Where to Vote on the Mornington Peninsula – Federal Election 2024
Voters on the Mornington Peninsula can cast their ballots on Election Day, Friday 3 May 2024, at polling booths across the region. Early voting options are also available. Here’s the full list of locations.
Police Crack Down on Illegal Dirt Bikes and Hoon Behaviour in Pines Reserve
Carrum Downs Police have ramped up patrols in the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve as part of Operation Rolling Boulder, targeting illegal dirt bike use and hoon behaviour threatening community safety and wildlife.
Man Dies After Being Washed Off Rocks at Cape Schanck
A man has died after being swept into the ocean at Cape Schanck on Anzac Day. Emergency crews launched a search, but the man could not be revived.
Editorial Ethics in the Spotlight as McKenzie Confronts MPNG Ahead of Election
Zoe McKenzie has renewed her criticism of the Mornington Peninsula News Group, accusing the publisher of printing false letters under fake names.
Anzac Day 2025 Services on the Mornington Peninsula
Residents of the Mornington Peninsula are invited to attend Anzac Day services on Friday, 25 April 2025, commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. Thirteen townships across the region will host dawn services, marches, and remembrance ceremonies to honour Australian and New Zealand service members. Anzac Day 2025 Services on the Mornington Peninsula Balnarring […]
Council Votes to Overhaul Climate Emergency Plan Amid Heated Debate
Last night, Mornington Peninsula Shire voted to disassemble its climate emergency plan, prompting public debate and mixed community reactions. Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro defended the motion as fiscally responsible, not climate denial.
88-Year-Old Somerville Woman Dies After Fatal Mt Eliza Collision
An 88-year-old woman from Somerville has died after a single-vehicle crash on Wooralla Drive in Mount Eliza. Police are investigating the cause of the collision.
Liberals Pledge $900 Million for Baxter Rail Line Extension in Dunkley
Nathan Conroy and Zoe McKenzie announce a $900 million Liberal Party pledge to extend the Baxter rail line, aiming to improve transport access to Frankston Hospital and Monash University.
Concerns Mount Over Future of Flinders Pier as Funding Falls Short
Save Flinders Pier campaigners warn the Victorian Government may only partially restore the historic pier, as new documents reveal budget shortfalls and minimal funding spent on actual repairs.
Police Appeal for Help to Locate Missing Carrum Woman with Dementia
Victoria Police are searching for Judy, 83, who went missing from Carrum after taking a rideshare to Seaford. She has dementia and may be at risk.
Police Appeal for Dash Cam Footage After Serious Collision on Mornington Peninsula Freeway
A high-speed crash near Dromana has prompted police to seek public assistance. Dash cam footage may help investigators piece together how the incident unfolded.
Backlash Over Mayor’s Comments as Hastings Community Demands Answers
Outrage is growing in Hastings after Mayor Marsh’s remarks on the club’s closure. Community leaders point to council inaction, unequal funding, and long-standing neglect of the Western Port region.
Mayor Marsh Washes Hands of Hastings Club, Eyes New Use for Building
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh says council had “little choice” but not to fund the Hastings Club, sparking criticism and reigniting concerns of neglect in the Western Port area.
Liberal Candidate Calls Out “Fake News” Over Published Letter
Liberal candidate Zoe McKenzie has called a local news publication for publishing a letter she claims is filled with false information. The incident highlights the risks of misinformation in the lead-up to the 2025 federal election.
FMAC Structure Plan Approved for Frankston
Frankston’s FMAC Structure Plan has been added to the planning scheme, providing certainty for future development and investment, RPP FM reports.
Concern for Missing Dandenong Toddler as Police Launch Urgent Search
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate three-year-old Erin and her mother, last seen in Warburton on Monday. The pair may have travelled through Echuca and are believed to be in a white Mitsubishi Triton with the number plates 1RR1ZF.
