Catch up on the latest news from the Somerville Times & Peninsula Local.
Frankston City Council’s mobile food van program is giving local entrepreneurs a chance to turn small ideas into thriving businesses, with success stories like Carrum Downs’ Caravan Chai showing how community support can help start-ups grow nationally.
Frankston City Council has strengthened its reputation for effective advocacy, securing five wins at the MAV State Council on housing, transparency, and worker protections — further positioning the city as a leader in local government reform.
Police are investigating after two men were found deceased at Frankston Beach on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency crews responded around 5 pm after reports of two swimmers in distress.
Somerville Football Netball Club has awarded Life Memberships to long-time contributors Phil Graf and Andy Palmer for their outstanding service and dedication — writes the Somerville Swooper.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has introduced a new Wash Against Waste trailer to help local event organisers cut down on single-use plastics and make community events more sustainable across the region.
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.
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.
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.
Cr David Gill’s push to strengthen transparency and councillor rights during meetings was defeated at Tuesday night’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting — a vote that took place without Mayor Anthony Marsh, whose absence left Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro in the chair.
Frankston Council will add $150,000 per year to a new Emergency Disaster Fund, a proactive move to boost local disaster recovery and climate resilience.
Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie has been appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and will continue as Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning.
Frankston’s city centre is set to become more accessible with the reopening of the Frankston House Car Park on 15 October. The upgraded facility beneath Moon Dog Brewery offers 49 public spaces with the first two hours free, operating daily from 7am to 11pm and fully monitored by CCTV. The project supports local business growth and forms part of Frankston City Council’s broader plan to revitalise Nepean Highway and boost city centre activity.
Somerville Cricket Club has continued its dominant start to the MPCA season, backing up its Round 1 win with a commanding victory over Mt Eliza. Nick Mann led the way with an unbeaten 87 as the Eagles claimed the Phil Graf/Doug Neal Cup in front of a strong home crowd
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.
Cr David Gill has lodged a motion to strengthen transparency and accountability at Mornington Peninsula Shire, following months of tension with Mayor Anthony Marsh and the “notorious bloc of six” accused of shutting down council debate.
Frankston’s Community Connector program will remain in place for another year, with new funding allowing outreach workers to expand their presence into two major retail precincts in the CBD.
Mornington Peninsula Shire blames a rise in recycling contamination — now costing an extra $1 million — on residents putting the wrong items in yellow-lid bins.
Victoria Police are appealing for public help to locate several people wanted on warrant across Frankston, Mornington, Langwarrin and Rye. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report online. Read article for full details.
Somerville Cricket Club has kicked off the 2025–26 MPCA season in style, securing a dominant win over Long Island at The Nest, with standout performances from Nick Mann, Kiefer Peries and captain Chris Brittain.
Project One has opened in Frankston, led by 22-year-old local Josh. The new café is already attracting strong community support, with customers praising its coffee, fresh atmosphere and friendly service. Backed by community, Project One is quickly establishing itself in the city’s hospitality scene.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has unveiled a new infrastructure program focusing on safer roads, renewed community facilities, and stronger coastal defences to prepare the region for future growth.
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.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to call on the MAV to cap councillor terms at 12 years. Many saw the move as a strategic swipe at veteran Cr David Gill, who walked out of the chamber after being shut down in debate.
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.
Frankston locals will have the chance to meet Mayor Kris Bolam, Jodie Belyea MP and Paul Edbrooke MP at the Pollies BBQ on Saturday 15 November at Ballam Park.
The new edition of the Somerville Times is now available at collection points across the Mornington Peninsula — covering local stories on Helping Hands Somerville, a collapsed NDIS provider, council politics, Peninsula crime updates, and more.
A Carrum man has been charged after a violent daylight robbery on Dyson Road. Police allege the victim was attacked with a metal pole at a public toilet near a local football club before his car was stolen.
