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.
Category Latest News
Catch up on the latest news from the Somerville Times & Peninsula Local.
$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.
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.
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.
