More Beaches and Sporting Reserves Declared Smoke-Free Across Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula Shire expands smoke-free zones for healthier environments ahead of World No Tobacco Day, promoting smoke-free beaches and reserves.
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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.
Radio Westernport Officially Launches in Hastings, Giving the Region a New Voice
Radio Westernport has officially launched in Hastings, supported by Atticus Health, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Western Port Secondary College. The station offers students and locals a platform to share their voice through podcasting.
13-Year-Old Arrested After Stolen Porsche Leads Police on 3-Hour Pursuit
A 13-year-old boy was arrested after a high-speed chase in a stolen Porsche in Moorooduc. The pursuit lasted nearly three hours and is part of Operation Trinity targeting youth crime and car thefts.
Crib by 1 Point Over Somerville
In a thrilling Round 7 showdown, Crib Point edged out Somerville with a last-minute goal, finalizing the score at 12.7.79 to 12.6.78. Both teams displayed strong defense, but Crib Point capitalized on critical moments to secure victory.
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.
Next Edition of the Somerville Times Lands Tomorrow
The Somerville Times is back with a new edition out tomorrow — covering Flinders election, council chaos, and community wins across the Mornington Peninsula.
Teens Charged After High-Speed Chase Ends in Mount Eliza
Two teens — one from the Mornington Peninsula and the other from Greater Dandenong — have been charged after a dramatic four-hour pursuit involving stolen vehicles ended in Mount Eliza.
Off-Duty Police Officer Rescues Two Swimmers at Rosebud Pier
A routine family outing turned into a life-saving mission when off-duty Senior Constable Frank Ferreria rescued two struggling swimmers at Rosebud Pier.
Rye Eclipses Somerville in Round 6
In Round 6 of the MPNFL, Rye outlasted Somerville in tough conditions, winning 78 to 62. Goal kicking woes continued for Somerville, despite strong performances across all grades, writes the Somerville Swooper.
St Brendan’s Walks for Safety, Health and Community
Students from St Brendan’s Primary School walked to school on 16 May as part of the 26th Walk Safely to School Day, encouraging health, safety and local connection.
Flinders Election Result Prompts Reflections from Zoe McKenzie, Ben Smith and Sarah Race
Zoe McKenzie has retained Flinders after a close contest against Ben Smith and Sarah Race. All three candidates have spoken out following the result.
Buddy Bench Brings Kindness and Connection to Somerville Rise Primary
Somerville Rise Primary School unveils a new Buddy Bench—its 25th on the Mornington Peninsula—thanks to Mt Martha Men’s Shed and Shire funding.
Mornington Peninsula Schools Step Up for Walk Safely to School Day This Friday
Mornington Peninsula families are set to take part in National Walk Safely to School Day this Friday 16 May, with local schools encouraging students to walk to school to boost health, safety and sustainability.
Zoe McKenzie Provisionally Retains Flinders as Count Nears Completion
Zoe McKenzie is set to retain the federal seat of Flinders, leading independent challenger Ben Smith in a close race. The AEC has not yet declared a final result.
Opinion: The Tobacco Wars – A War Never Fought
OPINION: Renee Heath MP argues that the State government’s failure to act on illicit tobacco trade has created perfect conditions for organised crime.
Two Charged After Homemade Shotgun Seized in Pakenham
A man and woman from Pakenham have been charged after Victoria Police located a homemade shotgun and ammunition during a May 2025 raid.
Pedestrian Dies After Collision with Illegally Modified E-Bike in Hastings
The Hastings man critically injured in a collision with an illegally modified e-bike has died. Police continue to investigate and say charges may be upgraded.
Police Appeal for Public Help to Locate Missing Teen Nicholas
Police are searching for 17-year-old Nicholas, missing since 4 April in Dandenong. He is known to frequent Bayside and Peninsula areas. Public help is urgently needed.
Former McClelland College Teacher Charged with Child Sexual Offences
A former McClelland College science teacher has been charged with child sexual offences. The case is before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. VIT registration cancelled.
Arts Community Mobilises Ahead of Council Funding Decision
Arts organisations across the Mornington Peninsula are preparing a coordinated response to proposed council funding changes, fearing the move could jeopardise the viability of the region’s creative sector.
Pedestrian Critical After Collision with Illegally Modified E-Bike in Hastings
A Hastings man is in a critical condition after being hit by an illegally modified e-bike on Frankston-Flinders Road. Police are investigating.
