Local Schools Affected By Victorian Teachers Strike Over Pay And Conditions
Local schools across the Mornington Peninsula were affected as teachers, principals and education support staff joined a statewide strike over pay and conditions.
Category Business News
Business related news across the Mornington Peninsula & Frankston
Union slams Searoad Ferries over alleged ferry safety incidents
The Maritime Union of Australia has criticised Searoad Ferries following allegations a passenger assaulted crew and accessed a restricted operational area during a 2024 voyage on the Sorrento–Queenscliff ferry route.
Hungry? Frankston City Rolls Out More Food Vans From 1 June
More mobile food vans are coming to Frankston City from 1 June 2026, with Council approving new and returning operators across parks and foreshore locations, including a new Carrum Downs site.
RBA Rate Rise Sparks Concern Across Consumer, Welfare and Business Groups
Australia’s cash rate has risen to 3.85 per cent after the Reserve Bank increased rates by 25 basis points. Welfare and consumer advocates warned of deeper financial stress, while CPA Australia and the Somerville Business Group said households and small businesses could face tighter spending and tougher trading conditions.
Frankston Mayor’s Overseas Sister Cities Trip Delivers Millions in Tangible Outcomes
Frankston’s sister cities trip has delivered millions in proposed investment and new international agreements. Outcomes include a 20 million dollar factory proposal, job creation, education partnerships and strengthened global ties across Japan, China, Fiji and the United States.
Frankston Development and Small Business Growth Accelerate as City Transformation Gains Momentum
Frankston’s transformation is gaining pace, with record business growth, housing projects and investment fuelling its rise as a thriving metropolitan city.
Purple Façade Brings New Energy to Frankston’s City Centre
A once-vacant building in the heart of Frankston has been transformed with a bold pink and purple façade, signalling fresh energy for the city centre. The project at 76 Young Street is part of Frankston City Council’s broader plan to revitalise the area, improve safety and walkability, and encourage more people to live, work and invest locally.
Frankston Council Program Brews Success for Local Entrepreneurs
Frankston City Council’s mobile food van program is giving local entrepreneurs a chance to turn small ideas into thriving businesses, with success stories like Carrum Downs’ Caravan Chai showing how community support can help start-ups grow nationally.
Project One Brings a Fresh Coffee Vibe to Frankston
Project One has opened in Frankston, led by 22-year-old local Josh. The new café is already attracting strong community support, with customers praising its coffee, fresh atmosphere and friendly service. Backed by community, Project One is quickly establishing itself in the city’s hospitality scene.
New Leadership Team Steers Port of Hastings into Next Phase
The Port of Hastings has announced six new directors to its Board, bringing expertise in transport, finance, law and governance. The team will guide the Port Development Strategy and lead delivery of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, a project central to Victoria’s renewable energy future and local job creation.
CJ Castle Collapse: Director’s Personal Accounts Frozen as Staff Speak Out
CJ Castle Care in Somerville has collapsed into administration, leaving staff and families in limbo. Director Richard Ingram has revealed his personal bank accounts were frozen. Verified former workers allege unpaid wages, missing superannuation, and clients being relocated before closure.
CJ Castle Collapse: More Staff Step Forward With Allegations
More former staff have stepped forward after CJ Castle Care’s collapse in Somerville, alleging unpaid wages, unpaid superannuation, and risks for vulnerable NDIS clients.
Mornington Peninsula businesses in the spotlight as finalists named for 2025 Excellence Awards
Twenty-two local businesses have been announced as finalists in the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards, showcasing innovation, resilience and community connection across the region. Winners will be revealed at a gala event in November.
Staff Break Silence After Somerville NDIS Provider’s Collapse
CJ Castle Care in Somerville has entered external administration. Verified former staff allege unpaid wages, safety issues and mismanagement, leaving workers and clients facing uncertainty.
