Council Skinks Ahead with Federal Oversight for Dromana Development
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has thrown its support behind a federally recommended controlled action to oversee a 250-home development in Dromana.
STPL News
Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee Festival Celebrates First Peoples’ Culture
The Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee festival saw over 2,000 people gather at Emu Plains Reserve to celebrate First Peoples’ culture with performances, workshops, and community activities.
Brad Cox Brings His National Tour to Frankston’s Pier Bandroom
Award-winning country artist Brad Cox is bringing his national tour to Frankston’s Pier Bandroom on 15 March 2025. Fresh off multiple Golden Guitar wins and a new single ‘I’m a Boxer’ dropping 12 March, Cox is set to deliver an unforgettable live show. Read to find out more.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Set to Announce New CEO This Week!
Mornington Peninsula Shire is poised to announce its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) later this week, pending the completion of final background checks. Several sources have indicated that the selected candidate has prior experience with a south-eastern council and he has previously collaborated with some current councillors.
Crime Concerns Grow as McKenzie Engages, While Mercurio Stays on the Defensive
As crime concerns rise across the Mornington Peninsula, Federal MP Zoe McKenzie and her state counterparts are actively engaging with the community, listening to their frustrations, and pushing for immediate action. Meanwhile, State MP Paul Mercurio has faced growing criticism for his lack of visibility on the issue, with many residents questioning his leadership and commitment to real solutions.
Multiple Arrests on Mornington Peninsula Streets Over the Weekend
Victoria Police have made multiple arrests over the weekend in response to separate serious incidents across the Mornington Peninsula, including an alleged kidnapping in Mornington and a violent assault linked to an aggravated burglary in Hastings.
Opening Dialog with Local Police Over Coffee in Somerville
Hastings Police and Neighbourhood Watch hosted 'Coffee with a Cop' in Somerville, fostering open discussions with the community. Learn about the event and the upcoming Emergency Services Open Day at Hastings Foreshore.
Frankston Man Charged After Alleged Assaults and Attempted Carjackings
A 24-year-old man has been charged following multiple alleged assaults and attempted carjackings in Frankston. Police urge witnesses to come forward.
Rosebud Hospital A Key Election Issue in Flinders
Calls for a fully functioning Rosebud Hospital are growing ahead of a Sunday protest, with concerns that Frankston Hospital is too far for southern Mornington Peninsula residents.
Concerns for Missing Man Jack Last Seen on Frankston to Stony Point Train
Victoria Police are seeking public assistance to find Jack, a 22-year-old from Dingley Village, last seen boarding a train at Frankston Station on 19 February, heading towards Stony Point.
Police Seek Public Assistance to Locate Wanted Man Paul Wardle
Victoria Police are searching for Paul Wardle, 45, who is wanted on two warrants for serious assault. Authorities urge the public to report any sightings via Crime Stoppers.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Releases Draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan for Public Consultation
The Mornington Peninsula Shire has released its draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2024-2029, focusing on improving wastewater system performance and reducing environmental risks. Public consultation is open until 31st March 2025.
2025 Media Kit – Advertising and Sponsonsorship
Download the STPL News 2025 Media Kit
McCrae Landslide: Evacuated Residents Left Without Financial Aid as Government Remains Silent
Over a month after the McCrae landslide, evacuated residents are still without financial assistance from the Victorian government. As looting continues, displaced families demand urgent action.
Coffee with a Cop: Meet Your Local Police Over a Cuppa in Somerville
Join Victoria Police for Coffee with a Cop on Saturday, 1st March 2025, at Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse, Somerville. A great opportunity to discuss community issues, meet local officers, and connect—especially for those who use Auslan.
The Return of the Bandicoots: Tiny Gardeners Transforming The Briars
The endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot has been reintroduced to The Briars Wildlife Sanctuary in Mount Martha, helping restore local biodiversity and soil health.
930 Illegal Knives Seized from Dandenong Business Linked to Youth Offenders
Victoria Police have seized 930 prohibited weapons from a Dandenong South business allegedly linked to youth offenders. A Toorak man faces charges as authorities crack down on illegal knife distribution across Victoria.
Poll Reveals Strong Support for Scrapping “Acknowledgement of Country” at Council Meetings
A Facebook poll by former Mornington Peninsula Mayor Steve Holland reveals 76% support for removing the Acknowledgement of Country from council meetings. Councillors respond, with unverified claims suggesting a motion may already be in the works.
Community Input Sought for Morce Avenue Sorrento Car Park Expansion
The Mornington Peninsula Shire is seeking public input on four proposed designs to expand the Morce Avenue car park in Sorrento.
Man Charged Over Seaford Hit-and-Run Cyclist Collision in Seaford
A 20-year-old Cranbourne North man has been charged following an alleged hit-and-run in Seaford, leaving a 53-year-old cyclist injured. The accused is set to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court in April.
Duo Arrested After Violent Crime Spree Across Southeast Suburbs
A man and woman have been arrested following a violent crime spree across Melbourne’s southeast, involving home invasions, armed robberies, and assaults. Read the full details here.
Level Up Your Business: Big Tech Power for SMEs
Discover how Shan Rahman and CA are bridging the tech gap for SMEs, offering AI-driven, cloud-based solutions that rival enterprise-grade systems—at a quarter of the cost.
Concerns Falling on Deaf Ears: Residents Demand Action on Crime
Frustrated by rising youth crime, Residents protested outside MP Paul Mercurio’s office. With no response, they demand stricter laws and real action from the government.
Crime Protest Intensifies as Organiser Responds to Paul Mercurio’s Statement
Residents of Hastings, Somerville, and Frankston South protest outside Paul Mercurio MP’s office, demanding stronger action on rising crime. Protest organiser Rowan May criticises Mercurio’s response, citing inaction and lack of engagement.