Hastings duo charged over violent Peninsula break-ins
STPL News | Peninsula Local | Somerville Times Two Hastings men will appear before Frankston Magistrates’ Court next month, charged over a series of alleged break-ins across Seaford and Crib Point. The pair, both aged 39, were arrested after detectives…
Locals Maintain the Rage Over Maxine’s Starving Horses
Community outrage continues to grow in Mount Eliza, where locals have returned for a second protest against property owner Maxine Fraser, following widely shared images of allegedly starving horses. STPL News was at the scene again to cover the developing story and speak with Wines about the group’s ongoing efforts.
Shire Budget Shake-Up: Councillor Cam Williams Explains New Funding Model
STPL News spoke with Councillor Cam Williams to clarify recent concerns and confusion surrounding changes to the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s budget and funding model.
Shire Not Backing Hastings Club Despite MP News Report
Claims published by MP News this week suggesting the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has “stepped in to save the Hastings Club” have been rejected by local councillor Kate Roper, who says the article is confusing. In a story titled “Shire…
Flinders seat still undecided as record ballot count continues
The Flinders seat remains undeclared as the AEC navigates a record number of ballots and a complex three-candidate preferred count. Zoe McKenzie leads on primary votes and Sarah Race edges past Ben Smith.
Backlash Brewing Over Shire’s Arts Funding Cuts
The Member for Hastings, Paul Mercurio MP, has criticised the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for slashing the Performing Arts Development Fund from $500,000 to $250,000, warning of serious impacts on local arts and culture.
Jodie Belyea Credits Hard Work and Positive Campaign for Dunkley Win
In an interview with RPP FM radio, Jodie Belyea attributes her re-election success to hard work, innovative policies, and personal voter connections in the Dunkley federal election.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt Loses Melbourne Seat in Federal Election Upset
Greens leader Adam Bandt has lost his seat of Melbourne to Labor's Sarah Witty, marking a significant federal election upset and ending Bandt's 15-year tenure in Parliament.
Police Search for Missing Carrum Downs Children
Two 12-year-olds, Jasmine and Cody, are missing after being last seen in Carrum Downs on Tuesday afternoon. Police are calling for public assistance.
Tensions Flare at Mornington Shire Council Meeting as Divisions Deepen
A fiery Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting exposed deep divisions between councillors, raising concerns over ethics, representation, and governance across the peninsula.
McCrae couple wins legal fight against Mornington Peninsula Shire over $1.25 million landslip bill
A McCrae couple has won a major legal victory over the Mornington Peninsula Shire, after being told they’d have to pay $1.25 million to stabilise a cliff behind their home.
Parliamentary Petition Launched Over Mt Eliza Horse Welfare Crisis
A parliamentary petition initiated by a local resident addresses horse neglect at a Mt Eliza property, seeking stronger animal protection laws. It follows community outrage and protests over the welfare of over 30 neglected horses.
Police Appeal for Witnesses After Dandenong Stabbing Incident
Victoria Police are appealing for witnesses after a 28-year-old man was stabbed on Thomas Street, Dandenong. CCTV footage has been released as the investigation continues.
Labor Secures Historic Second Term as Coalition and Greens Suffer Major Setbacks
Labor has claimed victory in the 2025 federal election, returning Anthony Albanese as Prime Minister. Peter Dutton loses Dickson, Greens collapse, and Flinders remains undecided.
Zoe McKenzie Likely to Retain Flinders, But Local Swings Show Regional Divide
Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie holds Flinders in 2025 election. Regional divides emerge; support grows in Somerville but wanes in Rosebud and Dromana. Final results pending.
2025 Live Election Coverage: Dutton Loses Seat
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is projected to lose his Queensland seat of Dickson, with Labor's Ali France leading. If confirmed, this marks a significant political shift and Dutton's first loss since 2001.
Conroy Sign on War Memorial Prompts Election Day Fury
Outrage has erupted in Frankston after a campaign sign for Liberal candidate Nathan Conroy was placed on a local war memorial on election day, prompting swift removal and fierce backlash.
Liberal Stronghold at Risk: Flinders Faces Political Earthquake
The 2025 federal election sees Flinders' long-standing Liberal seat under threat as Independent Ben Smith gains momentum against incumbent Zoe McKenzie.
