Police Seek Public Help to Locate Missing Person Ailsa
Police are appealing for public help to find 45-year-old Ailsa, last seen at Southland Shopping Centre on Monday morning.
Category Latest News
Catch up on the latest news from the Somerville Times & Peninsula Local.
Frankston steps up local support with $1.5M boost in upcoming Budget
Frankston City Council is expanding its community support programs in 2025–26, with $1.5M committed to aid, education, and inclusion initiatives.
Frankston CEO Phil Cantillon Announces Departure After Six Years at the Helm
Frankston City Council CEO Phil Cantillon will depart on 18 July after six years in the role, closing a chapter of major transformation and advocacy.
Mayor Blocks Motions, but Council Votes to Reconsider Funding at Mid-Year Review
Mayor Marsh blocked multiple motions from Cr Patton and Cr Gill, but Cr Kate Roper found middle ground with a motion to reconsider key community funding at the mid-year review, which passed unanimously.
Protest Planned as Mayor Defends Budget and Cr Patton Calls for Review of Arts Cuts and Climate Action
Cr Max Patton will move two motions addressing funding cuts and climate planning as community groups prepare to protest outside the Mornington Peninsula Council meeting on 17 June.
No Sympathy for Maxine as GoFundMe Falls Flat and Animal Protests Enter Ninth Week
As protests approach week nine, Maxine Fraser launches a failed GoFundMe campaign. Protesters say animals remain in poor health.
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Pakenham Woman Caught Driving Over Five Times Legal Limit
A Pakenham woman has had her licence suspended and car impounded after allegedly returning a blood alcohol reading of 0.263—more than five times the legal limit—during a late-night police intercept.
June 2025 (024) Edition of the Somerville Times
We’re thrilled to announce that the latest edition of Somerville Times is out now! Our print copies are currently being rolled out across collection points, and you can grab yours today. For those who prefer reading online, you can access…
Wanted on Warrant: Frankston and Mornington Peninsula
Eight people are currently wanted on warrant across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Police are calling on the public for help to locate them
Protests on the Peninsula: Community Rallies Against Council Cuts to Arts, Climate and First Nations Support
Over 100 locals rallied in Rosebud against Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s funding cuts to arts, climate action, and First Nations support. Community groups demand urgent reversal.
Somerville Subdues Bonbeach
From The Somerville Swooper Coming off a demoralising one-point defeat to Crib Point last week, Somerville showed enormous resolve and commitment to overcome Bonbeach in the Round 7 MPNFL fixture at Bonbeach. In a dour, scrappy affair, both teams squandered…
Harbour Frankston Construction Begins, Signalling Major Boost to City Revitalisation
Construction is now underway on Harbour Frankston, a $140 million development delivering new apartments and retail outlets on Nepean Highway. The project is part of the wider revitalisation of Frankston’s city centre.
Mornington Peninsula Council May Sell Properties Over $15M in Unpaid Rates
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is considering the sale of properties to recover unpaid rates, prompting concerns for elderly and vulnerable homeowners.
‘We Won’t Let the Kids Down’: Shire Cuts Put DRI’s Youth Marine Program at Risk
The Dolphin Research Institute’s award-winning youth marine leadership program is at risk after Mornington Peninsula Shire pulled funding. Community support now critical.
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.
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.
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.
Crib by 1 Point Over Somerville
In a thrilling Round 7 showdown, Crib Point edged out Somerville with a last-minute goal, finalizing the score at 12.7.79 to 12.6.78. Both teams displayed strong defense, but Crib Point capitalized on critical moments to secure victory.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
Jodie Belyea Credits Hard Work and Positive Campaign for Dunkley Win
In an interview with RPP FM radio, Jodie Belyea attributes her re-election success to hard work, innovative policies, and personal voter connections in the Dunkley federal election.
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.
McCrae couple wins legal fight against Mornington Peninsula Shire over $1.25 million landslip bill
A McCrae couple has won a major legal victory over the Mornington Peninsula Shire, after being told they’d have to pay $1.25 million to stabilise a cliff behind their home.
Labor Secures Historic Second Term as Coalition and Greens Suffer Major Setbacks
Labor has claimed victory in the 2025 federal election, returning Anthony Albanese as Prime Minister. Peter Dutton loses Dickson, Greens collapse, and Flinders remains undecided.
Labor Retains Dunkley as Albanese Secures Second Term
Labor wins 2025 federal election; Jodie Belyea retains Dunkley. Flinders remains uncertain. Stay updated with STPL News.
Flinders Candidate Ben Smith Faces Scrutiny Over Campaign Ties to Pro-Palestinian Activists
Flinders candidate Ben Smith is facing last-minute scrutiny over his campaign team’s links to pro-Palestinian activism, with Climate 200 distancing itself from staff involved in controversial protests and public statements.
Mornington Locals Rally Around Family of Nathan Abeling After Tragic Fishing Accident
Mornington locals are rallying behind the family of 22-year-old Nathan Abeling, who died after being struck by a freak wave during a fishing trip. A GoFundMe has raised over $15,000.
Political Support Grows following Mornington Peninsula Horse Welfare Protest
Urgent support in Mornington Peninsula for horse protection at Mount Eliza grows with political backing. Community rally for intervention.
Over 700 Impaired Drivers Caught in Victoria Police Road Blitz
Victoria Police caught more than 700 drink and drug drivers during Operation Compass, a major road safety blitz over Easter and Anzac Day. Nine fatal collisions were also recorded.
