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.
Tag Somerville Times
Flinders Christian College Accused of Neglecting Autistic Students in $8,000 ‘Daycare’ Program
Flinders Christian College’s autism program is under fire, with families and advocates alleging neglect, unsafe environments and breaches of discrimination law. Read more.
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.
Two Bays Trail Restoration Underway: Helicopter Operations Target Early Spring Reopening
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.
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.
Four Teens Charged Over Violent Incident Outside Rosebud Restaurant
Four teenagers have been charged after an alleged violent incident outside a Rosebud restaurant in March. Police are calling for witnesses and video footage.
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.
Cost-of-Living Relief and Road Safety Reforms Arrive in Mornington Peninsula and Frankston from 1 July
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.
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.
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.
Frankston Council Endorses Community-Focused Budget and Long-Term Wellbeing Plan
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
