A NATIONWIDE police investigation into an online child exploitation group, which featured two raids in Frankston and another in Mordialloc, has now concluded. The police operation, a joint effort by the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police, began in late 2023. Last week the AFP shared that 26 members of a “secret online child exploitation group” had been charged with more than 1000 offences. Charges laid include possession, access, transmission, solicitation, and production of child abuse material.In a statement, the AFP said “group members shared collections of child abuse material and child sexual abuse fantasies in the mistaken belief the…
Author: Brodie Cowburn
AFTER a period of upheaval, the Frankston Football Club has confirmed the appointment of a new board. After numerous resignations over the last year, the majority of the Frankston FC board consisted of casual appointments prior to last month’s AGM. The new board is president Pippa Hanson, vice-president Michelle Graham, treasurer Jason Cridland, secretary Tony Finocchiaro, Brad Sykes, Adrian Lloyd, Peter Hudd, and John Barry. David Friend resigned from the Frankston FC board at the end of 2024, followed soon by the departure of Marc Ablett in February of 2025. Serving board member Donna Rooks died in August of that…
VICTORIA Police powers to search people for weapons without warrants within the Bayside Shopping Centre precinct have been extended for four months. At the beginning of the year, Victoria Police designated the Frankston’s Bayside Shopping Centre precinct as a “Designated Area under section 10D of the Control of Weapons Act 1990”. The declaration allows police to warrantless weapon searches, including electronic wand searches, vehicle and bag searches, and frisks (“Expanded police powers at shops” The Times, 12/1/2026). That designation was scheduled to expire on 28 February, but last week was extended until 30 June. The expanded police powers have proved…
MAJOR developments in Frankston are being fast-tracked under a new council scheme. The “Priority Development Program” launched last week. Under the initiative, Frankston Council will fast-track eligible major developments by offering priority case management, clear upfront guidance, and a commitment to decisions within 16 weeks. The passage of the FMAC Structure Plan in 2025 paved the way for more high-rise developments in Frankston. Late last year Frankston councillors unanimously approved plans for a 10 storey building at 347-349 Nepean Highway, a 14 storey building at 431 Nepean Highway, and ticked off amended 14-storey plans for 424-426 Nepean Highway. Construction on…
FORMER Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard Barren will spend at least three months in prison for possessing child abuse material. Barren was sentenced in the County Court last Wednesday, 18 February, after pleading guilty to one count of possessing child abuse material obtained using a carriage service and one count of transmitting child abuse material using a carriage service. The 50-year-old Mornington resident was handed a 16-month prison sentence, but also received a recognisance release order with a minimum non-parole period of three months. Barren was found to have possessed two child abuse videos of children aged between 10…
A CAMPAIGN to prevent older adults from drowning has been launched by Life Saving Victoria. In the last decade, Life Saving Victoria estimates that 131 people aged 65 years and over drowned in Victoria – roughly 34 percent of people aged over 65 that drowned were from multicultural backgrounds. Over-65s made up 27 per cent of all drowning fatalities during the last decade. The multilingual campaign to reduce drownings was launched last week. Life Saving Victoria head of research, evaluation and insights Dr Bernadette Matthews said it is “an important step forward in supporting multicultural older adults to safely enjoy…
AFTER a decade of uncertainty, a long-term tenant has signed on to occupy the Frankston Yacht Club building. Since opening in 2016, the Frankston Yacht Club building has been a financial sinkhole for Frankston Council. Construction of the building and its maintenance has cost ratepayers at least $11 million, and it has largely been unoccupied over the last decade. Last week Frankston Council confirmed that Roccella Group had signed on to establish an Italian restaurant on the top floor of the building. It is the first tenant to sign a long-term lease for the top floor since the project was…
