Moorooduc master potter John Stroomer is internationally recognised for his crystalline glazes, a complex ceramic technique that produces gem-like crystals through carefully controlled cooling. Now, he is exploring a bold new direction in a collaboration with visual artist Marta Gola who paints her exquisite nudes onto Johnโs pots, resulting in genuinely striking and original works.
Mount Martha artist Melanie Bloom is on a journey of self-discovery, blossoming into her new role as a full-time fine artist. Her professional life has unfolded in three inter-related acts. She was a portrait and wedding photographer for ten years. The next 16 years were dedicated to designing interiors for retreats and private homes. Now Mel draws, paints in watercolour and makes ceramics in her third and favourite act so far.
Mount Martha resident, author, and human rights lawyer and advocate Scott Leckie has spent his life pushing boundaries. Over the years, he has written 26 books, many of which discuss housing rights and land solutions for climate displacement. His work has helped shape international policy, including UN resolutions, guiding principles, and judicial decisions.
Wildlife painter Nicole Barros wanted to create an intimate art gallery where she could share space with other talented artists offering affordable art directly to buyers. For art lovers, art is not a luxury; itโs essential, a daily source of joy and inspiration.
Not many guitarists can say they have had a Gibson guitar made especially for them, but when award-winning Frankston South blues guitarist Geoff Achison won the Blues Foundation (USA) Albert King Award in 1995, he impressed Gibson so much that they custom-made an instrument for him.
Pantone (a global authority on colour) has announced its colour for 2026: ‘Cloud Dancer’ which is a lofty shade of white creating a whir and a lot of chitter chatter, but when you look up to the skies and focus on what that actually entails, you quickly learn that this is not just any white shade; itโs an ombre of hues that range from pearly silver to a crisp sharp bright white.
I could start rolling off all the trends for 25/26, but we might end up with a ten-page editorial. The key to survive dressing this month is one word: versatility. Good olโ linen takes the forefront from dresses, culottes, and tops in clean simple silhouettes elevated with statement accessories.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have made one four-letter word synonymous with November: sale. Grande vendita, la vente, saldi โ however you say it, November truly speaks my language. Pro tip: success comes with preparation. Do your research early. Know your products, your retailers, and their usual prices. Start your search now, make those lists.
Racewear is an unusual genre of fashion, and it has only one real platform for expression: a race day. Whether itโs your aesthetic or not, you have to give it credit for its originality and creative direction, which can often influence trends in other areas of dressing.
The palette for the season boasts strong colours. In the spotlight are sunset tones from yellow to bright reds, deep greens and shades of blue. And these colours arenโt planning to just sit idly by as accent accessories; they will boldly stand on their own merits, ready to ‘hero’ your outfits.
After a pivotal chat with her life coach aunt, Dance Academy star Dena Kaplan had what she calls a โhuge creative download.โ By dayโs end, she had designed The Self Retreatโintimate wellness weekends now transforming womenโs lives on the Mornington Peninsula.
Steve Vizard loves his stunning Arthurs Seat property so much that it takes a lot to get him to the city these days. But there is one thing that will make Steve and Sarah Vizard drop everything and hurry to Melbourne: their grandchildren, Poppy and Teddy.
As the โMiddle-Aged Goddessโ, Jane McCann helps women all over the world feel more positive about themselves in middle age, with an Instagram audience of over 134,000 people.
That Gary Turner, a radio announcer, media and communications advisor, a Master of Ceremonies, and an actor, should get throat cancer was a cruel twist of fate.
You might not know Samuel Jonathan McMillan, born and bred on the Mornington Peninsula, but you probably know Sammy J, writer, comedian, singer, composer, and radio presenter.
Ashleigh Paterson isnโt trying to be the perfect mum. Sheโs not plating up Instagram-worthy dinners every night or pretending her five-year-old eats kale chips for breakfast. What she is doing, through her wildly relatable Instagram account @ashleigh.cooks, is showing thousands of parents that feeding a family doesnโt have to be a source of stress.
