Do You Know This Woman? $20K Car Vandalism Spree in Rosebud Carpark
Police have released CCTV after three cars were vandalised in Rosebud, causing $20,000 in damage. Do you know this woman seen in the carpark?
Jay Scicluna
Baxter Primary Cleans Up at 2025 Rotary ISAC in Hastings
Baxter Primary School shone at the 2025 Rotary Inter Schools Activity Challenge in Hastings. The sixth annual event, hosted by the Somerville Tyabb Rotary Club, saw students build card towers to withstand high winds.
‘Incompatible and Incongruous’: VCAT Denies Temple Project on Protected Green Wedge
VCAT has refused a permit to build a large temple in Pearcedale, ruling it inconsistent with Green Wedge planning controls and environmental overlays. The decision affirms Council's original refusal and is seen as a major win for local residents and environmental advocates.
Push to Save Capel Sound Parkland Ahead of Council Meeting
Capel Sound residents are calling on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to honour its 2023 commitment to protect 11a Allambi Avenue as parkland. A draft strategy proposing a 50/50 housing split has sparked community backlash ahead of the 12 August council meeting at Tyabb.
‘I Didn’t Mean It’ — Frankston Stabbing Accused Claims Self‑Defence Over Fatal Encounter
Rocky Russo has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Matthew Salau in Frankston, claiming he acted in self-defence. The high-stakes trial continues before the Victorian Supreme Court, where jurors must determine whether the killing was justified or criminal.
Community Unites to Demand Reinstatement of Arts and Climate Funding
More than 150 residents packed Flinders Civic Hall calling for the Mornington Peninsula Shire to reinstate arts and climate funding. The Mayor, CEO and councillors attended the meeting organised by Save Our Arts MP and the Peninsula Climate Alliance. A motion was passed demanding the return of the Climate Emergency Declaration and support for sole trader creatives.
Federal Watchdog Intervenes: Western Port Terminal Project Faces Scrutiny Over Threat to Ramsar Wetlands
The proposed renewable energy terminal at Western Port Bay will undergo full federal environmental assessment after being declared a "controlled action" under the EPBC Act, amid concerns over its impact on Ramsar-listed wetlands and marine life.
Machete Ban Won’t Stop Violence — But They’ll Make a Good Photo Op
A machete ban takes effect in Victoria from 1 September — with amnesty bins now in Frankston, Rosebud and other suburbs. Critics say it’s a political stunt that won’t reduce violence. What do you think?
Search Underway for Missing Frankston Man Ashton
Police are urgently searching for 21-year-old Ashton, last seen in Frankston on 4 August. He may be travelling in a white Toyota Yaris. Anyone with information is urged to contact Triple Zero or Frankston Police Station.
Homelessness Surge on the Peninsula: Sharp Rise Prompts Urgent Call for Action
Homelessness is rising fast on the Mornington Peninsula, with more than 80 people now sleeping rough — up 45% since June. Council says local services are at breaking point and is calling on the Victorian Government to urgently invest in crisis housing and long-term solutions.
More Than 800 Drivers Busted for Booze and Drugs — Many Caught Before
Victoria Police have caught 835 drink and drug drivers across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula over the past year. Most drug drivers were repeat offenders, with some recording extreme blood alcohol readings.
Man Arrested After Off-Duty Officer Injured in Seaford Hit-Run
A 42-year-old Seaford man has been arrested following a hit-run on Nepean Highway that left an off-duty police officer seriously injured. The white Isuzu D-MAX was intercepted in Mentone after being reported for erratic driving. Police continue to investigate.
Wanted on Warrant: Frankston, Mornington Peninsula and Surrounds
Police are appealing for help to locate 14 people wanted across Frankston, the Mornington Peninsula, Cranbourne and Narre Warren. Do you recognise them?
MPSC’s Ratepayer Funded Golf Course Promotes New Upgrades Include Simulators, Night Golf and New Community Events
Mount Martha Public Golf Course, funded by Mornington Peninsula Shire ratepayers, has introduced golf simulators and night golf events. Council is now exploring new commercial uses to reduce operating losses and improve long-term sustainability.
“Enough Is Enough”: Locals Rally After Arts and Climate Funding Cut by Council
Locals are gathering in Flinders on Saturday 2 August in response to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s cuts to arts and climate funding. Hosted by broadcaster Tracee Hutchison, the meeting will bring together creatives, conservationists and community members ahead of the Council’s mid-year budget review.
