Final Tree Planted in Frankston’s Greening Project Milestone

Frankston City Council has planted over 60,000 trees since 2021 as part of its Urban Forest Action Plan, boosting canopy cover and climate resilience across the municipality

Frankston City Council has planted over 60,000 trees since 2021 as part of its Urban Forest Action Plan, boosting canopy cover and climate resilience across the municipality

Police are appealing for public help to find 52-year-old Kody, missing from Dandenong and known to frequent Frankston and Melbourne CBD. Call Mernda Police with any information.

Local resident Anne Kruger expresses concern over Council’s handling of the 2025–26 budget, citing blocked debate, poor consultation, and a loss of public trust.

Police are searching for 50-year-old Moira, last seen in Bundoora on Sunday 15 June. She may be in the Frankston or Chelsea area. Public urged to call Mill Park Police.

Volunteers gave $1.3M in time to Frankston City, with Council recognising their role in supporting more than 35 local programs across all nine wards.

Frankston City Council is expanding its community support programs in 2025–26, with $1.5M committed to aid, education, and inclusion initiatives.

The new edition of the Somerville Times is hitting local collection points this Wednesday, with the full digital version available Thursday. Special thanks to CWK Cabinet Makers for their continued support and renewing their sponsorship for the third consecutive year.

Police are searching for 21-year-old Henry, last seen about 3am on Ajana Lane, Frankston. Anyone with information is urged to contact Frankston Police Station on (03) 9784 5555.

Frankston Council is targeting run-down commercial properties in the CBD, issuing fines and notices as part of a major clean-up to support local business and public safety.

Eight people are currently wanted on warrant across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Police are calling on the public for help to locate them

Nearly 4,000 new plants are transforming Young Street in Frankston as part of a broader council strategy to improve safety, cleanliness, and visual appeal across the CBD.

Police are seeking public assistance to help locate 13-year-old Hayden, who was last seen in Hastings on 20 April. Anyone with information is urged to contact Bayside Police.

Police are searching for 12-year-old Shantaya, last seen in Keysborough on 22 May. Known to frequent Berwick, Doveton and Mornington. Public urged to contact Dandenong Police.

Construction is now underway on Harbour Frankston, a $140 million development delivering new apartments and retail outlets on Nepean Highway. The project is part of the wider revitalisation of Frankston’s city centre.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is considering the sale of properties to recover unpaid rates, prompting concerns for elderly and vulnerable homeowners.

Mornington Peninsula MP Zoe McKenzie has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Mental Health in Susan Ley’s new shadow ministry, giving the region a direct voice in national policy.

Mornington Peninsula Shire expands smoke-free zones for healthier environments ahead of World No Tobacco Day, promoting smoke-free beaches and reserves.

Radio Westernport has officially launched in Hastings, supported by Atticus Health, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Western Port Secondary College. The station offers students and locals a platform to share their voice through podcasting.

A 13-year-old boy was arrested after a high-speed chase in a stolen Porsche in Moorooduc. The pursuit lasted nearly three hours and is part of Operation Trinity targeting youth crime and car thefts.

Frankston has opened the Kananook Commuter Car Park, featuring over 300 parking spaces and designed for future expansion. This $22 million project enhances local transport, supports community hubs, and reflects a $85 million investment in the Kananook precinct.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire invites resident feedback on draft strategic plans, including the Council Plan and Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, to address service delivery costs and community needs, with submissions open until 2 July 2025.

Police are appealing for information after a string of violent armed robberies at service stations across Melbourne’s south-east. At least ten locations were hit on the same night, with machete-wielding offenders stealing cash, cigarettes, and personal items.

A person has died in a house fire on Lyppards Road, Langwarrin. Victoria Police and fire investigators are examining the cause of the early morning blaze.

A person has died following a unit fire in Frankston on Thursday, 22 May. Emergency services responded to Franklin Court, where a body was discovered inside the burnt-out unit. Investigation ongoing.

Frankston Council is finalising a $1 million hardship package aimed at supporting residents impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. Cr Nathan Butler says the funding was secured through internal savings and will deliver targeted relief for the city’s most vulnerable.

