Print & Digital Copies of Somerville Times 031 are Out Now
Latest edition of the Somerville Times by STPL News.
Tag Author: Jay Scicluna
Somerville Times final 2025 edition out now
The final 2025 print edition of the Somerville Times is out now and available free at local collection points or by home delivery. Print will return in February 2026, while STPL News daily e-news continues throughout summer.
June 2025 (024) Edition of the Somerville Times
We’re thrilled to announce that the latest edition of Somerville Times is out now! Our print copies are currently being rolled out across collection points, and you can grab yours today. For those who prefer reading online, you can access…
Top Crime Spots on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Revealed as New Report Shows Crime Running Rampant
Concerns surge as crime rates escalate across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston, prompting urgent calls for government action and support.
Independent Ben Smith, Pledges Monthly Town Hall Meetings
Independent Ben Smith Pledges Monthly Town Hall Meetings for Flinders Electorate at Somerville Business Group Meeting
Ben Smith Calls for End to Two-Party Dominance in Flinders
Independent candidate Ben Smith calls for change in Flinders, criticizing decades of two-party rule for failing to improve roads, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure.
McCrae Landslide: Residents Eager to Return Home
Investigations into the McCrae landslide are progressing, with authorities focused on determining the cause and ensuring the safe return of displaced residents.
Community Demands Action on Youth Crime at Hastings Protest
Frustration over youth crime and bail laws led to a protest in Hastings, with locals demanding action from the State Government and MP Paul Mercurio. https://wp.me/pgbDsE-17y
Hastings Footy Clinic Draws Huge Turnout, Promotes Youth Engagement
More than 200 young footy enthusiasts gathered at Hastings Football Club on Wednesday for a special AFL community clinic, a joint initiative led by the St Kilda Football Club, AFL Victoria, Hastings Police, Western Port Neighbourhood Watch, the Rotary Club of Hastings, and Hastings Football Club.
Massive Traffic Surge Crashes STPL News Website, Signals Rapid Growth
STPL News saw an unprecedented surge of nearly 120,000 visitors in four hours, temporarily crashing its website. With readership at an all-time high, now is the perfect time for businesses to advertise.
Paid Parking ‘Dead and Buried’ as Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Confirms
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh confirms that paid parking is officially scrapped following public feedback. Read article for full details.
Drivers Reminded to Slow Down as Students Head Back to School
Children across the Mornington Peninsula will begin returning to school this week, with some schools resuming as early as Wednesday. Motorists are reminded that school speed zones are now back in force, and vigilance on the roads is critical to…
McCrae Landslide: Security Ramped Up at Site Amid Looting Fears
The McCrae landslide site sees increased security measures with CCTV and Victoria Police patrols as concerns rise over looting. Ongoing investigations and recovery efforts continue for affected residents.
Peninsula Locals Honoured in 2025 Australia Day Awards
A number of local residents from the Mornington Peninsula have been recognised in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for their service to various fields, including psychiatry, community service, Australian rules football, and more.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Embraces Australia Day with Inclusive Celebrations
Mornington Peninsula Shire leads by example this Australia Day with inclusive celebrations, including family-friendly events in Dromana, Rosebud, Sorrento, and a Bunurong-led event at The Briars,
Angel of Mercy Honoured as Tyabb Airport’s Gate Guardian in Historic Ceremony
A permanent memorial to the 'Angel of Mercy', the World's first civilian helicopter ambulance service, was unveiled at Tyabb Airport. The ceremony celebrated the service's transformative impact on emergency medical care in the region
Fears Mount Over Future of Late MP Peta Murphy’s Gaming Reforms
Political resistance and industry pressure threaten the gaming reforms championed by the late Dunkley MP Peta Murphy, raising doubts about a ban on gambling ads as government action stalls.
Driver Charged After Tooradin Collision Leaves Motorcyclist Fighting for Life
A 35-year-old Newport man has been charged with dangerous driving after a Tooradin crash left a motorcyclist fighting for life.
