef has seen its fair share of star power – from Jimmy Barnes to Robert Irwin – but securing Sunday’s guest will be the show’s crowning achievement. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (below), is bringing her love of food, entertaining and seasonal produce to the kitchen for an unforgettable episode. The final four contestants are tasked with creating a dish that celebrates one of the Duchess’ favourite ingredients – among them artichokes, honey, macadamia nuts and quinces – and accompany it with a personal story that allows Meghan and judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and JeanChristophe Novelli to feel a connection to the meal.

SEVEN (7)

NINE (9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) 10.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 11.00 New Zealand Spy. (M, R) 11.25 Bad Company. (Final, Ml, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Believe Me. (R) 2.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.30 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Frankie Drake Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

Bridge Of Lies. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 10.05 Inside The Steam Train Museum. (PG, R) 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 16. Highlights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 17. Highlights. 1.00 BBC News At Ten. 1.30 France 24. 2.00 PBS News. 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Michael Mosley Secrets Of The Superagers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 17. Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Spain With Michael Portillo. (PG) Michael Portillo visits Bilbao and San Sebastian.

8.30 Eva Longoria: Searching For France. (PGaw) Eva Longoria explores Bordeaux’s world-famous vineyards, looking at wine production in Saint-Émilion. 9.20 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 18.

(R)

Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

MONDAY

BIG FAT QUIZ OF TELLY 2026

SBS, 7.30pm

Host Jimmy Carr fires out questions on everything from sitcom foods to Peppa Pig with the help of special guests including Mark Hamill and Charles Dance in this TV-themed comedy quiz. Some of the topics are a little British-centric, but there’s enough to keep Aussies feeling competitive. Among the panellists is Aussie Sam Campbell (recently seen on Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee). Also competing are English comedians Harry Hill, Judi Love and Tom Allen, actress Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes, above with Campbell) and Irish stand-up Joanne McNally.

2.00 Anne Boleyn. (Masv, R) 3.00 Michael Mosley Secrets Of The Superagers. (R) 3.55 Ireland In Music: Sclimpini. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

The Chase. (R)

Seven News At 4.

The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 20. Adelaide v Collingwood.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the match.

11.00 Kick Ons. A preview of the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 Unbelievable Moments

Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.

12.30 Brave New World. (MA15+asv)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 4.45 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Opening Ceremony.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 RBT. (Mdl, R) Follows the activities of police units.

8.30 Emergency. (Mlm, R) Dr James Williams fears for a young cheerleader who has landed on her head during training.

9.30 A+E After Dark. (Malm, R) Staff treats a man injured in a hit-and-run.

10.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+av)

11.20 9News Late.

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

TEN (10)

6.00 10 News+.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

Friday, July 24

ABC (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Compass. (PG, R) 10.30

Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 11.00 Race Around The World. (M, R) 12.00 ABC News

At Noon. 1.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R) 1.50 Treasure & Dirt. (R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens. (Premiere) Monty Don journeys along the Rhine River.

8.30 Saint-Pierre. (Mav) Arch and Fitz search the island for an infamous bank robber who’s escaped to Saint-Pierre.

9.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills.

9.50 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

Hosted by Rob Brydon.

10.15 ABC Late News.

10.35 New Zealand Spy. (M, R)

11.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mv, R)

11.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s

Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.50 Steven Universe. 9.40 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.

SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (10) NINE (9)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 DD India News Hour. 10.00 UAE From Above. (R) 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 17. Highlights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 18. Highlights. 1.00 BBC News At Ten. 1.30 France 24. 2.00 PBS News. 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Michael Mosley Secrets Of The Superagers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 18. Highlights. 6.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Opening Ceremony Continued. 7.00 Sunrise. 9.30 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Opening Ceremony Highlights. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: The PA And The Manhattan Prince. (2023, G) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 The Quest For Camelot. Professor Mark Horton looks at King Arthur and Camelot.

8.40 Rebuilding Notre Dame Cathedral Pt 2. (R) British historian Lucy Worsley revisits the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris ahead of its re-opening.

9.50 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19.

2.15 The Truth About Anxiety With Celia Pacquola. (Mad, R) 3.20 Michael Mosley Secrets Of The Superagers. (R) 4.20 Ireland In Music: Sclimpini. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 1: Evening. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 20. Melbourne v Geelong. From the MCG.

10.40 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 1: Late.

12.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 1: Overnight.

2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 1: Pre-dawn.

4.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 1: Early morning.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Feel Good Road Trips.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 21. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm.

9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy PostMatch. Post-match coverage and analysis of the NRL game between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Melbourne Storm.

10.45 MOVIE: Death Wish V. (1994, MA15+lv, R) A vigilante goes after mobsters. Charles Bronson.

12.40 Resident Alien. (Malv, 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 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple own a home in Brighton. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.40 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 3pm Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 18. Highlights. 4.05 BBC News At Ten. 4.35 France 24. 5.05 PBS News. 6.05 Inside The Huddle. 6.35 Over The Black Dot. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Dream Teams. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.20 The UnBelievable. 10.10 The Expanse. 11.50 Vikings: The Rise And Fall. 1.40am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

Movie Show. 6.20 The Ploughman’s Lunch. (1983, PG) 8.20 Satellite Boy. (2012, PG) 10.00 The Big Lebowski. (1998, M) 12.10pm After Hours. (1985, M) 2.00 Men In War. (1957, PG) 4.00 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 5.45 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 7.30 Rogue Agent. (2022, M) 9.40 The Fisher King. (1991, M) 12.10am The Professor And The Madman. (2019, M) 2.35 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 8.40 The Magic Canoe. 9.10 Spartakus. 10.00 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 11.00 Going Places. Noon Namarali. 1.00 A Cedar Is Life. 2.00 Island Echoes. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.40 Dreaming Big. 5.05 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 7.30 MOVIE: Crackers. (1998, M) 9.20 MOVIE: Scrooged. (1988, M) 11.05 Late Programs. NITV (34)

Saturday, July 25

ABC TV (2)

6am The

(3)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 Football. VFL. Round 18. Casey Demons v Geelong. 3.00 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. (PG, R) 3.45 Griff’s Canadian Adventure. (PG, R) 4.35 Kitchen Cabinet. (R) 5.05 Australian Story. (R) 5.35 Landline. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 DD India News Hour. 10.00 The World From Above. (Return) 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 18. Highlights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19. Highlights. 1.00 BBC News At Ten. 1.30 France 24. 2.00 PBS News. 3.00 Following The Flow. (PGal, R) 4.30 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R) 5.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19. Highlights.

6.05 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Brett plans a romantic trip away.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Cooper & Fry. (Ma) A local photographer is found dead.

9.05 Doc Martin. (PG, R) Martin advises Mrs Moore to stop cold-water swimming until they’ve ruled out the cause of her migraines.

9.55 Believe Me. (R) The victims of a serial rapist fight for justice.

10.40 Little Disasters. (Mal, R) A mother rushes her baby to the emergency room.

11.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 20. Le Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez. 170.9km mountain stage. From France.

1.00 Underground Army. (Ma, R) The underground blows up trains.

2.55 Michael Mosley Secrets Of The Superagers: Future Of Ageing. (PG, R) Dr Michael Mosley focuses on medicine.

3.50 Ireland In Music: Sclimpini. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 1: Morning. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Industry Celebration Day and Caulfield Season Finale. 3.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 1: Highlights. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 2: Evening.

8.30 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 2: Night. 10.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 2: Late.

12.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 2: Overnight. From Glasgow, Scotland. Hosted by Bruce McAvaney, Matt Shirvington, Emma Freedman, Mel McLaughlin, Jason Richardson, Johanna Griggs, Matt White, Rebecca Maddern, Trent Copeland and Lizzie Jelfs. 2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 2: Pre-dawn. 4.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 2: Early morning.

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Great Australian Detour Snow. (R) 12.30 Space Invaders. (PGa, R) 1.30 MOVIE: Rocky II. (1979, PGv, R) 4.00 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (PGls, R) 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. (PG) 6am Morning Programs.