PROVINCIAL PINES defeated Mornington in a hard-fought battle at Eric Bell Reserve on Saturday. Pines have been the team to beat all season, but Mornington are also enjoying a good 2025/2026 campaign. Pines batted first against the Bulldogs last weekend. After a shaky start, Pines batter Harley Peace-Stirling came in and took control. He hit an unbeaten 67 from 102 deliveries to help his side reach a final total of 9/171. Mornington’s run chase was going well before Ricky Ramsdale took the ball. He tore through the middle order and tail end to send Mornington packing for 142 runs. Time…
A TWO-month operation targeting jet ski riders on Mornington Peninsula beaches has resulted in fines for 94 jet ski riders and boaties. Seventeen fines were issued for operating a vessel exceeding five knots within 200m of the water’s edge. Three people copped fines for speeding within 50 metres of swimmers, and one was caught too close to a structure in inland waters. Police officers from Rosebud, Dromana, Rye, and Sorrento, have been conducting the targeted operation since the start of December. They used drones alongside patrols by local police, the Public Order Response Team, Water Police, Transit officers, and the…
PATIENTS at the redeveloped Peninsula University Hospital were successfully transferred to the new 12-storey building last week, with the first baby born in the maternity and birthing suite on the morning of 20 January. More than 200 patients were moved from the former Frankston Hospital building into the new 12-storey Peninsula University Hospital clinical tower on 20 January. Patients began to be moved at 7.30am, and the first surgical procedure and birth each took place in the new building before 10am. Carmen Simpson, the mother of the first baby born in the new tower, is a Peninsula Health staff member.…
Healthcare workers gathered at Peninsula University Hospital on 20 January to call for better pay. The demonstration took place on the same day that the hospital’s new 12-storey building officially opened its doors. The Health Workers Union’s negotiations with the state government for a pay rise have reached an impasse. The Victorian Hospitals Industrial Association is locked in negotiations with the Health Workers Union, with assistance from the Fair Work Commission. On 12 January the HWU announced that workers would close one in every four hospital beds, cease cleaning of non-clinical areas, and suspend the training and onboarding of new…
THE redeveloped Peninsula University Hospital has officially opened its doors. The former Frankston Hospital has been undergoing $1.1 billion redevelopment works. The new 12-storey tower is now open and operational. Peninsula Health confirmed that it would be moving patients into the new tower on 20 January. In a statement it said “throughout the day, patients and consumers (except those in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, Westernport and our PAPU unit) will be transferred from our current building into the new inpatient wards. “During the move, visits are limited to essential support people only. Once patients and consumers are settled, families…
PROVINCIAL LANGWARRIN has kept their season alive with an impressive win over Red Hill, as MPCA cricket returned for 2026 with double-header action. Red Hill hosted the Kangaroos at Red Hill Recreation Reserve in one-day cricket on Saturday. Langwarrin batted first, and looked refreshed and revitalised after the Christmas break. After initially stumbling out of the gates to 2/10, Langwarrin took control of the game. Skipper Matthew Prosser came in and smashed 88 from 87 deliveries. Langwarrin’s middle order was in fine form. The Kangaroos ended up scoring 8/227 from their 40 overs. Red Hill struggled during their run chase.…
THE Frankston railway line is on track to travel through the city loop once again next month, with 12 extra weekly services set to be added to the timetable later this year. The Metro Tunnel will begin full operation on 1 February, with changes set to be implemented across Victoria’s rail network. From the beginning of next month Frankston line services will return to the city loop, and a new temporary timetable will be put into effect. Going forward Frankston line trains will run via Parliament, Melbourne Central, Flagstaff, Southern Cross, then Flinders Street all day. Services will not continue…
THE $1.1 billion Frankston Hospital redevelopment is nearing completion, with patients to be accepted from early next year. The new 12 storey tower will open its doors on 20 January. It will include 130 more beds, new spaces for mental health and oncology services, 15 new operating theatres, and a rooftop helipad.The $1.1 billion works, funded by the state government, also includes new maternity, obstetrics and paediatric wards; a women’s clinic; and a special care nursery to support new babies. An entire floor has been dedicated to endometriosis and pelvic pain multidisciplinary clinic services, an advanced laparoscopic gynaecology specialist, and…