Mornington author Anna Matilda, aka The Urban Nanna, is keen to share her wealth of knowledge about simple ways to live a more sustainable, efficient and economical life. Her bestselling book, Everyday Permaculture, is a beautiful, easy-to-follow guide to living in sync with people and the planet. Given the squeeze of the current economy, this ethos makes a lot of sense, but permaculture isnโt just a philosophy of low waste and economy; itโs also based in community, nourishment and kindness.
Itโs a stretch to imagine that a fresh local produce enterprise on the peninsula began with a tennis racquet, but thatโs exactly what happened when Peter Forrest set out to buy one.
If you threw the 1950s, โ60s, โ70s and โ80s into a blender with a hefty dose of community spirit and served it up with a side of cracking good food and drinks, the result would be Seafordโs most memorable eatery, Cafรฉ La Wheels.
Mike and Paula Shaw’s enthusiasm has driven Devilbend Farm Beer to become something genuine and rare: a brewery where every ingredient carries the essence of the peninsula soil it sprang from.
Whether visitors come to unwind, explore, or play, spring at Ashcombe Maze & Gardens is all about connection and adventure. Itโs the perfect place to make memories, embrace the outdoors, and celebrate the season in full bloom.
Renowned for its world-class courses, breathtaking coastal views, and laid-back charm, the Mornington Peninsula stands out as one of Australiaโs top golfing destinations. Here, we shine a light on two must-play courses you wonโt want to miss.
As spring breathes new life into the landscape, McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery invites you to immerse yourself in a month of creativity, sound, and wonder.
Ashcombe Maze & Gardens invites families to swap screen time for green time and rediscover the joy of simply being together.
Five years ago, Andrew Bryan was lying in a hospital bed, having hit what he calls ‘rock bottom’. Today, from his garage gym in Mount Martha, heโs changing the lives of fathers and sons who are struggling to connect in a world that seems designed to keep them apart.
Jason Vaux doesnโt live on the Mornington Peninsula, but for the past two years, itโs become his second home. Three times a week, the 33-year-old makes the 25-minute drive from Berwick to join a community thatโs helped transform his life โ the Olivers Hill Run Club in Frankston.
Dawn Nelson-Furnell OAM first picked up a bow at 12 years old, following her fatherโs footsteps into the world of archery. Back then, she was unaware of the legacy she would leave on the sport.
The sea serves as solace and salvation for Barry, a decorated Victoria Police Sergeant of over 30 years, who founded Operation Soul Surf (OSS) โ a surf therapy program helping police, fire, ambulance, and defence personnel use the healing power of the ocean to manage work-related PTSD.
Growing up in a football family โ his father Nathan played AFL for Hawthorn and Port Adelaide, his uncle Ryan played for Collingwood, and cousin Oscar is also making his mark in the sport โ meant footy was never just a weekend activity for River Lonie. “I was naturally drawn to footy and then also sort of forced to do it, but I loved it either way,”
Enjoy Rosebudโs safe swimming beaches along its continuous stretch of sandy bay coastline, with the focal point being Rosebud Pier, or take part in the various water sports and golf activities just a short drive away.
Mount Martha is an ideal destination for those visitors seeking a relaxed holiday location where the surrounding bushland meets the coast.
Rye is a favourite beachside getaway with great cafรฉs, sandy beaches for swimming and fishing, top golf courses just minutes away, and two popular hot springs close by.
Mount Elizaโs coastline features rugged cliffs, scenic walking tracks, and quiet sandy beaches tucked into bays and coves. Most beach access points have small car parks at the end of residential streets. The town also offers great cafรฉs and restaurants, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Strolling on Morningtonโs Main Street, youโll quickly understand the appeal of the town. Alfresco cafรฉs, diverse restaurants, and cosy spots for cocktails or an after-work beer with friends line the streets, inviting you to savour the cosmopolitan vibe it exudes.