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple live in the “worst house on the best street”, in a space that is not conducive at all to their lifestyle. 9.50 Ambulance Australia. (Mal, R) In Brisbane, a bystander calls in a crash in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD involving a motorcyclist and taxi. 10.50 Ambulance UK. (Mlm, R) Paramedics deal with a hit-and-run accident. 12.00 FBI. (Madv, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am Morning Programs. 3pm Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Mastermind Aust. 6.40 The Mega-Brands That Built The World. 7.30 Record-Breaking Submarines. 8.35 Icons Unearthed: Harrison Ford. (Premiere) 9.30 MOVIE: Crossing Over. (2009, MA15+) 11.30 The Expanse. 1.15am WWE Legends. 2.10 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.30pm PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.30 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Octonauts And The Ring Of Fire. 4.50 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.15 MOVIE: Tummy Tom 2: A New Friend For Tummy Tom. (2024) 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. (Final) 8.10 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.55 Chopped Jnr. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 7.45 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 10.00 The Fisher King. (1991, M) 12.30pm

7.30 MOVIE: Legally Blonde. (2001, PGls, R) A ditzy blonde enrols in law school. Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson.

9.30 MOVIE: Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011, Mls, R) A middle-aged man’s life changes dramatically after his wife asks him for a divorce. Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling.

11.50 MOVIE: If I Stay. (2014, Ma, R) Chloë Grace Moretz.

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)

Sunday, July 26

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens. (R) 2.30 Race Around The World. (M, R) 3.30 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass: Faith, Power And Modi.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Race Around The World.

William heads to Madagascar.

8.30 Treasure & Dirt. (Maln) Ivan and Nell finally catch up with Stanley. Nell gets a disturbing call from Phelan.

9.30 Believe Me. (Mals) Laila’s assault claim is dismissed by police.

10.15 Cooper & Fry. (Ma, R)

11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

2.40 Poh’s Kitchen On The Road. (R) 3.10 Doc Martin. (PG, R) 4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The World From Above. (PG) 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19. Highlights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 20. Highlights. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian ProMX Championship. Round 7. 4.00 PBS News Compass Points. 4.30 PBS Washington Week. 5.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 20. Highlights. 6.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 2: Morning. Continued. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 1.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 2: Highlights. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 20. North Melbourne v St Kilda. From Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Paris Underground. Takes a look at a hidden shadow city under Paris.

8.30 Arc De Triomphe: The Passion Of A Nation. (PG, R) Takes a look at the Arc de Triomphe, a monument at the heart of Paris.

9.30 Castle Secrets. (Mav, R) Takes a look at castles around the world, including ruins that reveal the occult dealings of the Nazis.

10.25 Kennedy: Jack (1917-1940) (PG, R) A look at the life of John F Kennedy.

11.20 Framed. (PGad, R)

12.05 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 21. 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s

Programs. 2.30pm The Makery. 2.45 Wiggle. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 The Wiggles. 4.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 4.50 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.15 Zog. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 The Lady Grace Mysteries. 8.10 Epic Adventures With Bertie Gregory. 8.55 Animal Park. 10.25 Secrets Of The Zoo. 11.10 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Over The Black Dot. 12.30 Inside The Huddle. 1.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 3.00 Rebel Country. 4.25 Big Name, No Blanket. 5.40 Chuck Berry: Brown Eyed Handsome Man. 6.45 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 7.35 Earth Oven. 8.30 Seasick. 10.05 MOVIE: Mystic River. (2003, MA15+) 12.30am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 3: Evening.

8.30 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 3: Night.

10.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 3: Late.

12.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 3: Overnight. From Glasgow, Scotland. Hosted by Bruce McAvaney, Matt Shirvington, Emma Freedman, Mel McLaughlin, Jason Richardson, Johanna Griggs, Matt White, Rebecca Maddern, Trent Copeland and Lizzie Jelfs. 2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 3: Pre-dawn. 4.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 3: Early morning. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.30 Australia’s Best Backyards. 11.30 Escape To The Country. 12.30pm Harry’s Practice. 1.00 The Master. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Better Homes. 3.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.30 My Greek Odyssey.

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 1.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 2.00 For The Love Of Pets. (PGa, R) 3.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGm, R) 4.00 Ski Rescue Down Under. (PGaa) 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Postcards. (PG) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. (R) 8.00 GCBC. (R) 8.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 9.00 Cook With Luke. (R) 9.30 Good Food Everyday. (PGa, R) 10.10 MasterChef Aust. (PG, R) 12.30 Boating. Australian IRB Championships. 1.30 The Dog Hospital With Graeme Hall. (PGa, R) 2.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 3.00 The Finish Line. (R) 4.00 Lingo. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 LEGO Masters Bricktacular. (Final, PG) Hosted by Hamish Blake. 8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.30 9News Late.

10.00 The First 48: Bad Cinderella. (Mav) A father of four is gunned down.

11.00 Black Widow: The Deception Begins. (Premiere, MA15+a)

11.50 Murder In The 21st. (Mav)

12.40 For The Love Of Pets. (PGa, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 CampByMe. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. (PG) The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, joins the kitchen today, offering some of her favourite seasonal produce. 8.15 Watson. (Md) Watson’s father visits UHOP to introduce Watson and the fellows to his protégée, a saxophone prodigy with musically induced blackouts. 9.15 FBI. (Mav) When a large-scale explosion rocks a Brooklyn apartment complex, the team quickly locates the perpetrator and discovers he’s acting on the orders of a convicted felon currently serving time. 12.00 10 News+. (R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 3pm Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 20. Highlights. 4.00 Bamay. 4.20 France 24. 4.55 PBS Washington Week. 5.20 PBS News Compass Points. 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 MOVIE: Ready Player One. (2018) 11.00 Under The Bridge. 12.50am QAnon: The Search For Q. 1.45 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am The

Amazing Mr. Blunden. Continued. (2021, PG) 6.40 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 8.25 Jumanji. (1995, PG) 10.20 The Professor And The Madman. (2019, M) 12.45pm Rogue Agent. (2022, M) 2.55 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 4.40 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 6.55 The Terror. (1963) 8.30 Arcadian. (2024, M) 10.10 Gangster Squad. (2013, MA15+) 12.15am Late Programs.

Restoration Australia. (PG, R)

Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa)

Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 20. Highlights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 21. Highlights. 1.10 BBC News At Ten. 1.30 France 24. 2.00 PBS News Compass Points. 2.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Michael Mosley Secrets Of The Superagers. (PG, R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 21. Highlights.

(R)

(R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.00 Gardening Aust. (R)

4.00 Poh’s On The Road. (R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Big Fat Quiz Of Telly 2026. Presented by Jimmy Carr. 9.10 Alone Australia. (Ml, R) With the cold settling in, the remaining participants battle injury, hunger and the slow creep of isolation.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R) 2.25 Merrill’s Marauders: Burma WWII. (Mav, R)

3.25 The Kim Dynasty: A Family Affair. (PGa, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.30 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 3: Highlights. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 4: Evening.

8.30 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 4: Night. 10.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 4: Late.

12.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 4: Overnight. From Glasgow, Scotland. Hosted by Bruce McAvaney, Matt Shirvington, Emma Freedman, Mel McLaughlin, Jason Richardson, Johanna Griggs, Matt White, Rebecca Maddern, Trent Copeland and Lizzie Jelfs. 2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 4: Pre-dawn. 4.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 4: Early morning. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 LEGO Masters Bricktacular. (Final, PG, R) 1.30 Getaway. (PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl) The guides explore outback Queensland.

8.40 Footy Classified. (Ml) A team of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.

9.40 Players. (Ml) A look at all the AFL news.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 100% Footy. (Mal)

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PG) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PG) Contestants receive letters from home. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete

Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.20 The UnBelievable. 10.10 The Expanse. 11.50 Hells Angels: Kingdom Come. 1.40am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.40 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon. 8.50 Badgers: Their Secret World. 10.20 Kids Baking C’ship. 11.05 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Terror. Continued. (1963, M) 6.45 Finding Altamira. (2016, PG) 8.25 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 10.00 Arcadian. (2024, M) 11.40 The Client. (1994, M) 1.55pm The Amazing Mr. Blunden. (2021, PG) 3.30 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 5.25 Where Angels Fear To Tread. (1991,

Tuesday, July 28

Foreign Correspondent.

8.30 Kitchen Cabinet. Annabel Crabb cooks with Angus Taylor. 9.00 The Assembly: Claudia Karvan. (R) Previously graduated students interview Claudia Karvan. 9.45 Compass: Faith, Power And Modi. (R) 10.15 ABC Late News. 10.30 The Business. (R) 10.50 Four Corners. (R) 11.45 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mv, R) 12.50 Long Lost Family. (R) 1.35 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 4.00 Poh’s On The Road. (R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Portugal With Michael Portillo. (PG, R)

8.30 Insight. Takes a look at the modern share house identity.

9.30 Dateline: The Greek Longevity Puzzle. Janice Petersen looks at the secrets to longevity in Greece.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (R) 11.20 The Negotiator. (Malv) 12.55 MOVIE: Julia. (2021, Mals, R) 2.40 A Certain Mother. (PGan, R) 4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s

Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.40 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon. 8.50 Ice Age. 9.35 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.00 BattleBots. 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 5: Evening.

