New Footage Shows Horses Suffering at Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza Property
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.
The Newsroom
New Leadership Team Steers Port of Hastings into Next Phase
The Port of Hastings has announced six new directors to its Board, bringing expertise in transport, finance, law and governance. The team will guide the Port Development Strategy and lead delivery of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, a project central to Victoria’s renewable energy future and local job creation.
Two Teens Charged After Crime Spree Across Southern Suburbs, including Mornington Peninsula
Two teenagers have been charged over a string of offences across Melbourne’s southern suburbs, with incidents in Brighton, Berwick, Dandenong and Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula.
Letter to the Editor: Castle in Ruins and Lives Affected
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.
Police appeal for help to locate missing teen Taj
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 invited to put questions to leaders at Ballam Park barbecue
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.
Protestors Brave Cold to Mark 22 Weeks as RSPCA Executes Warrant at Mount Eliza
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.
New Edition of the Somerville Times Now Available
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.
RSPCA Executes Warrant in Ongoing Mount Eliza Horse Welfare Case
After months of protests, political pressure and community outrage, the RSPCA will finally take action on the Mount Eliza horse welfare case. Campaigners say their relentless fight has forced action — and the neglected animals are now one step closer to freedom.
Frankston Council boosts Local Support Package to ease Cost-of-living Pressures pressures
Frankston City Council has expanded its Local Support Package, directing new funding to local organisations including the Babes Project, Thrive Hub, Family Life, and John Paul College’s Companion Food and Outreach Van. The package also provides support for neighbourhood houses, Youth Inclusion Grants, and community groups tackling family violence and gambling harms.
Draft Design Revealed for Sorrento Playground at David MacFarlan Reserve
Mornington Peninsula Shire has unveiled the draft design for a new Sorrento playground at David MacFarlan Reserve. Locals are invited to provide feedback on features including slides, swings, sensory play and accessibility. Community consultation is open until 15 October 2025.
Gill Claps Back at Mayor’s “Keyboard Warrior” Post, Labelling it a “Fabrication” as Council Moves to Save Wallabies
Councillor David Gill has clapped back at Mayor Anthony Marsh’s “keyboard warrior” Facebook post, labelling it a “fabrication” during fiery debate over The Briars wallaby crisis. Although the vote to protect the animals was unanimous, the urgent meeting exposed sharp divisions — and revealed ulterior intentions from the Mayor and the notorious bloc of six.
Frankston hospital leads Victoria with new digital care tool
Peninsula Health is introducing a first-of-its-kind digital “health passport” at Frankston Hospital, developed with Monash University’s National Centre for Healthy Ageing. The tool captures patients’ values, needs and preferences, allowing staff to tailor care more consistently and giving patients a stronger voice in their treatment.
Daylight robbery in Carrum: Victim attacked with metal pole
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.
Cash Bounty and Patrol Blitz: Frankston Cracks Down on Graffiti
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.
Wild Winds Batter Victoria: Power Outages Hit Peninsula and Frankston
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.
Man Charged After Paramedics Allegedly Assaulted in Mornington
Two Ambulance Victoria paramedics were allegedly assaulted in Mornington’s Main Street. Police arrested a 58-year-old man, who now faces multiple charges.
“Keep Him From Facebook”: Mayor’s Post Under Scrutiny
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.
Police Appeal for Help to Find Missing Woman Lucy
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate 23-year-old Lucy, last seen in Dandenong on 10 September. Authorities believe she may have travelled to Frankston and hold concerns for her welfare due to a medical condition.
New youth services model promises flexibility — but questions raised over council track record
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has announced a major restructure of its youth services, shifting to a partnership model with external providers. While the Shire says the changes will expand opportunities for young people, families and advocates are questioning the stability of services and pointing to recent disruption at Shed 11 in Hastings.
Frankston Steps Up Water Safety Push Amid Rising Drowning Toll
Frankston Council is extending its Can Swim program with an extra $75,000 to tackle declining swimming skills and rising drowning deaths, giving local families free access to vital water safety lessons.
Frankston invests $400k to expand shade at playgrounds after statewide award
Frankston families will see safer and cooler play spaces after Council doubled shade funding, pledging $400,000 over four years. The investment follows a statewide award for Frankston’s Play Strategy, with recent upgrades across Carrum Downs, Frankston, Skye and Seaford, and more playgrounds scheduled for 2025–26.
Frankston Police Charge Man following Crime Spree
A Carrum Downs man has been arrested and charged with 32 offences after an alleged crime spree across Melbourne’s southern and eastern suburbs, including Frankston, Pakenham and Dandenong. Police allege the incidents involved multiple burglaries, stolen vehicles and dangerous driving before his arrest in Frankston.
