Warrant Issued for Jason Gittus — Police Seek Public Assistance
Police are searching for Jason Gittus, 55, who is wanted on warrant for burglary and drug-related offences. Last known in the Mornington and Frankston areas.
Tag Mornington Peninsula News
Pearcedale Father Critically Injured in Wakeboarding Accident
A local dad, Darcy Coulson remains in critical care at The Alfred Hospita after a wakeboarding accident at Melbourne Cable Park earlier this month.
Somerville Soars in Round 14 Showdown
Somerville Football Club fought back against the wind and the odds to defeat Bonbeach in Round 14 of the MPNFL. With finals still within reach, the Eagles delivered a team-first performance, while the club’s netball sides also battled hard across all grades. Read the latest from the Somerville Swooper.
Disqualified Driver Parked in Disabled Bay, Blows .185 BA
A Frankston man faces court after parking in a disabled bay without a permit, while disqualified from driving and allegedly more than three times over the legal alcohol limit. Police impounded his car on the spot.
Helping Hands Somerville Calls for Pantry Donations
Helping Hands Somerville is calling on locals to donate pasta, long-life milk, spreads and more to keep its volunteer-run pantry stocked for residents doing it tough.
Somerville demolishes Devon
Somerville kept its finals hopes alive with a stirring final-term surge to down Devon Meadows by seven points. Read the full match wrap from The Somerville Swooper.
$4.25 Million in Community Funding Now Open
Mornington Peninsula Shire has opened applications for its latest Community Investment Funding program, with $4.25 million on offer to support local projects, events and initiatives over the next financial year. The funding is designed to back community groups, not-for-profits, businesses…
July Edition of the Somerville Times Rolling Out Monday
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.
Weapons and drugs haul in Frankston leads to three arrests
Frankston police have charged three people after allegedly seizing 3D printed machine guns, handguns, and a stash of drugs including cocaine and meth during raids in Overport Park and at a local property.
Families from Somerville and Seaford Left Reeling After Horror Hit-Run on Monash
A Somerville mother is in hospital and three young children were hurt after a hit-run crash on the Monash Freeway. The family, from Somerville and Seaford, were left devastated when the BMW driver fled.
New netball court opens at Dromana Recreation Reserve
Dromana’s new competition-standard netball court brings senior netball to Dromana Recreation Reserve, uniting football and netball at one venue.
Public comment period extended on Port of Hastings environmental referral
Public comment on the Port of Hastings EPBC referral for the Western Port Ramsar project now closes 16 July. Community sessions set for Flinders and online.
Rosebud Family Left Shattered as Kayle Hansen Jailed for Killing Jake Bradford
The family of Jake Bradford says no sentence can heal their loss after Kayle Hansen was jailed for killing the 21-year-old Rosebud man.
Former McClelland Teacher Orhan Sahin Accused of Accessing Student Photos via Compass
A former McClelland College teacher accused of child sexual offences remains on bail, with the case expanding as new complainants and hundreds of CCTV files emerge.
Mother Demands Justice Six Years After Baby’s Death in Frankston Home
Six years after her baby daughter Talon died under suspicious circumstances in their Frankston home, Kayla Hehir is still fighting for answers. With no coronial inquest and an ongoing police investigation, her family remains trapped in uncertainty. Now, a growing petition is demanding justice and accountability for Talon’s death.
$11M drive to boost play, health and community ties in Frankston
Frankston City Council has poured $11 million into upgrading 17 play spaces since 2021, strengthening health and community connections across local suburbs, and reaffirming its commitment with more funding set aside in 2025/26.
Is it time to call the Mornington Peninsula regional? Local MP says yes
Mornington MP Chris Crewther is renewing calls to classify the Peninsula as regional, arguing locals face higher taxes and miss out on vital funding under a metro tag.
Frankston City Council Takes Local Priorities to the National Stage in Canberra
Frankston City Council has taken local issues to Canberra, securing national backing for decentralisation, online safety and stronger sister city ties at the ALGA assembly.
Sorrento launches Australia’s biggest art prize amid Mornington Peninsula arts funding cuts
Sorrento has unveiled Australia’s richest art prize with a $125,000 award, hoping to uplift artists and tourism on the Mornington Peninsula, despite council funding slashes.