CJ Castle Care Collapses Into Administration, Leaving Staff and Clients in Limbo
Somerville-based disability provider CJ Castle Care has gone into administration, with staff and clients left in limbo. Owner Richard Ingram has deleted all company and personal pages. While Arcadia Sports and Recreation in Hastings remains open, its future is uncertain. Workers are urged to contact unions over unpaid entitlements, and clients can seek urgent support from Amity Care Services in Somerville.
Frankston Council Passes On Savings to Ratepayers in 2025–26 Budget
Frankston City Council has handed down its 2025–26 budget, keeping rates below the state cap and delivering a $1.7m Local Support Package. The budget also commits $73m to capital works, including the $60m Frankston Stadium, in what Mayor Kris Bolam says is a direct return of savings to ratepayers.
New Workplace Laws Kick In: What They Mean for Small Businesses in 2025
Small business owners face major legal changes in 2025, including the Right to Disconnect, wage theft penalties, superannuation increases and updated award classifications.
$91 Million Mixed-Use Development Approved for Former Frankston Cinemas Site
Frankston City Council has approved a $91m redevelopment of the long-vacant former Frankston Cinemas site, delivering 144 apartments and adding to a $506m pipeline of seven major projects transforming the city centre.
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.
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.
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.
Frankston Council’s New Budget Strengthens CBD Safety and Social Outreach
Frankston City Council’s latest budget will fund more daily patrols, CCTV upgrades and frontline outreach programs, aiming to make the city centre safer and more supportive for locals.
Port of Hastings Lodges New Federal Environmental Referral for Renewable Energy Terminal
The Port of Hastings has lodged a revised EPBC referral for its proposed renewable energy terminal within the Western Port Ramsar Wetland, addressing environmental concerns raised by the federal government.
Ideas Racing at the MPSC Business Summit
Business leaders gathered at the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Summit, sharing ideas on growth, transport, and sustainability.
Flinders Named Finalist in 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards
Flinders has been shortlisted in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards. Public voting is now open until 27 June to help select the winner. Find out how to vote.
Next Edition of the Somerville Times Rolling Out This Week
The new edition of the Somerville Times is hitting local collection points this Wednesday, with the full digital version available Thursday. Special thanks to CWK Cabinet Makers for their continued support and renewing their sponsorship for the third consecutive year.
“We Don’t Want Skid Row”: Frankston Council Targets Neglected CBD Properties
Frankston Council is targeting run-down commercial properties in the CBD, issuing fines and notices as part of a major clean-up to support local business and public safety.
‘Dodgy Builder’ Banned for Life After Supreme Court Ruling
Peninsula Building Projects and its director CJ Fulton have been permanently banned by the Victorian Supreme Court after operating without registration, leaving clients thousands out of pocket.
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.
Paid Parking ‘Dead and Buried’ as Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Confirms
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh confirms that paid parking is officially scrapped following public feedback. Read article for full details.
Tyabb Air Show 2024 Named Community Event of the Year
The Tyabb Air Show 2024, hosted by the Peninsula Aero Club (PAC), has been recognised as the Community Event of the Year by Mornington Peninsula Shire. The award highlights the event’s role in supporting local charities, businesses, and the region’s…
Mornington Peninsula Shire Ends Paid Parking Policy
Mornington Shire Council has officially scrapped its paid parking policy. Find out why, what’s next, and how locals can have their say.
RPP FM’s Scrambled Eggs Breakfast Show Celebrates 500th Episode
RPP FM’s popular breakfast show, Scrambled Eggs, marks its 500th episode with a special broadcast from Trofeo Estate. Tune in Thursdays and Fridays, 6am to 9am, on 98.7FM or stream live.
Peninsula Film Festival Draws Near Record Crowds for 14th Edition
The 14th Mornington Peninsula Film Festival brought near-record crowds to Rosebud, celebrating local and international filmmaking talent. Festival Director Steve Bastoni expressed gratitude for strong community support, ensuring the event's future success.
