The Somerville Business Group is urging the Federal Government to honour its commitment to deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Somerville, amid reports the project may be redirected to Hastings despite Somerville’s greater population reach and limited access to bulk billing services.
Somerville could be short-changed again, with a promised Medicare Urgent Care Clinic now clouded in confusion. Tender documents point to Hastings, but the federal government’s official list still names Somerville, leaving locals demanding clarity.
Frankston City Council has committed $100,000 to expand free legal services for young people and renters, funding school-based lawyers and tenancy support through Peninsula Community Legal Centre. The move comes as housing pressures and cost-of-living stress hit local residents.
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.
A Hastings man has been charged with allegedly recruiting children in a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts across the Mornington Peninsula. The 30-year-old faces 29 charges and has been remanded ahead of a Frankston Magistrates’ Court hearing.
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.
If a councillor fails to declare a conflict of interest, consequences can include suspension, reputational damage, and loss of public trust.
Somerville rider Noah Hart competed at the UCI BMX World Championships in Denmark, an event showcasing the best riders globally.
Somerville defeated Frankston Bombers in a must-win clash, clinching a finals berth by just 1% in a dramatic MPNFL Division 2 finish. The Eagles sealed seven straight wins and toppled every top side, setting up a finals showdown with Chelsea.
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 woman has been charged over the alleged vandalism of three vehicles in Rosebud last month, causing an estimated $20,000 in damage. Police say she will face Dromana Magistrates’ Court in September.
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.
Frankston City Council is inviting residents to help shape its new four-year Domestic Animal Management Plan, featuring a proposed 24-hour cat curfew and updated dog park rules. Feedback is open until 7 September 2025.
Around 150 people attended the Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Forum yesterday, where residents, business owners, and local police discussed crime trends, safety, and community policing on the Mornington Peninsula.
Frankston City Council has approved a $91m redevelopment of the long-vacant former Frankston Cinemas site, delivering 144 apartments and adding to a $506m pipeline of seven major projects transforming the city centre.
A $900,000 Western Port Biosphere and RMIT initiative will restore mangroves and saltmarsh to protect Western Port’s coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and climate change impacts.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh voted to approve his own interstate travel without declaring a conflict of interest — and it’s not the first time his voting has raised transparency questions.
Capel Sound has secured a major victory, with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council voting unanimously to keep 11a Allambi Avenue as public parkland in the draft Open Space Strategy.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council staff are reportedly on edge after being told job cuts are coming. Affected teams will be revealed in September. The Shire has not publicly commented.
A woman confronted a group of children as young as 8 vandalising a Frankston line train with a Stanley knife in a viral TikTok, raising safety concerns as Victoria’s machete ban takes effect.
Peninsula Health is tackling homelessness on the Peninsula with a holistic approach — combining housing, healthcare, and social support to keep at-risk patients off the streets.
Police have released CCTV after three cars were vandalised in Rosebud, causing $20,000 in damage. Do you know this woman seen in the carpark?
Baxter Primary School shone at the 2025 Rotary Inter Schools Activity Challenge in Hastings. The sixth annual event, hosted by the Somerville Tyabb Rotary Club, saw students build card towers to withstand high winds.
Frankston’s Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre will reopen its Main Pool Hall on Monday 11 August, one week ahead of schedule, with warmer pools, hot showers, and key facilities ready for use.
Frankston police are asking for the public’s help to find 40-year-old Shane Conham, wanted on warrant and believed to be travelling via public transport.
The Block will return to coastal Victoria in 2026, with Channel Nine securing a $11 million site in Mt Eliza for the next season of the hit renovation show.
Somerville claimed a thrilling 13.6.84 to 12.5.77 victory over Pearcedale in MPNFL Round 17, keeping its finals dream alive with a sixth consecutive win.
VCAT has refused a permit to build a large temple in Pearcedale, ruling it inconsistent with Green Wedge planning controls and environmental overlays. The decision affirms Council's original refusal and is seen as a major win for local residents and environmental advocates.
