Frankston Community Mourns Passing of Carmel Russell
Frankston mourns the passing of Carmel Russell, advocate and mother of Natalie Russell, who was murdered by serial killer Paul Denyer in 1993.
Brad Battin Elected Victorian Liberal Leader, Replacing John Pesutto
Brad Battin Elected as Victorian Liberal Leader After Party Room VoteBrad Battin has been voted in as the new leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, replacing John Pesutto after a party room vote amid tensions over the Moira Deeming case.
Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi to Merge in Industry Shake-Up
Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi announce a merger to create the world’s third-largest automaker by 2026. Find out what this means for Australia’s EV market and the future of mobility.
Mornington Peninsula Uncomfortably Sticky on Boxing Day
The Mornington Peninsula felt the heat and humidity on Boxing Day, with temperatures reaching 36°C. The region braces for more hot and sticky conditions in the coming months.
Langwarrin Man Charged with Wife’s Murder
A 63-year-old man has been charged with murder following the stabbing death of his wife in Langwarrin, just hours after a family Christmas lunch.
Man Drowns at Balnarring Beach
A man tragically drowned at Balnarring Beach on Boxing Day after falling from his kayak. Emergency services attended, but he could not be revived.
Police Seek Public Assistance to Locate Missing Man William
Frankston Police are seeking public assistance to locate 83-year-old William, last seen at Frankston Beach on 25 December. Contact Frankston Police with any information.
Managing Festive Stress: Tips for a Peaceful Holiday Season
Discover effective strategies to manage festive stress and enjoy a peaceful holiday season. Learn how to set boundaries, budget wisely, prioritise self-care, and support mental well-being with guidance from Beyond Blue and R U OK?
Five Arrested After Christmas Eve Burglary in Mount Eliza
Police arrested five individuals, including three youths, after a Christmas Eve aggravated burglary in Mount Eliza involving a stolen car, a crash, and an imitation firearm.
Merry Christmas from STPL NEWS
Wishing our readers a Merry Christmas! STPL News is taking a short break for Christmas and Boxing Day, returning on the 27th of December. Stay safe and enjoy the festive season.
13-Year-Old Girl Arrested Over Hastings Train Station Blaze
A 13-year-old girl has been arrested in connection with the Hastings Railway Station fire. Train services have resumed with a temporary bench in place.
Dromana Teen Charged with Series of Burglaries on the Peninsula
An 18-year-old Dromana male has been charged with 42 offences, including burglary and theft, following a six-month investigation into commercial burglaries on the Mornington Peninsula.
Rye Shooting Update: Second Narre Warren Man Charged with Murder
Homicide Squad detectives have charged a second man in relation to the fatal shooting that occurred in Rye on 2 December. This follows the earlier charge of a 24-year-old Narre Warren man in connection with the tragic deaths of two…
Invitation Bungle: Zoe McKenzie Left Out of Somerville to Baxter Trail Celebration
Construction of the long-awaited Somerville to Baxter Trail commenced last week, with a sod-turning ceremony marking the beginning of the project. Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, Cr Kate Roper, and State Member Paul Mercurio MP attended the event to celebrate the…
Long Island Outguns Somerville in RPP FM Broadcast Game
In Saturday’s RPP FM broadcast match, Long Island proved too strong for Somerville in a high-scoring contest. Auden McKenna smashed 66 off just 29 balls, while Zac Wilson fell just short of a century, scoring 97 from 72 balls to…
Fire Destroys Hastings Train Station, Bus Replaces Stony Point Line
A fire has destroyed Hastings train station, forcing the closure of the Stony Point train line. Metro Trains is working to resume services with a bus replacement running between Tyabb and Bittern, including a stop at Hastings.
Narre Warren Man Charged with Murder Following Rye Shooting
A 24-year-old Narre Warren man has been charged with murder following a Rye shooting on 2 December, leaving two people dead. Police investigations continue.
BREAKING NEWS: Four Arrested Following Fatal Shooting in Rye
Homicide Squad detectives have arrested four men in connection with the shooting deaths of two people in Rye earlier this month. Investigations are ongoing.