New Boutique Hotel Development Site in Rye Hits the Market
A new boutique hotel may soon rise in Rye, with a development-approved site at 6 Napier Street now on the market.
Veterans Urge Community to Attend ANZAC Day Services
Veterans and the RSL are calling on locals to turn out in force this ANZAC Day. Services will be held across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston.
Who Do You Stand With? STPL News Wants to Hear From Local Supporters This Election
STPL News invites Flinders residents to share authentic opinions on local election candidates for a special feature, focusing on community voices and pressing issues.
Western Port Left Behind? Council Decisions Highlight Uneven Support Across the Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula exhibits a growing divide between its Western Port residents and affluent coastal communities. The closure of the Hastings Club substantiates this inequality, as the Shire neglects Western Port in favour of better-funded Port Phillip facilities like the Mt Martha Golf Club.
Inspire Change Crew: Bindi & Callum’s Mission to Empower At-Risk Youth
Inspire Change Crew, led by Bindi and Callum, is empowering at-risk youth through mentorship, life skills, and opportunities for personal growth. Learn how their initiative is reshaping the future for troubled youth by focusing on early intervention and positive guidance.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Votes for Maximum 3% Rate Rise
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to apply the full 3% rate cap for 2025–26, despite several councillors having campaigned for a rate freeze just five months ago.
Victoria Police Urge Reporting of Sexual Offences Linked to Dating Apps
Victoria Police are urging victims of sexual offences connected to dating apps to report incidents, highlighting the importance of affirmative consent and access to support services.
Southern Peninsula Support Centre Prepares for Increased Winter Demand
The Southern Peninsula Community Support Centre expects increased demand this winter, with CEO Jeremy Maxwell highlighting uncertainty in government funding and ongoing community reliance.
Police Enforcement Blitz Across Victoria
Victoria Police are increasing road safety enforcement across the state during the April school holidays and Easter long weekend, warning motorists to remain cautious despite recent reductions in road trauma.
Race Raises Stakes: Labor’s $1.3 Million Promise to Hastings
Labor’s Sarah Race commits $1.3 million to Hastings Recreation Reserve upgrades, lifting total Western Port sporting pledges to $1.55 million and increasing pressure on the Liberals.
Public Tips Lead Police to Alleged Drink Driver in Seaford
A 53-year-old Seaford man allegedly returned a 0.245% BAC after being intercepted by police on Saturday. Public reports led to his arrest and vehicle impoundment.
Western Port Communities Demand Better Sports Infrastructure After Club Closure
The Hastings Club’s closure highlights long-term underinvestment in Western Port, with residents vocally criticizing the Council’s inadequate support for local sports infrastructure over decades.
Police Renew Cape Schanck Search for Missing Man Sergio Cuesta
Victoria Police are conducting a renewed search at Cape Schanck for missing 28-year-old Sergio Cuesta, last seen in September 2023. His case is treated as a homicide, with four murder charges filed.
RPP FM Interview: Shire Inaction Forced Hastings Club Closure, Says Board Member
The Hastings Club shut down due to ignored repair requests, board member Kevin Miles said. He criticized the council for inaction and highlighted a systemic disregard for the Western Port area.
Police Search for Missing 13-Year-Old Girl Sheanna
Police are seeking public help to find 13-year-old Sheanna, missing since April 2 in Montrose. Concerns grow for her safety; she may be in the Pakenham, Dandenong, or Doveton areas.
Police Appeal to Locate Missing Woman Moira
Police are searching for 50-year-old Moira, last seen on 27 March 2025. Frankston Eyewatch Police have shared the appeal.
Hastings Club Fallout Exposes Widespread Neglect in Western Port
Prompted by STPL News’ coverage of the Hastings Club collapse, a local volunteer has exposed systemic neglect across sporting facilities in Somerville, Tyabb and Hastings, calling for urgent action.
