Explosives, Drugs, and Stolen Property Seized in Cranbourne Raid
Police seize explosives and drugs in Cranbourne raid, leading to woman's arrest. Investigation into theft continues. Call Crime Stoppers with info.
STPL News
Zoe McKenzie Joins Shadow Ministry, Giving Mornington Peninsula a Front Row Seat
Mornington Peninsula MP Zoe McKenzie has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Mental Health in Susan Ley’s new shadow ministry, giving the region a direct voice in national policy.
Frankston Hospital Helipad Reaches Structural Completion
The Frankston Hospital redevelopment has reached a key milestone with the structural completion of its rooftop helipad. The upgrade aims to improve emergency care and expand health services for the growing south-east Melbourne community.
More Beaches and Sporting Reserves Declared Smoke-Free Across Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula Shire expands smoke-free zones for healthier environments ahead of World No Tobacco Day, promoting smoke-free beaches and reserves.
Rosebud Police Impound Car After Driver Found Four Times Over Limit
A Rosebud driver has lost his licence and had his car impounded after being caught with a blood alcohol level of 0.20 on the Mornington Peninsula. Police say the man will face court over the serious drink driving offence.
Frankston Man Arrested After 3 Week Violent Crime Spree
A Frankston man has been arrested after a three-week crime spree involving burglaries, vehicle thefts, and an attempted carjacking targeting Melbourne's southeast, including Frankston, Cranbourne, Carrum Downs, Langwarrin, Somerville and Mt Eliza.
Hastings Local Pushes for Stronger Animal Welfare Laws with Dual Parliamentary Petitions
Tracey Asquith from Hastings has launched two state petitions—one backed by Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell and another by Hastings MP Paul Mercurio—urging reform of Victoria's animal welfare laws.
Radio Westernport Officially Launches in Hastings, Giving the Region a New Voice
Radio Westernport has officially launched in Hastings, supported by Atticus Health, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Western Port Secondary College. The station offers students and locals a platform to share their voice through podcasting.
13-Year-Old Arrested After Stolen Porsche Leads Police on 3-Hour Pursuit
A 13-year-old boy was arrested after a high-speed chase in a stolen Porsche in Moorooduc. The pursuit lasted nearly three hours and is part of Operation Trinity targeting youth crime and car thefts.
Kananook Commuter Car Park Opens to Public, Boosting Transport and Community Access
Frankston has opened the Kananook Commuter Car Park, featuring over 300 parking spaces and designed for future expansion. This $22 million project enhances local transport, supports community hubs, and reflects a $85 million investment in the Kananook precinct.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Opens Public Feedback on Draft Strategic Plans
The Mornington Peninsula Shire invites resident feedback on draft strategic plans, including the Council Plan and Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, to address service delivery costs and community needs, with submissions open until 2 July 2025.
Tensions Escalate in Horse Welfare Crisis as Protesters Take Signs to Moorooduc Hwy
Amidst rising tensions, protesters demand RSPCA action against Maxine Fraser in a Mt Eliza horse welfare dispute. STPL News continues coverage.
Chris Crewther MP to Lead 21km Walk for Bowel Cancer Awareness
Chris Crewther MP will lead a 21km coastal walk through Mount Eliza, Mornington, and Mount Martha to raise awareness for early-onset bowel cancer ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Police Investigate Armed Robbery Spree Across Melbourne’s South-East
Police are appealing for information after a string of violent armed robberies at service stations across Melbourne’s south-east. At least ten locations were hit on the same night, with machete-wielding offenders stealing cash, cigarettes, and personal items.
Illegal E-Scooter Impounded on Nepean Highway
A 33-year-old man from Caulfield North has had his e-scooter impounded by Somerville Highway Patrol after being caught riding at 50km/h on Nepean Highway, Mt Eliza. The high-powered scooter, capable of reaching 90km/h, was deemed illegal under Victorian road laws.
