COUNCIL rates will rise by no more than 2.75 per cent in the next financial year, following a decision by the state government aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures for households. The cap, announced on 23 December by Local Government Minister Nick Staikos, will be lowered from the current three per cent cap. This is based on the forecast consumer price index, which limits how much councils can increase their total revenue from general rates and municipal charges in 2026–27. The decision falls under the Fair Go Rates system, which links annual rate increases to inflation. The cap was set after…
Author: Brendan Rees
AROUND 200 motorcyclists are set to make their festive run from Frankston Pier to Rosebud Secondary College for the 24th annual Southern Peninsula Food For All toy appeal. The 6 December event will see a convoy, often featuring bikes decked out in tinsel, soft toys and the occasional Santa suit, join the much-loved tradition on the peninsula. Riders donate toys and festive goodies, all of which go directly to families struggling during the holiday season. Food for All volunteers say the toy run provided a significant boost to their annual appeal, helping ensure no child on the southern peninsula goes…
THE artist collective Peninsula Studio Trail Inc. (PST) is opening its members’ working studios for two weekends, inviting the community to see art being made and to meet the people behind the work. Visitors will be welcome to explore artists’ private working spaces across the Mornington Peninsula, talk to the creators about their process, and view or purchase unique works straight from the studio. The free event will be held on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November, as well as Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November. Jackie Quail, who was the winner of the People’s Prize at PST’s recent annual…
MORE than 150 community members have rallied in solidarity to support a popular beachside sauna following Kingston Council’s decision not to extend its lease.The peaceful protest took place on 14 October at Seasoul Sauna, which is situated in the rear car park of the Mordialloc Sailing Club as part of a sublease agreement.The business’ founder, Amy Salisbury, named Kingston’s Woman of the Year last year, has been fighting to keep her small business alive as it faces closure on 2 December after the council refused to renew the lease. The business was operating under an 11-month trial, which ended in…
A SMALL business owner is fighting to save her popular foreshore sauna in Mordialloc after being told by Kingston Council her lease would not be renewed, sparking community outrage and claims of unfair treatment.Seasoul Sauna, a tiny two-by-two-metre mobile unit that caters to up to six people, is facing closure by 2 December despite having become a local gem since launching as part of an 11-month trial. The business’ founder, Amy Salisbury, named Kingston’s Woman of the Year last year, said the council’s decision was “unfair and unjust” given the sauna’s positive community impact and her efforts to comply with…