PROVINCIAL RED Hill managed to grab a win over Mornington in a final over thriller on Saturday. Batting first at Alexandra Park, Mornington put 161 runs on the board. Ryan Smith top-scored with 47 runs. Red Hill’s run chase hit a few early snags when Cameron Moon bowled out their top order. A late partnership between Thomas Lewis and Matthew Gray saved the day. Lewis hit 34 from 29 deliveries and Gray hit 16 from 22. They dragged Red Hill over the line for a three-wicket win with three balls left to spare. The result means Red Hill will go…
THREE more high-rise buildings along the Nepean Highway in Frankston have been given the green light to proceed. At a meeting last week, Frankston councillors unanimously approved plans for a 10 storey building at 347-349 Nepean Highway and a 14 storey building at 431 Nepean Highway. Councillors also ticked off amended plans for 424/426 Nepean Highway – the initial plans were greenlit by VCAT late last year. Earlier this year, construction got underway on the planned 14-storey apartment building at 446-450 Nepean Highway. Council also approved plans for a 14 storey mixed-use building with 144 residential apartments at 438-444 Nepean…
PROVINCIAL BADEN Powell handed Pines their first defeat of the season on Saturday. After bowling Pines out for 159 on day one, Baden Powell came into day two last weekend full of confidence. They looked in control all day, going on to reach their target with six wickets to spare. Dale Elmi and Aidan Wheeler put together the winning partnership. Elmi scored 58 from 98 deliveries and Wheeler scored 32 from 49. Despite the loss, Pines remains top of the ladder. Baden Powell are fourth. Mornington and Red Hill finished the weekend in second and third respectively. Mornington enjoyed their…
UP to $10 million in ratepayer funding is set to be put towards a project to transform Nepean Highway and surrounding pedestrian areas. Frankston Council ticked off a “Nepean Boulevard Precinct Revitalisation” masterplan in early 2025, outlining a series of projects to improve the road and its surrounds. Proposed works include intersection upgrades at Overton Road; the redevelopment of the Kananook Creek Gateway; upgrades at Davey and Fletcher Streets prioritising pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport; Ring Road safety improvements; central median greening; use of the Comfort Station; construction of shared user paths linking Olivers Hill, the Bay Trail, and Frankston…
YOUNG adults swimming on the Mornington Peninsula pose the highest drowning risk in Victoria, a new report has revealed. Life Saving Victoria’s 2024/2025 drowning report was released last week. It reveals that between 2015/2016 and 2024/2025, there were more drownings on the Mornington Peninsula than in any other part of the state. The 25-44 age group suffered the most number of drownings on the peninsula. Drownings most commonly occurred while swimming at beaches. LSV estimates that there is a 99 percent likelihood of a drowning in any given year on the Mornington Peninsula. Thirty-six percent of drowning victims on the…
PROVINCIAL SOME good bowling from Baden Powell has put Pines at risk of its first defeat for the season. Pines, who are 6-0 in season 2025/2026, hosted Baden Powell at Eric Bell Reserve. It was an even contest on day one, as Baden Powell’s bowling attack prevented Pines from putting together a big total. Plenty of Pines’ batters made good starts, but their top-scorer could only manage 28 before being dismissed. Pines finished the day at 9/157. Luke Long was the pick of the bowlers on Saturday; he took 4/32 from 17 overs. At Lloyd Park, Heatherhill put 6/175 on…
FRANKSTON Council is actively working to resolve the ongoing issue of unapproved works being undertaken on Crown foreshore land, a council statement issued last week claims. The issue of residents undertaking alleged illegal works along the foreshore has reared its head multiple times this year – a seawall has been allegedly constructed without approval near Oliver’s Hill, and last month onlookers spotted an excavator operating a short distance from the seawall. (“More unapproved beach works investigated”, The Times 27/11/2025) Last week, Frankston mayor Kris Bolam asserted that council is actively pursuing the allegations. “Frankston City Council is aware of recent…
