DNA, CCTV and Video Confession: Evidence Builds in Rye Murder Case
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.
Council Approves 20% Rebate for Retirement Villages Following Discount Removal
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has approved a 20% rebate on general rates for retirement village residents after scrapping the long-standing discount applied to their property valuations. The rebate, introduced as a temporary one-year measure, follows sharp CIV increases and was passed after Cr David Gill successfully amended the motion.
Rotting Horse Discovered as Mt Eliza Animal Protests Enter Week 14
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.
$60 Million Frankston Stadium Redevelopment Breaks Ground
Construction has officially begun on the $60 million Frankston Stadium redevelopment — the largest infrastructure project in Frankston City’s history. The new Seaford sports hub will feature 10 courts, a purpose-built gymnastics hall, broadcast-ready infrastructure and improved community access.
Frankston Council Program Helps Over 100 Locals Launch Careers
Frankston Council’s Work Ready Program is helping more than 100 locals gain real-world experience, skills and jobs through tailored placements and inclusive support.
Council to Halve Rate Relief for Retirement Village Residents
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council plans to halve rate relief for retirement village residents, replacing the long-standing 20% discount with a 10% one-off rebate. The change would affect more than 2,500 units across 15 villages and has been labelled a "slap in the face" to pensioners already doing it tough. Critics say Council is targeting the most vulnerable while claiming to prioritise community wellbeing.
Warrant Issued for Jason Gittus — Police Seek Public Assistance
Police are searching for Jason Gittus, 55, who is wanted on warrant for burglary and drug-related offences. Last known in the Mornington and Frankston areas.
Flag Policy Backflip: Council Withdraws Report After Public Outcry
Mornington Peninsula Shire has withdrawn its controversial flag policy update report following public backlash and claims staff could block the Australian flag. Council now plans to revise the document and reintroduce it at a future meeting.
Pearcedale Father Critically Injured in Wakeboarding Accident
A local dad, Darcy Coulson remains in critical care at The Alfred Hospita after a wakeboarding accident at Melbourne Cable Park earlier this month.
Push to Establish Marine Sanctuary in Mt Eliza Gains Council Backing
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Stephen Batty has backed a proposal to establish a marine sanctuary along the Mt Eliza coast, aimed at protecting the unique reef system between Daveys Bay and Moondah Beach. Community group Mt Eliza Marine Advocacy Inc is leading the campaign, with broader consultation planned over the coming months.
Somerville Soars in Round 14 Showdown
Somerville Football Club fought back against the wind and the odds to defeat Bonbeach in Round 14 of the MPNFL. With finals still within reach, the Eagles delivered a team-first performance, while the club’s netball sides also battled hard across all grades. Read the latest from the Somerville Swooper.
Mike Sheahan Headlines at The Nest
AFL media great Mike Sheahan captivated guests at Somerville Football Netball Club’s Business Luncheon, sharing stories from a career covering the game’s biggest names.
Search for Missing Frankston Man, Phouc, 77, with Dementia
Police are appealing for help to locate 77-year-old Frankston man Phouc, who suffers from dementia and went missing in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday evening.
Search Continues for Missing Woman Lucy, 28, Believed to Be in Frankston Area
Police are searching for 23-year-old Lucy, last seen in Dandenong on 8 July. Authorities believe she may have travelled to Frankston. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
Mount Eliza’s Saucy Suburban Rumour: Was It Really Victoria’s Swingers Capital?
A Reddit post has ignited fresh discussion about Mt Eliza’s rumoured swinging scene during the 1980s and 90s — with some saying the culture never left.
Peninsula Health Launches Full-Spectrum Liver Care for Local Patients
Peninsula Health has launched a full-service liver care program, including liver cancer treatment and expanded clinics, allowing local patients to access expert care close to home. With steatotic liver disease now affecting up to half of all adults, the initiative aims to improve early detection and reduce the need for travel to metropolitan hospitals.
