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Published on 22 September 2026
Our Stories: Living the 60s & 70s, a weekend heritage event, invites visitors to explore the stories, memories and experiences that shaped communities across the Mornington Peninsula on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October at Mount Martha House and participating local historical societies. Delivered as part of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria's History Month, the event encourages people of all ages to share memories, discover local collections and reflect on the social and cultural changes that shaped identity, place and community across the Peninsula. Exhibitions and displays will showcase diverse aspects of Peninsula life during the era, from surf culture and protest movements to Western Port industry, policing, education, agriculture, migration and everyday family life. Across the weekend, the Mornington Peninsula History Network, a network of local historical societies, will open their doors to welcome visitors into collections, conversations and community-led displays. Historical society members will be available to answer questions, share insights and encourage visitors to contribute firsthand accounts that may not always appear in official records. Mayor Stephen Batty said the event is a chance to celebrate the Peninsula’s living heritage and the stories carried by older residents, families and local history groups. “Heritage is not only found in buildings and collections — it lives in the stories people share about work, family, community and change,” Cr Batty said. “Our Stories: Living the 60s & 70s invites residents and visitors to connect across generations, remember how the Peninsula has changed, and celebrate the local stories that continue to shape who we are.” At Mount Martha House, creative workshops will bring the spirit of the era to life. Flower Power Floristry invites participants to create a psychedelic bouquet or daisy-chain crown, while Go Go Groove is a high-energy dance workshop inspired by the iconic moves, soul and disco sounds of the 1960s and 1970s. Local historical societies in Balnarring, Dromana, Flinders, Hastings, Mornington, Sorrento, Somerville and Tyabb will host local displays and museum experiences across the Peninsula. Event details: Event: Our Stories: Living the 60s & 70s Date: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October Location: Mount Martha House and participating local historical societies Cost: free or low cost Bookings: For workshop bookings and further program details visit, artandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au/ourstories26
Image: Western Port industry in the 60's and 70's Image: Hastings-Western Port Historical Society