Privacy Policy
The Somerville Times and all associated publications have adopted the Statement of General Principles and the Statement of Privacy Principles from the Australian Press Council. Along with the Statement of General Principles and the Specific Standards, the Privacy Principles are applied by the Council when providing advice…
Social Media Policy
1. Introduction 2. Scope 3. Principles 4. Preventing Social Media Bullying and Defamation 5. Responsibilities 6. Consequences 7. Review and Updates
General Principles
The STPL News and all associated publications have adopted the Statement of General Principles and the Statement of Privacy Principles from the Australian Press Council. Publications are free to publish as they wish by reporting facts and expressing opinions, provided they take reasonable steps to comply with the…
Council Stands Firm Amid Criticism Over Beach Cleaning Decision
Former Mornington Peninsula Citizen of the Year Josie Jones criticizes council's handling of beach cleaning trials, raising concerns about governance, evidence-based decision-making, and vested interests.
Somerville to Baxter Bike Trail Construction Underway
Construction has started on the Somerville to Baxter section of the Peninsula Trail, a $7.8M project funded by the Australian and Victorian governments. Cr Kate Roper, Mayor Anthony Marsh, and Paul Mercurio MP highlight its benefits for local connectivity, walking, and cycling.
Sarah Race Joins Labor to Challenge Flinders Seat
Former Mornington Peninsula councillor Sarah Race announces her candidacy for the Flinders seat with the Labor Party, joining Ben Smith as an independent candidate. Learn more about this exciting election race.
CFA Warns of Lithium-Ion Battery Risks After Langwarrin E-Bike Explosion
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) is urging caution with lithium-ion batteries following a recent e-bike explosion in Langwarrin.
Arthurs Seat Eagle $25M Upgrade in Good Hands, Says Senior Botanist
Merinda Day-Smith, Senior Botanist with Nature Advisory, reassures the Mornington Peninsula community that the environmental assessment for the $25 million Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade is on track. The three-stage project includes a function centre, observation tower, restaurant, and luge, set to begin next year.
Dromana Woman Carjacked During Three-Hour Police Pursuit in Frankston
A 53-year-old Dromana woman was carjacked during a three-hour police pursuit in Frankston. Multiple suspects have been arrested following a chaotic series of events.
Police Investigating Bus Assault in Hastings
Police are investigating an assault on a Frankston-bound bus in Hastings on 20 October, involving a 62-year-old victim. Public assistance is sought to identify two individuals. Contact Crime Stoppers with any information.
Victoria’s Longest Serving Treasurer Tim Pallas Resigns
Tim Pallas, Victoria’s longest-serving treasurer, announced after almost two decades in parliament that he is resigning as Victorian Treasurer and Werribee MP. While Mr Pallas described his decision as part of a natural process of renewal, critics have accused him of abandoning ship amid mounting financial pressures on the state.
Somerville Eagles Devour Tigers
somerville-eagles-cricket-round-7-victory-seaford-tigers
Firefighting Aircraft Arrive Ahead of Hot Summer
Firefighting aircraft, including Large Air Tankers and Aircranes, are arriving in Australia ahead of a predicted hot summer, with high bushfire risks in Victoria and the Mornington Peninsula.
Langwarrin Stuns Dromana in RPPFM Match of the Day
Catch the latest local cricket updates as Langwarrin stuns Dromana, Long Island claims top spot, and Rye stays in the finals race with Ben Ashworth’s century. Read more on STPL News!
Safety Alert: Total Fire Ban Declared for Monday 16 December 2024
Total Fire Ban declared across Victoria, including the Mornington Peninsula, on Monday, 16 December 2024. Extreme fire danger conditions forecasted with high temperatures, strong winds, and thunderstorms. Stay informed and prepared.
Defamation Fallout: Sam Groth MP Resigns from Frontbench
Victorian MP Sam Groth resigns from the Liberal frontbench, citing the court rulling against Liberal Leader John Pesutto. With the 2026 election less than 2 years away, will the Liberals unite to challenge Labor’s dominance?