Fatal Fire in Langwarrin Under Investigation
A person has died in a house fire on Lyppards Road, Langwarrin. Victoria Police and fire investigators are examining the cause of the early morning blaze.
“We Just Felt Sick”: Local Dog Rescue Reeling After Treasurer Embezzles Funds
“We just felt sick,” says Erin, founder of Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue, after discovering their now former treasurer had allegedly embezzled thousands. Now the community is helping the group get back on its feet.
Fatal Unit Fire Claims One Life in Frankston
A person has died following a unit fire in Frankston on Thursday, 22 May. Emergency services responded to Franklin Court, where a body was discovered inside the burnt-out unit. Investigation ongoing.
Marsh Responds to Criticism Over Arts Grants and Staff Cost Reductions
Mayor Anthony Marsh says the arts aren't being targeted, despite backlash over grant removals and staff cost cuts. Critics further note contradictions in the council budget statements made by Marsh after the May 20 council meeting.
Frankston Council Prepares $1 Million Hardship Package Amid Cost-of-Living Pressures
Frankston Council is finalising a $1 million hardship package aimed at supporting residents impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. Cr Nathan Butler says the funding was secured through internal savings and will deliver targeted relief for the city’s most vulnerable.
Frankston, Kingston and Mornington Peninsula Councils Eye Cross-Border Collaboration
Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam has announced plans for a regional partnership with Kingston and Mornington Peninsula councils, aiming to address cross-border issues collaboratively. The proposal is expected to go before council in September.
Creative Community Packs Council Meeting as Budget Cuts Proceed
Tensions flared at the latest Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting as the arts community protested funding cuts. Protesters packed the gallery, with some comparing the Mayor to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Next Edition of the Somerville Times Lands Tomorrow
The Somerville Times is back with a new edition out tomorrow — covering Flinders election, council chaos, and community wins across the Mornington Peninsula.
Arts Funding Won’t Be Revisited, Says Marsh Ahead of Budget Session
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has relocated its budget meeting from Flinders to Rosebud, citing logistics. Mayor Marsh warns arts funding changes won’t be revisited, despite protest plans.
Teens Charged After High-Speed Chase Ends in Mount Eliza
Two teens — one from the Mornington Peninsula and the other from Greater Dandenong — have been charged after a dramatic four-hour pursuit involving stolen vehicles ended in Mount Eliza.
Off-Duty Police Officer Rescues Two Swimmers at Rosebud Pier
A routine family outing turned into a life-saving mission when off-duty Senior Constable Frank Ferreria rescued two struggling swimmers at Rosebud Pier.
Bass Strait Could Be More Than Just a Highway for Whales, Says New Study
New research by the Dolphin Research Institute reveals Bass Strait could be a vital feeding and calving ground for humpback whales, challenging long-held beliefs and prompting calls for better environmental protection.
Police Seek Public Help After Attempted Armed Robbery on Frankston Line
Victoria Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery aboard a Frankston-bound train on 23 March 2025. Public help is sought to identify a suspect seen exiting at Cheltenham Station.
St Brendan’s Walks for Safety, Health and Community
Students from St Brendan’s Primary School walked to school on 16 May as part of the 26th Walk Safely to School Day, encouraging health, safety and local connection.
Flinders Election Result Prompts Reflections from Zoe McKenzie, Ben Smith and Sarah Race
Zoe McKenzie has retained Flinders after a close contest against Ben Smith and Sarah Race. All three candidates have spoken out following the result.
Buddy Bench Brings Kindness and Connection to Somerville Rise Primary
Somerville Rise Primary School unveils a new Buddy Bench—its 25th on the Mornington Peninsula—thanks to Mt Martha Men’s Shed and Shire funding.
Mornington Peninsula Schools Step Up for Walk Safely to School Day This Friday
Mornington Peninsula families are set to take part in National Walk Safely to School Day this Friday 16 May, with local schools encouraging students to walk to school to boost health, safety and sustainability.
Zoe McKenzie Provisionally Retains Flinders as Count Nears Completion
Zoe McKenzie is set to retain the federal seat of Flinders, leading independent challenger Ben Smith in a close race. The AEC has not yet declared a final result.
