New Boutique Hotel Development Site in Rye Hits the Market
A new boutique hotel may soon rise in Rye, with a development-approved site at 6 Napier Street now on the market.
Category Community News
Community related news across the Mornington Peninsula & Frankston
Veterans Urge Community to Attend ANZAC Day Services
Veterans and the RSL are calling on locals to turn out in force this ANZAC Day. Services will be held across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston.
Who Do You Stand With? STPL News Wants to Hear From Local Supporters This Election
STPL News invites Flinders residents to share authentic opinions on local election candidates for a special feature, focusing on community voices and pressing issues.
Western Port Left Behind? Council Decisions Highlight Uneven Support Across the Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula exhibits a growing divide between its Western Port residents and affluent coastal communities. The closure of the Hastings Club substantiates this inequality, as the Shire neglects Western Port in favour of better-funded Port Phillip facilities like the Mt Martha Golf Club.
Inspire Change Crew: Bindi & Callum’s Mission to Empower At-Risk Youth
Inspire Change Crew, led by Bindi and Callum, is empowering at-risk youth through mentorship, life skills, and opportunities for personal growth. Learn how their initiative is reshaping the future for troubled youth by focusing on early intervention and positive guidance.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Votes for Maximum 3% Rate Rise
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to apply the full 3% rate cap for 2025–26, despite several councillors having campaigned for a rate freeze just five months ago.
Victoria Police Urge Reporting of Sexual Offences Linked to Dating Apps
Victoria Police are urging victims of sexual offences connected to dating apps to report incidents, highlighting the importance of affirmative consent and access to support services.
Southern Peninsula Support Centre Prepares for Increased Winter Demand
The Southern Peninsula Community Support Centre expects increased demand this winter, with CEO Jeremy Maxwell highlighting uncertainty in government funding and ongoing community reliance.
Police Enforcement Blitz Across Victoria
Victoria Police are increasing road safety enforcement across the state during the April school holidays and Easter long weekend, warning motorists to remain cautious despite recent reductions in road trauma.
Race Raises Stakes: Labor’s $1.3 Million Promise to Hastings
Labor’s Sarah Race commits $1.3 million to Hastings Recreation Reserve upgrades, lifting total Western Port sporting pledges to $1.55 million and increasing pressure on the Liberals.
Western Port Communities Demand Better Sports Infrastructure After Club Closure
The Hastings Club's closure highlights long-term underinvestment in Western Port, with residents vocally criticizing the Council's inadequate support for local sports infrastructure over decades.
Police Renew Cape Schanck Search for Missing Man Sergio Cuesta
Victoria Police are conducting a renewed search at Cape Schanck for missing 28-year-old Sergio Cuesta, last seen in September 2023. His case is treated as a homicide, with four murder charges filed.
RPP FM Interview: Shire Inaction Forced Hastings Club Closure, Says Board Member
The Hastings Club shut down due to ignored repair requests, board member Kevin Miles said. He criticized the council for inaction and highlighted a systemic disregard for the Western Port area.
Police Search for Missing 13-Year-Old Girl Sheanna
Police are seeking public help to find 13-year-old Sheanna, missing since April 2 in Montrose. Concerns grow for her safety; she may be in the Pakenham, Dandenong, or Doveton areas.
Police Appeal to Locate Missing Woman Moira
Police are searching for 50-year-old Moira, last seen on 27 March 2025. Frankston Eyewatch Police have shared the appeal.
Hastings Club Fallout Exposes Widespread Neglect in Western Port
Prompted by STPL News’ coverage of the Hastings Club collapse, a local volunteer has exposed systemic neglect across sporting facilities in Somerville, Tyabb and Hastings, calling for urgent action.
RPP FM Interviews Kevin Miles on Hastings Club Closure and Council Response
In an RPP FM interview, Hastings Club board member Kevin Miles discusses the club’s sudden closure and criticises the council’s delayed response to costly building damage.
Independent Ben Smith Claims Flinders Race Is Neck and Neck
Independent candidate Ben Smith says the race for Flinders is neck and neck with incumbent Zoe McKenzie. With over 500 volunteers and strong local donations, he believes momentum is on his side. Read more on STPL News.
Three More Charged in Lyndhurst Murder Case
Victoria Police have charged three more individuals in connection with the fatal stabbing of Timothy Leek in Lyndhurst. Investigations continue, with authorities urging witnesses to come forward.
