Mayor Clarifies $250,000 State Funding Amid McCrae Landslide Efforts
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor clarifies the $250,000 state funding, confirming it relates to prior storm damage, not the McCrae landslide.
Category Latest News
Catch up on the latest news from the Somerville Times & Peninsula Local.
Monash Greenlink Opens, Connecting Monash University to Frankston’s CBD
The Monash Greenlink shared user path, a $1.3 million upgrade by Frankston City Council and the Victorian Government, now connects Monash University to Frankston’s city centre, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Frankston’s Waterfront Festival Set to Light Up Summer
Celebrate summer at Frankston’s Waterfront Festival on 7–8 February with live music, food trucks, market stalls, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks finale over Frankston Pier.
Fears Mount Over Future of Late MP Peta Murphy’s Gaming Reforms
Political resistance and industry pressure threaten the gaming reforms championed by the late Dunkley MP Peta Murphy, raising doubts about a ban on gambling ads as government action stalls.
McCrae Landslide: Geologists Cite Ancient Seabed as Possible Cause of Instability
Experts link the McCrae Landslide to unstable layers of an ancient seabed, as recovery efforts shift to the local council.
Children’s Court Appoints Dedicated Magistrate Amid Youth Crime Surge
Magistrate Julie O’Donnell begins her role as Victoria’s first dedicated youth justice magistrate as the state attempts to grapple with youth crime.
Somerville Triumphs Against Mornington
The Somerville Swooperis returns for their first story of 2025.
Somerville Cricket Club secured a narrow 11-run victory over Mornington Cricket Club in a gripping contest. Caleb Debnam shined with match-winning bowling, while Bryce McGain dazzled with five wickets for Mornington.
Police Appeal for Witnesses After Sorrento Stabbing on New Year’s Eve
Victoria Police are appealing for witnesses to a New Year’s Eve stabbing in Sorrento that left a teenager seriously injured. Contact Crime Stoppers if you have information.
Police Arrest Two Following Stolen Vehicle Crash in Dromana
A man and a woman have been charged after a hit-run involving a stolen vehicle in Dromana. Both are set to appear before the Dromana Magistrates' Court next month.
Boaters Urged to Slow Down as New Dolphin Calf Arrives in Port Phillip Bay
The Dolphin Research Institute warns boaters to be cautious in Port Phillip Bay following the birth of a new dolphin calf. Early months are critical for the calf’s survival.
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.
US TikTok Ban Imminent: Will Australia Follow?
As the US approaches an iminent TikTok ban, Australia may reassess its stance on data privacy and national security. Learn what the ban could mean for Australian users and policy changes.
Dandenong Man Arrested Following Nepean Highway Hit-and-Run
A 38-year-old Dandenong man has been arrested following a hit-and-run on Nepean Highway, which left two cyclists seriously injured. Police continue to seek witnesses and dashcam footage.
Concerns Mount Over McCrae Escarpment After Landslide
A house collapse in McCrae has raised serious concerns about the stability of the escarpment, leading to road closures, evacuations, and investigations into underground water issues.
MPFNL Legend Simon Goosey Joins Pines Coaching Staff
Simon Goosey, a renowned MPFNL football legend, joins the Pines Football Club coaching staff to focus on forward-line improvements, teaming up with senior coach Paddy Swayne.
Pioneering Air Ambulance Service to Be Honoured in Tyabb
Celebrate the legacy of the Angel of Mercy, one of the world’s first air ambulance services, at a commemorative event in Tyabb. Gates open at 10 AM with live music, aircraft displays, and a plaque unveiling ceremony at 10:30 AM to honour aviation pioneers who transformed emergency medical care.
Peninsula Aero Club Celebrates Aviation and Medical Milestone
Join the Peninsula Aero Club this Saturday at Tyabb Airport to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Angel of Mercy helicopter ambulance. Discover the legacy of this pioneering service and enjoy live music, aircraft displays, and a community celebration.
Major Drug, Cash, and Firearm Bust in Frankston Leads to Arrests
Victoria Police seized commercial quantities of drugs, a firearm, and $30,000 in cash during a Frankston raid. Two men face charges as part of an ongoing investigation.
Mornington Peninsula to Host Key Political Forum Ahead of Federal Election
The Mornington Peninsula will take centre stage in the national political landscape, hosting a significant forum ahead of the upcoming federal election. Organised by the Committee for Frankston and Mornington, the event will be held on 14 February at the…
Somerville Community House Kicks Off 2025 with Exciting New Classes
Somerville Community House opens for 2025 with a fresh roster of popular returning classes and new programs. Explore courses that connect and inspire the Somerville community.
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…
Newly Elected Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillors Received Developer-linked Donations
Two newly elected councillors on the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council amid revelations of campaign contributions linked to a developer-related entity. RPP FM and The Age have reported that councillors Cam Williams and Bruce Ranken received significant financial backing for their…
Federal Government Launches Campaign to Combat Scams
Learn how the new ‘Stop. Check. Protect.’ campaign by the National Anti-Scam Centre empowers Australians to stay scam-safe, avoid financial harm, and report fraudulent activity to Scamwatch.
Meth-Affected Motorcyclist Clocked at 200 km/h Among Those Nabbed in Eastern Suburbs Overnight Blitz
Victoria Police’s Operation Advance leads to several arrests overnight in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including a 200 km/h motorcyclist impaired by methamphetamine and car thieves. Full details on these high-speed chases and more.
Homicide Investigation Update: Man Charged Following Death in Dandenong
Homicide Squad detectives have made a breakthrough in the investigation of a fatal incident on McCrae Street, Dandenong, earlier this week, charging a man with murder.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor: “Higher Rate Cap Doesn’t Mean Higher Rates”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has reassured ratepayers that the 3% rate cap increase won’t necessarily be applied, reinforcing a focus on responsible spending and public accountability.
