Fake fines at Frankston car park highlight rise in deception crimes across Victoria
Fake parking fines left on cars at Frankston’s new commuter car park spotlight a wider rise in deception crimes across Victoria, with police urging vigilance.
Peninsula Youth Celebrated for Standout Contributions at Annual Youth Awards Night
The next generation of community leaders, changemakers and quiet achievers took centre stage on Friday night, with young people from across the Mornington Peninsula recognised for their extraordinary efforts at the 2025 Youth Recognition Awards. Held at the Peninsula Community…
Lawyers Charged Over Alleged Fake Document at Frankston Magistrates’ Court
Two Melbourne lawyers are charged after allegedly submitting a fake medical certificate to Frankston Magistrates’ Court. Police say Zoe Davis and Rachelle Badour-Taha tried to mislead the court — and both have now lost their licences to practise law in Victoria.
Port of Hastings Lodges New Federal Environmental Referral for Renewable Energy Terminal
The Port of Hastings has lodged a revised EPBC referral for its proposed renewable energy terminal within the Western Port Ramsar Wetland, addressing environmental concerns raised by the federal government.
$5K Grant Eases Costs for Eastbourne Primary Students
Nat Sevior of Bendigo Bank Southern Peninsula, Steve Hamill (Principal Eastbourne Primary School), Caro Mather (Assistant Principal ) and Bettyanne Foster of Capel Sound Community Group presenting the donation cheque. Students at Eastbourne Primary School will soon have greater access…
Veteran TV Producer Bob Phillips Returns to Airwaves with New RPP-FM Drive Show
TV veteran Bob Phillips has returned to radio, joining forces with Dustie Lee for a new Tuesday drive-time program on RPP-FM.
Former AFL Player Aaron James Remanded at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Multiple Charges
Former AFL player Aaron James has been remanded after facing multiple charges at Frankston Magistrates’ Court, including sexual exposure and drug and theft offences.
Two Men Arrested Following Alleged Road Rage Incident in Seaford
Two men arrested after allegedly targeting a Porsche in a road rage incident in Seaford. Police pursuit ends with arrests in Aspendale.
New Partnership to Strengthen Mornington Peninsula Visitor Economy
The Mornington Peninsula Shire has announced a new strategic Visitor Economy Partnership, aimed at unlocking tourism growth, job creation, and increased access to state and federal funding for the region.
Frankston Council Endorses Community-Focused Budget and Long-Term Wellbeing Plan
Frankston Council has endorsed its 2025–2026 budget and a new wellbeing plan, including a record $1.7M support package for residents and community services.
Warrant Issued for Hayley Terei Following Bail Revocation Over Alleged False Aboriginal Claim
Hayley Terei, 33, is wanted on warrant after failing to appear in court. Her bail was revoked following allegations of burglary and a false Aboriginal identity claim. Terei, who is known to frequent the Hastings, Frankston, and Heidelberg areas.
Final Tree Planted in Frankston’s Greening Project Milestone
Frankston City Council has planted over 60,000 trees since 2021 as part of its Urban Forest Action Plan, boosting canopy cover and climate resilience across the municipality
Police Appeal for Information on Missing Man, Kody
Police are appealing for public help to find 52-year-old Kody, missing from Dandenong and known to frequent Frankston and Melbourne CBD. Call Mernda Police with any information.
Police Appeal for Help to Locate Missing 13-Year-Old Isabella
Police are seeking public assistance to locate 13-year-old Isabella, who was last seen in Highett on 8 June. Concerns are held for her welfare due to her age and the time she has been missing.
Weapons Manufacturing and Drug Trafficking Operation Uncovered in Cranbourne
Victoria Police and Australian Border Force have uncovered an illegal weapons manufacturing and drug trafficking operation at a Cranbourne home, seizing firearms, imitation weapons, and methamphetamine.
Alleged Drunk Driver with Children Crashes Twice in Somerville
A woman with three young children in the car allegedly caused two crashes in Somerville on Saturday, 21 June, while driving over the legal alcohol limit. Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
Locals Lead Parliament Protest Over Mt Eliza Animal Neglect
Locals lead a snap protest at Victoria’s Parliament calling for urgent action over ongoing horse neglect at Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property.
Reckless Teen Driver Busted at 150km/h on Dandenong-Frankston Road
An 18-year-old probationary driver is expected to be charged after allegedly reaching speeds of 150km/h in Carrum Downs. Police say she also failed to display P-plates. Her vehicle was impounded as part of Operation Trinity.
Letter to the Editor: Council Must Listen – Anne Kruger
Local resident Anne Kruger expresses concern over Council’s handling of the 2025–26 budget, citing blocked debate, poor consultation, and a loss of public trust.
Driver Four Times Over Limit Caught at Random Safety Beach RBT
A 60-year-old Burwood woman has allegedly been caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.210 during a random police operation at Safety Beach. Her licence was immediately suspended, and she is set to face court.
Rail Line Raid: Police Nab Offenders in Frankston Crime Sweep
A coordinated police blitz along the Frankston railway line led to 25 arrests, including a Somerville man, as part of a broader crackdown on crime across Melbourne’s southeast.
Public Appeal to Help Locate Missing Woman Moira
Police are searching for 50-year-old Moira, last seen in Bundoora on Sunday 15 June. She may be in the Frankston or Chelsea area. Public urged to call Mill Park Police.
Roads Dominate New Council’s First $326M Budget
Mornington Peninsula’s new Council adopted its first $326.3M Budget with a major roads focus.
