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.
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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.
Frankston’s 72% Rise in Overdose Deaths Sounds Alarm for Peninsula
Overdose deaths in Frankston have surged by 72% over 15 years, with 81 lives lost since 2019. The Mornington Peninsula faces similar risks as overdose fatalities outpace the national road toll.
Detectives Probe Mystery Surrounding Injured Man Found in Frankston
A man in his 40s has been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after being found with severe head injuries on Cecil Street, Frankston. Detectives are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to help piece together the events.
Urgent Care Clinic Reaffirmed for Somerville
Somerville will get its promised Medicare Urgent Care Clinic after weeks of uncertainty. Federal Labor has confirmed the bulk-billed, walk-in service will open by late 2025, despite initial tender documents favouring Hastings.
New Superintendent Appointed to Lead Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Police
Superintendent Anne Rudd has been appointed to lead Victoria Police across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. With a strong background in police training and leadership, she says her priority is ensuring the community not only feels safe but is safe, through visible policing and stronger connections with residents.
“Difference Between Eating and Going Without”: Frankston Council Steps In to Support Struggling Families
Frankston Council has stepped in with $45,000 for Community Support Frankston, funding meals, vouchers, and relief for over 2,000 residents hit by cost-of-living pressures.
Sensational Somerville Demoralises Chelsea in Last Quarter Blitz
Somerville pulled off a dramatic comeback to defeat Chelsea by eight points in the MPNFL Division 2 Elimination Final. The Eagles now face Pearcedale in the semi-finals as momentum builds in their push for a premiership.
New Workplace Laws Kick In: What They Mean for Small Businesses in 2025
Small business owners face major legal changes in 2025, including the Right to Disconnect, wage theft penalties, superannuation increases and updated award classifications.
Ground Breaking System at Frankston Hospital Speeds Cancer Care
Peninsula Health has introduced a ground-breaking Post-Endoscopy Pathway at Frankston Hospital, automating cancer detection and cutting treatment delays by 43%.
Helping Hands Somerville Launches with Grand Opening Celebration
Helping Hands Somerville has officially opened its doors at Somerville Community House, already supporting more than 120 families each week with free food. Backed by volunteers, donors and local groups, the pantry launched on 22 August with a strong show of community support.
Somerville Business Group Calls for Urgent Care Clinic Commitment to Be Honoured
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 as Urgent Care Clinic Shifted to Hastings
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.
Council backs legal lifeline for Frankston youth and renters
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.
Shire Confirms Job Cuts: Up to 48 Staff to Go in Major Restructure
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
Mayor Swings the Axe: 30 or More Staff Face Chopping Block
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.
Hastings Man Accused of Using Children in Mornington Peninsula Burglaries
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.
Mayor Condemns Propaganda Vandalism on Frankston Playground Equipment
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.
Council Adopts New Strategic and Health Plans to Guide Next Four Years
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.
Latest Edition of the Somerville Times Rolling Out This Week
The August edition of the Somerville Times rolls out Tuesday, 19 August, and will be available at all collection points by Wednesday, 20 August.
What Could Happen if a Councillor Breaches Conflict of Interest Rules?
If a councillor fails to declare a conflict of interest, consequences can include suspension, reputational damage, and loss of public trust.
Somerville’s Noah Hart Races at BMX World Championships
Somerville rider Noah Hart competed at the UCI BMX World Championships in Denmark, an event showcasing the best riders globally.
Somerville Flattens Frankston
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.
Beach Box Shame: Ex-AFL Star Aaron James Pleads Guilty to NSFW Act
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.
Woman Charged Over Criminal Damage in Rosebud
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.
Canberra Trip Highlights Leadership Divide and Souring Frankston & Mornington Peninsula Relations
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.