8.30 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 5: Night.

10.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 5: Late.

12.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 5: Overnight. From Glasgow, Scotland. Hosted by Bruce McAvaney, Matt Shirvington, Emma Freedman, Mel McLaughlin, Jason Richardson, Johanna Griggs, Matt White, Rebecca Maddern, Trent Copeland and Lizzie Jelfs. 2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 5: Pre-dawn. 4.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 5: Early morning. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On The World. (Mal, R) Takes a look at Live Aid.

9.25 Footy Classified. (Ml) A team of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.

10.25 9News Late.

10.55 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Pointless. (PG, R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Building Ideas. (PG, R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (92)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PG) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple bought a compromised home over 12 years ago. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim

6am Morning Programs. 3pm Where Are You Really From? 3.30 Food Lovers’ Guide. 4.10 WorldWatch. 6.10 Mysteries From Above. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.20 The UnBelievable. 10.10 The Expanse. Midnight While The Men Are Away. 1.10 Dark Side Of The Ring. 2.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

6am Mr. Holmes. Continued. (2015, PG) 6.55 Seven Samurai. (1954, PG, Japanese) 10.35 Princess Mononoke. (1997, M, Japanese) 1.05pm Finding Altamira. (2016, PG) 2.45 The Terror. (1963) 4.15 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 5.50 I Know Where I’m Going! (1945) 7.30 Resistance. (2020, M) 9.45 A Samurai In Time. (2023, PG, Japanese) 12.15am Darkland. (2017, MA15+, Danish) 2.20 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Living Black. 11.30 MOVIE: Alick & Albert. (2021, PG) 1.05pm Emmett Till: White Lies, Black Death. 2.00 Island Echoes. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.35 Dreaming Big. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 7.30 The Point. 8.00 The Jury. 9.05 MOVIE: The Power Of One. (1992, M) 11.20 Late Programs. NITV (34)

Wednesday, July 29

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.55 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.25 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.55 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.25 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.00 Race Around The World. (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (Ma, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PGa)

8.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills. 9.00 New Zealand Spy. (PG) The spies are sent to Christchurch. 9.25 Race Around The World. (R) William heads to Madagascar.

10.25 ABC Late News.

10.40 The Business. (R) 10.55 Treasure & Dirt. (Maln, R) 11.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (Ma, R) 12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.00 Gardening Aust. (R)

4.00 Poh’s On The Road. (R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.05 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.05 Canada’s National Parks. (PG, R) 11.05 America’s Great Trails. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Ireland’s Wild Islands. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml) Two canoes take to the freezing lake.

8.40 Titanic Sinks Tonight. (Premiere, PGa) Disaster strikes Titanic on her maiden voyage. 9.45 Six Four. (Premiere, Mv) A law enforcement couple try to find their missing daughter. 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 Forest Of The Missing. (MA15+asv, R) 2.55 Children Of Chaos: What Became Of WWII Orphans. (PGa, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And

Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.40 Ninjago: Dragons

8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young

7TWO (72) 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Hangover Part III. (2013, MA15+) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The 100. 12.30am Winter House. 1.20

Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.30 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 5: Highlights. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 6: Evening.

8.30 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 6: Night. 10.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 6: Late.

12.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 6: Overnight. From Glasgow, Scotland. Hosted by Bruce McAvaney, Matt Shirvington, Emma Freedman, Mel McLaughlin, Jason Richardson, Johanna Griggs, Matt White, Rebecca Maddern, Trent Copeland and Lizzie Jelfs. 2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 6: Pre-dawn. 4.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 6: Early morning. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Love, Fashion, Repeat. (2022, PGa, R) Cristina Rosato. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 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 Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On The World. (Ml, R) The second half of Live Aid in the US is a success.

9.25 To Be Advised.

10.25 9News Late.

10.55 Bad Blood. (MA15+avv) Vito emerges as the clear winner in the gang wars.

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Karen is looking for a gentle companion. 8.40 Boston Blue. (Mv) With an assist from the NYPD, Danny and Lena hunt down a serial home invader. Sean’s budding romance faces unexpected complications.

8.50 Steven Universe. 10.00 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 8.05 A Samurai In Time. (2023, PG, Japanese) 10.30 Michael Collins. (1996, M) 12.55pm

Above. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.20 The UnBelievable. 10.10 The Expanse. 11.50 Threesome. 12.50am Night Bloomers. 2.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

Volunteers needed to spread Mornington Christmas cheer

MAIN Street in Mornington will be getting its Christmas glow-up again, with group The 4 Cs calling for more volunteers to help decorate every one of its 76 trees.

In 2025, Mornington resident Pam hoped she might find enough people to dress four trees along the strip, after several people commented that Main Street had lost its Christmas spirit.

“We decorated 38 trees last year,” said Pam. More than 40 volunteers had jumped on board by December, each claiming a tree.

“Some people knitted, some people crocheted, some people did sewing, or a combination of everything, and decorated their own tree for Christmas.

“The community response was amazing. The people that were involved last year said, ‘Okay, we’re doing it again next year,’ and I was like, well, here we go!” she said.

This year the group has a name to match its purpose – The 4 Cs, which stands for Christmas, Community, Connection and Creativity.

More than 50 volunteers, including whole families and community groups, have already claimed 54 of Main Street’s 76 trees, and Pam wants every last one covered.

The group also catches up throughout the year.

“We meet at different times and have a coffee. People are connecting with each other, so it’s been a really good social thing as well,” said Pam.

There’s no theme for the tree decorating, and nobody hands out a rulebook on how a tree should look, which is exactly how Pam likes it.

“People can let their creative juices flow. People get quite attached to their trees, actually,” she told The News

Some trees are a weekend’s work, but one of Pam’s own efforts this year took considerably longer. “I’ve just finished one, and it took over a

month, and that was every night for three hours at least. So, a lot of time can go into each one, but it doesn’t have to be that complex either,” she said.

One family signed up three generations at once – grandmother, mother and grandchild – swapping phones and tablets for wool and needles, and sitting down together in a way they told Pam they never usually did. Pam recalls a pre-schooler who was

fascinated by one of her hand-made elves on Main Street last Christmas.

His mum was chatting to him about a book featuring an elf they’d been reading at home. “He said, ‘Yes, Steve!’ and so the elf got called Steve,” she said.

For Pam, all of it comes back to a simple concept. “Christmas is a family time and bringing people together, and that’s probably one of the most important things for me,” she said.

The decorations go up around 1 December and stay dressed for six weeks.

Pam is happy for people to bring whatever they’ve got, be it time, craft materials, or just enthusiasm.

As she puts it: “Spread the word and the joy.”

People keen to help out and claim a tree of their own to decorate this Christmas can get in touch with Pam directly on 0432 331 518.

Mornington VIEW Club backs students’ education

FOUNDED in 1994, the Mornington VIEW Club has spent 32 years raising money for disadvantaged students locally through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.

The club – whose name stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women – now sponsors 10 students, covering costs such as school uniforms, excursions and laptops, along with a birthday card and $75 voucher for each student at their birthday and again at Christmas.

“All Learning for Life students come from a family living within one of the 94 communities across

Australia in which The Smith Family works,” said Mornington VIEW Club

Vice President, Mez Murphy.

Parents who are referred to the program by a partner school sign an agreement committing to their child’s long-term education, providing school reports and ensuring regular attendance, while the funding they are given from the club must be spent solely on education-related costs and backed by receipts.

According to The Smith Family’s 2025 annual report, 96 per cent of Learning for Life students increased their reading and numeracy levels,

with 75 per cent improving by more than two year levels.

Murphy became Vice President at the club’s annual meeting in late January, having joined VIEW two and a half years ago.

“I have always been involved with children and worked in areas of disadvantage, so when I finished work, I was always going to do some volunteer things, and that was my passion,” said Murphy.

Meetings are held on the fourth Friday of each month at Mornington Golf Club, opening with committee reports and a profile of one sponsored

CUSTOM INTERIOR WINDOW COVERINGS

student, followed by lunch and a guest speaker.