Mornington Peninsula Film Festival Returns: Opening Night in Rosebud Features ‘Unbreakable’
The 14th Mornington Peninsula Film Festival opens in Rosebud tonight, featuring the premiere of Unbreakable, a documentary about Jelena Dokic. Festival Director Steve Bastoni highlights the event's role in developing young filmmakers amid rising costs and funding challenges.
Peninsula Health Set to Merge with Alfred Health and Koo Wee Rup Health in 2026
Peninsula Health CEO Helen Cooper has confirmed that the voluntary merger between Peninsula Health, Alfred Health, and Koo Wee Rup Health will be finalised in just 12 months, marking a significant development in healthcare services for the region. The amalgamation…
Major Upgrade for Nepean Highway as Frankston FMAC Development Moves Ahead
The next stage of the Frankston FMAC development begins with a Nepean Highway upgrade featuring 8,000 new plants, new businesses, and the upcoming Harbour Frankston luxury complex.
Sam Groth MP Rises to Deputy Leader as Chris Crewther MP Appointed Shadow Assistant Minister
Nepean MP Sam Groth rises to Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, while Mornington MP Chris Crewther has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing and Rental Affordability as Brad Battin reorganises the shadow cabinet following a leadership spill.
Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi to Merge in Industry Shake-Up
Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi announce a merger to create the world’s third-largest automaker by 2026. Find out what this means for Australia’s EV market and the future of mobility.
Arthurs Seat Eagle $25M Upgrade in Good Hands, Says Senior Botanist
Merinda Day-Smith, Senior Botanist with Nature Advisory, reassures the Mornington Peninsula community that the environmental assessment for the $25 million Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade is on track. The three-stage project includes a function centre, observation tower, restaurant, and luge, set to begin next year.
Victoria’s Longest Serving Treasurer Tim Pallas Resigns
Tim Pallas, Victoria’s longest-serving treasurer, announced after almost two decades in parliament that he is resigning as Victorian Treasurer and Werribee MP. While Mr Pallas described his decision as part of a natural process of renewal, critics have accused him of abandoning ship amid mounting financial pressures on the state.
Woolies Workers End Strike After Major Win
Woollies Warehouse Workers have returned to work after accepting an offer from the supermarket giant and ending the 17-day strike that affected supply across the country.
RBA Holds Rates at 4.35%, Hints at February Rate Cut
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the cash rate at 4.35% for December, its ninth consecutive hold, while leaving the door open for a potential cut in February. The decision, first reported by ABC News, reflects the RBA’s…
Victorian Government to Unlock Industrial Land in Hastings
The Victorian government has announced its Economic Growth Statement, a policy aimed at creating a 10-year pipeline of industrial land to support expanding businesses and job creation.
Peninsula Aero Club: A Truley community focused organisation
Peninsula Aero Club: A Truley community focused organisation
Proposed Expansion of Hydrogen Production Facility in Hastings
The Victorian Government is considering an amendment to the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme for a new hydrogen production facility in Hastings. The facility would work alongside the existing Hydrogen Liquefaction and Loading Terminal, contributing to the region’s role in clean energy. Public consultation is open until 20 December for community input on the proposal.
DIY Website Builder: Affordable & Easy
The DIY Website Builder is an affordable and user-friendly website builder. No tech skills or big wallets required.
Peninsula Local 005 is Out Now
The latest edition of Peninsula Local (005) is now available across the Mornington Peninsula! You can pick up a copy at most authorised newsagents, council service centres, libraries, and many independent retailers. This is likely to be our final edition…
Opponents of Arthurs Seat Eagle Development Consider Protest at Parliament
Opponents of the Arthurs Seat Eagle development are considering marching on the steps of the Parliament House of Victoria in protest.
Port of Hastings Chosen for Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal
Port of Hastings Chosen for Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal
The Port of Hastings has been selected as the preferred location for the development of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, a key project aimed at bolstering the state's offshore wind capacity.
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