Ground Breaking System at Frankston Hospital Speeds Cancer Care
Peninsula Health has introduced a ground-breaking Post-Endoscopy Pathway at Frankston Hospital, automating cancer detection and cutting treatment delays by 43%.
Category Latest News
Catch up on the latest news from the Somerville Times & Peninsula Local.
Helping Hands Somerville Launches with Grand Opening Celebration
Helping Hands Somerville has officially opened its doors at Somerville Community House, already supporting more than 120 families each week with free food. Backed by volunteers, donors and local groups, the pantry launched on 22 August with a strong show of community support.
Shire Confirms Job Cuts: Up to 48 Staff to Go in Major Restructure
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has confirmed a restructure that will see up to 48 staff made redundant. CEO Mark Stoermer says the realignment is necessary for financial sustainability and improved services, with Mayor Anthony Marsh backing the move
Mayor Swings the Axe: 30 or More Staff Face Chopping Block
Mornington Peninsula Shire is facing one of its biggest workforce shake-ups in years, with up to 30 staff reportedly on the chopping block under Mayor Anthony Marsh’s restructure. Rumours suggest senior leaders may also be affected, as community satisfaction with council services continues to slide.
Mayor Condemns Propaganda Vandalism on Frankston Playground Equipment
Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam has condemned the defacement of children’s play equipment at Kareela Reserve after political propaganda stickers were discovered. Council crews swiftly removed the material, warning that vandalism will not be tolerated and urging residents to report incidents.
Council Adopts New Strategic and Health Plans to Guide Next Four Years
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has adopted its Council Plan 2025–2029 and Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029, following extensive community consultation with more than 3,500 residents. The plans set Council’s strategic direction and focus on creating a healthier, more inclusive Peninsula.
Latest Edition of the Somerville Times Rolling Out This Week
The August edition of the Somerville Times rolls out Tuesday, 19 August, and will be available at all collection points by Wednesday, 20 August.
$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.
Mayor Votes on Own Travel Approval — Conflict of Interest Rules Examined
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh voted to approve his own interstate travel without declaring a conflict of interest — and it’s not the first time his voting has raised transparency questions.
Community Win: Capel Sound Saves Its Parkland
Capel Sound has secured a major victory, with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council voting unanimously to keep 11a Allambi Avenue as public parkland in the draft Open Space Strategy.
‘On Edge’: Mornington Peninsula Shire Braces for Staff Cuts
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council staff are reportedly on edge after being told job cuts are coming. Affected teams will be revealed in September. The Shire has not publicly commented.
‘Your Parents Will See This’: Woman Confronts Kid Vandals on Frankston Train
A woman confronted a group of children as young as 8 vandalising a Frankston line train with a Stanley knife in a viral TikTok, raising safety concerns as Victoria’s machete ban takes effect.
Hospitalised and Homeless: Peninsula Health’s Program Keeping Patients off the Streets
Peninsula Health is tackling homelessness on the Peninsula with a holistic approach — combining housing, healthcare, and social support to keep at-risk patients off the streets.
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.
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.
Water Safe Again in Frankston South – $90 Credit Applied
A boil-water alert affecting 1,200 homes in Frankston South has been lifted. South East Water confirms water is safe and has issued a $90 credit per household.
Frankston’s $72.9M Infrastructure Blitz Aims to Future-Proof the City
Frankston City Council has approved a $72.9 million capital works program for 2025–26, funding upgrades across roads, parks, childcare centres, sports facilities and arts precincts to support future growth.
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.
“Armed, High, and On the Run”: Langwarrin Man Charged After Police Car Rammed in Stolen Vehicle Chase
A 24-year-old Langwarrin man has been charged over a high-speed pursuit that ended with a crash, police car ramming, and Dog Squad arrest. Drugs and weapons were allegedly seized.
Somerville Overwhelms Chelsea
Somerville continued its winning streak in Round 15 with a gutsy 23-point win over Chelsea, setting up a thrilling final stretch in the 2025 MPNFL season.
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?
Frankston Council Endorses Bold New Four-Year Vision for Community and Wellbeing
Frankston City Council has endorsed a new Council and Wellbeing Plan for 2025–2029, shaped by extensive community input and designed to deliver lasting outcomes in health, inclusion, climate action and local development.
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.
Frankston Council Program Helps Over 100 Locals Launch Careers
Frankston Council’s Work Ready Program is helping more than 100 locals gain real-world experience, skills and jobs through tailored placements and inclusive support.
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.
Mount Eliza’s Saucy Suburban Rumour: Was It Really Victoria’s Swingers Capital?
A Reddit post has ignited fresh discussion about Mt Eliza’s rumoured swinging scene during the 1980s and 90s — with some saying the culture never left.
$3.6 Million Cannabis Crop Uncovered in Tooradin Drug Raid
Police have uncovered a $3.6 million cannabis grow operation in Tooradin, seizing over 1,200 plants and arresting three men during a major drug raid on Hardys Road.
July Edition Flying Off Shelves — Read It Online Now
Our July edition has been flying off shelves across the Peninsula. If you missed out, read the full digital version online — featuring the new Helping Hands pantry, local crime, council updates and more.
Frankston charities receive $43,000 boost to build stronger community ties
Six Frankston charities will share in $43,000 through the 2025 Community Connection Grants, funding grassroots projects that tackle domestic violence, health, youth engagement and more — reinforcing vital local support networks.
Hastings Boat Ramp Upgrade Plan Opens to Public Input
Mornington Peninsula Shire is inviting locals to have their say on the proposed upgrade of the Hastings Boat Ramp carpark. Plans include doubling sealed trailer parking, adding landscaping and improving safety. Community feedback is open until 23 July 2025.
Upgraded Marna Reserve Pavilion Opens in Dromana
Dromana’s Marna Reserve Pavilion is back open after a $740,000 upgrade, offering improved access, modern amenities and more space for local clubs and community groups.
Residents Invited to Dispose of Green Waste for Free in August
Mornington Peninsula Shire residents can drop off green waste for free from 8 to 10 August, with proof of residency required.
Cam Arullanantham appointed to lead Frankston City as Interim CEO
Frankston City Council has appointed Cam Arullanantham as Interim CEO from 19 July, overseeing major projects including the Nepean Highway revitalisation and new Frankston Waterfront tenants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Peninsula Youth Celebrated for Standout Contributions at Annual Youth Awards Night
The next generation of community leaders, changemakers and quiet achievers took centre stage on Friday night, with young people from across the Mornington Peninsula recognised for their extraordinary efforts at the 2025 Youth Recognition Awards. Held at the Peninsula Community…
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.
Frankston Council Endorses Community-Focused Budget and Long-Term Wellbeing Plan
Frankston Council has endorsed its 2025–2026 budget and a new wellbeing plan, including a record $1.7M support package for residents and community services.
Warrant Issued for Hayley Terei Following Bail Revocation Over Alleged False Aboriginal Claim
Hayley Terei, 33, is wanted on warrant after failing to appear in court. Her bail was revoked following allegations of burglary and a false Aboriginal identity claim. Terei, who is known to frequent the Hastings, Frankston, and Heidelberg areas.
Final Tree Planted in Frankston’s Greening Project Milestone
Frankston City Council has planted over 60,000 trees since 2021 as part of its Urban Forest Action Plan, boosting canopy cover and climate resilience across the municipality
Frankston Volunteers Contribute $1.3 Million Worth of Time to Community
Volunteers gave $1.3M in time to Frankston City, with Council recognising their role in supporting more than 35 local programs across all nine wards.
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.