Two Men Arrested After Stealing Passenger Bus in Seaford
Two men have been charged after allegedly breaking into a Seaford depot and stealing a decommissioned passenger bus. Both will face court in March.
Free-for-All in McCrae as Daily Looting Ensues
Displaced McCrae residents say their evacuated homes are being looted daily, with police unable to intervene due to ongoing safety concerns after the January 14 landslide.
Tyabb Man Scammed in Vehicle Sale
A Tyabb man has fallen victim to a Facebook Marketplace scam while trying to sell his vehicle. Learn how to avoid falling victim to the same scam.
Police Appeal for Information Following Indecent Incident on Dromana Bus
Victoria Police are appealing for public assistance after a man was seen exposing himself on a 788 bus from Rye to Dromana on 28 January. Authorities have released an image of the suspect and urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Infant Dies at Skye Family Daycare, Police Investigating
SKYE, VIC – Police are investigating the tragic death of an infant at a family daycare centre in Melbourne’s outer south-east on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services were called to a property on Balinga Drive, Skye, at approximately 2:05 pm following…
Five Men Arrested After Attempted Home Invasion in Cranbourne North
Police have arrested five men following an attempted home invasion in Cranbourne North, where suspects stole a dirt bike before being intercepted. Investigations are ongoing.
Independent Ben Smith, Pledges Monthly Town Hall Meetings
Independent Ben Smith Pledges Monthly Town Hall Meetings for Flinders Electorate at Somerville Business Group Meeting
McKenzie Takes Aim at Independent Candidate Ben Smith
The Member for Flinders Zoe McKenzie, Liberal Party candidate, has taken aim at independent candidate Ben Smith in a recent social media post.
Police Seek Public Assistance in Locating Wanted Man
A 35-year-old man wanted on warrant for assault and criminal damage is being sought by police. He is known to frequent Hastings and Crib Point. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Lifeguard Bashed at Narre Warren Pool: Five Charged
A 19-year-old lifeguard was allegedly attacked by a group of youths at a Narre Warren swimming pool. Five people have been charged following police raids.
Returning McCrae Resident Interrupts Crook During Break-In
Evacuated homes in McCrae are being targeted by thieves following last month’s landslide. An elderly resident recently interrupted a burglary in progress.
Teenagers Charged After Stolen Car Dumped in Frankston
Three teenagers have been charged after an aggravated burglary in St Andrews Beach led to a high-speed police chase and the recovery of two stolen vehicles in Frankston. Victoria Police are investigating further.
McCrae Landslide: Residents Return Home to Find Houses Ransacked
Residents returning home after the McCrae landslide were shocked to find their houses ransacked. Authorities are investigating as recovery efforts continue.
Frankston Police to Host Neighbourhood Policing Forum
Join Victoria Police at the Frankston PSA Neighbourhood Policing Forum on 6th March 2025 to discuss crime prevention, road policing, youth concerns, and more. Register now!
Latest Edition: Somerville Times Out Now
The 21st Edition of the Somerville Times is out now and at all collection points. [dflip id=”4439″][/dflip] Somerville Times Collection Points: If you have any questions about this edition or are interested in featuring in the next issue of Somerville…
Crime Concerns Rise on the Mornington Peninsula and Across Victoria: A Focus on Bail and Repeat Offending
Victoria, Australia – Crime is on everyone’s mind here. The numbers are concerning, to say the least. On the Mornington Peninsula, we’ve seen a worrying 29.1% jump in recorded offenses, and it’s a trend that’s mirrored in many parts of…
CEO for Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Predicts a May Federal Election
Frankston, VIC – The CEO of the Committee for Frankston and Mornington, Josh Sinclair, has predicted that the federal government will call an election in May, highlighting the region’s significance in shaping the next government. As political and community leaders…
Missing Person: 14-Year-Old Taj
14-year-old Taj is missing from Dandenong. Last seen February 7th. May be in Hastings. Police are concerned. Contact police with any information.
McCrae Landslide: Residents Eager to Return Home
Investigations into the McCrae landslide are progressing, with authorities focused on determining the cause and ensuring the safe return of displaced residents.
Search for Missing 16-Year-Old Lily
Authorities are seeking help to locate 16-year-old Lily, last seen in Frankston on 8th February 2025. Contact Carrum Downs Police Station with any information.
Women’s Community Shelters Secures Funding for New Housing in the Region
The Albanese Government’s Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program will fund three new dwellings in the region for vulnerable women and children. In an interview with RPP FM, Labor candidate Sarah Race highlights the impact of this initiative.
Major Multi-Vehicle Collision in Pearcedale Leaves Six Injured
A serious crash involving a truck and six vehicles in Pearcedale has left six injured, causing road closures on Baxter-Tooradin Road. Authorities urge caution.
2025 Frankston Waterfront Festival Draws 45,000 Attendees
The 2025 Frankston Waterfront Festival drew over 45,000 attendees for a weekend of live music, food, activities, and fireworks. See the event highlights here.
Langwarrin Landowner Fined $15,000 for Illegal Vegetation Clearing
A Langwarrin landowner has been fined $15,000 for illegally clearing protected vegetation on McClelland Drive, following a prosecution by Frankston City Council.
Community Demands Action on Youth Crime at Hastings Protest
Frustration over youth crime and bail laws led to a protest in Hastings, with locals demanding action from the State Government and MP Paul Mercurio. https://wp.me/pgbDsE-17y
Liberals Pledge $5 Million to Somerville Recreational Reserve
Zoe McKenzie, Liberal candidate for Flinders, announces a $5 million pledge for upgrading the Somerville Recreation Reserve, supporting local sporting clubs and community development.
