New Data Compounds Homelessness Crisis Days After Notorious 6 Blocks Emergency Motion
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.
Tag Somerville Times
Frankston Council Announces $425,000 Support Package for Local Relief Agencies
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.
Rosebud Residents Fear for Safety After Violent Youth Crime Strikes Again
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.
Half-kilo of Cocaine and Suitcase of Cash Seized from Chelsea Home
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.
“Difference Between Eating and Going Without”: Frankston Council Steps In to Support Struggling Families
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.
Helping Hands Somerville Launches with Grand Opening Celebration
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.
Somerville Business Group Calls for Urgent Care Clinic Commitment to Be Honoured
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.
Latest Edition of the Somerville Times Rolling Out This Week
The August edition of the Somerville Times rolls out Tuesday, 19 August, and will be available at all collection points by Wednesday, 20 August.
Somerville’s Noah Hart Races at BMX World Championships
Somerville rider Noah Hart competed at the UCI BMX World Championships in Denmark, an event showcasing the best riders globally.
Beach Box Shame: Ex-AFL Star Aaron James Pleads Guilty to NSFW Act
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.
Mayor Votes on Own Travel Approval — Conflict of Interest Rules Examined
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.
Community Win: Capel Sound Saves Its Parkland
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.
‘On Edge’: Mornington Peninsula Shire Braces for Staff Cuts
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.
‘Your Parents Will See This’: Woman Confronts Kid Vandals on Frankston Train
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.
Hospitalised and Homeless: Peninsula Health’s Program Keeping Patients off the Streets
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.
Do You Know This Woman? $20K Car Vandalism Spree in Rosebud Carpark
Police have released CCTV after three cars were vandalised in Rosebud, causing $20,000 in damage. Do you know this woman seen in the carpark?
Police Seek Public Assistance to Locate Wanted Man
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.
Push to Save Capel Sound Parkland Ahead of Council Meeting
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.
Frankston’s $72.9M Infrastructure Blitz Aims to Future-Proof the City
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.
Man Arrested After Off-Duty Officer Injured in Seaford Hit-Run
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.
“Armed, High, and On the Run”: Langwarrin Man Charged After Police Car Rammed in Stolen Vehicle Chase
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 Overwhelms Chelsea
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.
“Rammed and Running”: Langwarrin Man Nabbed After Wild Police Chase and Crash
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.
“They Said No — Again and Again”: McDonald’s Gets Green Light in Safety Beach Despite Years of Community Opposition
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.
Frankston Council Endorses Bold New Four-Year Vision for Community and Wellbeing
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.
Council Approves 20% Rebate for Retirement Villages Following Discount Removal
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.
Rotting Horse Discovered as Mt Eliza Animal Protests Enter Week 14
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.
Council to Halve Rate Relief for Retirement Village Residents
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.
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.
July Edition Flying Off Shelves — Read It Online Now
Our July edition has been flying off shelves across the Peninsula. If you missed out, read the full digital version online — featuring the new Helping Hands pantry, local crime, council updates and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