$3.6 Million Cannabis Crop Uncovered in Tooradin Drug Raid
Police have uncovered a $3.6 million cannabis grow operation in Tooradin, seizing over 1,200 plants and arresting three men during a major drug raid on Hardys Road.
Cheltenham factory uncovered at centre of 3D gun manufacturing operation
A Cheltenham factory has been exposed as a hub for 3D-printed gun manufacturing, with police seizing illegal firearms, drugs, cash and equipment. A 30-year-old Bentleigh East man faces 27 charges and will front Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in October.
Mayor’s Reading Challenge returns: comics, costumes and a month of family fun
Young readers across Frankston are invited to dive into books and comics this August as the Mayor’s Reading Challenge returns. With superhero storytimes, a comic book club, and prizes up for grabs, it’s a month of family fun designed to build literacy and a love of reading.
July Edition Flying Off Shelves — Read It Online Now
Our July edition has been flying off shelves across the Peninsula. If you missed out, read the full digital version online — featuring the new Helping Hands pantry, local crime, council updates and more.
Frankston cements its pro-business reputation with major new local support package
Frankston City Council is investing $1.7 million in new support for local businesses under its 2025–26 Budget, with grants, waived fees, more parking and a $50 million CBD upgrade — a clear sign the Council is backing local jobs and economic growth.
Frankston charities receive $43,000 boost to build stronger community ties
Six Frankston charities will share in $43,000 through the 2025 Community Connection Grants, funding grassroots projects that tackle domestic violence, health, youth engagement and more — reinforcing vital local support networks.
Hastings Boat Ramp Upgrade Plan Opens to Public Input
Mornington Peninsula Shire is inviting locals to have their say on the proposed upgrade of the Hastings Boat Ramp carpark. Plans include doubling sealed trailer parking, adding landscaping and improving safety. Community feedback is open until 23 July 2025.
Disqualified Driver Parked in Disabled Bay, Blows .185 BA
A Frankston man faces court after parking in a disabled bay without a permit, while disqualified from driving and allegedly more than three times over the legal alcohol limit. Police impounded his car on the spot.
Helping Hands Somerville Calls for Pantry Donations
Helping Hands Somerville is calling on locals to donate pasta, long-life milk, spreads and more to keep its volunteer-run pantry stocked for residents doing it tough.
Somerville demolishes Devon
Somerville kept its finals hopes alive with a stirring final-term surge to down Devon Meadows by seven points. Read the full match wrap from The Somerville Swooper.
$4.25 Million in Community Funding Now Open
Mornington Peninsula Shire has opened applications for its latest Community Investment Funding program, with $4.25 million on offer to support local projects, events and initiatives over the next financial year. The funding is designed to back community groups, not-for-profits, businesses…
July Edition of the Somerville Times Rolling Out Monday
The July edition of the Somerville Times is rolling out from Monday, packed with local news, the new Helping Hands pantry, crime updates, council budget news, and more. Grab your copy at authorised outlets across the Mornington Peninsula.
Still Missing: Police Renew Appeal to Help Locate 12-Year-Old Shantaya
Police hold concerns for missing 12-year-old Shantaya, who was last seen in Keysborough on 22 May. As police continue to search for her, they inform that she is known to frequent the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Berwick, and Doveton areas.
21 nabbed in Frankston knife and crime blitz
Police arrested 21 people in Frankston during a sweeping crackdown on knives, drugs and anti-social behaviour at the railway station and shopping precinct. More blitzes are planned, including the Mornington Peninsula.
New Somerville Pantry Opens Its Doors to Locals in Need
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.
Upgraded Marna Reserve Pavilion Opens in Dromana
Dromana’s Marna Reserve Pavilion is back open after a $740,000 upgrade, offering improved access, modern amenities and more space for local clubs and community groups.
Frankston Hospital to Become Peninsula University Hospital in Major Health Shift
Frankston Hospital will become Peninsula University Hospital in early 2026, a change Peninsula Health says reflects its commitment to healthcare, research and medical training across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
Teen Arrested Over Machete Incident at Frankston Bayside Shopping Centre
A 17-year-old has been arrested following a machete incident that led to a chase and assault inside Frankston’s Bayside Shopping Centre. Police continue to search for four others involved.