Fundraising happens year-round, with two Bunnings sausage sizzles, trading tables three times a year, raffles at each meeting, an annual fashion parade, and a footy tipping competition open the 90 or so VIEW Mornington members, their families and friends. Earlier this month, Mornington VIEW hosted over 100 women from three peninsula VIEW clubs at Steeples in Mornington for a joint fundraising luncheon.

It’s not just about raising money, and they always welcome new mem-

bers, Murphy said.

“I do really like the monthly games afternoon, where we can play board games – yes, I am a Scrabble addict

or cards, and a good coffee morning is a great way to have a more in-depth conversation with some of the ladies and form new friendships.

“Don’t be nervous, take that first step – contact Judy our secretary or Ruth our president to come to that initial meeting,” said Murphy. Women interested in joining Mornington VIEW Club can email mornington.viewclub@gmail.com for more information.

New free youth career counselling service

A NEW monthly service will be launching in August to provide free career counselling to young people on the peninsula.

Mornington Peninsula Shire has partnered with Chisholm Institute to help provide support to young people aged 15 to 25 years old.

The counselling will take place at the Tounnin Wominjeka Youth Hub in Rosebud and will help attendees explore different pathways into education, training, and employment.

One-hour appointments will be available between 10am and 4pm on the first Thursday of each month.

Mayor Stephen Batty said this new service will help young people make informed decisions about their future.

“Choosing a career path can feel overwhelming for many young people. This free service will connect them with expert advice and practical support to help them explore their options and plan for the future,” said Batty.

“Whether they are considering further study,

training or employment, this service will help local young people build confidence and take the next step towards their career goals.”

The service is delivered by the Chisholm Skills and Job Centre, which is staffed by qualified professionals who all hold current Police and Working with Children checks.

Young people can receive help with job searches, resume and application support, and advice on study and training options, including free TAFE courses.

There is also guidance available for apprenticeships and traineeships, as well as referrals to local job opportunities and connections with broader support networks.

Booking are required and can be made by calling (03) 9212 4909 or emailing skillsandjobs@chisholm.edu.au. You can find out more information about youth services at mornpen. vic.gov.au/youthservices.

VineHop festival secures funding

THE Peninsula VineHop Festival has secured state funding and will go ahead for its ninth year.

It will take place on 21 November across seven venues. It will showcase over 30 local drink producers as well as DJs, live music, and food trucks.

Mayor Stephen Batty said the funding result was an endorsement of the peninsula’s events sector and the strength of local partnerships.

“This funding highlights the Mornington Peninsula as a leading destination for events, food, wine and live music. VineHop showcases the very best of our region, supports local businesses, and encourages visitors to stay longer and explore more,” said Batty.

The main festival hub will be located at The Briars in Mt Martha and shuttle tickets will be available between four venues using a hop-on, hop-off format.

“The Briars is a much-loved destination that

plays an important role in hosting events like this, offering a unique setting that enhances the visitor experience and showcases the peninsula’s natural beauty,” said Batty.

The shire supported the funding application which was strengthened by its new Visitor Economy Partnership with Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism.

Festival director Lisa MacGregor said the shire’s support is key to the event’s growth.

“Support from Mornington Peninsula Shire has been instrumental in the growth of VineHop, from local grant funding through to backing our successful application for state support,” said MacGregor.

“That partnership allows us to deliver a bigger, better event each year and shine a spotlight on the incredible producers and experiences across the Peninsula.”

VineHop is an 18+ event with a range of ticket options, all which include tastings.

–
Ruth den Hartog - president Mornington, Mandy Kiklis - president Southern Peninsula, Diane LatessaZone Councilor Mornington, and Sonia Brennanpresident Hastings, with VIEW Club members.
Picture: Yanni

Resigned at the first appropriate opportunity

I’d like to respond to last week’s letter suggesting I delayed my resignation so the Briars Ward by-election could not be held earlier (Briars Ward concern, Letters 7/7/26).

It would not have been appropriate to resign before the result of the Nepean by-election was declared. I was declared elected at approximately 10am on 14 May and resigned immediately afterwards.

It was a privilege to serve the people of Briars Ward, and I thank them for the support they showed me over many years. I also thank the people of Nepean for the faith they have placed in me, and I look forward to continuing to fight for the Mornington Peninsula each and every day!

Anthony Marsh, Member for Nepean Waste charges

Mayor Batty found that residents generally supported the 2.75% capped rates increase, but were “particularly concerned” about the waste charges (Increased waste fees locked in for peninsula residents, The News 7/7/26).

Concerned or outraged? The new waste charge is $507, an increase on last year of 17%. On top of rates.

Do the sucker ratepayers know that if you increase a charge by just 19% per year, that charge will be doubled in just four years?

Some years ago our council introduced a “municipal charge” of just $50 which was found to be illegal so they called it a “waste services charge” which was legal.

Ten years ago this charge had become $193, last year $433. Now $507. Can you see where it’s heading?

All of this re-titling of money squeezed from the milking cow ratepayers is a shifty act to me.

Just as road maintenance, potholes, sports grounds, executives salaries, etc., have always been part of the reason we pay rates, so too is waste removal and public cleaning. It’s paid for! Somebody please tell council.

Is there to be a pothole repair surcharge to be added to our rates? (I may wish I’d never said that).

The rates cap was introduced to contain everexpanding council fiefdoms and force councils to live within their means.

The waste surcharge was introduced by councils to contemptuously overcome that state government restriction.

Councils are an obsolete and unnecessary third arm of government. A big reform is necessary.

Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington Ah, the serenity!

Last week’s article (Ecotourism body pull Arthurs Seat Eagle case study, The News 14/7/26) reveals that developers are just as guilty of deception as politicians. The developer had claimed to “have supported local charities, such as the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation to plant koala habitat along the gondola line”. The claim was made in 2023 and in February 2026 a luge under the gondola was added to the proposal, a metre or so from the said koala habitat, which would terrorise the koalas.

In my only encounter with a koala in the wild, while jogging on the Byers Track at Blackwood, I almost died of fright. Just after rounding a bend, I heard a great thump. Looking back I saw a koala scrambling into the bush in absolute terror. It must have dropped a fair way to make such a thump. I would have made virtually no noise, jogging slowly on a thick carpet of leaves in the old gold mining race, so the poor thing’s terror was caused mainly by my unexpected presence in its tranquil home.

Members of the MPKC were not supported in the planting of the inappropriately located habitat; while the gondolas might operate fairly quietly, the noise of excited children would cause a reaction similar to what I had experienced. The planting was done by Eagle staff and their friends, the ones who wrote a flood of letters to The News

praising the proposal. Perhaps they thought that Koalas loved noise!

Ray Gibb, Rosebud

New bus route

No doubt, there will be some people living on the Mornington Peninsula who will be rejoicing about the new bus routes and timetables which are now in operation across parts of the peninsula.

The only bus now picking up passengers on the Nepean Highway between Mt Martha and Mornington is the 788.

This bus picks up adults and school students and is frequently standing room only.

I have been informed there will be a review next March, and any concerns need to be addressed to PTV.

I would love to hear other peoples experience of the changes. Please, more effective public transport for the peninsula.

Iris Hallinan, Mornington

Bus shelter vandalism

I totally agree with the comments by Bruce Cornelius (State of our shire, Letters 7/7/26) that this constant bus shelter vandalism must stop.

Bus shelters are designed to provide shelter for commuters, especially school children and the elderly, however with the shelters being constantly destroyed by vandals, the danger of sitting on broken glass and the cost of repairs is out of control.

The bus companies are continually replacing the broken glass, but the issue is not going away and in fact is escalating. Therefore a new approach is required.

I suggest using lamp poles, trees or neighbouring fences to place surveillance cameras and catch the criminals on camera. When the vandals are caught make them or their parents pay for the repair of the shelters.

An alternative to using only glass, would be to fit metal mesh such as Crim Safe in front and behind the glass panels. If this is not cost effective then ballistic-grade polycarbonate is the ideal plastic used for this purpose. It is up to 250 times stronger than glass and, when manufactured in thick, multi-layered sheets, it can safely absorb and stop handgun or rifle projectiles without shattering or dangerous fragmentation. Finally make the shelters out of graffiti-proof galvanized iron as per the one near Bentons Square Shopping Centre.

John Bridge, Mount Martha

Cats and bags

According to last weeks letter page the “cat is out of the bag” regarding my political affiliation (Cat out of the bag, Letters 14/7/26).

The only problem being that Mr Steiner got the colour of the cat wrong.

