SAVE OUR
ARTS
Stand against the $480,000 cut to Mornington Peninsula's arts funding
The Arts Crisis Explained
Councillors of The Mornington Peninsula Shire plan to slash $480,000 in arts funding. This amounts to EVERY CENT that previously went into the Performing Arts Development Fund ($400,000) and the Creative Fund ($80,000).
These cuts would devastate the Mornington Peninsula’s artistic community, which makes an essential contribution to the Peninsula’s cultural identity, social well-being, tourism, education, and employment.
The cuts are short-sighted, counter-productive and have been implemented without consultation.
Slashing the arts budget doesn’t make sense.
We have only days to make the councillors of the Mornington Peninsula Shire change their mind and restore this funding.
Sign this petition to stand with all those who know the value of a vibrant, thriving arts community on the Mornington Peninsula.
$480,000 Cut
Half a million dollars slashed from vital community arts programs that enrich our community and support local artists.
Programs at Risk
Community Impact
Recent News Coverage
2025-05-13
Winners and losers in budget shake-up: MP News
THERE were tense moments in the chamber at the Tuesday 6 May council meeting as councillors debated an amended motion on the shire’s operating expenses and community investment funding.
Herald-Sun
2025-05-13
New fund to celebrate Australia Day as council changes tack: Herald Sun
Climate action grants could be cut in favour of a new subsidy to support events marking Australia Day and Anzac Day on the Mornington Peninsula
2025-05-19
Peninsula creatives rally to reinstate arts funding: MP News
Local broadcaster, film-maker, writer and creative producer Tracee Hutchison penned an OpEd for the MPNews
3RRR-FM
2025-05-20
Sally Baillieu from Barnacle Studios interview on RRR’s Uncommon Sense
Sally Baillieu from Barnacle Studios was interviewed yesterday on 3RRR’s ‘Uncommon Sense’.
ABC Melbourne
2025-05-21
Flinders Fringe Festival’s Claire Thorn interview with Rafael Epstein on ABC 774
Claire Thorn, Executive Director of the Flinders Fringe Festival was
interviewed this morning on ABC Melbourne with Raphael Epstein.
Listen to Raphael Epstein on ABC Melbourne (from 56min 28 seconds)
ABC Melbourne
2025-05-21
Broadcaster, film-maker, writer and creative producer Tracee Hutchison interview with Rafael Epstein on ABC 774
Local broadcaster, film-maker, writer and creative producer Tracee Hutchison interviewed on ABC Melbourne with Raphael Epstein.
Signatures Collected
Sign The Petition
Your voice matters. Join the over one thousand community members demanding the council restore arts funding to its previous levels.
Sign Here
Real Voices, Real Impact
“We’ve always believed that a healthy arts scene—particularly our music community—is a vital part of the Mornington Peninsula’s identity and plays a significant role in our local economy.”
Alan Long
MP Music Network
David Chen
Local Business Owner
Sarah Williams
Arts Educator
Contact Your Councillors
Let your elected representatives know directly how you feel about these cuts. A personal email or phone call from a constituent can have significant impact.
Councillor Anthony Marsh
Mayor
Briars Ward
0438 435 857
Councillor Paul Pingiaro
Deputy Mayor
Tanti Ward
0423 769 540
Councillor Kate Roper
Beek Beek Ward
0433 180 493
Councillor Andrea Allen
Nepean Ward
0423 764 691
Councillor David Gill
Coolart Ward
0437 129 016
Councillor Max Patton
Benbenjie Ward
0423 761 109
Councillor Cam Williams
Tootgarook Ward
0423 769 182
Councillor Bruce Ranken
Moorooduc Ward
0402 384 006
Councillor Michael Stephens
Warringine Ward
0459 652 881
Councillor Stephen Batty
Kackeraboite Ward
0439 988 547
Councillor Patrick Binyon
Brokil Ward
0423 760 847
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About This Campaign
This grassroots campaign was launched by concerned citizens and artists of the Mornington Peninsula to protest the council’s decision to cut $480,000 from local arts funding.
Together, we can make our voices heard and protect the vibrant cultural landscape that makes our community special.
Help us reach more people by sharing this petition on social media.
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