The Somerville Times is back with a new edition out tomorrow — covering Flinders election, council chaos, and community wins across the Mornington Peninsula.

New research by the Dolphin Research Institute reveals Bass Strait could be a vital feeding and calving ground for humpback whales, challenging long-held beliefs and prompting calls for better environmental protection.

Victoria Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery aboard a Frankston-bound train on 23 March 2025. Public help is sought to identify a suspect seen exiting at Cheltenham Station.

Zoe McKenzie has retained Flinders after a close contest against Ben Smith and Sarah Race. All three candidates have spoken out following the result.

Zoe McKenzie is set to retain the federal seat of Flinders, leading independent challenger Ben Smith in a close race. The AEC has not yet declared a final result.

A man and woman from Pakenham have been charged after Victoria Police located a homemade shotgun and ammunition during a May 2025 raid.

Police are searching for 17-year-old Nicholas, missing since 4 April in Dandenong. He is known to frequent Bayside and Peninsula areas. Public help is urgently needed.

A former McClelland College science teacher has been charged with child sexual offences. The case is before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. VIT registration cancelled.

Mornington Peninsula arts and performing-arts groups accuse the Shire Council of ambushing them with a competitive funding model, threatening grassroots viability.

STPL News | Peninsula Local | Somerville Times Two Hastings men will appear before Frankston Magistrates’ Court next month, charged over a series of alleged break-ins across Seaford and Crib Point. The pair, both aged 39, were arrested after detectives…

STPL News spoke with Councillor Cam Williams to clarify recent concerns and confusion surrounding changes to the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s budget and funding model.

The Member for Hastings, Paul Mercurio MP, has criticised the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for slashing the Performing Arts Development Fund from $500,000 to $250,000, warning of serious impacts on local arts and culture.

Police are investigating the theft of a truck from a Frankston home on 19 April. The vehicle was later found ablaze in Baxter Park. Investigators are appealing for public assistance.

A parliamentary petition initiated by a local resident addresses horse neglect at a Mt Eliza property, seeking stronger animal protection laws. It follows community outrage and protests over the welfare of over 30 neglected horses.

The 2025 federal election sees Flinders' long-standing Liberal seat under threat as Independent Ben Smith gains momentum against incumbent Zoe McKenzie.

Flinders candidate Ben Smith is facing last-minute scrutiny over his campaign team’s links to pro-Palestinian activism, with Climate 200 distancing itself from staff involved in controversial protests and public statements.

In a thrilling round 3 MPNFL match, Pearcedale narrowly defeated Somerville by 2 points, with key performances from Brett Eddy and Lachlan Haskett. The match mirrored the spirit of traditional country footy amid a packed crowd.

Voters on the Mornington Peninsula can cast their ballots on Election Day, Friday 3 May 2024, at polling booths across the region. Early voting options are also available. Here's the full list of locations.

Carrum Downs Police have ramped up patrols in the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve as part of Operation Rolling Boulder, targeting illegal dirt bike use and hoon behaviour threatening community safety and wildlife.

In a letter to the editor, Rye resident Anne Kruger writes about the Flinders election and the importance of respectful debate, community spirit, and democratic participation.

Ryan Meuleman has secured a confidential payout from Slater & Gordon nearly 10 years after being hit by the former premier’s SUV. The family is now pursuing a defamation case against Daniel and Catherine Andrews.

Police are investigating a burglary in Mount Martha on 10 April, where a resident confronted an intruder armed with a weapon. CCTV images have been released as detectives seek public assistance.

In an interview with STPL News, One Nation candidate Mike Brown accused Independent Ben Smith of being insincere and aligned with the Teals and Simon Holmes à Court. Brown also drew comparisons between Holmes à Court and Clive Palmer, labelling both as political “wreckers” amid ongoing campaign disputes.

Victoria Police are searching for Judy, 83, who went missing from Carrum after taking a rideshare to Seaford. She has dementia and may be at risk.

A high-speed crash near Dromana has prompted police to seek public assistance. Dash cam footage may help investigators piece together how the incident unfolded.