Instead of an orange moggy I tend to be more of a Russian Blue and as for vilifying Farrer candidate Michelle Milthorpe, if pointing out that radical left Get-up sent out a panicked e-mail requesting funds and then spent $600,000 on a misinformation campaign against the One Nation candidate, is vilification, then I can wear that.

In the dying months of the Whitlam government in 1975, I was part of his security detail when he was in Victoria and met many in his inner circle.

Two things I learned. Labor politicians tend to have very little life experience and will say and do whatever to grasp on to power.

Take Rudd and his vow not to change illegal boat immigrants from reaching Australia. We all know how that worked out. Gillard and no Carbon Tax. Shorten with the Liberals selling medicare. Albanese with no changes to property tax.

One Nation surged in the polls because a lot of what they said was just basic common sense but now people are realising that just like the Teals, Greens and other independents they are virtually irrelevant when it comes to formulating policy.

M. G. Free, Mt Martha

Simple explanations

The reason, Kerry Taylor (Local Letter Writers, Letters 14/07/26), that there are usually a number of letters from people who do not live on the actual peninsula can be easily explained.

Many may well have relatives who live here and feel a personal association with the peninsula. A great many more likely have a second home on the peninsula, attracted by the fairly relaxed lifestyle and also the relatively pristine environment. I am only a relative newcomer to the peninsula and was greatly attracted by some of the reasons mentioned.

For example, just in Mount Martha alone we have the Balcombe Estuary, The Briars and the Mt Martha shops which is a quaint and charming little shopping precinct. Furthermore Arthur’s Seat is not far away and with a few minutes’ drive you are into the beautiful country side.

It is only reasonable that apparent outsiders to the peninsula would take an interest in its affairs and would want to do what they can to protect the uniqueness of the area and its natural environment.

Ross Hudson, Mt Martha

Boycotting letters

Kerry Taylor (Local Letter Writers, Letters 14/07/26), I asked the same question months ago and was given a very patronising reply from the editor. I no longer read these letters and basically only get the paper for the TV guide.

Tina Bennett, Somerville

Editor’s note: Tina, if you don’t read the letters, how did you see Kerry’s letter?

Animal cruelty

The Victorian state Labor government’s determination to support those whose recreational pleasure is derived from the “sport” of maiming and killing innocent creatures is inhumane, indefensible and utterly abhorrent.

All local state government members need to hear from and act on the growing community outrage at this state sanctioned brutality.

No government of any persuasion should be equivocal about the morality of this matter. With an election looming now is a perfect time to pressure for change.

Bruce Wearing-Smith, Somers

Broken medical system

What a calamity of disappointments this week dealing with our medical system. Both myself and my father struck down with severe flu.

Ambulance called resulted in a three hour wait until arrival. To then be left dealing with an after hours doctor service this Saturday afternoon with zero doctors available to assist us. I then tried getting some advice through local pharmacists who were hardly approachable either. If you can’t deal with people, pick an occupation that doesn’t involve face to face contact with others!

Our system as a whole is massively understaffed and underfunded in this state, and I feel for those who have been sicker than us, requiring immediate help.

We all deserve much, much better.

Disgruntled and well and truly over it.

Adam Richmond, Dromana

AI safety

Let’s not be squeamish about this: the global race is on to secure the safety of artificial intelligence.

Australia’s stance focuses on safety testing for high-risk AI, rather than the US’s push to lead with frontier-model oversight.

Committing to an AI Safety Commissioner reinforces the government’s resolve.

The EU is finalising the AI Act, and the UK is establishing safety institutes.

This is why Australia’s determination not to be left behind sounds dire, but it isn’t. AI, in all its positive aspects, also needs to be reined in for oversight and transparency.

The fact that China is building its own parallel system adds to the urgency of getting this right.

Anne Kruger, Rye

Multiculturalism

Once the rule was “when in Rome do as the Romans do”, but the currently fashionable view is that no immigrant should be expected to adopt the customs of the land into which he or she immigrates.

Thus mass immigration from multiple sources sets up multiple communities with multiple cultures, often with little in common.

However it seems to me that there is no such thing as a multicultural society; where there are multiple cultures there are multiple societies competing for the same space.

Further, different cultures have different ideas of what is fair, what is a reasonable level of openness and what is acceptable. Where such views are strongly held conflict is inevitable.

Like Maureen Donnelly (Proudly multicultural, Letters 14/7/26) I fear for the future of my country, but for different reasons.

Albert Riley, Mornington

Price per serve

Researchers possibly have a grasp of what they mean by healthy portions/serves. Do these researchers ask the likes of sceptical and contrary cooks, such as I, who don’t relish binning doubly herb infused delicious left-overs?

Price per serve distracts one from thinking how many people this piece of steak will feed. It distracts from how to ensure the right balance between the optimal volume of these or those ingredients.

Who decides the portion? What’s a portion for my grandchildren, my sporty daughter or son?

What’s a portion today may not be a portion tomorrow, when yummy leftovers are being notched up with a smidgeon of something that’s less than a portion of something that some unimaginative pre-adult person has conjured in a business funded so called research unit in Monash.

Introducing an ingredient into a dish, my scales don’t ask me to log in what it is I’m weighing, the scales do not give me a reading of the portion size of that particular vegetable or protein. My scales to not tell me how much of this vegetable to add, and whether those vegetables are of the same family, different though that they might appear.

My scales show me grams and kilos, Not portions for this or that meat, nor this or that vegetable.

Is the notion of portion, not just silly?

Richard Kessling, Somers

BarleyCharlie@90

Why do they all want to get bigger, and bigger; Coles, Woolworths, the Commonwealth Bank, so many others? All operating within the need for MORE.

Today’s profits may be heathy, in fact the motivation for more next year, every year? Australian Seniors: Originally 60+ year olds, then 55, then 50, now 45?

As for the lottery of life, (“Life is a Cabaret”) clearly I’m in a passageway toilet, and the locked door out is rusted, unable to be opened. What, me worry? No point, the likes of moire and fellow 90+ people overlooked. Then there’s Telstra. $2.4 million a year for Number 1, has the lady fixed it yet? Her appearance in defence failed to convince.

AFL: Little people have long memories? The umpiring against Collingwood in North Melbourne’s favour, suspiciously connected to a Maynard Magpie copping a fine (no matches?) from the Collingwood Gold Coast match?

Watched The Insiders, ABC, with The Guardian’s Sarah Martin, a talking machine? Generally; Albo on gambling, his mind is not in it! We ALL stray.

In degrees. The majority who think they have strayed (secretly?) have done nothing less than being human beings. To steal from Paul Keating - “A myth of the monarch culture” yes, smaller, but still there, particularly Channel 9. Inner Health plus double strength provita40, defined? Chemist Warehouse. Unadulterated nonsense?

Finally: Bigots (stubborn, unreasonable) personified? as in 33% for monoculture?

OMG, VAD. So peaceful, no scooter, no cold weather, no football experts, no cigarettes; no self righteous letter writers complaining about our potholes, no overpaid councillors? Not yet, Collingwood might win?

Thankfully somebody mentioned democracy, a cause for great laughter, calmness. Feeling better now; reward, one cigarette?

And the duck? Calmness, unruffled, paddle, like the devil, underneath.

Cliff Ellen, Rye

Police raid at Carrum - Three men detained

Compiled by Cameron McCullough

THREE men were detained, and goods and a motor car seized by police in a raid of a house in Murcott street, Carrum, at 7am. last Saturday.

The goods included a cabinet gramophone and records, cutlery, crockery, tools, groceries, tins of petrol and lubricating oil, a bag of clothing, tinned fish, a box of tea, a mop, a hose, and other articles, which it is alleged are the proceeds of extensive shopbreaking.

In the yard at the rear of the house Lyons found a Master Six Buick car, No. 67,553. Inquiries later revealed that this car was the property of Mr. T. Darcey; licensee of the International Hotel, Latrobe street, City, and had been stolen from in front of the hotel between 6 and 7.30 on Friday night.

The men asked leave to light a fire to make a cup of tea before they were taken away. Just as the kettle was about to boil three explosions occurred. These were followed by three more explosions.

Plainclothes Constable Lacey obtained a piece of wire and in the flue at the back of the fireplace found a revolver which had been loaded in six chambers. The heat of the fire had caused the cartridges to explode.

The raid was carried out with the co-operation of Constable Feehan, of Carrum, who had had the house under surveillance. It is stated they rented the house furnished for 30/- a week. They had been living there only a few weeks. In the house was a girl.