Greens Candidate Lives Almost Two Hours Away
Greens candidate Adam Frogely lives 130 km from Sorrento and 96km from Somerville, raising questions about his ability to represent the electorate. Can passion compensate for distance and perhaps, logic?
Highlights from Hastings Emergency Services Open Day
The Emergency Services Open Day at Hastings foreshore drew thousands on 22 March 2025, featuring police, SES, CFA, Coastguard, stunt riders, and community safety initiatives.
Labor Extends $150 Energy Bill Rebate
The Albanese government is extending its $150 energy bill rebate for households and small businesses as part of a $1.8 billion cost-of-living package in the 2025 federal budget.
Baxter Men’s Shed Reopens After Two-Year Rebuild Following Fire
The Baxter Men's Shed celebrates its grand reopening after a two-year rebuild following a fire, reaffirming its vital role in community connection and support.
Peninsula Community Legal Centre Supports VALS in Condemning Bail Reform Changes
The Peninsula Community Legal Centre supports the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) in condemning proposed bail reform changes, calling for a statutory review before any amendments are made.
Struggling with Utility Bills? Here’s How Victorians Can Get Help
Victorians struggling with overdue electricity, gas, or water bills may be eligible for the Utility Relief Grant Scheme, offering up to $650 per utility. Find out who qualifies and how to apply.
Southern Peninsula Community Support Centre Needs Urgent Help After Fresh Food Deliveries Cancelled
Due to cancelled deliveries from SecondBite and OzHarvest, SPCSC is facing a fresh food shortage. They need urgent donations of vegetables and financial contributions to support local families. Here's how you can help.
Free Green Waste Weekend Extended for Mornington Peninsula Shire Residents
Mornington Peninsula Shire extends the No Charge Green Waste Weekend from March 28-30, 2025, allowing residents to dispose of green waste for free.
Federal Election: Tensions Rise in Flinders Campaign—Despite No Election Date Yet
The race for the federal seat of Flinders is heating up, with Zoe McKenzie, Ben Smith, and Sarah Race battling for votes—despite no election date yet. Campaign spending, advertising controversies, and political clashes are shaping the contest.
Kafkaesque Bureaucracy Leaves Hazardous Trees Dangling Over Mornington Peninsula Roads
Mornington Peninsula residents warn of dangerous overhanging trees on Nepean Highway, with fears they could collapse onto traffic. Despite reports to government officials, no action has been taken.
Western Port Craft Expo Returns to Hastings This April
Head down to the Western Port Craft Expo on April 12, 2025! Discover local artisans, hands-on workshops, and fun activities for all ages at Hastings Community Hub.
Man Charged Following Dromana Hit-and-Run Incident
Dromana, VIC – A 36-year-old Dromana man has been charged following an alleged hit-and-run incident that occurred on Sunday night in Dromana. At approximately 9:30 pm on 9 March 2025, a 48-year-old woman from Craigieburn and her dog were crossing…
Honesty Box Bread Shut Down in Mount Martha Following Resident Complaint
A beloved honesty box bread system in Mount Martha has been shut down after a resident’s complaint, with council regulations requiring a costly permit. Locals express frustration over the decision.
Local Councils Join Forces to Make Beaches Safer
Mornington Peninsula and neighbouring councils have launched a new Water Safety Framework to tackle rising drowning rates. Learn how the Beachsafe app and patrolled beaches can help keep swimmers safe.
Police Arrest 35 in A Single Day During Frankston Crackdown
Police arrested 35 people in a large-scale operation targeting crime, road safety, and water safety in Frankston. Offenders were caught for firearms, burglary, and traffic offences.
Work on Frankston Foreshore Retaining Wall Halted Following Council Intervention
Construction of an unregistered retaining wall on the Frankston foreshore has been halted by the council after backlash from residents. Property owner Gene Neill defended the works, citing recent landslips. The council is now reviewing the situation.
Frankston Neighbourhood Policing Forum: Community Safety Discussion
Frankston residents are invited to take part in an important discussion on community safety at the upcoming Frankston PSA Neighbourhood Policing Forum this Thursday, 6th March 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Homeowners at Risk as Council Cracks Down on $15M in Unpaid Rates
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is considering selling homes to recover $15M in unpaid rates. Residents and Ratepayer Groups fear the policy could push struggling families into financial ruin.
Frankston High School Parents Demand Answers Over Teacher Absences
Parents at Frankston High School are demanding accountability after ongoing teacher absences forced Year 11 students to teach themselves in vital VCE subjects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
