Santa Comes to Somerville & Window Wonderland
Santa Comes to Somerville returns for its 5th year on Saturday 20 December, with Santa visiting three shopping precincts and a Christmas Window Wonderland showcasing local businesses.
Category Community News
Community related news across the Mornington Peninsula & Frankston
Residents take first dip as Frankston tests ‘most accessible beach’ pilot
Using ramps, beach matting and wheelchairs, Frankston’s new accessible beach pilot is opening the foreshore to locals who have not been able to reach the water for years. The three month trial aims to set a fresh benchmark for inclusive coastal access in Australia.
Police appeal to find missing Dandenong man “Gerry”
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate 67-year-old Gerard “Gerry”, last seen about 12.30 am near Princes Highway and Gladstone Road in Dandenong. He uses an electric mobility scooter and is known to visit the Frankston area.
Western Port Community Unites to Mark Start of 16 Days of Activism in Hastings
Western Port community members gathered at Hastings foreshore for the opening of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, joining a march and community event promoting respect and gender-based violence prevention.
Police Seek Public Assistance to Locate Missing Frankston Teenager Nate
Frankston police are seeking public assistance to locate 15-year-old Nate, who was last seen on 12 November. Officers and family hold concerns due to his age and the time he has been missing.
Police search for missing 15-year-old girl last seen in Parkville
Victoria Police are searching for 15-year-old Grace, last seen on Park Drive in Parkville on Monday evening. Grace is known to frequent the Mornington Peninsula area. Police and family hold concerns for her welfare and are urging anyone with information to contact Triple Zero.
Lest We Forget: Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Pause for Remembrance Day
Communities across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston will pause at 11 am this Remembrance Day to reflect on the legacy of war and the locals who served — including Fort Nepean gunner Sergeant John Purdue, Lieutenant General Sir Vernon Sturdee, pioneering nurse Annie Sage of Somerville, and the many more.
Have You Seen AMELIE? Police Search for Missing Langwarrin Teen
Police are searching for 14-year-old Amelie, last seen on Stevens Road, Langwarrin, on 5 November. It’s believed they may be travelling to Cranbourne or Hastings.
MISSING TEEN: Police Seek Public Help to Find MAKAYLA
Police are searching for 14-year-old Makayla, last seen in Langwarrin on Tuesday. Anyone with information is urged to contact Frankston Police Station on (03) 9784 5555.
Frankston Council Launches New Winter Festival to Boost Off-Season Tourism
Frankston City Council will launch a new Winter Fire Festival in June 2026, investing $100,000 to boost off-season tourism, support local business, and expand its year-round events calendar.
Frankston Council to Move to Shared Community Care Model by 2026
Frankston City Council will transition to a shared Community Care delivery model from June 2026, maintaining essential programs like Meals on Wheels while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
Protesters Brave Storm as New Photos Emerge from Maxine Fraser Property
Protesters braved wild weather outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property, marking six months of demonstrations, after new photos by photographer and regular protester Carol Augustinus revealed another animal death.
Recovery Operation Underway for Missing Man in Mornington Waters After Boat Capsizes
A recovery operation is underway off Mornington Pier after a small boat capsized late Friday night. One man was rescued, while another — believed to be in his 20s — remains missing as police continue their search.
Man Missing in Mornington Waters After Boat Capsizes
A major search is underway off Mornington Pier after a small boat capsized late Friday night. One man was rescued, while another remains missing as police and marine units continue their search.
Frankston Mayor Urges Caution After Two Men Swept from Pier During Severe Weather
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam has urged residents to stay clear of the pier and foreshore after two men died in extreme wind conditions on Tuesday afternoon. Council will increase lifeguard patrols and safety signage ahead of summer.
Frankston Proves It’s Victoria’s Pet Capital with Thousands at The Great Pet-Together
More than 6,000 people and their pets filled Ballam Park for Frankston’s Great Pet-Together, as Council expands cost-of-living relief and new programs to support animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
New Shared Path Proposed to Link Dromana and Safety Beach
Mornington Peninsula Shire is seeking community feedback on two proposed routes for a new shared path linking Dromana and Safety Beach, aimed at improving safety, access and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility users across the Peninsula. Submissions close 24 November 2025.