Landmark Healthcare Merger Promises Big Changes for Peninsula
A new healthcare network, provisionally named Bayside Health, will form through a voluntary merger of Peninsula Health, Alfred Health, and Kooweerup Regional Health Service. The merger, announced Thursday morning, is set to take effect from 1 January 2026 and will…
Baxter Community Pantry Christmas Drive Seeks Donations
The Angels at Baxter & Surrounds Community Pantry are calling on locals to help spread some festive cheer this holiday season. The group is collecting donations to make Christmas special for families in the community who are facing tough times.…
Hanging on for Grim Death: Locals Seeking Homelessness Support Up
The number of working Victorians seeking homelessness assistance has reached alarming levels, with a 23% increase over the past five years, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s latest annual report. This grim reality is mirrored across the…
Dumpster Fire in Capel Sound Sparks Hazardous Waste Warning
A rubbish truck fire in Capel Sound has highlighted the dangers of improperly disposed hazardous waste. The driver noticed smoke coming from the truck’s load and promptly contacted the fire brigade.
Kananook Creek Association Slams Council’s Decision to Scrap Governance Group
The Kananook Creek Association (KCA) has voiced strong concerns over Frankston City Council’s decision to dissolve the Kananook Creek Governance Group.
$5 Million Allocated to Upgrade Dallas Brooks Reserve in Mornington
Dallas Brooks Reserve is one of the main sporting reserves servicing the township of Mornington and is home to the Mornington Soccer Club and the Beleura Junior Sports Club.
Woolies Workers End Strike After Major Win
Woollies Warehouse Workers have returned to work after accepting an offer from the supermarket giant and ending the 17-day strike that affected supply across the country.
RBA Holds Rates at 4.35%, Hints at February Rate Cut
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the cash rate at 4.35% for December, its ninth consecutive hold, while leaving the door open for a potential cut in February. The decision, first reported by ABC News, reflects the RBA’s…
Victorian Government to Unlock Industrial Land in Hastings
The Victorian government has announced its Economic Growth Statement, a policy aimed at creating a 10-year pipeline of industrial land to support expanding businesses and job creation.
Victoria Police Ramp Up Drink Driving Enforcement in December
Victoria Police are reminding drivers that December is historically the worst month for drink driving on Victorian roads, with a concerning rise in alcohol-related incidents. Over the past three years, 2591 drink driving detections were recorded in December—20 per cent…
Ben Smith Revealed as the Independent for Flinders
Ben Smith, CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre, has announced his candidacy as an independent for the federal seat of Flinders in next year’s election. Launching his campaign on Saturday, Smith addressed a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, highlighting his…
Christmas Carols at St John’s Presbyterian Church 22 December
Come and join us to sing, hear about, and celebrate the birth of Jesus at St John's Presbyterian Church in Somerville on Sunday, 22 December. The evening begins at 6 PM with tea, followed by carols at 7 PM. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this meaningful and festive celebration.
Council to Persist with Hand Beach Cleaning Trial
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council will continue its hand-cleaning beach trial until July next year, despite ongoing concerns from ratepayers. In response to complaints about excessive seaweed, odours, dead fish, and potential health risks to both locals and visitors, acting…
Peninsula Aero Club: A Truley community focused organisation
Peninsula Aero Club: A Truley community focused organisation
Earn While Supporting Community-Focused News
Looking for a flexible way to earn extra money while making a difference in your community? Discover an opportunity with STPL News that lets you do just that. By joining our growing network, you can contribute to the success of…
Celebrating Two Years of Community News: Final 2024 Edition of Somerville Times
Celebrating Two Years of Community News: Final 2024 Edition of Somerville Times
The final edition of the Somerville Times for 2024 is now rolling out, celebrating two years of community news with 20 editions of the Somerville Times and 5 editions of the Peninsula Local. Together, these publications have produced and distributed an impressive total of approximately 300,000 copies.
Independent Candidate Push for Flinders Ahead of 2025 Federal Election
Debbi de Lapps, spokesperson for the Independent for Flinders group, has declared that the electorate is ready for change ahead of next year’s federal election. Speaking on behalf of the group, Ms de Lapps highlighted growing dissatisfaction with major political…
Kananook Creek Advisory Group Faces Uncertain Future
The Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate has announced its decision to withdraw from direct involvement with the Kananook Creek Advisory Group, sparking concerns about the group’s future. The unexpected decision was revealed during Monday night’s Frankston Council meeting, where…
