Police Seek Public Help to Find Missing Man ‘John’ from Pakenham
Victoria Police are searching for John, 30, missing from Pakenham and last seen in Dandenong on Wednesday evening. Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.
Cr Gill Pushes for Stronger Scrutiny Rules as Council Tensions Boil Over
Cr David Gill has lodged a motion to strengthen transparency and accountability at Mornington Peninsula Shire, following months of tension with Mayor Anthony Marsh and the “notorious bloc of six” accused of shutting down council debate.
Community Connector Program Expands to Frankston’s Retail Strips
Frankston’s Community Connector program will remain in place for another year, with new funding allowing outreach workers to expand their presence into two major retail precincts in the CBD.
Shire Faces $1 Million Recycling Bill as Contamination Rises
Mornington Peninsula Shire blames a rise in recycling contamination — now costing an extra $1 million — on residents putting the wrong items in yellow-lid bins.
Kananook Train Stabling Upgrade Boosts Frankston Line Operations
The Victorian Government has completed major works at the Kananook Train Stabling Yard near Seaford, increasing capacity and improving daily operations on the Frankston Line. The upgraded facility is part of the Level Crossing Removal Project, which aims to make the line level crossing-free by 2029.
Victoria Police Seek Public Help to Locate Wanted Persons in Frankston and Mornington Peninsula
Victoria Police are appealing for public help to locate several people wanted on warrant across Frankston, Mornington, Langwarrin and Rye. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report online. Read article for full details.
Southern Metro Police Constable Charged With Harassment
A 23-year-old Victoria Police constable from the Southern Metro Region, which includes Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, has been charged with harassment following an internal investigation.
$4 Million State Boost for Rosebud Hospital Upgrades
Rosebud Hospital will receive a $4 million upgrade to improve ventilation, safety and patient facilities, but locals say only a full redevelopment will meet the community’s growing needs.
Somerville Cricket Club Season 2025–26
Somerville Cricket Club has kicked off the 2025–26 MPCA season in style, securing a dominant win over Long Island at The Nest, with standout performances from Nick Mann, Kiefer Peries and captain Chris Brittain.
MPSC Commits $500k To Upgrade Peninsula CCTV Network
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has committed $500,000 to upgrade its CCTV network across major townships, aiming to improve reliability and give Victoria Police better access to footage in real time.
Frankston City Council Expands Youth Programs With Young People Leading The Way
Frankston City Council is expanding youth programs across the municipality, placing young people at the centre of planning and delivery. The move follows the $750,000 upgrade of the Langwarrin Skate Park, a project shaped by youth feedback and funded in…
Project One Brings a Fresh Coffee Vibe to Frankston
Project One has opened in Frankston, led by 22-year-old local Josh. The new café is already attracting strong community support, with customers praising its coffee, fresh atmosphere and friendly service. Backed by community, Project One is quickly establishing itself in the city’s hospitality scene.
Frankston Council Launches Subsidies and Rewards to Ease Cost Pressures
Frankston Council has introduced new subsidies and ratepayer rewards worth more than $250,000 to help ease cost-of-living pressures and boost community participation.
MPSC Sets Sights on Safer and Stronger Infrastructure Across the Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has unveiled a new infrastructure program focusing on safer roads, renewed community facilities, and stronger coastal defences to prepare the region for future growth.
Pink Ladies raise $360,000 for Frankston Hospital
The Pink Ladies Auxiliary has donated $360,000 to Peninsula Health, supporting new equipment, services and research at Frankston Hospital.
Police appeal for help to locate missing teen Shane
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate 17-year-old Shane, last seen in Seaford on 2 September. He is known to visit Melbourne CBD, Frankston and St Kilda.
New Lights Officially Opened at Somerville Tennis Club
Somerville Tennis Club has officially opened new lights on courts 4–6, funded by a $100,000 State Government grant. The upgrade means all six courts are now available for night matches.
Peninsula Leisure to Take Over Centenary Park Golf Course Management
Centenary Park Golf Course will be managed by Peninsula Leisure, a wholly Council-owned organisation, from July 2026, with Frankston City Council assuring a smooth transition and ongoing community access.
Mount Eliza Horse Rescue: 35 Seized in “Peaceful Seizure”
The battle to save animals at 550 Moorooduc Highway continues, with protesters warning the fight is not over despite the RSPCA seizing 35 horses from Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property.
The Same Faces, More Crimes: Repeat Youth Offenders Fuel Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Crime Wave
Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula recorded more than 23,000 offences in the past year, with police warning that repeat young offenders are fuelling the rise in crime.
RSPCA Victoria Seizes 35 Horses from Mount Eliza Property in Major Community Win
RSPCA Victoria has confirmed 35 horses were seized from Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property under warrant. The Inspectorate praised the operation as complex but successful, while campaigners hailed the outcome as a major community win after months of protests.
RSPCA and Police Raid Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza Property in Major Win for Community and Animals
RSPCA and Victoria Police have raided Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property in a major win for the community and animals. Horses, including a mare and foal, have already been removed.
Dachshunds, Goat Yoga and Pup Cups: Frankston’s Great Pet-Together Returns
Frankston’s Great Pet-Together returns to Ballam Park on 12 October with dachshund races, goat yoga, pup cup contests, pet markets and food trucks — a free day out for families and pets.
Councillor Term Limit Motion Sparks Walkout at MPSC Meeting
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to call on the MAV to cap councillor terms at 12 years. Many saw the move as a strategic swipe at veteran Cr David Gill, who walked out of the chamber after being shut down in debate.
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.
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.