Inquest Refused as Mother Finally Receives Death Certificate for Baby Talon
Six years after her baby’s death in Frankston, mother Kayla Hehir has finally received Talon’s death certificate — but the Victorian Government’s refusal to hold an inquest has renewed her fight for justice.
Music, Laughter and Local Talent Fill Somerville Seniors Hall | STPL News
More than 140 people attended the Smorgasbord of Music at the Somerville Seniors Hall, part of the Victorian Seniors Festival and hosted by Somerville Community House.
‘We’re Not Stopping’: $4,500 Raised to Feed Rescued Horses as Carly Wines Speaks on RPP FM
The Mount Eliza horse welfare campaign has raised $4,500 to feed 35 rescued horses, as organiser Carly Wines told RPP FM the community won’t stop protesting until all animals are safe.
25 Weeks of Protest: Community Keeps Pressure on Maxine Fraser Property
Around 50 locals gathered for the 25th week outside Maxine Fraser’s property, calling for the release of 18 horses still on site despite last month’s RSPCA seizure.
Somerville Cricket Club And The Mel Adolphus Award
Somerville Cricket Club has honoured the late Mel Adolphus with a new Round 1 award recognising one of the club’s best players. The award celebrates Adolphus’s five decades of dedication and the enduring impact he and his wife Sandy had on the Somerville community.
Report Finds South East Water and Mornington Peninsula Shire to Blame for McCrae Landslide
The McCrae Landslide Inquiry has found failures by South East Water and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, concluding that a burst water main and years of poor leadership combined to cause the disaster that displaced families in January 2025.
Police Seek Public Help to Find Missing Man ‘John’ from Pakenham
Victoria Police are searching for John, 30, missing from Pakenham and last seen in Dandenong on Wednesday evening. Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.
$4 Million State Boost for Rosebud Hospital Upgrades
Rosebud Hospital will receive a $4 million upgrade to improve ventilation, safety and patient facilities, but locals say only a full redevelopment will meet the community’s growing needs.
Frankston City Council Expands Youth Programs With Young People Leading The Way
Frankston City Council is expanding youth programs across the municipality, placing young people at the centre of planning and delivery. The move follows the $750,000 upgrade of the Langwarrin Skate Park, a project shaped by youth feedback and funded in…
Frankston Council Launches Subsidies and Rewards to Ease Cost Pressures
Frankston Council has introduced new subsidies and ratepayer rewards worth more than $250,000 to help ease cost-of-living pressures and boost community participation.
Pink Ladies raise $360,000 for Frankston Hospital
The Pink Ladies Auxiliary has donated $360,000 to Peninsula Health, supporting new equipment, services and research at Frankston Hospital.
Police appeal for help to locate missing teen Shane
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate 17-year-old Shane, last seen in Seaford on 2 September. He is known to visit Melbourne CBD, Frankston and St Kilda.
New Lights Officially Opened at Somerville Tennis Club
Somerville Tennis Club has officially opened new lights on courts 4–6, funded by a $100,000 State Government grant. The upgrade means all six courts are now available for night matches.
Peninsula Leisure to Take Over Centenary Park Golf Course Management
Centenary Park Golf Course will be managed by Peninsula Leisure, a wholly Council-owned organisation, from July 2026, with Frankston City Council assuring a smooth transition and ongoing community access.
Mount Eliza Horse Rescue: 35 Seized in “Peaceful Seizure”
The battle to save animals at 550 Moorooduc Highway continues, with protesters warning the fight is not over despite the RSPCA seizing 35 horses from Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property.
RSPCA Victoria Seizes 35 Horses from Mount Eliza Property in Major Community Win
RSPCA Victoria has confirmed 35 horses were seized from Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property under warrant. The Inspectorate praised the operation as complex but successful, while campaigners hailed the outcome as a major community win after months of protests.
RSPCA and Police Raid Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza Property in Major Win for Community and Animals
RSPCA and Victoria Police have raided Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property in a major win for the community and animals. Horses, including a mare and foal, have already been removed.
Dachshunds, Goat Yoga and Pup Cups: Frankston’s Great Pet-Together Returns
Frankston’s Great Pet-Together returns to Ballam Park on 12 October with dachshund races, goat yoga, pup cup contests, pet markets and food trucks — a free day out for families and pets.
