Paul Pingiaro Backs Amended Budget Amid Community Backlash
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro voted for the 2025–26 budget as amended, acknowledging room for improvement amid backlash over arts and environment cuts.
Tag Mornington Peninsula News
Police Seek Public Help to Locate Missing Person Ailsa
Police are appealing for public help to find 45-year-old Ailsa, last seen at Southland Shopping Centre on Monday morning.
Frankston CEO Phil Cantillon Announces Departure After Six Years at the Helm
Frankston City Council CEO Phil Cantillon will depart on 18 July after six years in the role, closing a chapter of major transformation and advocacy.
Mayor Blocks Motions, but Council Votes to Reconsider Funding at Mid-Year Review
Mayor Marsh blocked multiple motions from Cr Patton and Cr Gill, but Cr Kate Roper found middle ground with a motion to reconsider key community funding at the mid-year review, which passed unanimously.
Protest Planned as Mayor Defends Budget and Cr Patton Calls for Review of Arts Cuts and Climate Action
Cr Max Patton will move two motions addressing funding cuts and climate planning as community groups prepare to protest outside the Mornington Peninsula Council meeting on 17 June.
No Sympathy for Maxine as GoFundMe Falls Flat and Animal Protests Enter Ninth Week
As protests approach week nine, Maxine Fraser launches a failed GoFundMe campaign. Protesters say animals remain in poor health.
‘Utter Stupidity’: Frankston Police Stunned by Dangerous Driving Spree
Frankston Police were left shaking their heads after 16 drug drivers and several reckless offenders were caught in a series of late-night traffic incidents.
Week 8 of Mount Eliza Horse Protests Draws Long-Term Advocates and Legislative Action
Week 8 of horse welfare protests in Mount Eliza sees renewed calls for action. Meanwhile, advocates urge supporters to sign two state petitions for legal reform.
Construction Begins on Monterey Recycled Water Scheme
Work begins on the Monterey Recycled Water Scheme, delivering 98 million litres of recycled water annually to Frankston parks and sports fields.
‘It’s Never Too Late to Speak Up’: Police Urge Seniors to Report Elder Abuse
As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches, Victoria Police are calling on older Victorians to speak up. Senior Constable Kim McKeown says it’s never too late to seek help, as police launch new support initiatives across aged care facilities.
Seized WWI Weapons Donated to Rosebud RSL
Two World War I-era bayonets seized in a police raid have been donated to the Rosebud RSL, where they will be preserved as part of a public military memorabilia display.
Council Post Quietly Reworded as Mayor Responds to Backlash
Mornington Peninsula Shire has revised its Council meeting attendance post after public backlash. Mayor Anthony Marsh says he had no involvement in the decision. Protests are expected to continue at the 17 June council meeting.
Ideas Racing at the MPSC Business Summit
Business leaders gathered at the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Summit, sharing ideas on growth, transport, and sustainability.
Dandenong Home Searched Over Fatal House Fire in Truganina
Police have searched a Dandenong home in connection to the fatal Truganina house fire that killed 27-year-old Katie Tangey in January. The fire is believed to be a case of mistaken identity linked to the illicit tobacco trade.
New Rules for Attending Council Meetings Spark Community Backlash
Mornington Peninsula Shire now requires online registration to attend council meetings. The 'out of the blue' facebook post has generated further criticism from residents who see this as another attempt to silence debate and shut down free speech by the council.
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…
Drink and Drug Driving Offences Surge During Operation Regal
Victoria Police detected over 6,000 traffic offences—including drink and drug driving—during Operation Regal over the King’s Birthday weekend. One in 16 drug drivers tested positive.
MPSC Libraries to Host Free Baby and Child First Aid Sessions
The Mornington Peninsula Shire will host free Baby and Child First Aid sessions in Rosebud, Hastings, Somerville, and Mornington libraries this June, providing basic CPR and emergency care education for parents and carers.
Next Edition of the Somerville Times Rolling Out This Week
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.
Frankston P-Plater Caught Driving Nearly Double the Speed Limit
A 19-year-old P-plater from Frankston has been caught driving nearly double the speed limit on Boundary Road, Dingley Village. His licence was suspended on the spot and car impounded.
Search Underway for Missing 21-Year-Old in Frankston
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.
“We Don’t Want Skid Row”: Frankston Council Targets Neglected CBD Properties
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.
Rosebud Noise Nuisance Ends After Court Ruling
A Rosebud resident has been fined $2,000 after Mornington Peninsula Shire Council took court action over months of excessive overnight noise. The case is Council's first successful ruling under the Environment Protection Act 2017.