Mount Eliza Animal Welfare Crisis: Advocates Condemn Institutional Failures
Animal welfare advocates Carly Wines and Tracey Asquith are demanding urgent action at a Mount Eliza property where horses, goats, and dogs remain in deteriorating conditions. With evidence of starvation, carcass burn pits, and institutional inaction, protesters ask: how many more animals must suffer before someone takes responsibility?
“They Said No — Again and Again”: McDonald’s Gets Green Light in Safety Beach Despite Years of Community Opposition
A six-year community battle has ended in defeat, with VCAT approving a "McDonald’s-style" outlet in Safety Beach despite strong local opposition and two previous rejections. Locals and council fear traffic congestion, harm to small businesses, and the loss of village character.
Frankston Foreshore Dispute Escalates Over Seawall
A private seawall built without permits has triggered a Council investigation in Frankston South. The property’s owner, Gene Neill, admits to bypassing planning approvals — and this isn’t his first brush with controversy.
Council Approves 20% Rebate for Retirement Villages Following Discount Removal
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has approved a 20% rebate on general rates for retirement village residents after scrapping the long-standing discount applied to their property valuations. The rebate, introduced as a temporary one-year measure, follows sharp CIV increases and was passed after Cr David Gill successfully amended the motion.
Rotting Horse Discovered as Mt Eliza Animal Protests Enter Week 14
A decomposing horse has been found on Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property, fuelling fresh outrage as local protests reach their 14th week. Community members say conditions are worsening and accuse authorities of inaction. STPL News has obtained footage of the dead animal, as pressure mounts on the RSPCA and state government to intervene.
Council to Halve Rate Relief for Retirement Village Residents
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council plans to halve rate relief for retirement village residents, replacing the long-standing 20% discount with a 10% one-off rebate. The change would affect more than 2,500 units across 15 villages and has been labelled a "slap in the face" to pensioners already doing it tough. Critics say Council is targeting the most vulnerable while claiming to prioritise community wellbeing.
Flag Policy Backflip: Council Withdraws Report After Public Outcry
Mornington Peninsula Shire has withdrawn its controversial flag policy update report following public backlash and claims staff could block the Australian flag. Council now plans to revise the document and reintroduce it at a future meeting.
Pearcedale Father Critically Injured in Wakeboarding Accident
A local dad, Darcy Coulson remains in critical care at The Alfred Hospita after a wakeboarding accident at Melbourne Cable Park earlier this month.
Push to Establish Marine Sanctuary in Mt Eliza Gains Council Backing
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Stephen Batty has backed a proposal to establish a marine sanctuary along the Mt Eliza coast, aimed at protecting the unique reef system between Daveys Bay and Moondah Beach. Community group Mt Eliza Marine Advocacy Inc is leading the campaign, with broader consultation planned over the coming months.
Frankston cements its pro-business reputation with major new local support package
Frankston City Council is investing $1.7 million in new support for local businesses under its 2025–26 Budget, with grants, waived fees, more parking and a $50 million CBD upgrade — a clear sign the Council is backing local jobs and economic growth.
Disqualified Driver Parked in Disabled Bay, Blows .185 BA
A Frankston man faces court after parking in a disabled bay without a permit, while disqualified from driving and allegedly more than three times over the legal alcohol limit. Police impounded his car on the spot.
New Somerville Pantry Opens Its Doors to Locals in Need
A new food pantry has opened in Somerville, offering locals free groceries with no judgment or paperwork. Helping Hands Somerville is founded by three caring locals.
Families from Somerville and Seaford Left Reeling After Horror Hit-Run on Monash
A Somerville mother is in hospital and three young children were hurt after a hit-run crash on the Monash Freeway. The family, from Somerville and Seaford, were left devastated when the BMW driver fled.
St Joseph’s Sorrento Students Gear Up for Life with Bike Education
St Joseph's Sorrento is setting the pace for active, healthy learning!
Students are building confidence and bike safety skills through a fun new education program in partnership with Peninsula Health and Mornington Peninsula Shire— all while enjoying the stunning Sorrento outdoors.
Rosebud Family Left Shattered as Kayle Hansen Jailed for Killing Jake Bradford
The family of Jake Bradford says no sentence can heal their loss after Kayle Hansen was jailed for killing the 21-year-old Rosebud man.
Flinders Christian College Accused of Neglecting Autistic Students in $8,000 ‘Daycare’ Program
Flinders Christian College’s autism program is under fire, with families and advocates alleging neglect, unsafe environments and breaches of discrimination law. Read more.
