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.
The Pink Ladies Auxiliary has donated $360,000 to Peninsula Health, supporting new equipment, services and research at Frankston Hospital.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Small business owners face major legal changes in 2025, including the Right to Disconnect, wage theft penalties, superannuation increases and updated award classifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh voted to approve his own interstate travel without declaring a conflict of interest — and it’s not the first time his voting has raised transparency questions.
Capel Sound has secured a major victory, with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council voting unanimously to keep 11a Allambi Avenue as public parkland in the draft Open Space Strategy.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council staff are reportedly on edge after being told job cuts are coming. Affected teams will be revealed in September. The Shire has not publicly commented.
A woman confronted a group of children as young as 8 vandalising a Frankston line train with a Stanley knife in a viral TikTok, raising safety concerns as Victoria’s machete ban takes effect.
Peninsula Health is tackling homelessness on the Peninsula with a holistic approach — combining housing, healthcare, and social support to keep at-risk patients off the streets.
Frankston police are asking for the public’s help to find 40-year-old Shane Conham, wanted on warrant and believed to be travelling via public transport.
Capel Sound residents are calling on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to honour its 2023 commitment to protect 11a Allambi Avenue as parkland. A draft strategy proposing a 50/50 housing split has sparked community backlash ahead of the 12 August council meeting at Tyabb.
Two motorcyclists who allegedly swerved through traffic and performed wheelies on Peninsula Link were caught on CCTV and had their bikes impounded. Police say the incident highlights the growing toll of motorbike-related fatalities in Victoria.
A boil-water alert affecting 1,200 homes in Frankston South has been lifted. South East Water confirms water is safe and has issued a $90 credit per household.
The proposed renewable energy terminal at Western Port Bay will undergo full federal environmental assessment after being declared a "controlled action" under the EPBC Act, amid concerns over its impact on Ramsar-listed wetlands and marine life.
A machete ban takes effect in Victoria from 1 September — with amnesty bins now in Frankston, Rosebud and other suburbs. Critics say it’s a political stunt that won’t reduce violence. What do you think?
Frankston City Council has approved a $72.9 million capital works program for 2025–26, funding upgrades across roads, parks, childcare centres, sports facilities and arts precincts to support future growth.
A 42-year-old Seaford man has been arrested following a hit-run on Nepean Highway that left an off-duty police officer seriously injured. The white Isuzu D-MAX was intercepted in Mentone after being reported for erratic driving. Police continue to investigate.
A 61-year-old off-duty police officer cycling to work was seriously injured in a hit-run on the Nepean Highway in Seaford. Police are seeking dashcam footage and witnesses.
A Cranbourne East man and woman have been charged after police seized $20,000 worth of meth, GHB, cash, and a replica AK-47 during a suburban raid.
Emil Madsen Reserve in Mount Eliza has been closed due to contaminated water, disrupting local sporting and community events over the weekend. South East Water is currently investigating.
A 24-year-old Langwarrin man has been charged over a high-speed pursuit that ended with a crash, police car ramming, and Dog Squad arrest. Drugs and weapons were allegedly seized.
Somerville continued its winning streak in Round 15 with a gutsy 23-point win over Chelsea, setting up a thrilling final stretch in the 2025 MPNFL season.
A 24-year-old Langwarrin man is in custody after allegedly ramming a police car and fleeing in a stolen vehicle. The chase ended in a crash and Dog Squad arrest.
A six-year community battle has ended in defeat, with VCAT approving a "McDonald’s-style" outlet in Safety Beach despite strong local opposition and two previous rejections. Locals and council fear traffic congestion, harm to small businesses, and the loss of village character.
More than $52,000 has been raised for Tane Rongonui, a beloved Rye Junior Football Club volunteer and local dad hospitalised with critical heart failure
Frankston City Council has endorsed a new Council and Wellbeing Plan for 2025–2029, shaped by extensive community input and designed to deliver lasting outcomes in health, inclusion, climate action and local development.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has approved a 20% rebate on general rates for retirement village residents after scrapping the long-standing discount applied to their property valuations. The rebate, introduced as a temporary one-year measure, follows sharp CIV increases and was passed after Cr David Gill successfully amended the motion.
A decomposing horse has been found on Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property, fuelling fresh outrage as local protests reach their 14th week. Community members say conditions are worsening and accuse authorities of inaction. STPL News has obtained footage of the dead animal, as pressure mounts on the RSPCA and state government to intervene.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council plans to halve rate relief for retirement village residents, replacing the long-standing 20% discount with a 10% one-off rebate. The change would affect more than 2,500 units across 15 villages and has been labelled a "slap in the face" to pensioners already doing it tough. Critics say Council is targeting the most vulnerable while claiming to prioritise community wellbeing.