Frankston City Council wants new planning laws to stop tobacco and vape shops from opening near schools and is calling for long-term funding to support its education and enforcement programs.
Capel Sound residents are calling on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to honour its 2023 commitment to protect 11a Allambi Avenue as parkland. A draft strategy proposing a 50/50 housing split has sparked community backlash ahead of the 12 August council meeting at Tyabb.
Two motorcyclists who allegedly swerved through traffic and performed wheelies on Peninsula Link were caught on CCTV and had their bikes impounded. Police say the incident highlights the growing toll of motorbike-related fatalities in Victoria.
Rocky Russo has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Matthew Salau in Frankston, claiming he acted in self-defence. The high-stakes trial continues before the Victorian Supreme Court, where jurors must determine whether the killing was justified or criminal.
A boil-water alert affecting 1,200 homes in Frankston South has been lifted. South East Water confirms water is safe and has issued a $90 credit per household.
More than 150 residents packed Flinders Civic Hall calling for the Mornington Peninsula Shire to reinstate arts and climate funding. The Mayor, CEO and councillors attended the meeting organised by Save Our Arts MP and the Peninsula Climate Alliance. A motion was passed demanding the return of the Climate Emergency Declaration and support for sole trader creatives.
The proposed renewable energy terminal at Western Port Bay will undergo full federal environmental assessment after being declared a "controlled action" under the EPBC Act, amid concerns over its impact on Ramsar-listed wetlands and marine life.
Two men have been charged after police allegedly discovered a 3D-printed firearm, drugs, and a stolen vehicle during an early morning raid in Frankston.
A machete ban takes effect in Victoria from 1 September — with amnesty bins now in Frankston, Rosebud and other suburbs. Critics say it’s a political stunt that won’t reduce violence. What do you think?
Police are urgently searching for 21-year-old Ashton, last seen in Frankston on 4 August. He may be travelling in a white Toyota Yaris. Anyone with information is urged to contact Triple Zero or Frankston Police Station.
Frankston City Council has approved a $72.9 million capital works program for 2025–26, funding upgrades across roads, parks, childcare centres, sports facilities and arts precincts to support future growth.
Homelessness is rising fast on the Mornington Peninsula, with more than 80 people now sleeping rough — up 45% since June. Council says local services are at breaking point and is calling on the Victorian Government to urgently invest in crisis housing and long-term solutions.
Somerville outlasted Tyabb in a high-stakes MPNFL Round 16 clash at Bunguyan Reserve, setting up a mouthwatering Postcode Cup showdown with Pearcedale next week. The Eagles' senior side claimed their fifth straight win, while the reserves extended their unbeaten run to 16.
Victoria Police have caught 835 drink and drug drivers across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula over the past year. Most drug drivers were repeat offenders, with some recording extreme blood alcohol readings.
A 42-year-old Seaford man has been arrested following a hit-run on Nepean Highway that left an off-duty police officer seriously injured. The white Isuzu D-MAX was intercepted in Mentone after being reported for erratic driving. Police continue to investigate.
Frankston Council has received strong community backing in its 2025 satisfaction survey, with residents praising long-term planning and services—but public safety remains a key concern.
Frankston City Council’s expanded graffiti patrols, rapid response times, and new $10,000 community bounty program are showing strong results—removing over 42,000m² of vandalism in just one year.
A 61-year-old off-duty police officer cycling to work was seriously injured in a hit-run on the Nepean Highway in Seaford. Police are seeking dashcam footage and witnesses.
Police are appealing for help to locate 14 people wanted across Frankston, the Mornington Peninsula, Cranbourne and Narre Warren. Do you recognise them?
A Cranbourne East man and woman have been charged after police seized $20,000 worth of meth, GHB, cash, and a replica AK-47 during a suburban raid.
Emil Madsen Reserve in Mount Eliza has been closed due to contaminated water, disrupting local sporting and community events over the weekend. South East Water is currently investigating.