Two of the three men who were detained, the police allege, escaped from the police at Prahran in a Dodge motor car which was stolen from

Glebe, Sydney, on June 19. The car, which is owned by a Mr. Tuckey, was, it is alleged, driven by six men to Melbourne, and used in effecting numerous robberies in the Gardenvale, Mentone, Aspendale, and Prahran district.

The car is now at police headquarters with the Buick which was stolen on Friday night.

Soon after the arrival of the six men in the Dodge car in Melbourne the Prahran police got suspicious of their movements. Detective Lyons, who was then a plain-clothes man at Prahran, endeavoured to track them down, as it was alleged that the Dodge car had been seen in front of shops which had been robbed.

On Wednesday night last week

Senior Plainclothes Constable Arnold and other plain-clothes police raided a house in Oak Lane, Prahran, in which there were six men. Two of the men were arrested and the other four escaped.

Two of the men ran down the lane and the other two jumped into the Dodge car and drove away. They were chased by the police in another car and headed off.

Shots were fired by the police, and the men jumped from the Dodge car while the engine was still running, and the car ran into a fence and was seized by the police.

Numerous charges will probably be laid against the men by the detectives, who are making exhaustive enquiries into their movements. They expect to clear up many cases of shop-breaking, and are also making inquiries into recent “hold-ups” at Richmond. ***

THE first case dealt with by Mr. Justice Dixon in the Third Civil Court on Thursday was an action for damages arising out of a motor collision.

Robert Gerrand, of Stanhope Street, Malvern, tile manufacturer, sued William McGarry, estate agent, of Chelsea; claiming £600 damages for injuries and losses sustained as a result of the negligence of defendant in driving a motor car on Point Nepean road on 27th April, 1925.

Plaintiff alleged that by way of defendant’s negligence defendant’s motor car collided with a car driven by plaintiff.

Plaintiff was severely injured and his car was damaged. Special damages claimed included loss of profits medical attention, massage fees and repairs to the car.

Mr. Eager (instructed by Messrs. Cleverdon, Fay and Hayes), who appeared for plaintilff, said that although defendant had delivered a defence, in which he denied negligence and alleged contributory negligence, and had lodged a counter claim against plaintiff in respect of the accident, he had been instructed that defendant no longer intended to defend the case.

The facts were that plaintiff was driving a car at 6.15pm on the evening of 27th April, 1925, along the Point Nepean Road in the direction of Melbourne. He saw a car approaching, which was following a serpentine course. The driver was observed to cross on two occasions from his correct side to his wrong side, and back again.

Plaintiff in consequence was extremely careful. When within a few yards of each other defendant again

crossed to the wrong side.

Plaintiff applied his brakes, but a collision occurred. Plaintiff’s injuries included a broken collarbone, and he was incapacitated for some time.

After hearing evidence, his Honor said he was satisfied defendant was guilty of negligence, and entered judgment for plaintiff for £170/2/6, with costs.

Mary Jane Gerrand, wife of the plaintiff in the previous case, who was in the car when the collision occurred, and also sustained severe injuries, was awarded £300 damages.

Judgment was entered for this amount with costs.

***

THE many friends and associates of the late Mr. James Marshall will regret to learn of his death which occurred at his residence at Baxter, after a prolonged illness, at 3.30pm on Sunday, 18th July, at the age of 64 years.

The late Mr. Marshall was a well known resident of Baxter, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.

During recent years he rendered valuable service towards the advancement of the district.

It was through Mr. Marshall’s publicspirited and sportsmanship offer that made it possible for Baxter to possess a public hall.

His excellent example in providing the necessary funds to build the hall had proved a great success, as not only did it serve to make Baxter a popular district on the peninsula, but the most outstanding feature is that at the present day the hall is almost free from debt.

Mr. Marshall was at one time chairman of the hall committee and a

trustee, and always took an active interest in the affairs of the district.

It may have been many years before the Baxter residents could have enjoyed the benefit of a public hall, if Mr. Marshall had not come to their aid by way of finance, an act which was appreciated by all residents.

Unfortunately through invalidity, the late Mr. James Marshall had been confined to his home during the last two years and four months. During that period he also took a keen interest in the movements of the district, as many realise, as in the case of Mr. Marshall, “actions speak louder than words,” and his death is considered a loss to the progress of Baxter.

He is survived by his wife and seven children, and one grandchild.

The late Mr. Marshall was a retired businessman, and arrived in Victoria from Great Britain at the age of 17 years, later starting in business at Kyneton, and from there to Yarrawonga. He was a colonist of 47 years.

During the prime of his life he also took a keen interest in politics, and was a gifted platform speaker.

The deepest sympathy is felt throughout the district for his widow and seven children.

Mr. Marshall had resided in the Baxter district for the last 11 years.

The interment took place in the Frankston cemetery on Tuesday afternoon being a largely attended funeral of relatives and many residents of Baxter and the surrounding districts.

***

From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 23 July 1926

PUZZLE ZONE

ACROSS

Most agile

Peel

Uncouth

Walked 9. Go by (of time) 12. Aspiring actress

River of ice 19. Grills 21. Wired message

Salute

Went on horseback

Hearing membranes

Hospital workers

Paging device sound

Follow next

Front of neck

Big dipper, ... coaster

Subtract

Vocal solo

Sri Lankan robe

Male title

Type of saxophone

Large amounts

Roadside channel

Dairy product

Come into view

Biblical prayers

More docile

Dislike intensely

page

Scoreboard

Mornington win by a single point for second week in a row, while Rosebud still sitting pretty on top

MPFNL

MEN’S DIV ONE SEN

FOR the second week in a row, Mornington were able to grab the win by a solitary point; this week beating Devon Meadows.

The Bulldogs just managed to take the lead in the first quarter, scoring 3.4 to the Panthers’ 3.1.

In the second, the Bulldogs continued to climb, scoring 4.3 to the Panthers’ 1.4 and leading by 14 points at the long break.

Devon Meadows managed to win the third quarter, scoring 4.3 to Mornington’s 3.5.

In the final stretch, Devon Meadows nearly managed a comeback, hitting the lead in the middle of the term. They scored 4.1, but Mornington scored 3.4 and managed to have their noses in front when the final siren sounded.

Langwarrin secured a win against Dromana.

In the first quarter, Langwarrin took an early lead after scoring five goals to Dromana’s 1.1.

The Kangaroo’s maintained their lead in the second quarter, scoring 3.2 to the Tigers’ 1.2.

In the third, Dromana picked up their game, scoring 5.3 to Langwarrin’s 4.1, leaving Langwarrin ahead by 27 points.

In the final quarter, the Tigers scored 3.6 to the Kangaroo’s 3.1 giving the Kangaroos a 22-point win.

Edithvale-Aspendale claimed an unexpected win against Frankston YCW.

The Eagles came into the first quarter strongly, scoring 6.3 to the Stonecats’ 1.2.

In the second quarter, Edi-Asp scored 3.2 and Frankston YCW scored 3.1, leaving Edi-Asp to lead by 32 points.

The Stonecats played very well in the third, scoring 5.4 to the Eagles’ 1.6.

In the final quarter, Edi-Asp scored 2.3 to Frankston YCW’s 2.1, allowing Edi-Asp to win by 12 points.

Nathan Wright scored six goals for Edi-Asp. Darcy Murr and Joshua Patullo each scored three goals for the Stonecats.

Rosebud remain on top of the ladder after beating Mt Eliza.

In the first quarter, the ’Buds scored 4.4 while the Redlegs scored 2.2.

Rosebud remained in the lead in the second quarter by scoring 3.4 to Mt Eliza’s 2.1, leaving Rosebud ahead by 23 points

Rosebud continued to climb in the third quarter, scoring 4.3 to the Redlegs’ 2.4.

In the fourth, Rosebud scored a further 4.2 to Mt Eliza’s 2.2, leaving Rosebud to win by 46 points.

Despite a close start, Sorrento came out of their clash against Pines with a win.

In the first quarter, the Sharks took the lead by

only one goal after scoring 4.3 to the Pythons’ 3.3.

The teams remained seperated by only one goal in the quarter before the long break, as each team scored 2.2.

Sorrento began to pull ahead in the third quarter by scoring 5.4 to Pines’ 0.4.

In the final quarter, the Sharks scored 1.3 to the Pythons’ 5.2, allowing the Sharks to win by 13 points.

Pines remain on the bottom of the table with just a single win for 2026.

MORNINGTON managed another single point win. Picture: Alan Dillon

LANGWARRIN were too strong for Dromana.