PROVINCIAL RED Hill put up a good fight on Saturday, but still fell short against Pines. Pines came into the two-day match undefeated, and put a whopping 347 runs on the board on day one. Red Hill had a good crack at their target on day two, but it proved too tall a task. Simon Dart was fantastic for Red Hill; he hit 121 runs from 136 deliveries to give his side a chance. Henry Riddle and Rhys Hewitt also scored half-centuries. Time ended up being the enemy for Red Hill. They finished their 80 overs at 8/296. Ricky Ramsdale’s…
PROVINCIAL A FANTASTIC century from Harley Peace-Stirling has put Pines in the box seat for its sixth consecutive victory. Pines hit the road to take on Red Hill in a two-day match on Saturday. Day one belonged to visitors; Pines finished the day at 6/327. Opener Nick Christides set up Pines well with a knock of 86 from 104 deliveries. Peace-Stirling and Matthew Wilson then came in and combined for a huge partnership – Peace-Stirling ended up scoring an unbeaten 104 from 155, and Wilson smashed 73 from 107 deliveries. Red Hill faces an enormous mountain to climb on day…
MORNINGTON resident Beryl Rodda isn’t just walking toward her 100th birthday celebration next month, she is running full steam ahead. Rodda hosts weekly group fitness classes at her Mornington retirement village, and regularly attends Fit Over 60 classes at the Frankston Scout Hall. She said her exercise regime is the key to her continuing good health. “The original fitness class started at the Frankston TAFE college in 1982. The director was then approached by a lady who asked to have a program for retired people; my husband and I joined soon afterwards with another couple and I have been doing…
PROVINCIAL PINES have cemented their spot on top of the ladder with a hard-fought win over Heatherhill. After a day one washout the week prior, play was reduced to 40 overs each across the MPCA on Saturday. Pines batted first at Eric Bell Reserve last weekend, and had a few difficulties putting a score together. Opener Ricky Ramsdale was dismissed early, with Nick Christides following not too long after. The Pines middle order got things back on track. A hard-fought 41 from Billy Humphrey helped the ladder leaders put a decent total on the scoreboard. Declan Jackson was also a…
ALLEGATIONS of more illegal works being undertaken along Frankston Beach are being investigated by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Outcry broke out earlier this year when alleged illegal works were undertaken along the beach near Oliver’s Hill – a homeowner constructed a seawall on coastal Crown land without approval. Earlier this week, onlookers spotted more works being undertaken a short distance from the seawall. The Times is not suggesting that the homeowner involved in the first incident is connected to the second, and understands the latest allegations are being investigated separately. In a statement, DEECA confirmed that…
WOMENS DIV ONE A FANTASTIC half-century from Aimee Mellford helped Tooradin extend its unbeaten fun to four games on Sunday. Tooradin travelled to take on Crib Point. Tooradin was sent in to bat first, and set the Magpies a tricky target to chase down. Mellford top scored with an excellent unbeaten 50 from 29 deliveries. Maeve Goldberg played a strong supporting role, scoring 28 from 55 deliveries. After the end of their 20 overs, Tooradin had scored 3/116. Crib Point’s run chase got off to a poor start when both openers were sent back to the sheds for ducks. A…
FRANKSTON and Kingston Councils have signed an agreement to meet regularly and collaborate on future projects. The “Nepean Partnership” was officially signed off by Frankston and Kingston councillors at their respective public meetings last week. The proposed partnership originally included the Mornington Peninsula Shire, which ultimately declined to sign up amid a bitter fallout with Frankston Council (Canberra trip sparks conflict, The News 26/8/25). A report on the partnership prepared by Frankston Council officers read that “decisions and communications are to be made collaboratively, ensuring transparency and shared ownership of outcomes.” “A Partnership Steering Group, comprising each council’s mayor, CEO…
PROVINCIAL SORRENTO played Red Hill in a nailbiter on Saturday, with the Sharks winning by the finest of margins. Red Hill was sent in to bat first on their home deck. They had a few misfires with the bat, and ended up all out for 161 shortly before the scheduled close of their innings. Luke Jackson scored a vital 68 for Red Hill. He made amends for skipper Glenn Collett’s dismal for one and Simon Dart’s dismissal for a golden duck. Henry Squire, Liam O’Connor, and Tyler Porter took three wickets each for Sorrento. Sorrento’s run chase got off to…