Firefighting Aircraft Arrive Ahead of Hot Summer
Firefighting aircraft, including Large Air Tankers and Aircranes, are arriving in Australia ahead of a predicted hot summer, with high bushfire risks in Victoria and the Mornington Peninsula.
Category Latest News
Catch up on the latest news from the Somerville Times & Peninsula Local.
Langwarrin Stuns Dromana in RPPFM Match of the Day
Catch the latest local cricket updates as Langwarrin stuns Dromana, Long Island claims top spot, and Rye stays in the finals race with Ben Ashworth’s century. Read more on STPL News!
Safety Alert: Total Fire Ban Declared for Monday 16 December 2024
Total Fire Ban declared across Victoria, including the Mornington Peninsula, on Monday, 16 December 2024. Extreme fire danger conditions forecasted with high temperatures, strong winds, and thunderstorms. Stay informed and prepared.
Defamation Fallout: Sam Groth MP Resigns from Frontbench
Victorian MP Sam Groth resigns from the Liberal frontbench, citing the court rulling against Liberal Leader John Pesutto. With the 2026 election less than 2 years away, will the Liberals unite to challenge Labor’s dominance?
Landmark Healthcare Merger Promises Big Changes for Peninsula
A new healthcare network, provisionally named Bayside Health, will form through a voluntary merger of Peninsula Health, Alfred Health, and Kooweerup Regional Health Service. The merger, announced Thursday morning, is set to take effect from 1 January 2026 and will…
Baxter Community Pantry Christmas Drive Seeks Donations
The Angels at Baxter & Surrounds Community Pantry are calling on locals to help spread some festive cheer this holiday season. The group is collecting donations to make Christmas special for families in the community who are facing tough times.…
Hanging on for Grim Death: Locals Seeking Homelessness Support Up
The number of working Victorians seeking homelessness assistance has reached alarming levels, with a 23% increase over the past five years, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s latest annual report. This grim reality is mirrored across the…
Kananook Creek Association Slams Council’s Decision to Scrap Governance Group
The Kananook Creek Association (KCA) has voiced strong concerns over Frankston City Council’s decision to dissolve the Kananook Creek Governance Group.
$5 Million Allocated to Upgrade Dallas Brooks Reserve in Mornington
Dallas Brooks Reserve is one of the main sporting reserves servicing the township of Mornington and is home to the Mornington Soccer Club and the Beleura Junior Sports Club.
RBA Holds Rates at 4.35%, Hints at February Rate Cut
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the cash rate at 4.35% for December, its ninth consecutive hold, while leaving the door open for a potential cut in February. The decision, first reported by ABC News, reflects the RBA’s…
Victorian Government to Unlock Industrial Land in Hastings
The Victorian government has announced its Economic Growth Statement, a policy aimed at creating a 10-year pipeline of industrial land to support expanding businesses and job creation.
Victoria Police Ramp Up Drink Driving Enforcement in December
Victoria Police are reminding drivers that December is historically the worst month for drink driving on Victorian roads, with a concerning rise in alcohol-related incidents. Over the past three years, 2591 drink driving detections were recorded in December—20 per cent…
Peninsula Aero Club: A Truley community focused organisation
Peninsula Aero Club: A Truley community focused organisation
Celebrating Two Years of Community News: Final 2024 Edition of Somerville Times
Celebrating Two Years of Community News: Final 2024 Edition of Somerville Times
The final edition of the Somerville Times for 2024 is now rolling out, celebrating two years of community news with 20 editions of the Somerville Times and 5 editions of the Peninsula Local. Together, these publications have produced and distributed an impressive total of approximately 300,000 copies.