Residents Invited to Dispose of Green Waste for Free in August
Mornington Peninsula Shire residents can drop off green waste for free from 8 to 10 August, with proof of residency required.
Weapons and drugs haul in Frankston leads to three arrests
Frankston police have charged three people after allegedly seizing 3D printed machine guns, handguns, and a stash of drugs including cocaine and meth during raids in Overport Park and at a local property.
Families from Somerville and Seaford Left Reeling After Horror Hit-Run on Monash
A Somerville mother is in hospital and three young children were hurt after a hit-run crash on the Monash Freeway. The family, from Somerville and Seaford, were left devastated when the BMW driver fled.
Cam Arullanantham appointed to lead Frankston City as Interim CEO
Frankston City Council has appointed Cam Arullanantham as Interim CEO from 19 July, overseeing major projects including the Nepean Highway revitalisation and new Frankston Waterfront tenants.
St Joseph’s Sorrento Students Gear Up for Life with Bike Education
St Joseph's Sorrento is setting the pace for active, healthy learning!
Students are building confidence and bike safety skills through a fun new education program in partnership with Peninsula Health and Mornington Peninsula Shire— all while enjoying the stunning Sorrento outdoors.
New netball court opens at Dromana Recreation Reserve
Dromana’s new competition-standard netball court brings senior netball to Dromana Recreation Reserve, uniting football and netball at one venue.
Public comment period extended on Port of Hastings environmental referral
Public comment on the Port of Hastings EPBC referral for the Western Port Ramsar project now closes 16 July. Community sessions set for Flinders and online.
Rosebud Family Left Shattered as Kayle Hansen Jailed for Killing Jake Bradford
The family of Jake Bradford says no sentence can heal their loss after Kayle Hansen was jailed for killing the 21-year-old Rosebud man.
Frankston Council Backs Neighbourhood Watch Revitalisation with $10,000 Funding Boost
Frankston Council has committed $10,000 to support Neighbourhood Watch, helping to strengthen community ties and crime prevention efforts across the city.
Get Help with Food, Bills & Housing in the Western Port Area
The Western Port Community Centre in Hastings provides professional, compassionate support for locals facing financial hardship, housing stress, or personal challenges.
Flinders Christian College Accused of Neglecting Autistic Students in $8,000 ‘Daycare’ Program
Flinders Christian College’s autism program is under fire, with families and advocates alleging neglect, unsafe environments and breaches of discrimination law. Read more.
Former McClelland Teacher Orhan Sahin Accused of Accessing Student Photos via Compass
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.
Mother Demands Justice Six Years After Baby’s Death in Frankston Home
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.
$11M drive to boost play, health and community ties in Frankston
Frankston City Council has poured $11 million into upgrading 17 play spaces since 2021, strengthening health and community connections across local suburbs, and reaffirming its commitment with more funding set aside in 2025/26.
Is it time to call the Mornington Peninsula regional? Local MP says yes
Mornington MP Chris Crewther is renewing calls to classify the Peninsula as regional, arguing locals face higher taxes and miss out on vital funding under a metro tag.
Two Bays Trail Restoration Underway: Helicopter Operations Target Early Spring Reopening
Parks Victoria is using helicopters to repair the Two Bays Walking Trail between Dromana and Cape Schanck. The works aim to boost safety and drainage, with an early spring reopening expected.
Frankston City Council Takes Local Priorities to the National Stage in Canberra
Frankston City Council has taken local issues to Canberra, securing national backing for decentralisation, online safety and stronger sister city ties at the ALGA assembly.
Sorrento launches Australia’s biggest art prize amid Mornington Peninsula arts funding cuts
Sorrento has unveiled Australia’s richest art prize with a $125,000 award, hoping to uplift artists and tourism on the Mornington Peninsula, despite council funding slashes.