Former Peninsula Landscaper Jailed for Fleecing Pensioner of Nearly $200,000
A former Mornington Peninsula landscaper has been jailed after scamming a 69-year-old Bittern pensioner out of nearly $200,000, leaving her destitute in her final years. The County Court heard Jarrad Garth exploited the woman’s trust, draining her savings to just $39 before her death.
E-bike rider charged over fatal collision in Hastings
A Hastings man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death after an illegally modified e-bike fatally struck local grandfather William Lothian on Frankston-Flinders Road.
Lawyers Charged Over Alleged Fake Document at Frankston Magistrates’ Court
Two Melbourne lawyers are charged after allegedly submitting a fake medical certificate to Frankston Magistrates’ Court. Police say Zoe Davis and Rachelle Badour-Taha tried to mislead the court — and both have now lost their licences to practise law in Victoria.
Port of Hastings Lodges New Federal Environmental Referral for Renewable Energy Terminal
The Port of Hastings has lodged a revised EPBC referral for its proposed renewable energy terminal within the Western Port Ramsar Wetland, addressing environmental concerns raised by the federal government.
$5K Grant Eases Costs for Eastbourne Primary Students
Nat Sevior of Bendigo Bank Southern Peninsula, Steve Hamill (Principal Eastbourne Primary School), Caro Mather (Assistant Principal ) and Bettyanne Foster of Capel Sound Community Group presenting the donation cheque. Students at Eastbourne Primary School will soon have greater access…
Veteran TV Producer Bob Phillips Returns to Airwaves with New RPP-FM Drive Show
TV veteran Bob Phillips has returned to radio, joining forces with Dustie Lee for a new Tuesday drive-time program on RPP-FM.
Former AFL Player Aaron James Remanded at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Multiple Charges
Former AFL player Aaron James has been remanded after facing multiple charges at Frankston Magistrates’ Court, including sexual exposure and drug and theft offences.
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
Police Appeal for Information on Missing Man, Kody
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.
Weapons Manufacturing and Drug Trafficking Operation Uncovered in Cranbourne
Victoria Police and Australian Border Force have uncovered an illegal weapons manufacturing and drug trafficking operation at a Cranbourne home, seizing firearms, imitation weapons, and methamphetamine.
Alleged Drunk Driver with Children Crashes Twice in Somerville
A woman with three young children in the car allegedly caused two crashes in Somerville on Saturday, 21 June, while driving over the legal alcohol limit. Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
Locals Lead Parliament Protest Over Mt Eliza Animal Neglect
Locals lead a snap protest at Victoria’s Parliament calling for urgent action over ongoing horse neglect at Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property.
Reckless Teen Driver Busted at 150km/h on Dandenong-Frankston Road
An 18-year-old probationary driver is expected to be charged after allegedly reaching speeds of 150km/h in Carrum Downs. Police say she also failed to display P-plates. Her vehicle was impounded as part of Operation Trinity.
Driver Four Times Over Limit Caught at Random Safety Beach RBT
A 60-year-old Burwood woman has allegedly been caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.210 during a random police operation at Safety Beach. Her licence was immediately suspended, and she is set to face court.
Rail Line Raid: Police Nab Offenders in Frankston Crime Sweep
A coordinated police blitz along the Frankston railway line led to 25 arrests, including a Somerville man, as part of a broader crackdown on crime across Melbourne’s southeast.
Public Appeal to Help Locate Missing Woman Moira
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.
Roads Dominate New Council’s First $326M Budget
Mornington Peninsula’s new Council adopted its first $326.3M Budget with a major roads focus.
Frankston Volunteers Contribute $1.3 Million Worth of Time to Community
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.
Crime Surges on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston: Thousands More Offences in Local Suburbs
Crime is up 24% in the Mornington Peninsula and 20% in Frankston, with theft and property offences among the top rising crimes, according to CSA data.
Crime Soars Across Victoria: 41,000 More Offences in Just 12 Months
Victoria recorded a 10.2% increase in crime, with over 41,000 additional offences reported in the year
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.
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.
