A one-day heritage event at Mount Martha House celebrating life on the Mornington Peninsula during a time of major social and cultural change.
From surf culture and music to protest movements, migration stories and everyday family life, the late 1960s and 1970s reshaped how communities lived, worked and connected. This event invites locals and visitors to reflect on that transformative era through shared stories, creativity and conversation.
Across the day, Mount Martha House will come alive with live music, historical displays, film screenings, talks, dancing, competitions, hands-on creative workshops and food. Designed as an intergenerational experience, the event brings together people of all ages to explore personal memories and local histories — including stories not always captured in official records.
The Mornington Peninsula History Network will also be onsite, hosting information tables and welcoming conversation. Members will be available throughout the day to discuss local heritage, answer questions, and share insights into the region’s rich and diverse history.
Delivered as part of the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival and aligned with the national theme Change, Our Stories: Living the 60s & 70s contributes to a broader conversation about how moments of change shape identity, place and community.
Program
Across the day, visitors can take part in a vibrant program of talks, workshops and experiences, including:
Creative Workshops
- Flower Power Floristry — create your own psychedelic bouquet or daisy-chain crown using seasonal blooms and native flowers, inspired by the free-spirited florals of the hippie era.
- Macramé Revival — learn the art of macramé, from plant hangers to wall hangings, in this classic 70s craft workshop.
- Upcycle: From Daggy to Groovy — a hands-on textile session where participants transform a wearable item using basic sewing and upcycling techniques.
- Kids Creative Activities — badge making, poster design and hands-on fun inspired by the colours and graphics of the era.
- Go Go Groove – learn the iconic moves of the era in this high-energy workshop inspired by go-go dancing soul and disco.
Talks & Stories
- The Look of the Era: Fashion & Personal Style — explore bold prints, mini skirts, flared pants and the changing gender norms reflected in fashion from mod to hippie and disco.
- From Formica to Macramé: Interior Design in the Suburban Home — a nostalgic look at sunken lounges, shag carpets, earthy tones and the rise of open-plan living.
- Modernism in the Suburbs: Architecture of the 60s and 70s — examining how Australian homes, schools and public buildings reflected global design movements.
- The Taste of the Times: Food, Family and Migration — a sensory journey through changing food culture, migrant cuisines, convenience foods and iconic recipes of the era.
- Riding the Wave: Surf on the Mornington Peninsula — a deep dive into local surf history with Phil and Paul Trigger, founders of the iconic Trigger Bros.
- WRAAC: Working Women at Mount Martha House — uncover the stories of the women who served during the WRAAC era at Mount Martha House.
Food, Music & Immersive Experiences
- A 1970s-inspired coffee lounge featuring sit-down dining and era-inspired food
- Food trucks offering a range of casual options throughout the day
- Themed chill rooms styled in late 60s and 70s interiors
- A Women’s Weekly–themed cake competition with prizes
- Costume and dress-up competition — channel your best 60s or 70s look
- Go-go dancing, music and surprise pop-up moments
The full program details will be released in March.