CJ Castle Collapse: Director’s Personal Accounts Frozen as Staff Speak Out
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.
CJ Castle Collapse: More Staff Step Forward With Allegations
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.
Mornington Peninsula businesses in the spotlight as finalists named for 2025 Excellence Awards
Twenty-two local businesses have been announced as finalists in the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards, showcasing innovation, resilience and community connection across the region. Winners will be revealed at a gala event in November.
Good News for Hastings as Pelican Park Reopens After Major Upgrade
Pelican Park Recreation Centre has reopened in Hastings after months of renovations. The pool, gym and change facilities are back in action, with more wellness upgrades still to come later in 2025.
Staff Break Silence After Somerville NDIS Provider’s Collapse
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.
Police Seek Public’s Help After Seaford Home Invasion
Detectives in the Frankston area are appealing for public assistance following an aggravated home invasion in Seaford on 13 July 2025. Police believe a man may be able to help with their enquiries and urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers or the Frankston CIU.
Relief for Households, Growth for Business: Frankston’s 2025–26 Budget is a Banger
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.
CJ Castle Care Collapses Into Administration, Leaving Staff and Clients in Limbo
Somerville-based disability provider CJ Castle Care has gone into administration, with staff and clients left in limbo. Owner Richard Ingram has deleted all company and personal pages. While Arcadia Sports and Recreation in Hastings remains open, its future is uncertain. Workers are urged to contact unions over unpaid entitlements, and clients can seek urgent support from Amity Care Services in Somerville.
Frankston Council Passes On Savings to Ratepayers in 2025–26 Budget
Frankston City Council has handed down its 2025–26 budget, keeping rates below the state cap and delivering a $1.7m Local Support Package. The budget also commits $73m to capital works, including the $60m Frankston Stadium, in what Mayor Kris Bolam says is a direct return of savings to ratepayers.
Victoria Police offers record reward in statewide manhunt for Porepunkah shooting suspect
Victoria Police have announced a record $1 million reward in the manhunt for Desmond Freeman (Desmond Filby) following the fatal shooting of two officers in Porepunkah. The search is statewide, and residents, including those on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston, are urged to stay alert and report any information.
New Data Compounds Homelessness Crisis Days After Notorious 6 Blocks Emergency Motion
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 Council Announces $425,000 Support Package for Local Relief Agencies
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.
Rosebud Residents Fear for Safety After Violent Youth Crime Strikes Again
Six youths have been arrested after a violent home invasion in Rosebud, reigniting community fears about safety on the Mornington Peninsula. Police data shows two-thirds of aggravated burglary arrests involve children, with residents demanding the state government act before someone is killed.
Notorious Six Turn Their Backs on Homelessness Crisis
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.
Half-kilo of Cocaine and Suitcase of Cash Seized from Chelsea Home
Police seized half a kilo of cocaine and nearly $800,000 in cash from a Chelsea home during a raid, with three people arrested and major drug trafficking charges laid.
Nominations open for Frankston Citizen of the Year Awards
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 trials free graffiti removal kits for residents
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.
Shire Backflips On $2K Expense Loophole After Public Outcry
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 Invited to Share Views in 2025 Survey
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.
Police Seek Woman After Knife Incident at Carrum Downs Shopping Centre
Police are appealing for a woman to come forward after an alleged assault and knife threats at Carrum Downs shopping centre on Sunday. Officers quickly arrested a man, but the victim left before police could speak with her.
$2K No Questions Asked: Shire Looks To Scrap Scrutiny On Councillor Spending
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.
Pearcedale Overwhelms Somerville
Pearcedale Football Club stormed home in the second half to defeat Somerville 13-5-83 to 9-7-61 in the MPFNL First Semi Final at Baxter Park. Read the match report, best players, and results by the Somerville Swooper.
Holding Marsh to His Own Standard: Does His Record Stack Up?
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.
Bayside Health Merger Promises Stronger Care for Frankston and the Peninsula
Peninsula Health will merge with Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service and Kooweerup Regional Health Service to form Bayside Health in January 2026. The new network, backed by the state government, is promising stronger access to specialists, faster transfers and more career opportunities for staff across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
Four More Charged in Mornington Peninsula Crime Spree
Four more people, including two Hastings teenagers, have been charged following a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts across the Mornington Peninsula. Detectives confirmed the 30-year-old Hastings man originally arrested remains in custody.
Marsh Criticism of Bolam Backfires
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.
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Council launches record tree and plant giveaway to boost Frankston’s green canopy
Frankston City Council has launched its biggest tree giveaway, with thousands of free trees and plants available for schools, households and community groups to expand the city’s green canopy.
$72.9m works program aims to future-proof Frankston
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.