NEXT WEEK’S GAMES

DIVISION ONE MENS SENIORS

Saturday 25 July, 2pm:

Devon Meadows v Langwarrin – Glover Reserve

Dromana v Edithvale-Aspendale –Dromana Recreation Reserve

Frankston YCW v Rosebud – John Coburn

Oval

Mt. Eliza v Sorrento – Emil Madsen Reserve

Pines v Mornington – Eric Bell Reserve

DIVISION ONE MENS RESERVES

Saturday 25 July, 12pm:

Devon Meadows v Langwarrin – Glover Reserve

Dromana v Edithvale-Aspendale –Dromana Recreation Reserve

Frankston YCW v Rosebud – John Coburn

Oval

Mt. Eliza v Sorrento – Emil Madsen

Reserve

Pines v Mornington – Eric Bell Reserve

DIVISION TWO MENS SENIORS

Saturday 25 July, 2pm: Bonbeach v Karingal – Bonbeach Reserve

Tyabb v Chelsea – Bunguyan Reserve

Red Hill v Crib Point – Red Hill Recreation Reserve

Somerville v Frankston Bombers –Somerville Football Club

Hastings v Seaford – Hastings Club

Pearcedale v Rye – Pearcedale Recreation Reserve

DIVISION TWO MENS RESERVES

Saturday 25 July, 12pm: Bonbeach v Karingal – Bonbeach Reserve

Tyabb v Chelsea – Bunguyan Reserve

Red Hill v Crib Point – Red Hill Recreation Reserve

Somerville v Frankston Bombers –Somerville Football Club

Hastings v Seaford – Hastings Club

Pearcedale v Rye – Pearcedale Recreation Reserve

DIVISION ONE WOMENS SENIORS

Saturday 25 July, 2pm: Mornington v Bonbeach – Mornington

Alexandra Park

Saturday 25 July, 4.40pm: Hastings/Balnarring v Pearcedale –Hastings Club

Saturday 25 July, 4.45pm: Tyabb v Karingal – Bunguyan Reserve

Sunday 26 July, 3pm:

Warragul Industrials v Frankston –Western Park

DIVISION ONE WOMENS RESERVES Saturday 25 July, 10am: Tyabb v Mornington – Bunguyan Reserve

Saturday 25 July, 2pm: Karingal v Frankston – Karingal Football Club

Picture: Paul Churcher

Scoreboard The

Chelsea on top, Red Hill dish out a thumping to Rye

MPFNL

MEN’S DIV TWO SEN

CHELSEA remains on top of the ladder after their win against Frankston Bombers.

Chelsea scored five goals in the first quarter, allowing them to take the lead with the Bombers only scoring 1.5.

In the second quarter, the Bombers were unable to score a goal, only scoring four points while Chelsea furthered their lead to 37 points after scoring 3.4.

Chelsea scored 2.3 in the third quarter to the Bombers’ 3.4.

In the fourth quarter, the Bombers scored two goals to Chelsea’s 5.6, leaving Chelsea to win by 54 points.

Pearcedale’s home ground advantage aided in their win against Bonbeach.

Pearcedale had a great first quarter scoring 7.1 to Bonbeach’s 3.1.

In the quarter before the long break, Pearcedale continued to climb, scoring 6.2 while Bonbeach were only able to score 2.0.

Pearcedale scored a further 4.2 in the third quarter while Bonbeach only scored 3.1.

In the final quarter, Bonbeach were able to win the quarter by scoring 4.1 to Pearcedale’s 3.1, but Pearcedale was still notched an easy 51 point win.

Despite a close first half, Crib Point were able to earn the win against Tyabb.

The Magpies only left the first quarter up by three points, after

scoring 2.3 to Tyabb’s 2.0.

The second quarter followed a similar trajectory, with Crib Point scoring 1.8 to Tyabb’s 1.3, leaving Crib Point up by eight.

In the third, Crib Point finally began to establish a meaningful lead, scoring 4.4 to Tyabb’s 0.2.

Crib Point shot way ahead in the final quarter, scoring 7.6 to Tyabb’s 0.1 and winning by 81 points.

Hastings added another win to their 2026 season after beating Karingal.

In the first quarter, Hastings led by a goal after scoring 2.2 to Karingal’s 1.2.

The Bulls nearly caught up in the second, only trailing by one point after scoring 3.1 to Hastings’ 2.2.

Hastings began to pull ahead in the third, scoring 3.3 to Karingal’s 0.3.

In the final quarter, Hastings scored 4.2 while Karingal only scored 4.1, leaving Hastings to win by 20 points.

Red Hill had an excellent performance in their game against Rye and came out with a win.

The game began with Red Hill taking an early lead, scoring 5.5 to Rye’s 2.2.

Red Hill continued to climb in the quarter before the long break by scoring 4.3 to Rye’s 1.1.

Red Hill managed to hit the hundreds in quarter three, scoring 7.3 to Rye’s 2.0 and leading by 74 points.

In the final quarter, Red Hill maintained their lead by keeping Rye scoreless while scoring 4.5 themselves, leaving Red Hill to win by 103 points.

Edward Greene scored four goals

for Rye. Thomas Lewis scored four goals for Red Hill.

Somerville secured a win against Seaford.

In the first quarter, Somerville took a 40 point lead after scoring 8.7 to Seaford’s 2.3.

Somerville continued to excel in the second quarter, scoring 6.2 to Seaford’s 4.1 and leading by 53 points. In quarter three, Somerville scored a further 3.1 while Seaford won the quarter by scoring 3.5.

The game ended with Somerville scoring a final 5.1 to Seaford’s 2.7, allowing Somerville to win by 61 points.

Joel Filippone scored three goals for Seaford. Lachlan Williams scored five for Somerville.

Mornington leave Yabbies scoreless, Dusties still dominant

MPFNL

WOMEN’S DIV ONE SEN

MORNINGTON notched up an impressive win after leaving Tyabb scoreless all game.

In the first quarter, Mornington managed to score 6.5.

Mornington went on to score a further 7.3 in the second quarter, more than doubling their first quarter’s score.

In the third, Mornington scored 4.1, putting them at 111 points.

In the final quarter, Mornington scored another 5.5, putting them at 146 points when the final siren sounded.

Bonbeach’s homeground advantage unfortunately did not allow them to win against Karingal.

Karingal started the game strongly, only allowing Bonbeach to score a single point while scoring 3.5 themselves.

Bonbeach scored one further point in the quarter before the long break while Karingal scored a further 3.3, leaving them up by 42 points.

In the third, Bonbeach were unable to score at all while Karingal scored 2.6.

Bonbeach put one more point on

the board in the final quarter while Karingal added 2.2 to their total allowing them to take a 73 point win. Warragul Industrials remain on top of the ladder after securing another win for the season, this time against Hastings/Balnarring.

The Dusties shut down Hastings/ Balnarring well in the first quarter, only allowing the latter to score one point while scoring 14 points themselves (2.2).

In the second quarter, Hastings/ Balnarring were unable to score while Warragul scored 5.3, giving them a lead of 46 points at the long break. Hastings/Balnarring were unable to score in the third quarter while Warragul continued to climb, adding a further 4.4 to their score.

In the final quarter, Hastings/ Balnarring were able to score one goal while Warragul scored 6.5, leaving Warragul Industrials to win by 109 points.

Dolphins swooped by Eagles, and spooked by Thunder

RUGBY

ON Saturday (18 July) the Peninsula Dolphins rugby league third grade men’s side headed to Bruce Comben reserve in Altona to face the Hume Eagles for the second time in a month.

Hoping to square the ledger after a 26-16 loss in Boronia on 27 June the side was confident they had prepared well for the second meeting.

However the Dolphins were put on the back foot with Hume coming out firing and scoring two quick tries and one conversion in the opening ten minutes.

The Dolphins kept their composure with the message going out to stay focused and there is plenty of time left.

After the opening ten minutes the Dolphins settled into their game, getting Hume into a grind, they started putting their own points on the board.

At half time the team were confident they had got themselves back

into a winning position, if they stuck to the plan.

Despite some courageous efforts in attack and defence the Peninsula Dolphins couldn’t quite reel in the Hume Eagles with the final score being 28-22.

Although the players were disappointed in the outcome the coach told the team to keep their heads up, adding that today was not their best footy and that they are just warming up with levels to go as a team heading into the finals.

They are currently sitting in second position behind the Waverley Panthers.

