A SWATHE of accessibility measures were installed at Frankston Beach last week. Last Friday, 5 December, 70 metres of beach matting extending to the water’s edge was put into place. Complimentary beach wheelchairs and equipment, daybeds, and cabanas were also installed. Trained staff and volunteers have also been placed onsite for the summer. The pilot program, which is set to cost around $200,000, has been supported by multiple local donors. Accessible Beaches Australia has spearheaded the project – the proposal was inspired by a similar accessible beach in Nice, France. Accessible Beaches Australia founder Shane Hryhorec said if successful, the…
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THE $2.1 million redeveloped Frankston Arts Centre forecourt was officially opened last week. The forecourt now features upgraded pathways and ramps, separate areas for cars and pedestrians with marked drop-off and pick-up zones, enhanced lighting, additional seating, a new water feature, and larger street-facing signage. Alongside the new forecourt, the mezzanine gallery of the dress circle was also renamed the “Gale Dudeck Lounge” last month. Gail Dudeck was among the leading voices in the campaign to build the Frankston Arts Centre – her granddaughter Amy Dudeck said “seeing the forecourt transformed alongside the dedication of the Gail Dudeck Lounge is…
THE Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula has announced that Phil Hayes-Brown and Ross Kilborn are the recipients of the committee’s first Annual Leadership Award. The awards were presented on 3 December at the committee’s Annual General Meeting. The head of disability support organisation Wallara, CEO Phil Hayes-Brown’s, recognition came during an important week for the disability community, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disability, which promotes awareness, understanding and acceptance. “I’m honoured by this recognition, but it belongs to the Wallara team and our partners across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula,” Hayes-Brown said. “It’s proof that inclusive…
Get ready to journey down the yellow brick road! PLOS Musical Productions is thrilled to announce preparations for our January 2026 season of The Wizard of Oz! The excitement is building as we prepare to bring this iconic tale to the stage, and we can’t wait to share it with you. We’re proud to introduce an incredible cast, featuring some PLOS favourites alongside a fresh face! Returning to the stage are the talented Courtney Smyth and Elise Stevens, joined by newcomer Lana Hutchinson, who will bring Dorothy to life. Courtney will embody the wickedly delightful Wicked Witch—a role she has…
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…
A MAN allegedly used a Frankston payphone to call in a hoax bomb threat to a train station on 31 October. Police say the man used a phone on Ashleigh Avenue to call Southern Cross Railway Station – he left a message saying that bombs were at the station and on trains heading towards Ballarat and Mildura. The call was allegedly made at 5.45am. In a statement, Victoria Police said they “quickly identified the call was a hoax.” “Trains were checked as a precaution and there was no disruption to services,” Victoria Police said. The man has not yet been…
MAJOR developments in Frankston will be “fast-tracked” within 16 weeks under a new council plan. From 31 January next year, Frankston Council is expected to implement guaranteed 16-week planning assessments for qualifying major developments. In a statement council says it will offer developers “enhanced pre-application guidance” and “dedicated post-permit concierge support” to expedite the approval process. Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said that the new planning initiative would encourage developers to build housing in Frankston. “The Priority Fasttrack Program sends a clear message: Frankston City is open for business. We’re giving investors confidence and bringing new development to market faster —…
THE annual Frankston Christmas Festival is set to take place this weekend. The event on 29 November will feature music, food, and entertainment across Frankston’s CBD. The Little Beauty Christmas Twilight Market will take place at Beauty Park, the Smurfs Winter Wonderland Live Show will take the stage at the Art Centre, and a Christmas Parade will run through Davey Street. The day will be concluded by the Norfolk Pine tree lighting ceremony, and finally a fireworks display at 9.15pm. Frankston deputy mayor Steffie Conroy said “for my two children, nothing says ‘Christmas is coming’ quite like the Frankston Christmas…
Police are investigating the death of a man in Frankston this morning (23 November). Emergency services were called to conduct a welfare check on a man behaving erratically on Warringa Rd about 12am. When officers arrived at the scene the man allegedly charged at police. The 35-year-old Frankston man was handcuffed. Medical treatment was provided to the man who had a number of lacerations. The male began to deteriorate, and officers released the handcuffs and continued to provide medical treatment. The man further deteriorated and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances of the man’s death…
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…
THREE people are dead after a horrors few days on the water last week.Two men died in the water at Frankston Beach during a wild storm last Wednesday, 22 October.Emergency services were called to the beach after two people were spotted in trouble in the water. Police believe that one of the men was surfing when his board snapped, prompting the second man to jump into the water to help. At around 5pm, the police Air Wing helicopter located the two people unresponsive. The men were winched back to shore, but could not be resuscitated. They were declared dead.Frankston mayor…