Former McClelland Teacher Orhan Sahin Accused of Accessing Student Photos via Compass
A former McClelland College teacher accused of child sexual offences remains on bail, with the case expanding as new complainants and hundreds of CCTV files emerge.
Mother Demands Justice Six Years After Baby’s Death in Frankston Home
Six years after her baby daughter Talon died under suspicious circumstances in their Frankston home, Kayla Hehir is still fighting for answers. With no coronial inquest and an ongoing police investigation, her family remains trapped in uncertainty. Now, a growing petition is demanding justice and accountability for Talon’s death.
Is it time to call the Mornington Peninsula regional? Local MP says yes
Mornington MP Chris Crewther is renewing calls to classify the Peninsula as regional, arguing locals face higher taxes and miss out on vital funding under a metro tag.
Frankston City Council Takes Local Priorities to the National Stage in Canberra
Frankston City Council has taken local issues to Canberra, securing national backing for decentralisation, online safety and stronger sister city ties at the ALGA assembly.
Former Peninsula Landscaper Jailed for Fleecing Pensioner of Nearly $200,000
A former Mornington Peninsula landscaper has been jailed after scamming a 69-year-old Bittern pensioner out of nearly $200,000, leaving her destitute in her final years. The County Court heard Jarrad Garth exploited the woman’s trust, draining her savings to just $39 before her death.
E-bike rider charged over fatal collision in Hastings
A Hastings man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death after an illegally modified e-bike fatally struck local grandfather William Lothian on Frankston-Flinders Road.
Cost-of-Living Relief and Road Safety Reforms Arrive in Mornington Peninsula and Frankston from 1 July
Minimum wage, super and Centrelink payments are all rising, plus Victoria has introduced new road rules and AI cameras. Find out what these 1 July changes mean for Mornington Peninsula and Frankston locals.
Fake fines at Frankston car park highlight rise in deception crimes across Victoria
Fake parking fines left on cars at Frankston’s new commuter car park spotlight a wider rise in deception crimes across Victoria, with police urging vigilance.
Veteran TV Producer Bob Phillips Returns to Airwaves with New RPP-FM Drive Show
TV veteran Bob Phillips has returned to radio, joining forces with Dustie Lee for a new Tuesday drive-time program on RPP-FM.
Two Men Arrested Following Alleged Road Rage Incident in Seaford
Two men arrested after allegedly targeting a Porsche in a road rage incident in Seaford. Police pursuit ends with arrests in Aspendale.
Locals Lead Parliament Protest Over Mt Eliza Animal Neglect
Locals lead a snap protest at Victoria’s Parliament calling for urgent action over ongoing horse neglect at Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property.
Roads Dominate New Council’s First $326M Budget
Mornington Peninsula’s new Council adopted its first $326.3M Budget with a major roads focus.
Crime Surges on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston: Thousands More Offences in Local Suburbs
Crime is up 24% in the Mornington Peninsula and 20% in Frankston, with theft and property offences among the top rising crimes, according to CSA data.
Paul Pingiaro Backs Amended Budget Amid Community Backlash
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro voted for the 2025–26 budget as amended, acknowledging room for improvement amid backlash over arts and environment cuts.
Mayor Blocks Motions, but Council Votes to Reconsider Funding at Mid-Year Review
Mayor Marsh blocked multiple motions from Cr Patton and Cr Gill, but Cr Kate Roper found middle ground with a motion to reconsider key community funding at the mid-year review, which passed unanimously.
Protest Planned as Mayor Defends Budget and Cr Patton Calls for Review of Arts Cuts and Climate Action
Cr Max Patton will move two motions addressing funding cuts and climate planning as community groups prepare to protest outside the Mornington Peninsula Council meeting on 17 June.
No Sympathy for Maxine as GoFundMe Falls Flat and Animal Protests Enter Ninth Week
As protests approach week nine, Maxine Fraser launches a failed GoFundMe campaign. Protesters say animals remain in poor health.
Week 8 of Mount Eliza Horse Protests Draws Long-Term Advocates and Legislative Action
Week 8 of horse welfare protests in Mount Eliza sees renewed calls for action. Meanwhile, advocates urge supporters to sign two state petitions for legal reform.
Tensions Flare at Mornington Shire Council Meeting as Divisions Deepen
A fiery Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting exposed deep divisions between councillors, raising concerns over ethics, representation, and governance across the peninsula.