New Footage Shows Horses Suffering at Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza Property
Disturbing new video exposes starving, injured and dead horses at Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property. Protesters demand urgent RSPCA action as animal deaths continue.
New Leadership Team Steers Port of Hastings into Next Phase
The Port of Hastings has announced six new directors to its Board, bringing expertise in transport, finance, law and governance. The team will guide the Port Development Strategy and lead delivery of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, a project central to Victoria’s renewable energy future and local job creation.
Police appeal for help to locate missing teen Taj
Police are appealing for help to locate missing Skye teenager Taj, last seen on Paradise Way on 6 September. The 15-year-old was wearing black clothing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Carrum Downs Police Station.
Protestors Brave Cold to Mark 22 Weeks as RSPCA Executes Warrant at Mount Eliza
Community protestors marked 22 weeks outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property on Sunday. STPL News interviewed organiser Carly Wines, who says the RSPCA’s warrant is progress — but vows the fight continues until every horse and animal is rescued.
RSPCA Executes Warrant in Ongoing Mount Eliza Horse Welfare Case
After months of protests, political pressure and community outrage, the RSPCA will finally take action on the Mount Eliza horse welfare case. Campaigners say their relentless fight has forced action — and the neglected animals are now one step closer to freedom.
Frankston Council boosts Local Support Package to ease Cost-of-living Pressures pressures
Frankston City Council has expanded its Local Support Package, directing new funding to local organisations including the Babes Project, Thrive Hub, Family Life, and John Paul College’s Companion Food and Outreach Van. The package also provides support for neighbourhood houses, Youth Inclusion Grants, and community groups tackling family violence and gambling harms.
Draft Design Revealed for Sorrento Playground at David MacFarlan Reserve
Mornington Peninsula Shire has unveiled the draft design for a new Sorrento playground at David MacFarlan Reserve. Locals are invited to provide feedback on features including slides, swings, sensory play and accessibility. Community consultation is open until 15 October 2025.
Frankston hospital leads Victoria with new digital care tool
Peninsula Health is introducing a first-of-its-kind digital “health passport” at Frankston Hospital, developed with Monash University’s National Centre for Healthy Ageing. The tool captures patients’ values, needs and preferences, allowing staff to tailor care more consistently and giving patients a stronger voice in their treatment.
Police Appeal for Help to Find Missing Woman Lucy
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate 23-year-old Lucy, last seen in Dandenong on 10 September. Authorities believe she may have travelled to Frankston and hold concerns for her welfare due to a medical condition.
New youth services model promises flexibility — but questions raised over council track record
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has announced a major restructure of its youth services, shifting to a partnership model with external providers. While the Shire says the changes will expand opportunities for young people, families and advocates are questioning the stability of services and pointing to recent disruption at Shed 11 in Hastings.
Frankston Steps Up Water Safety Push Amid Rising Drowning Toll
Frankston Council is extending its Can Swim program with an extra $75,000 to tackle declining swimming skills and rising drowning deaths, giving local families free access to vital water safety lessons.
Frankston invests $400k to expand shade at playgrounds after statewide award
Frankston families will see safer and cooler play spaces after Council doubled shade funding, pledging $400,000 over four years. The investment follows a statewide award for Frankston’s Play Strategy, with recent upgrades across Carrum Downs, Frankston, Skye and Seaford, and more playgrounds scheduled for 2025–26.
Good News for Hastings as Pelican Park Reopens After Major Upgrade
Pelican Park Recreation Centre has reopened in Hastings after months of renovations. The pool, gym and change facilities are back in action, with more wellness upgrades still to come later in 2025.
Relief for Households, Growth for Business: Frankston’s 2025–26 Budget is a Banger
Frankston City Council has unveiled its 2025–26 “Stronger Together” budget, delivering $1.7m in household relief, $465k in business support and nearly $73m in capital works — all while keeping average rates among the lowest in the region.
CJ Castle Care Collapses Into Administration, Leaving Staff and Clients in Limbo
Somerville-based disability provider CJ Castle Care has gone into administration, with staff and clients left in limbo. Owner Richard Ingram has deleted all company and personal pages. While Arcadia Sports and Recreation in Hastings remains open, its future is uncertain. Workers are urged to contact unions over unpaid entitlements, and clients can seek urgent support from Amity Care Services in Somerville.
