Frankston’s sister cities trip has delivered millions in proposed investment and new international agreements. Outcomes include a 20 million dollar factory proposal, job creation, education partnerships and strengthened global ties across Japan, China, Fiji and the United States.
Frankston has raised more than $220,000 to support the Australia’s Most Accessible Beach pilot and local causes. Nearly thirty organisations contributed to the community-driven effort.
An anonymous MPSC insider has contacted STPL News alleging a new wave of departures, following senior staff exits in December 2024 and January 2025, as well as redundancies in September. The source also claims the Local Government Inspectorate is continuing its presence inside the organisation.
Frankston City Council has unveiled new measures to support first-home buyers and speed up major developments, becoming the first municipality in Victoria to offer a local first-home buyer subsidy. The reforms include a $1,000 payment for eligible buyers and a 16-week fast-track planning pathway designed to boost supply, increase investor certainty and help residents stay in the market.
Hannah Swinnerton has transformed her experience of years of bullying into a platform for resilience and connection. Now station manager at Radio Western Port and host of Inspired to Soar, she says the station has given her purpose and a supportive space to help others share their stories.
DEECA has blocked mechanical beach raking on several Mornington Peninsula beaches, leaving only 6 km of the Shire’s 31 km cleaning program eligible for raking. A further 9 km are inaccessible to machinery and another 9 km contain protected vegetation that must be hand-cleaned. The decision raises questions over cost, erosion impacts and the councillor vote that reinstated raking nearly 12 months ago.
Frankston City Council has awarded $57,000 to ten community organisations in a new funding round under its Local Support Package, supporting emergency relief, wellbeing programs and outreach services across the municipality.
Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam has been awarded the MAV Mayor Emeritus title, with former Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Graham Pittock praising his leadership and regional partnership efforts.
Frankston will welcome the festive season on 29 November with the Christmas Festival of Light, featuring markets, live entertainment, a parade, rides, a European Christmas Village and a 9.15 pm tree lighting and fireworks finale.
Scott Carson says positive human interaction and meaningful connection are vital for men’s wellbeing. His International Men’s Day event at Hotel Lona aims to give local men a supportive space to talk, reflect and connect without alcohol.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has reappointed Cr Anthony Marsh as Mayor and Cr Paul Pingiaro as Deputy Mayor, with both positions decided by the same 6–5 split. The results extend the council’s long-running division and confirm continued bloc control over key leadership roles.
Jess Wilson has been appointed Victorian Opposition Leader following yet another Liberal Party leadership change, a year before the 2026 state election. The shift highlights ongoing instability within the party as it works to reset its direction and present a credible alternative to voters ahead of polling day.
A financial review sought by STPL News raises concerns about MPSC’s 10-year plan, finding optimistic assumptions, and vague details.
Frankston has been named Victoria’s Tidy City for 2025, with multiple environmental and community awards recognising local programs, volunteer partnerships and sustainability initiatives across the city.
New ABS data shows suicide remains the leading cause of death for young Australians. Local figures in Mornington Peninsula and Frankston highlight growing pressure on mental-health services, with suicide rates higher than the state and national averages.
Frankston City Council has confirmed a full redevelopment of the long-closed Moto Park in Seaford. The operator-funded project is expected to deliver jobs, major events and a modern off-road venue that will attract families and young riders from Frankston and the broader Mornington Peninsula.
Frankston City Council has appointed Tennille Bradley as its new Chief Executive Officer — the first woman to hold the position. She will begin in January 2026, bringing extensive experience in major-project delivery, urban transformation and economic development from her leadership role at the City of Greater Geelong.
STPL News community polls have revealed a clear split in local sentiment — with Cr Max Patton the overwhelming favourite on the Mornington Peninsula, while Mayor Anthony Marsh’s popularity plummets. In contrast, Frankston’s leadership continues to enjoy broad public support.
Communities across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston will pause at 11 am this Remembrance Day to reflect on the legacy of war and the locals who served — including Fort Nepean gunner Sergeant John Purdue, Lieutenant General Sir Vernon Sturdee, pioneering nurse Annie Sage of Somerville, and the many more.
Frankston City Council is expanding its outreach services to better support residents facing homelessness and hardship — with new funding for street chaplaincy, an extended social work clinic, and extra grants for frontline community groups.
Crib Point Pool is set for a vibrant makeover as Mornington Peninsula Shire invites locals to help design a new mural marking the pool’s 50th anniversary. Residents can vote on themes and contribute ideas before artists are selected later this year.
Frankston’s transformation is gaining pace, with record business growth, housing projects and investment fuelling its rise as a thriving metropolitan city.
