RPP NEWS The Week in Review May 25 - 29
By Locals - for locals
🏘️ SOCIAL ISSUES & COMMUNITY
Homelessness Crisis Intensifies on the Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula’s homelessness emergency returned sharply to focus following the second reported rough sleeper death of the year. Local agencies say frontline services remain under enormous strain. Southern Peninsula Community Support CEO Jeremy Maxwell renewed calls for increased state funding and stronger intervention measures. A Winter Sleep Out fundraiser is now planned for July to raise awareness and support.
Jeremy Maxwell: “Peninsula Being Left Behind”
Community support leaders say the Peninsula records Victoria’s highest homelessness rate yet receives comparatively lower government support than similar municipalities. The recent death of a rough sleeper — reportedly days away from housing placement — has intensified calls for reform and investment.
Tiny House Project Offers New Housing Response
An innovative tiny house initiative at Capel Sound is moving toward operation. The Salvation Army-supported Catalyst Tiny House Project will provide transitional accommodation for a resident awaiting permanent housing. Advocates say the model demonstrates practical local partnership in response to housing hardship.
Employment Service Reforms Welcomed
The Brotherhood of St Laurence has welcomed proposed federal reforms to Australia’s employment services system. The organisation says a shift toward tailored support and reduced compliance burdens could benefit vulnerable job seekers. Frankston’s Thrive Hub was cited as a successful example of community-shaped employment assistance.
🏛️ COUNCIL & CIVIC AFFAIRS
Shire Launches Small Business Festival
Mornington Peninsula Shire will stage its Small Business Festival in August, featuring around twenty events designed to support local operators. Sessions will cover AI, leadership, sustainability, marketing and finance. Council says the program aims to build resilience and practical business capability.
Frankston Builds Circular Economy Vision
Frankston Council has released a five-year strategy supporting a regional circular economy hub. The plan seeks to reduce waste, extend material reuse and stimulate sustainable jobs growth. Civic leaders say the initiative reimagines waste as economic opportunity.
Frankston CEO Signals Optimism
Four months into the role, Frankston CEO Tennille Bradley says the city presents significant opportunities. The former Greater Geelong executive reflected on her enthusiasm for both the position and Frankston’s future direction.
Frankston Turns 60
Frankston is preparing major celebrations marking its 60th anniversary as a city. August events will include exhibitions, storytelling, author talks, live entertainment and a screening of On the Beach. Council leaders say Frankston is increasingly becoming a destination in its own right.
Residents Asked to Shape Playground Future
Mornington Peninsula Shire has launched consultation for a new ten-year playground and outdoor fitness strategy. Residents are being invited to help identify priorities, gaps and opportunities across community play spaces and exercise infrastructure.
Youth Action Plan Consultation Opens
Frankston Council is developing its 2027-31 Youth Action Plan and seeking input from young people, carers and families. The process aims to shape future youth services, programs and supports across the municipality.
🚆 TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Frankston Line Upgrades Complete
Passengers are back using the Frankston Line following a major three-week construction program. Mordialloc Station has reopened with upgraded facilities including lifts, improved accessibility and new walking and cycling connections. Three dangerous level crossings have also been removed.
⚖️ JUSTICE, POLICE & REGULATION
Suspended Police Sergeant Trial Continues
County Court proceedings continue involving suspended Melbourne police sergeant Hayden Bodycomb. The Mornington man faces charges including resisting arrest and conduct endangering persons linked to incidents in Somerville and Mornington in 2023. Mr Bodycomb denies the allegations.
P-Plater Faces Charges After Alleged High Reading
An 18-year-old Mornington probationary driver is awaiting charges after allegedly returning a blood alcohol reading of 0.174 — almost three-and-a-half times the full licence limit. Police impounded the vehicle and suspended the driver’s licence for twelve months.
Child Employment Crackdown Reaches Peninsula
Charges have been laid against a Peninsula fast-food business following a statewide child employment compliance operation. Authorities allege underage workers were employed without proper licensing or supervision. The matter is due before court in June.
💼 BUSINESS, ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT
Major Frankston Development Site Hits Market
A substantial Frankston CBD development holding has been listed with expectations exceeding seven million dollars. The multi-title site offers redevelopment potential up to twelve storeys and currently generates significant rental income. Agents expect strong investor and developer interest.
📚 CULTURE, MUSIC & COMMUNITY LIFE
Libraries Mark 25 Years of Home Service
Mornington Peninsula library services are celebrating 25 years of home deliveries supporting residents unable to attend branches. Volunteers say the service provides companionship as well as books, helping combat social isolation. New 24-hour outdoor library lockers are also expanding access.
Dromana Weekender Returns
The Peninsula LIVE micro-festival series returns next month with the four-day Dromana Weekender. More than thirty bands will perform across industrial estate venues, continuing efforts to activate creative and unconventional community spaces.
Community Radio Study Highlights Sector Value
A major research report estimates community radio contributes $153 million in added value to Australia’s music ecosystem. The study found community stations broadcast substantially more Australian music than commercial networks and remain central to grassroots discovery and cultural participation.
Volunteers Celebrated Across Frankston & Peninsula
National Volunteer Week prompted recognition events across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Councils highlighted the contribution of thousands of volunteers supporting community programs, emergency relief, libraries, environment and social services.
🌿 ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
Phillip Island on Bird Flu Preparedness Watch
Phillip Island is among locations included in heightened national preparations against H5 avian influenza. Federal funding will support habitat protection, predator control and surveillance measures. Australia remains free of the virus.
Fire Agencies Strengthen Cultural Burning Partnerships
Fire authorities across the Port Phillip region are deepening collaboration with Traditional Owners to expand cultural burning knowledge and practice. Agencies say cultural burns can complement conventional fuel reduction approaches while strengthening land management partnerships and understanding of Country.
🏉 SPORT
Only One Undefeated Team Remains in MPNFL
Round Seven of MPNFL football has left just one undefeated side remaining across both divisions. Attention now turns to Round Eight coverage, with RPP FM broadcasting Red Hill versus Frankston Bombers live from Red Hill Recreation Reserve.