Frankston City Council has doubled graffiti patrols, slashed response times and introduced a $10,000 cash bounty program to help the community crack down on vandalism.
Destructive winds up to 100km/h left thousands of residents in Frankston and across the Mornington Peninsula without power on Monday, as the SES responded to hundreds of incidents and train services were disrupted.
New AIHW and Homelessness Australia data reveals nearly 480 local children are homeless and more than 880 at risk across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
Frankston City Council has allocated $425,000 in funding for local relief agencies in 2025–26, supporting organisations that provide food relief, housing assistance, mental health services and more. See the full list of recipients and how to access help.
The Notorious Six councillors have blocked a motion to declare a homelessness emergency on the Mornington Peninsula. The proposal, which would have cost the Shire no funds, aimed to push state and federal governments to act as the region records Victoria’s highest rates of rough sleeping and three deaths in the past year.
Nominations are now open for Frankston’s 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards. Residents can nominate local champions or join the selection panel. Entries close 31 October.
Frankston City Council has launched a 12-month trial offering free graffiti removal kits to residents. The program, running until September 2026, provides households with brushes, gloves, solution and instructions to help tackle vandalism on private property.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has been forced into a backflip, reinstating Council votes on interstate travel after public backlash shut down a $2K expense loophole.
Local businesses are encouraged to take part in the 2025 Business Survey, open until 30 September. The survey, run with Metropolis Research, aims to capture local business needs and guide future programs and support services.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is moving to scrap Council approval for expenses over $2,000 and interstate travel, leaving decisions to the CEO’s pen. Critics warn the change strips away transparency and accountability.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh has been the Shire’s most expensive and least performing councillor during the 2020–2024 term. With high allowances, costly trips and few resident requests lodged, his record raises questions of value for ratepayers — especially in light of his criticism of Frankston’s mayor and claims about spending not passing the pub test.
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Frankston Council has approved a $72.9 million capital works program for 2025–26, with funding for major projects including the Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium, new playgrounds, road and footpath upgrades, and local shopping strip improvements.
Somerville will get its promised Medicare Urgent Care Clinic after weeks of uncertainty. Federal Labor has confirmed the bulk-billed, walk-in service will open by late 2025, despite initial tender documents favouring Hastings.
Superintendent Anne Rudd has been appointed to lead Victoria Police across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. With a strong background in police training and leadership, she says her priority is ensuring the community not only feels safe but is safe, through visible policing and stronger connections with residents.
Frankston Council has stepped in with $45,000 for Community Support Frankston, funding meals, vouchers, and relief for over 2,000 residents hit by cost-of-living pressures.
Peninsula Health has introduced a ground-breaking Post-Endoscopy Pathway at Frankston Hospital, automating cancer detection and cutting treatment delays by 43%.
Helping Hands Somerville has officially opened its doors at Somerville Community House, already supporting more than 120 families each week with free food. Backed by volunteers, donors and local groups, the pantry launched on 22 August with a strong show of community support.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has confirmed a restructure that will see up to 48 staff made redundant. CEO Mark Stoermer says the realignment is necessary for financial sustainability and improved services, with Mayor Anthony Marsh backing the move
Mornington Peninsula Shire is facing one of its biggest workforce shake-ups in years, with up to 30 staff reportedly on the chopping block under Mayor Anthony Marsh’s restructure. Rumours suggest senior leaders may also be affected, as community satisfaction with council services continues to slide.
Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam has condemned the defacement of children’s play equipment at Kareela Reserve after political propaganda stickers were discovered. Council crews swiftly removed the material, warning that vandalism will not be tolerated and urging residents to report incidents.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has adopted its Council Plan 2025–2029 and Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029, following extensive community consultation with more than 3,500 residents. The plans set Council’s strategic direction and focus on creating a healthier, more inclusive Peninsula.
The August edition of the Somerville Times rolls out Tuesday, 19 August, and will be available at all collection points by Wednesday, 20 August.
