Featured News from STPL News
Internal tensions within the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s ‘bloc of six’ have emerged following internal reports of a reprimand and threats of resignation from Cr Stephen Batty, an anonymous council employee told STPL News.
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.
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.
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.
In this letter to the editor, former staff member Mark Irving reflects on the collapse of CJ Castle Care. He raises allegations about Richard Ingram’s leadership, staff treatment, unpaid entitlements, and questions surrounding the family’s ongoing activities despite liquidation.
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.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh is facing scrutiny after a Facebook post thanking the notorious bloc of six councillors raised governance concerns, with former mayor Steve Holland warning the comments risk undermining public confidence in council.
CJ Castle Care in Somerville has collapsed into administration, leaving staff and families in limbo. Director Richard Ingram has revealed his personal bank accounts were frozen. Verified former workers allege unpaid wages, missing superannuation, and clients being relocated before closure.
More former staff have stepped forward after CJ Castle Care’s collapse in Somerville, alleging unpaid wages, unpaid superannuation, and risks for vulnerable NDIS clients.
CJ Castle Care in Somerville has entered external administration. Verified former staff allege unpaid wages, safety issues and mismanagement, leaving workers and clients facing uncertainty.
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.
Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh’s attack on Frankston Council has backfired, with mayor Kris Bolam labelling the comments a deflection. The row has exposed Marsh to claims of hypocrisy over his own travel while highlighting Frankston’s progress under Bolam’s leadership.
If a councillor fails to declare a conflict of interest, consequences can include suspension, reputational damage, and loss of public trust.
Former AFL player Aaron James has pleaded guilty to indecent behaviour after being caught in budgie smugglers with a naked woman and engaging in NSFW shenanigans behind beach boxes at Dromana earlier this year, landing a $1,000 fine at Frankston Magistrates’ Court. He still faces charges including drug possession, theft, handling stolen number plates, sexual exposure, and dangerous driving.
A late-August Canberra trip is set to highlight both a leadership divide and souring relations between Frankston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire. Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam refused to vote on his own travel, while Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh debated and approved his — a stark contrast that comes amid a breakdown in the councils’ regional partnership.
Animal welfare advocates Carly Wines and Tracey Asquith are demanding urgent action at a Mount Eliza property where horses, goats, and dogs remain in deteriorating conditions. With evidence of starvation, carcass burn pits, and institutional inaction, protesters ask: how many more animals must suffer before someone takes responsibility?
One of the accused in the deadly Rye home invasion that left two people dead is seeking bail, despite prosecutors citing DNA, CCTV, and a video confession as key evidence.
A decomposing horse has been found on Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property, fuelling fresh outrage as local protests reach their 14th week. Community members say conditions are worsening and accuse authorities of inaction. STPL News has obtained footage of the dead animal, as pressure mounts on the RSPCA and state government to intervene.
A local dad, Darcy Coulson remains in critical care at The Alfred Hospita after a wakeboarding accident at Melbourne Cable Park earlier this month.
A new food pantry has opened in Somerville, offering locals free groceries with no judgment or paperwork. Helping Hands Somerville is founded by three caring locals.
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.
Six years after her baby daughter Talon died under suspicious circumstances in their Frankston home, Kayla Hehir is still fighting for answers. With no coronial inquest and an ongoing police investigation, her family remains trapped in uncertainty. Now, a growing petition is demanding justice and accountability for Talon’s death.
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.
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.
As protests approach week nine, Maxine Fraser launches a failed GoFundMe campaign. Protesters say animals remain in poor health.
Week 8 of horse welfare protests in Mount Eliza sees renewed calls for action. Meanwhile, advocates urge supporters to sign two state petitions for legal reform.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has revised its Council meeting attendance post after public backlash. Mayor Anthony Marsh says he had no involvement in the decision. Protests are expected to continue at the 17 June council meeting.
The uproar continues following MPSC's decision to cut $480k in arts grants, sparking protests and growing community backlash.
For the sixth week in a row, protesters gathered outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property, calling for action over alleged horse neglect.
The Dolphin Research Institute’s award-winning youth marine leadership program is at risk after Mornington Peninsula Shire pulled funding. Community support now critical.
Amidst rising tensions, protesters demand RSPCA action against Maxine Fraser in a Mt Eliza horse welfare dispute. STPL News continues coverage.
“We just felt sick,” says Erin, founder of Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue, after discovering their now former treasurer had allegedly embezzled thousands. Now the community is helping the group get back on its feet.
Community outrage continues to grow in Mount Eliza, where locals have returned for a second protest against property owner Maxine Fraser, following widely shared images of allegedly starving horses. STPL News was at the scene again to cover the developing story and speak with Wines about the group’s ongoing efforts.
A fiery Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting exposed deep divisions between councillors, raising concerns over ethics, representation, and governance across the peninsula.
A parliamentary petition initiated by a local resident addresses horse neglect at a Mt Eliza property, seeking stronger animal protection laws. It follows community outrage and protests over the welfare of over 30 neglected horses.
Maxine Fraser, once a local horse breeder, now faces serious community outrage and ongoing RSPCA investigations over disturbing allegations of starvation, inbreeding, and cruelty on the Mornington Peninsula.
Community anger over horse welfare concerns at a Mount Eliza property reached a tipping point yesterday, with hundreds of residents gathering to call for urgent action. STPL News brings you this story.
In an interview with STPL News, One Nation candidate Mike Brown accused Independent Ben Smith of being insincere and aligned with the Teals and Simon Holmes à Court. Brown also drew comparisons between Holmes à Court and Clive Palmer, labelling both as political “wreckers” amid ongoing campaign disputes.
Tyabb Football Netball Club volunteers were forced to fill rabbit holes on Bunyguyan Reserve’s top oval after MPSC failed to deliver promised repairs, highlighting ongoing infrastructure neglect in Western Port. With the council's budget approaching, many wonder: Will Western Port be forgotten again?
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.
Mornington Shire's 3% rate increase has faced backlash from residents, particularly in lower-income areas like Hastings, who argue the burden of recovery from the McCrae landslide unfairly falls on them. Deputy Mayor Pingiaro cited financial pressures and a lack of state support, but many feel betrayed after promises of a rate freeze during the election.
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.
STPL News has received reports that the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council may be under investigation by the Local Government Inspectorate.
Hastings MP Paul Mercurio claimed the Hastings Club is not a not-for-profit, but official records tell a different story. The club has pushed back, calling for clarity and support.
After a prolonged closure caused by delayed building repairs, the Hastings Club has entered liquidation. Community leaders are questioning Mornington Peninsula Shire’s handling of the issue.
Another senior leader has resigned from Mornington Peninsula Shire, with insider reports suggesting more exits to come. Is this a restructure or something bigger?
The Greens’ Dunkley candidate, Matt Maber, became the centre of attention earlier this month—not for his policies, but for a campaign photo so pixelated it rivals a Bigfoot sighting. As social media mocked the blurry image and anonymous post, it raised a bigger question: how can you take the Greens seriously?
Reports from an insider are that the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Director of Planning, Renae Littlejohn, has suddenly left the role. The insider further reports high staff turnover and low morale within the organisation.
A Mornington Peninsula couple’s holiday turned into a nightmare when David Crowley suffered heart failure in China, leaving them with $2,000-a-day hospital bills. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $16,000 to help cover costs.
The unsolved murder of Michele Brown in Frankston remains a haunting mystery. For over 30 years, her family has searched for answers. A $1 million reward is being offered for information that could lead to justice