SINGER Graham G Toole has hit the jackpot as Kenny Rogers. Graham has made a career out of singing the songs of the greats, performing tributes to Glen Campbell, John Denver, and Kenny Rogers over the past 38 years. Growing up in a musical household, Graham’s passion for music was evident from an early age. He joined an old-time dance band and, at 16, won a talent competition to be the curtain-raiser for a young John Williamson’s travelling out west TV show. Graham’s performances transcend generations, with grandparents eager to share the music. “They’re just such well-crafted songs,” he says.…
Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information after a man was found with serious injuries in Frankston last night. Emergency services were called to reports of a man in his 40s with head injuries on Cecil Street, near Victoria Parade, about 7.10pm. He was taken to hospital and remains in a critical condition. Police are working to establish the circumstances of the incident and where it occurred. At this stage, detectives do not believe the man was struck by a vehicle. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or any information that could assist police is urged…
South East Water has lifted the Boil Water Advisory for Frankston South – the water is safe to drink. Customers and community who are in the affected streets no longer need to boil their water as a precaution and can use tap water as normal. South East Water’s water quality sampling results have come back clear. This confirms the water in Frankston South is safe to drink. Approximately 1200 households in parts of Frankston South were impacted due to a faulty valve which has now been repaired. South East Water recommends affected customers to flush their taps for 5 minutes…
Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged three people after a car was allegedly stolen and a 3D printed firearm was located in Frankston this morning. It is alleged understood three people were loitering in a carpark near a grey Hyundai i30 with alleged cloned plates about 1.15am. Officers were told they got into a white Renault Koleos and drove along the Nepean Highway. Police located the Koleos a short time later parked outside a hotel. A man and a woman got back into the vehicle before Operation Trinity officers intercepted it. The Koleos was searched and the keys to…
South East Water has advised that as of 12:30am 4 August 2025, the tap water at Frankston South is not safe to drink without boiling first. The advisory is in place because the water pressure in the area has dropped on Sunday 3 August 2025. Low or no water pressure can let dirty water and/or sediment into the water pipes. When water pressure is low, it means the water isn’t flowing strongly through the pipes. Boiling the water kills any contaminants that might be there. Low water pressure and interruptions to water supply can lead to a build-up of bacteria that…
Victoria Police caught 835 drink and drug drivers in the Frankston area and along the Mornington Peninsula over the past year. Preliminary data from the 24/25 FY reveals more than half of all drug drivers were repeat offenders, while one in five drink drivers had been previously caught over the blood alcohol concentration limit. 471 drug drivers were detected, with Peninsula Link and the Mornington Peninsula Freeway hotspots for these offenders. 83 drivers – or 18% – tested positive to more than one illicit substance, with 359 – or 76% – testing positive for methylamphetamine. Alarmingly, more than 60% of…
A man has been arrested following a hit-run collision in Seaford early yesterday. An off-duty police officer, cycling to work along Nepean Highway, was located injured on the side of the road about 6am. The 61-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries where he remains. It is believed he was struck by a white utility which did not stop to render assistance. The ute was spotted parked at a service station on Nepean Highway in Chelsea, by a fellow road-user who also reported the vehicle was being driven erratically about 8.35pm. Officers followed the vehicle through Edithvale and…
Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives have release CCTV footage as they continue to investigate a hit and run collision in Seaford this morning. A male off-duty police officer, who was cycling to work, was located with serious injuries on the side of the Nepean Highway, north of Gould Street about 6am. It is understood he was hit by a vehicle. The 61-year-old was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The driver did not stop at the scene. Police have release CCTV and images of a white ute that was seen in the area at the time of the collision. Investigators…
FRANKSTON Council is escalating its dispute with a Nepean Highway homeowner to stop him from illegally building a seawall on Frankston Beach. The property owner came under fire earlier this year when it was revealed he was allegedly conducting illegal works on public land at the back of his property. Last week, the ABC reported that the property owner had ignored the stop-work order and continued to build the wall. The Times understands that Frankston Council has resolved to send the resident a notice of demand. Councillors considered the matter during the confidential section of last week’s public meeting —…