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.
Police Arrest Four Men in Connection to Aggravated Burglaries Across Frankston Area
Frankston detectives have arrested four men following an extensive investigation into a spate of aggravated burglaries and thefts across the region in recent weeks. Officers from the Frankston Crime Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Flynn…
Beach Frustrations Erupt on the Mornington Peninsula
As reported by The Guardian, a social media post by Visit Victoria promoting No 16 Back Beach Rye has sparked controversy, leading to its removal after local concerns were raised about safety at the site. The promotional content described the…
Homicide Investigation: Reports of Gunshots and Man’s Body Found in Dandenong
Police are investigating after a man’s body was discovered at a property on McCrae Street in Dandenong, Melbourne’s southeast, on Tuesday morning. Emergency services responded shortly before 9:40 am after a passerby found the man with serious upper body injuries.…
Frankston’s New Hospital to Feature Cutting-Edge Technology and Green Innovation
Frankston’s upcoming $1.1 billion hospital will feature state-of-the-art medical technology and environmentally sustainable design, with over 11,500 square metres of green spaces, rooftop gardens, and advanced air quality systems for improved health outcomes.
Somerville Highway Patrol’s Busy Week for the Night Shift Crew
Somerville Highway Patrol’s night shift crew had a packed week, impounding vehicles and suspending licences for drug driving, unlicensed driving, and more.
Safety Beach Collision Sparks Outcry as Locals Demand Crackdown on Jet Ski Behaviour
A jet ski and boat collision at Safety Beach hospitalised two teenagers, fuelling locals’ frustrations over reckless jet ski behaviour. Authorities urge safety amid rising water rescues.
Safety Beach Not So Safe: Two Incidents in an Hour Leave Three Injured
Three people were hospitalised after two separate watercraft incidents at Safety Beach, Victoria, within an hour. Authorities urge caution as investigations continue.
Jet Ski Rider Discovers Deceaced Man in Rye Waters
Rye, Victoria – 3 January 2025 A man has been found deceased in the waters off Rye this evening. Emergency services were alerted just before 5:30 pm when a jet ski rider discovered the unresponsive individual near Butler Street. The…
Police Arrest 41 in Week-Long Crime Crackdown Across Melbourne’s East and Southeast
Victoria Police arrested 41 individuals in a major crime crackdown across Melbourne’s east and southeast, targeting offences including armed robbery, car theft, and aggravated burglary.
State-of-the-Art Early Parenting Centre to Open in Hastings
Parents and caregivers on the Mornington Peninsula will soon have access to specialist support with the construction of a cutting-edge Early Parenting Centre (EPC) in Hastings. Minister for Health Infrastructure, Mary-Anne Thomas, recently inaugurated the multi-million-dollar project at 185 High…
Fireworks Seized and Teen Stabbed on Mornington Peninsula During NYE Celebrations
New Year’s Eve on the Mornington Peninsula saw illegal fireworks seized, a teen stabbed in Blairgowrie, and proactive police operations ensuring safety. Read more.
Victoria Police Alarmed by High Number of Drink Drivers Over Break
Victoria Police highlight alarming drink driving trends over New Year, with nearly half of offenders caught between midnight and 6am. Increased enforcement is planned to ensure road safety.
“Spin, Win, and Grin: Summer of ‘25 Scrambled Eggs Roadshow.”
Scrambled Eggs Summer Roadshow 2025Your favorite breakfast crew is hitting the road this January! The Scrambled Eggs Show is taking it up a notch, bringing the fun, laughter, and excitement to locations across the Mornington Peninsula. ? Roadshow Schedule ?…
Frankston Community Mourns Passing of Carmel Russell
Frankston mourns the passing of Carmel Russell, advocate and mother of Natalie Russell, who was murdered by serial killer Paul Denyer in 1993.
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.
Mornington Peninsula Uncomfortably Sticky on Boxing Day
The Mornington Peninsula felt the heat and humidity on Boxing Day, with temperatures reaching 36°C. The region braces for more hot and sticky conditions in the coming months.
Police Seek Public Assistance to Locate Missing Man William
Frankston Police are seeking public assistance to locate 83-year-old William, last seen at Frankston Beach on 25 December. Contact Frankston Police with any information.
Dromana Teen Charged with Series of Burglaries on the Peninsula
An 18-year-old Dromana male has been charged with 42 offences, including burglary and theft, following a six-month investigation into commercial burglaries on the Mornington Peninsula.
Long Island Outguns Somerville in RPP FM Broadcast Game
In Saturday’s RPP FM broadcast match, Long Island proved too strong for Somerville in a high-scoring contest. Auden McKenna smashed 66 off just 29 balls, while Zac Wilson fell just short of a century, scoring 97 from 72 balls to…
Council Stands Firm Amid Criticism Over Beach Cleaning Decision
Former Mornington Peninsula Citizen of the Year Josie Jones criticizes council's handling of beach cleaning trials, raising concerns about governance, evidence-based decision-making, and vested interests.
Somerville to Baxter Bike Trail Construction Underway
Construction has started on the Somerville to Baxter section of the Peninsula Trail, a $7.8M project funded by the Australian and Victorian governments. Cr Kate Roper, Mayor Anthony Marsh, and Paul Mercurio MP highlight its benefits for local connectivity, walking, and cycling.
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.
Police Investigating Bus Assault in Hastings
Police are investigating an assault on a Frankston-bound bus in Hastings on 20 October, involving a 62-year-old victim. Public assistance is sought to identify two individuals. Contact Crime Stoppers with any information.