‘Cut Off at the Heels’: Council’s Arts Cuts Disregard Community
The uproar continues following MPSC's decision to cut $480k in arts grants, sparking protests and growing community backlash.
‘Dodgy Builder’ Banned for Life After Supreme Court Ruling
Peninsula Building Projects and its director CJ Fulton have been permanently banned by the Victorian Supreme Court after operating without registration, leaving clients thousands out of pocket.
Wanted on Warrant: Frankston and Mornington Peninsula
Eight people are currently wanted on warrant across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Police are calling on the public for help to locate them
Young Street Blooms as Frankston’s Revitalisation Efforts Take Root
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.
Two Hastings Men Charged Over Dromana Ram Raid and South-East Crime Spree
Two men from Hastings have been charged over a string of ram raids across Melbourne’s south-east, including a break-in at a Dromana pharmacy. Police allege the pair targeted multiple businesses in a three-day crime spree.
Debate Denied: Climate Motion Shut Down at Council Meeting
Tensions rise at Mornington Peninsula Council's meeting last night following a series of protests against cuts and policy changes.
Search Underway for Missing Hastings Teen
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 Appeal for Public Assistance to Locate Shantaya
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.
Harbour Frankston Construction Begins, Signalling Major Boost to City Revitalisation
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.
Mornington Peninsula Council May Sell Properties Over $15M in Unpaid Rates
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is considering the sale of properties to recover unpaid rates, prompting concerns for elderly and vulnerable homeowners.
Local Champion Honoured for Transforming Rye into a Model of Sustainability
Rye resident Mechelle Cheers has been awarded the Dame Phyllis Frost Local Hero Award for her environmental and community contributions, helping earn Rye recognition at the 2025 Tidy Towns Awards.
‘We Won’t Let the Kids Down’: Shire Cuts Put DRI’s Youth Marine Program at Risk
The Dolphin Research Institute’s award-winning youth marine leadership program is at risk after Mornington Peninsula Shire pulled funding. Community support now critical.
Explosives, Drugs, and Stolen Property Seized in Cranbourne Raid
Police seize explosives and drugs in Cranbourne raid, leading to woman's arrest. Investigation into theft continues. Call Crime Stoppers with info.
Zoe McKenzie Joins Shadow Ministry, Giving Mornington Peninsula a Front Row Seat
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.
Rosebud Police Impound Car After Driver Found Four Times Over Limit
A Rosebud driver has lost his licence and had his car impounded after being caught with a blood alcohol level of 0.20 on the Mornington Peninsula. Police say the man will face court over the serious drink driving offence.
Frankston Man Arrested After 3 Week Violent Crime Spree
A Frankston man has been arrested after a three-week crime spree involving burglaries, vehicle thefts, and an attempted carjacking targeting Melbourne's southeast, including Frankston, Cranbourne, Carrum Downs, Langwarrin, Somerville and Mt Eliza.
Hastings Local Pushes for Stronger Animal Welfare Laws with Dual Parliamentary Petitions
Tracey Asquith from Hastings has launched two state petitions—one backed by Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell and another by Hastings MP Paul Mercurio—urging reform of Victoria's animal welfare laws.
Kananook Commuter Car Park Opens to Public, Boosting Transport and Community Access
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.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Opens Public Feedback on Draft Strategic Plans
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.
Chris Crewther MP to Lead 21km Walk for Bowel Cancer Awareness
Chris Crewther MP will lead a 21km coastal walk through Mount Eliza, Mornington, and Mount Martha to raise awareness for early-onset bowel cancer ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Police Investigate Armed Robbery Spree Across Melbourne’s South-East
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.
Illegal E-Scooter Impounded on Nepean Highway
A 33-year-old man from Caulfield North has had his e-scooter impounded by Somerville Highway Patrol after being caught riding at 50km/h on Nepean Highway, Mt Eliza. The high-powered scooter, capable of reaching 90km/h, was deemed illegal under Victorian road laws.
Fatal Fire in Langwarrin Under Investigation
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.
Fatal Unit Fire Claims One Life in Frankston
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.
Marsh Responds to Criticism Over Arts Grants and Staff Cost Reductions
Mayor Anthony Marsh says the arts aren't being targeted, despite backlash over grant removals and staff cost cuts. Critics further note contradictions in the council budget statements made by Marsh after the May 20 council meeting.
Frankston Council Prepares $1 Million Hardship Package Amid Cost-of-Living Pressures
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.
Creative Community Packs Council Meeting as Budget Cuts Proceed
Tensions flared at the latest Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting as the arts community protested funding cuts. Protesters packed the gallery, with some comparing the Mayor to U.S. President Donald Trump.