RPP FM Interviews Kevin Miles on Hastings Club Closure and Council Response
In an RPP FM interview, Hastings Club board member Kevin Miles discusses the club’s sudden closure and criticises the council’s delayed response to costly building damage.
Independent Ben Smith Claims Flinders Race Is Neck and Neck
Independent candidate Ben Smith says the race for Flinders is neck and neck with incumbent Zoe McKenzie. With over 500 volunteers and strong local donations, he believes momentum is on his side. Read more on STPL News.
Three More Charged in Lyndhurst Murder Case
Victoria Police have charged three more individuals in connection with the fatal stabbing of Timothy Leek in Lyndhurst. Investigations continue, with authorities urging witnesses to come forward.
Greens Candidate Lives Almost Two Hours Away
Greens candidate Adam Frogely lives 130 km from Sorrento and 96km from Somerville, raising questions about his ability to represent the electorate. Can passion compensate for distance and perhaps, logic?
Highlights from Hastings Emergency Services Open Day
The Emergency Services Open Day at Hastings foreshore drew thousands on 22 March 2025, featuring police, SES, CFA, Coastguard, stunt riders, and community safety initiatives.
Labor Extends $150 Energy Bill Rebate
The Albanese government is extending its $150 energy bill rebate for households and small businesses as part of a $1.8 billion cost-of-living package in the 2025 federal budget.
Baxter Men’s Shed Reopens After Two-Year Rebuild Following Fire
The Baxter Men’s Shed celebrates its grand reopening after a two-year rebuild following a fire, reaffirming its vital role in community connection and support.
Peninsula Community Legal Centre Supports VALS in Condemning Bail Reform Changes
The Peninsula Community Legal Centre supports the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) in condemning proposed bail reform changes, calling for a statutory review before any amendments are made.
Teenager Charged After Passenger Killed in Fatal Pakenham Crash
A 16-year-old has been charged with culpable driving after a fatal collision in Pakenham last November. Police allege the Audi involved was stolen.
Unlicensed Motorcyclist Loses Bike After Alleged Drug Driving in Skye
A 50-year-old Dandenong man has lost his motorcycle after allegedly riding under the influence of drugs in Skye. His bike was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1,115.
41 Caught Drink or Drug Driving in Nepean Highway Blitz
Victoria Police caught 41 motorists driving under the influence during a two-night blitz on Nepean Highway. Officers conducted 4,747 breath tests and intercepted multiple offenders.
$50 Million Road Upgrade Pledge in Frankston ‘Not What It Seems’, Says Nathan Conroy
Liberal Dunkley candidate Nathan Conroy has criticised the federal government’s $50 million road upgrade pledge for Frankston, claiming only $3 million is actually committed.
Police Investigate Sexual Assault on Bus in Dandenong
Victoria Police are investigating a sexual assault on a Route 811 bus in Dandenong on 17 February. Authorities have released images of a suspect and urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Struggling with Utility Bills? Here’s How Victorians Can Get Help
Victorians struggling with overdue electricity, gas, or water bills may be eligible for the Utility Relief Grant Scheme, offering up to $650 per utility. Find out who qualifies and how to apply.
Southern Peninsula Community Support Centre Needs Urgent Help After Fresh Food Deliveries Cancelled
Due to cancelled deliveries from SecondBite and OzHarvest, SPCSC is facing a fresh food shortage. They need urgent donations of vegetables and financial contributions to support local families. Here’s how you can help.
Free Green Waste Weekend Extended for Mornington Peninsula Shire Residents
Mornington Peninsula Shire extends the No Charge Green Waste Weekend from March 28-30, 2025, allowing residents to dispose of green waste for free.
Federal Election: Tensions Rise in Flinders Campaign—Despite No Election Date Yet
The race for the federal seat of Flinders is heating up, with Zoe McKenzie, Ben Smith, and Sarah Race battling for votes—despite no election date yet. Campaign spending, advertising controversies, and political clashes are shaping the contest.