Independent Candidate Push for Flinders Ahead of 2025 Federal Election
Debbi de Lapps, spokesperson for the Independent for Flinders group, has declared that the electorate is ready for change ahead of next year’s federal election. Speaking on behalf of the group, Ms de Lapps highlighted growing dissatisfaction with major political…
Homelessness Crisis: Nearly 1 Million Victorians at Risk Amid Bushfire Threats
Victoria’s homelessness crisis has reached critical levels, with nearly one million people at risk and bushfire warnings adding urgency. Overstretched services are turning away 29% of those seeking help. The Council to Homeless Persons calls for a $5 million investment in outreach to prevent tragedies, especially in remote areas. The Call Unanswered report highlights a 67% rise in homelessness risk since 2016, exacerbated by rental stress and insufficient funding. Immediate action is needed to support vulnerable communities.
Frankston Council’s New Look: First Full Meeting with Nine New Single Wards
The newly restructured Frankston City Council holds its first full meeting tonight, with nine single wards and a mix of returning and first-term councillors. Mayor Kris Bolam and Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy lead the council, focusing on priorities like cost of living and supporting vulnerable community members. With a renewed commitment to unity and respect, the council aims to tackle the challenges and growth facing Frankston in the years ahead.
Tiger Snake Surprise: Driver’s Close Call on Monash Freeway
A woman travelling at 80km/h, said she felt something unusual on her foot. A quick glance revealed a tiger snake – one of the world’s most venomous snakes – climbing up her leg. Somehow, she managed to knock the snake away, steer through traffic, and pull over to safety before jumping out of her car.
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Mayor Praises Acting CEO for Stepping Into Leadership Role
Mayor Anthony Marsh Praises Acting CEO Bulant Oz for Stepping Into Leadership Role
Peninsula Local 005 is Out Now
The latest edition of Peninsula Local (005) is now available across the Mornington Peninsula! You can pick up a copy at most authorised newsagents, council service centres, libraries, and many independent retailers. This is likely to be our final edition…
FOI Reveals Councillor Request System Statistics for Previous Council Term
FOI Reveals Councillor Request System Statistics
Opponents of Arthurs Seat Eagle Development Consider Protest at Parliament
Opponents of the Arthurs Seat Eagle development are considering marching on the steps of the Parliament House of Victoria in protest.
Police Investigating Vehicle Theft and Attempted Burglary in Carrum Downs
Police are investigating a series of vehicle theft and attempted burglaries in Carrum Downs. Investigators have released an image of a man who may be able to assist with enquiries.
Has the Political Pendulum Shifted? Voter Trends Shifting from Left to the Centre-Right
From local council elections in Victoria, including here on the Mornington Peninsula, to Queensland’s return to a Liberal-National State Government and Donald Trump’s re-election in the US, there appears to be a growing preference for centre-right governments and leaders. These developments, coupled with opinion polls, suggest a tight race between Australia’s Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Liberal leader Peter Dutton, highlighting a potential political realignment. But what’s driving this change in voter behaviour?
Police Investigate Suspected Arson in Rosebud and McCrae
Police are investigating multiple suspected arson fires lit in Rosebud and McCrae on 23 November. A 60-year-old man is assisting with inquiries.
Exciting Updates: Introducing Our New Website
We have been working hard over the past few months. Our goal is to create a brand-new, more comprehensive website. We are using an updated platform with enhanced functionality. This is an exciting step forward for STPL News. It unites…
Peninsula Aero Club Supports Westernport Families This Christmas
Peninsula Aero Club Supports Westernport Families This Christmas
Victoria Police Launches Operation SummerSafe+ for Summer Safety
Victoria Police Launches Operation SummerSafe+ for Summer Safety
New Mayors and Deputy Mayors Elected in Mornington Peninsula and Frankston
New Mayors and Deputy Mayors Elected in Mornington Peninsula and Frankston
Man Arrested Following Frankston North Shooting
Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have made further progress in their investigation into the non-fatal shooting of a 36-year-old Dandenong man earlier this month. A 22-year-old Seaford man was arrested in Melbourne’s CBD shortly after midday today. He is…
Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie Condemns Nazi Graffiti in Flinders
Nazi symbols have been discovered painted on a street in Flinders township and defacing a local sculpture, prompting swift condemnation from Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie. Ms McKenzie labelled the graffiti as “totally unacceptable” and stated it has no place in…