Opinion: The Tobacco Wars – A War Never Fought
OPINION: Renee Heath MP argues that the State government’s failure to act on illicit tobacco trade has created perfect conditions for organised crime.
Two Charged After Homemade Shotgun Seized in Pakenham
A man and woman from Pakenham have been charged after Victoria Police located a homemade shotgun and ammunition during a May 2025 raid.
Independent Ben Smith Closes in on Flinders as AEC Confirms Two-Candidate Contest
Independent Ben Smith is closing in on Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie in the Flinders race, with the two candidates now in a head-to-head contest. The AEC has confirmed the exclusion of Labor's Sarah Race.
Pedestrian Dies After Collision with Illegally Modified E-Bike in Hastings
The Hastings man critically injured in a collision with an illegally modified e-bike has died. Police continue to investigate and say charges may be upgraded.
Police Appeal for Public Help to Locate Missing Teen Nicholas
Police are searching for 17-year-old Nicholas, missing since 4 April in Dandenong. He is known to frequent Bayside and Peninsula areas. Public help is urgently needed.
Former McClelland College Teacher Charged with Child Sexual Offences
A former McClelland College science teacher has been charged with child sexual offences. The case is before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. VIT registration cancelled.
Arts Community Mobilises Ahead of Council Funding Decision
Arts organisations across the Mornington Peninsula are preparing a coordinated response to proposed council funding changes, fearing the move could jeopardise the viability of the region’s creative sector.
Pedestrian Critical After Collision with Illegally Modified E-Bike in Hastings
A Hastings man is in a critical condition after being hit by an illegally modified e-bike on Frankston-Flinders Road. Police are investigating.
Mount Martha Man Fined $6271 for Dumping Whitegoods in Rural Reserves
A Mount Martha resident has been fined $4,700 after dumping washing machines and a dryer in Tuerong and Moorooduc. The Mornington Peninsula Shire urges locals to report illegal dumping.
Arts Groups Rally Against Shire’s New Funding Model
Mornington Peninsula arts and performing-arts groups accuse the Shire Council of ambushing them with a competitive funding model, threatening grassroots viability.
Hastings duo charged over violent Peninsula break-ins
STPL News | Peninsula Local | Somerville Times Two Hastings men will appear before Frankston Magistrates’ Court next month, charged over a series of alleged break-ins across Seaford and Crib Point. The pair, both aged 39, were arrested after detectives…
Locals Maintain the Rage Over Maxine’s Starving Horses
Community outrage continues to grow in Mount Eliza, where locals have returned for a second protest against property owner Maxine Fraser, following widely shared images of allegedly starving horses. STPL News was at the scene again to cover the developing story and speak with Wines about the group’s ongoing efforts.
Shire Budget Shake-Up: Councillor Cam Williams Explains New Funding Model
STPL News spoke with Councillor Cam Williams to clarify recent concerns and confusion surrounding changes to the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s budget and funding model.
Shire Not Backing Hastings Club Despite MP News Report
Claims published by MP News this week suggesting the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has “stepped in to save the Hastings Club” have been rejected by local councillor Kate Roper, who says the article is confusing. In a story titled “Shire…
Flinders seat still undecided as record ballot count continues
The Flinders seat remains undeclared as the AEC navigates a record number of ballots and a complex three-candidate preferred count. Zoe McKenzie leads on primary votes and Sarah Race edges past Ben Smith.
Backlash Brewing Over Shire’s Arts Funding Cuts
The Member for Hastings, Paul Mercurio MP, has criticised the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for slashing the Performing Arts Development Fund from $500,000 to $250,000, warning of serious impacts on local arts and culture.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt Loses Melbourne Seat in Federal Election Upset
Greens leader Adam Bandt has lost his seat of Melbourne to Labor's Sarah Witty, marking a significant federal election upset and ending Bandt's 15-year tenure in Parliament.