Motorcyclist in Critical Condition After Serious Crash in Tooradin
A 39-year-old motorcyclist is in critical condition and is fighting for his life following a serious crash involving a BMW sedan in Tooradin on 20 January 2025.
Children’s Court Appoints Dedicated Magistrate Amid Youth Crime Surge
Magistrate Julie O’Donnell begins her role as Victoria’s first dedicated youth justice magistrate as the state attempts to grapple with youth crime.
US TikTok Ban Imminent: Will Australia Follow?
As the US approaches an iminent TikTok ban, Australia may reassess its stance on data privacy and national security. Learn what the ban could mean for Australian users and policy changes.
Homicide Investigation Update: Man Charged Following Death in Dandenong
Homicide Squad detectives have made a breakthrough in the investigation of a fatal incident on McCrae Street, Dandenong, earlier this week, charging a man with murder.
Water Police Increase Patrols as Jet Ski Incidents Surge on Mornington Peninsula
Water Police are intensifying patrols along the Mornington Peninsula following a series of serious jet ski incidents. Recent accidents at Safety Beach and Rye highlight the dangers of reckless behaviour on local waterways.
Major Upgrade for Nepean Highway as Frankston FMAC Development Moves Ahead
The next stage of the Frankston FMAC development begins with a Nepean Highway upgrade featuring 8,000 new plants, new businesses, and the upcoming Harbour Frankston luxury complex.
Police Arrest Four Men in Connection to Aggravated Burglaries Across Frankston Area
Frankston detectives have arrested four men following an extensive investigation into a spate of aggravated burglaries and thefts across the region in recent weeks. Officers from the Frankston Crime Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Flynn…
Beach Frustrations Erupt on the Mornington Peninsula
As reported by The Guardian, a social media post by Visit Victoria promoting No 16 Back Beach Rye has sparked controversy, leading to its removal after local concerns were raised about safety at the site. The promotional content described the…
Homicide Investigation: Reports of Gunshots and Man’s Body Found in Dandenong
Police are investigating after a man’s body was discovered at a property on McCrae Street in Dandenong, Melbourne’s southeast, on Tuesday morning. Emergency services responded shortly before 9:40 am after a passerby found the man with serious upper body injuries.…
Sam Groth MP Rises to Deputy Leader as Chris Crewther MP Appointed Shadow Assistant Minister
Nepean MP Sam Groth rises to Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, while Mornington MP Chris Crewther has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing and Rental Affordability as Brad Battin reorganises the shadow cabinet following a leadership spill.
Missing Teen Ophelia Found Safe by Police.
Thirteen-year-old Ophelia, missing from Seaford since Sunday, has been found safe. Her family and police thank the public for their assistance.
Frankston’s New Hospital to Feature Cutting-Edge Technology and Green Innovation
Frankston’s upcoming $1.1 billion hospital will feature state-of-the-art medical technology and environmentally sustainable design, with over 11,500 square metres of green spaces, rooftop gardens, and advanced air quality systems for improved health outcomes.
Safety Beach Collision Sparks Outcry as Locals Demand Crackdown on Jet Ski Behaviour
A jet ski and boat collision at Safety Beach hospitalised two teenagers, fuelling locals’ frustrations over reckless jet ski behaviour. Authorities urge safety amid rising water rescues.
Fireworks Seized and Teen Stabbed on Mornington Peninsula During NYE Celebrations
New Year’s Eve on the Mornington Peninsula saw illegal fireworks seized, a teen stabbed in Blairgowrie, and proactive police operations ensuring safety. Read more.
Victoria Police Alarmed by High Number of Drink Drivers Over Break
Victoria Police highlight alarming drink driving trends over New Year, with nearly half of offenders caught between midnight and 6am. Increased enforcement is planned to ensure road safety.
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.
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?
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.
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…
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