Frankston Volunteers Contribute $1.3 Million Worth of Time to Community
Volunteers gave $1.3M in time to Frankston City, with Council recognising their role in supporting more than 35 local programs across all nine wards.
Crime Surges on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston: Thousands More Offences in Local Suburbs
Crime is up 24% in the Mornington Peninsula and 20% in Frankston, with theft and property offences among the top rising crimes, according to CSA data.
Crime Soars Across Victoria: 41,000 More Offences in Just 12 Months
Victoria recorded a 10.2% increase in crime, with over 41,000 additional offences reported in the year
Paul Pingiaro Backs Amended Budget Amid Community Backlash
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro voted for the 2025–26 budget as amended, acknowledging room for improvement amid backlash over arts and environment cuts.
Police Seek Public Help to Locate Missing Person Ailsa
Police are appealing for public help to find 45-year-old Ailsa, last seen at Southland Shopping Centre on Monday morning.
Frankston steps up local support with $1.5M boost in upcoming Budget
Frankston City Council is expanding its community support programs in 2025–26, with $1.5M committed to aid, education, and inclusion initiatives.
Frankston CEO Phil Cantillon Announces Departure After Six Years at the Helm
Frankston City Council CEO Phil Cantillon will depart on 18 July after six years in the role, closing a chapter of major transformation and advocacy.
Mayor Blocks Motions, but Council Votes to Reconsider Funding at Mid-Year Review
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.
Protest Planned as Mayor Defends Budget and Cr Patton Calls for Review of Arts Cuts and Climate Action
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.
No Sympathy for Maxine as GoFundMe Falls Flat and Animal Protests Enter Ninth Week
As protests approach week nine, Maxine Fraser launches a failed GoFundMe campaign. Protesters say animals remain in poor health.
‘Utter Stupidity’: Frankston Police Stunned by Dangerous Driving Spree
Frankston Police were left shaking their heads after 16 drug drivers and several reckless offenders were caught in a series of late-night traffic incidents.
EOFY Special: Save Big on Local Advertising & Sponsorship
Boost your business with STPL News EOFY advertising offers. Save up to 60% on print, digital and sponsorship packages. Limited time only – ends 30 June.
Victoria Police Seek Community Input via Annual Sentiment Survey
Victoria Police are seeking community feedback through their annual sentiment survey. Mornington Peninsula residents are urged to participate before 30 June.
Week 8 of Mount Eliza Horse Protests Draws Long-Term Advocates and Legislative Action
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.
Construction Begins on Monterey Recycled Water Scheme
Work begins on the Monterey Recycled Water Scheme, delivering 98 million litres of recycled water annually to Frankston parks and sports fields.
‘It’s Never Too Late to Speak Up’: Police Urge Seniors to Report Elder Abuse
As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches, Victoria Police are calling on older Victorians to speak up. Senior Constable Kim McKeown says it’s never too late to seek help, as police launch new support initiatives across aged care facilities.
Seized WWI Weapons Donated to Rosebud RSL
Two World War I-era bayonets seized in a police raid have been donated to the Rosebud RSL, where they will be preserved as part of a public military memorabilia display.
Council Post Quietly Reworded as Mayor Responds to Backlash
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.
Pakenham Woman Caught Driving Over Five Times Legal Limit
A Pakenham woman has had her licence suspended and car impounded after allegedly returning a blood alcohol reading of 0.263—more than five times the legal limit—during a late-night police intercept.
Ideas Racing at the MPSC Business Summit
Business leaders gathered at the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Summit, sharing ideas on growth, transport, and sustainability.
Dandenong Home Searched Over Fatal House Fire in Truganina
Police have searched a Dandenong home in connection to the fatal Truganina house fire that killed 27-year-old Katie Tangey in January. The fire is believed to be a case of mistaken identity linked to the illicit tobacco trade.
New Rules for Attending Council Meetings Spark Community Backlash
Mornington Peninsula Shire now requires online registration to attend council meetings. The 'out of the blue' facebook post has generated further criticism from residents who see this as another attempt to silence debate and shut down free speech by the council.
Flinders Named Finalist in 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards
Flinders has been shortlisted in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards. Public voting is now open until 27 June to help select the winner. Find out how to vote.
June 2025 (024) Edition of the Somerville Times
We’re thrilled to announce that the latest edition of Somerville Times is out now! Our print copies are currently being rolled out across collection points, and you can grab yours today. For those who prefer reading online, you can access…
Drink and Drug Driving Offences Surge During Operation Regal
Victoria Police detected over 6,000 traffic offences—including drink and drug driving—during Operation Regal over the King’s Birthday weekend. One in 16 drug drivers tested positive.
MPSC Libraries to Host Free Baby and Child First Aid Sessions
The Mornington Peninsula Shire will host free Baby and Child First Aid sessions in Rosebud, Hastings, Somerville, and Mornington libraries this June, providing basic CPR and emergency care education for parents and carers.
Next Edition of the Somerville Times Rolling Out This Week
The new edition of the Somerville Times is hitting local collection points this Wednesday, with the full digital version available Thursday. Special thanks to CWK Cabinet Makers for their continued support and renewing their sponsorship for the third consecutive year.
Frankston P-Plater Caught Driving Nearly Double the Speed Limit
A 19-year-old P-plater from Frankston has been caught driving nearly double the speed limit on Boundary Road, Dingley Village. His licence was suspended on the spot and car impounded.
Search Underway for Missing 21-Year-Old in Frankston
Police are searching for 21-year-old Henry, last seen about 3am on Ajana Lane, Frankston. Anyone with information is urged to contact Frankston Police Station on (03) 9784 5555.