FRANKSTON Hospital is set to undergo a name change once its redevelopment is complete. Early next year, Frankston Hospital will be rebranded the Peninsula University Hospital. The name change comes as Peninsula Health strengthens its ties with Monash University.Monash University executive dean of medicine, nursing and health sciences, Professor Christina Mitchell, says hundreds of university students make positive contributions to the hospital each year. “Over 940 Monash students delivered approximately 307,000 clinical placement hours across allied health, nursing and midwifery and medicine with Peninsula Health in the last year and we partner together in excellent research at the National Centre…
Police have arrested two men following an alleged road rage incident in Seaford overnight. Investigators have been told a man was driving a Porsche along Nepean Highway about 11.50pm when the occupants of a blue Holden Commodore attempted to get him to pull over. It is alleged the occupants of the Commodore drove aggressively and forced the driver of the Porsche to take evasive action and leave the highway. Officers attended and a car matching the Commodore’s description was spotted at a service station on Nepean Highway, Chelsea. The Commodore drove off and police attempted to intercept the car on…
Police arrested 25 people during highly visible operation targeting drugs and anti-social behaviour at Frankston Railway Station on Wednesday. More than 50 police and PSOs – supported by the Mounted Branch, Public Order Response Team and local police – saturated the railway station, bus interchanges and shopping centre precinct to deter crime and boost safety. A passive alert detection dog was also deployed to sniff out those illegally carrying or dealing illicit drugs. Police spoke with more than 270 people during the operation and executed 15 outstanding warrants. A total of 25 people were arrested including: Authorised officers also detected…
Two Hastings men, both aged 39, have been charged with burglary, theft, criminal damage, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and contravene bail conditions, after being arrested this morning. Their arrest, after two search warrants were executed at Hastings properties, follow a series of ram raids across bayside Melbourne and the peninsula. Police will allege the duo were involved in ram raids between 28 and 30 May. These include: – Albert Park on Dundas Place on 28 May – Albert Park on Bridport Street on 28 May – Ashburton on High Street on 29 May – Dromana on Marine Drive…
Investigators from Casey, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation units joined forces to arrest a man allegedly involved in a string of crime across a three-week period in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs. It is alleged the man was involved in a series of offending between the 2 May and 26 May including: • An alleged attempted aggravated burglary in Frankston South on 2 May • An alleged burglary in Shoreham on 6 May • An alleged attempted aggravated burglary and theft from motor vehicle on 8 May • An alleged burglary in Mount Eliza on 8 May • An alleged attempted…
Police are currently on scene at a fatal fire in Langwarrin. Emergency services were first called the blaze at a residence on Lyppards Road about 2.10am. Three occupants were able to safely evacuate the property and escaped with no injuries. A fourth yet-to-be formally identified person was located deceased inside a rear bungalow. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. An arson chemist will attend the scene later today. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
A FORMER McClelland College teacher has been charged with child sexual offences. Orhan Sahin taught high school science at McClelland Secondary College in Frankston from 2023 until May 2024, and worked as a casual relief teacher in 2022. On 13 May, McClelland College principal Laura Dowdell Spence sent a letter to parents informing them that Sahin had been charged with child sexual offences. “Given the serious nature of these charges, I wanted to ensure you were notified of this very concerning news as soon as possible. I will also be notifying families of former students who were here at the…
THE Salvation Army has been out in force across Frankston and Mornington to raise money for the 61st annual Red Shield Appeal. Nationwide the Salvation Army hopes to raise $38 million this year. Funds raised locally will “will stay in the local community and will be used to meet the specific needs faced by the most disadvantaged and vulnerable”, the Salvation Army says. “Earlier this year, The Salvos released their Social Justice Stocktake; a survey which polled over 16,000 Australians and provided national, state and electoral reports highlighting the biggest issues faced by communities. Within the electorate of Flinders, it…
FRANKSTON’S annual South Side Festival returns this month with an exciting 11-day program, delivering a captivating mix of performances, comedy, art installations, visual arts, and a few delightfully naughty surprises. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, the festival offers something for everyone, sparking creativity, challenging perceptions, and creating vibrant opportunities for community engagement. One of the highlights this year is the return of Neon Fields, transforming Beauty Park into a mesmerising, glowing fantasy world. This interactive light installation invites both children and adults to explore a magical space, encouraging play and engagement within…
Police are investigating the circumstances after a woman’s body was located in waters off Seaford this morning (Friday, 21 March). Emergency services were called to the vicinity of Nepean Highway about 6.55am. The woman is yet to be formally identified and it is not yet known if the death is suspicious. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. A second crime scene is in place on Frankston beach front after a number of items were located. Police are investigating whether they are linked to the death of the woman. Anyone with information is urged to contact…