Sunday afternoon saw the Peninsula Dolphins women’s rugby league tag side head to Seabrook Reserve in Broadmeadows to take on the Northern Thunder.

The result did not go the Peninsula Dolphins way with the team only scoring one unconverted try for the match.

Nevertheless the team walked away

feeling positive after their defence kept the opposition to 20 points.

The team say they felt there was significant improvement in the side as they were beaten by 56 points the last time the two sides met.

The side know they need to improve to be a threat to the league but are growing in confidence and ability every week.

Although they have had only three wins so far this season, the coaches are extremely proud of the effort and attitude towards improving every week and are confident the wins will come.

As the first women’s rugby league side on the peninsula the girls know they have a lot to be proud of representing the peninsula and The Dolphins.

That pride alone is not enough.

This side has no intention of just being part of the league, they are here to win and believe they can.

TYABB couldn’t match Mornington, and were left scoreless all day. Picture: Graeme Wagener

Scoreboard

Seagulls on promotion course

SOCCER

MORNINGTON secured a vital three points with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a determined St Kilda at Elwood Park on Saturday.

Chances were limited throughout the opening half as both teams remained disciplined and compact.

The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when returning star Kieran Dover, back from suspension, rose highest to head home a pinpoint Lachie Candy free-kick to give Mornington a deserved 1-0 lead heading into half-time.

St Kilda came out with real intent after the break throwing everything forward in search of an equaliser but Mornington’s defence stood firm, producing a disciplined and resilient performance to repel wave after wave of pressure.

When Candy curled a superb freekick into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 in the 57th minute the home side faced an enormous task.

From that point on the visitors controlled the tempo of the game keeping possession well and managing the contest professionally.

Despite St Kilda’s relentless effort the Seagulls showed their class and composure to see out the match comfortably.

It was an important win for Mornington as it once again tries to break into an elite club level in Victorian football.

South Springvale firmed as title favourite with another win but the race for second spot and automatic promotion is heating up with three points separating five teams.

The Seagulls have three catch-up games to play against South Springvale (away), Collingwood City (away) and Banyule City (home).

State 1 rival Skye United is at the other end of the league ladder and facing a difficult end to the season as it strives to avoid relegation.

Skye lost 1-0 at home to Beaumaris last weekend.

It was the local club’s annual Chris Attard memorial round commemorating the former club president who made a major contribution to the sport and who lost his fight with cancer in 2016.

The Chris Attard medallists were Ben Lund (seniors) and Jacob Stephens (reserves).

In VPL1 Langwarrin went down 1-0 to Brunswick Juventus at Lawton Park on Saturday.

It was a hard-fought affair with

Nicholas Symeoy scoring the decider from the penalty spot in the 35th minute despite Langy keeper Branten Kindler getting a hand to the ball down low.

Langy felt hard done by as there was a clear offside missed by the assistant referee in the build-up to the penalty.

Juventus hit the post late in the second half but despite the home side’s pressure the visitors defended well coping with crosses and long throwins and balls over the top trying to release Langy striker Alun Webb.

In State 2 Peninsula Strikers lost 2-1 away to Dandenong South on Saturday.

Strikers struck first in the 8th minute with Matt Harrington slipping in Oscar Colgate-Jones who put a sharp cross to the opposite full-back Hayden Schreck and he finished neatly first time.

But the home side hit back a minute later with a long-range effort from Liron Azizi.

Three minutes into the second half former Strikers winger Taylan Geylan finished into the top corner.

Strikers then dominated possession but couldn’t break down a well-structured and organised opponent.

In State 4 Chelsea’s poor recent run continued when it lost 3-2 to title fa-

vourite Springvale City at Ross Reserve on Friday night.

Chelsea has only taken a point from its three games this month.

It took the lead against Springvale City after 18 minutes when a cross into the area fell to James Stinson and he made no mistake.

Springvale used long throw-ins to pressure Chelsea’s defence and the tactic worked in the 37th minute with Alex Omokaro making the visitors pay for their inability to clear.

Nine minutes into the second half Springvale City hit the front when Chelsea failed to clear from a corner and tall defender Sam Rhodes headed home at the far post.

The visitors replied four minutes later after great work by Stinson down the right and a cross into the path of Maxi Avram for a neat move and finish.

But Daniel Bailey’s powerful shot from inside the box in the 76th minute proved decisive.

Chelsea now faces another huge game on Friday night when it hosts second-placed Ringwood City and the locals should have Adam Dunsford, Dylan Scott and potentially Patrick Briggs back.

Baxter’s dry July continued with Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to East Kew

How sweet it is: Lachie Candy scored from a free-kick and had an assist in Mornington’s 2-0 away win over St Kilda on Saturday. Picture: Darryl Kennedy

and it has quickly been drawn into the relegation battle (if as expected Football Victoria still relegates two teams from this 11-team league).

Rosebud lost 2-1 away to Monash University on Saturday.

The visitors dominated the first half but twice were caught on the break through Ethan Basilewsky and Samuel Au.

Sandwiched in between was a Mitch Blake goal when the ever-alert striker pounced on a Marcus Collier flick-on and finished from close range.

The second half was an end-to-end affair but the Budders couldn’t break through.

In State 5 Somerville Eagles won 2-1 away to Noble Hurricanes last weekend while Seaford United lost 3-2 away to East Bentleigh.

Noble Hurricanes led after 12 minutes when Geramie Flaounas hit the target but Tom Simmons levelled in the 23rd minute when he was on the end of a Jack Gorbert cross and finished with a left-foot strike from the edge of the box.

Simmons’ second sealed the issue in the 61st minute with another left-foot strike following a good interpassing move.

The Hurricanes were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Jesus Velez Vargas was red carded for retaliating to a Tom Pollock challenge.

Veteran Seaford United striker Dylan Waugh scored both of his side’s goals in Saturday’s loss.

Not for the first time this season Seaford was left wondering how it didn’t get something from this clash as it hit the woodwork three times and had two goals ruled out by contentious offside decisions.

In State 6 all three local sides lost.

Mount Eliza missed a great chance to grab second spot when beaten 3-2 by Casey Comets at Emil Madsen Reserve on Saturday.

Mujtaba Sakhi and Michael Wright scored for Mount Martha with midfielder Noah Green and Casey’s Mahdi Haidari both sent off in the 97th minute.

Mentone lost 5-1 away to Bunyip District while Frankston Pines lost 2-1 away to Old Ivanhoe last weekend.

James Shaw scored for Mentone and

Nathan Yole scored for Pines.

Pines thought they’d taken the lead in the first half only for the referee to overrule his assistant and give offside. Ivanhoe’s opener in the 24th minute came from Leon Kyriakos even though the ball had gone out in the build-up for what should have been a goalkick.

Yole’s 66th minute equaliser came when he was alert enough to nip in and finish a Nasser Mohammad cross. And the winner came in controversial style when an Old Ivanhoe player should have been ruled offside in the build-up.

In State 7 Aspendale maintained its promotion push with a deserved 2-0 home win over Glen Waverley on Saturday.

The home side led when Glen Waverley keeper Jordan Robinson could only parry Tom Machin’s free-kick into the path of Mitch Hodder who headed in from close range.

Machin again was the provider in the 46th minute when his lob caught out the visitors’ defence and found Alex Beaumont who calmly placed the ball past the advancing Robinson from the edge of the box.

Mount Martha lost 3-0 away to Boronia last weekend.

The Mariners will celebrate the 100th appearance of veteran keeper Derren Elliott on Saturday when they host Croydon Rangers.

NEXT WEEKEND’S GAMES

Friday 24 July, 8.30pm

Chelsea v Ringwood City, Edithvale Recreation Reserve

Saturday 25 July, 3pm

Beaumaris v Mornington, Beaumaris Reserve

Old Scotch v Skye Utd, HA Smith Reserve

Peninsula Strikers v Casey Comets, Centenary Park

Ashburton Utd v Baxter, Ashburton Reserve

Somerville Eagles v East Bentleigh, Westernport Athletics Track

Seaford Utd v Monash Villareal, North Seaford Reserve

Old Melburnians v Mentone, Robert Menzies Reserve

Mount Martha v Croydon Rangers, Civic Reserve

Endeavour Hills v Aspendale, Power Reserve

Saturday 25 July, 6pm

Rosebud v Greater Dandenong, Olympic Park

Frankston Pines v Mount Eliza, Centenary Park

Monday 27 July, 8.30pm

Bulleen v Langwarrin, Veneto Club

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Western Port News 22nd July 2026 by Mornington Peninsula News Group - Issuu