The July edition of the Somerville Times is rolling out from Monday, packed with local news, the new Helping Hands pantry, crime updates, council budget news, and more. Grab your copy at authorised outlets across the Mornington Peninsula.
Flinders Christian College’s autism program is under fire, with families and advocates alleging neglect, unsafe environments and breaches of discrimination law. Read more.
Parks Victoria is using helicopters to repair the Two Bays Walking Trail between Dromana and Cape Schanck. The works aim to boost safety and drainage, with an early spring reopening expected.
Four teenagers have been charged after an alleged violent incident outside a Rosebud restaurant in March. Police are calling for witnesses and video footage.
Minimum wage, super and Centrelink payments are all rising, plus Victoria has introduced new road rules and AI cameras. Find out what these 1 July changes mean for Mornington Peninsula and Frankston locals.
Frankston Council has endorsed its 2025–2026 budget and a new wellbeing plan, including a record $1.7M support package for residents and community services.
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.
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.
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.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has relocated its budget meeting from Flinders to Rosebud, citing logistics. Mayor Marsh warns arts funding changes won’t be revisited, despite protest plans.
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.
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…
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.
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.
Fresh concerns over horse welfare at a Mt Eliza property have led to a planned community protest. STPL News investigates the latest claims, past incidents, and RSPCA Victoria’s ongoing response.
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.
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.
A man has died after being swept into the ocean at Cape Schanck on Anzac Day. Emergency crews launched a search, but the man could not be revived.
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.
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.
Somerville Highway Patrol intercepted two disqualified drivers overnight in Seaford and Langwarrin, both testing positive for drugs. Their vehicles were impounded and both will face court.
Liberal candidate Zoe McKenzie has called a local news publication for publishing a letter she claims is filled with false information. The incident highlights the risks of misinformation in the lead-up to the 2025 federal election.
The latest edition of the Somerville Times is rolling off the press and will be available for pickup at local collection points starting tomorrow.
A new boutique hotel may soon rise in Rye, with a development-approved site at 6 Napier Street now on the market.
A 27-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly driving at 200km/h, colliding with a police vehicle, and fleeing the scene in Paterson Lakes. She is expected to face multiple charges.
STPL News invites Flinders residents to share authentic opinions on local election candidates for a special feature, focusing on community voices and pressing issues.
Victoria Police are conducting a renewed search at Cape Schanck for missing 28-year-old Sergio Cuesta, last seen in September 2023. His case is treated as a homicide, with four murder charges filed.
Hastings MP Paul Mercurio claimed the Hastings Club is not a not-for-profit, but official records tell a different story. The club has pushed back, calling for clarity and support.
Hastings Club board member Kevin Miles criticizes the Mornington Peninsula Shire for neglecting Western Port communities following the club's closure due to a leak. He claims the Shire failed to provide financial support, leading to the club's liquidation and community frustration.
Greens candidate Adam Frogely lives 130 km from Sorrento and 96km from Somerville, raising questions about his ability to represent the electorate. Can passion compensate for distance and perhaps, logic?
Mornington Peninsula detectives are investigating an arson attack in Hastings after two males set fire to a ute at a Frankston-Flinders Road service station.
