Our Stories: Living the 60s & 70s
On the weekend of Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, communities across the Mornington Peninsula came together for a heritage open weekend, celebrating the people, places and experiences that shaped life on the Peninsula during the 1960s and 1970s.
Presented as part of Victorian History Month, the weekend activated nine venues across the Peninsula, with local historical societies and museums sharing stories from their communities through exhibitions, displays, talks and open days. More than 560 people attended events across the weekend.
Two creative workshops at Mount Martha House added a hands-on element to the program. Participants created retro-inspired bouquets in Flower Power Floristry and learned iconic dance moves in Go Go Groove, with both workshops attracting strong attendance.
Across the Peninsula
Participating heritage groups explored a wide range of themes connected to life on the Mornington Peninsula during the 1960s and 70s:
- Balnarring and District Historical Society presented a display exploring local identities and surfing culture, featuring photographs and memorabilia from the era.
- Dromana and District Historical Society examined “The Changing Face of Shopping”, looking at how local shopping experiences evolved from traditional stores to modern retail environments.
- Flinders Historical Society opened the historic Cargo Shed, giving visitors the opportunity to connect with an important part of Flinders' maritime heritage.
- Hastings–Western Port Historical Society and Museum explored the impact of Western Port industry during the 1960s and 70s through themed displays and museum exhibitions. Visitors could also visit the restored Fisherman’s Cottage.
- Mornington and District Historical Society focused on policing on the Peninsula during the era, sharing stories and artefacts through a themed display at the Old Post Office Museum.
- Nepean Historical Society and Sorrento Museum presented displays exploring the history of the Sorrento Museum and its role in preserving local stories.
- Somerville, Tyabb and District Historical Society showcased how orcharding in Somerville and Tyabb changed during the 1960s and 70s, alongside displays at the Leila Shaw Gallery and the opening of the Machinery Museum.
A highlight of the weekend was the opportunity for local historical societies to shape and deliver programs that reflected the unique histories of their communities. Many groups welcomed first-time visitors, while others attracted people from elsewhere in Victoria and interstate who were keen to explore the Peninsula's heritage stories.
As one visitor reflected, “I have lived here my whole life and walked by every day. Now I have stopped to finally look. I can see how gorgeous this community truly is.”
Through exhibitions, conversations, workshops and community storytelling, Our Stories: Living the 60s & 70s celebrated the rich and diverse histories that continue to shape the Mornington Peninsula.