After years of frustration and broken promises, Somerville’s long-awaited Recreation Reserve Master Plan Draft is open foe feedback — with locals, clubs and past players welcoming the Shire’s move to upgrade one of the town’s most overworked community hubs.
Victoria Police intercepted a 24-year-old woman allegedly driving the wrong way on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway around 10pm last night. The woman reportedly returned a blood alcohol score of 0.165, more than four times the legal blood alcohol driving limit.
Frankston and Mornington Peninsula councillors will soon decide who leads their councils — not through a public vote, but an internal one. We’re asking readers who they’d elect if given the choice.
Internal tensions within the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s ‘bloc of six’ have emerged following internal reports of a reprimand and threats of resignation from Cr Stephen Batty, an anonymous council employee told STPL News.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is spending close to half a million dollars each year on memberships with advocacy and industry groups but often fails to participate.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh says balancing the budget is not the goal, signalling a shift from the fiscal crisis narrative as Council adopts its 10-year Financial and Asset Plans.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council spent $60,000 for a seat at the MAV State Council — but remained vacant. The no-show has fuelled frustration among ratepayers already concerned about transparency, budget cuts and leadership direction. What would you have done with $60k?
A once-vacant building in the heart of Frankston has been transformed with a bold pink and purple façade, signalling fresh energy for the city centre. The project at 76 Young Street is part of Frankston City Council’s broader plan to revitalise the area, improve safety and walkability, and encourage more people to live, work and invest locally.
Protesters braved wild weather outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property, marking six months of demonstrations, after new photos by photographer and regular protester Carol Augustinus revealed another animal death.
A recovery operation is underway off Mornington Pier after a small boat capsized late Friday night. One man was rescued, while another — believed to be in his 20s — remains missing as police continue their search.
Frankston City Council has strengthened its reputation for effective advocacy, securing five wins at the MAV State Council on housing, transparency, and worker protections — further positioning the city as a leader in local government reform.
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam has urged residents to stay clear of the pier and foreshore after two men died in extreme wind conditions on Tuesday afternoon. Council will increase lifeguard patrols and safety signage ahead of summer.
Curlew Court in Hastings is once again under water as heavy rain and high winds lash the Mornington Peninsula. Residents say the flooding is a long-running issue, and Councillor Michael Stephens has visited the site to investigate drainage concerns.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is seeking community feedback on two proposed routes for a new shared path linking Dromana and Safety Beach, aimed at improving safety, access and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility users across the Peninsula. Submissions close 24 November 2025.
Six years after her baby’s death in Frankston, mother Kayla Hehir has finally received Talon’s death certificate — but the Victorian Government’s refusal to hold an inquest has renewed her fight for justice.
More than 140 people attended the Smorgasbord of Music at the Somerville Seniors Hall, part of the Victorian Seniors Festival and hosted by Somerville Community House.
The Mount Eliza horse welfare campaign has raised $4,500 to feed 35 rescued horses, as organiser Carly Wines told RPP FM the community won’t stop protesting until all animals are safe.
Cr David Gill’s push to strengthen transparency and councillor rights during meetings was defeated at Tuesday night’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting — a vote that took place without Mayor Anthony Marsh, whose absence left Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro in the chair.
Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie has been appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and will continue as Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning.
Frankston’s city centre is set to become more accessible with the reopening of the Frankston House Car Park on 15 October. The upgraded facility beneath Moon Dog Brewery offers 49 public spaces with the first two hours free, operating daily from 7am to 11pm and fully monitored by CCTV. The project supports local business growth and forms part of Frankston City Council’s broader plan to revitalise Nepean Highway and boost city centre activity.
Around 50 locals gathered for the 25th week outside Maxine Fraser’s property, calling for the release of 18 horses still on site despite last month’s RSPCA seizure.
The McCrae Landslide Inquiry has found failures by South East Water and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, concluding that a burst water main and years of poor leadership combined to cause the disaster that displaced families in January 2025.
Cr David Gill has lodged a motion to strengthen transparency and accountability at Mornington Peninsula Shire, following months of tension with Mayor Anthony Marsh and the “notorious bloc of six” accused of shutting down council debate.
Frankston’s Community Connector program will remain in place for another year, with new funding allowing outreach workers to expand their presence into two major retail precincts in the CBD.
Mornington Peninsula Shire blames a rise in recycling contamination — now costing an extra $1 million — on residents putting the wrong items in yellow-lid bins.
Rosebud Hospital will receive a $4 million upgrade to improve ventilation, safety and patient facilities, but locals say only a full redevelopment will meet the community’s growing needs.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has committed $500,000 to upgrade its CCTV network across major townships, aiming to improve reliability and give Victoria Police better access to footage in real time.
Project One has opened in Frankston, led by 22-year-old local Josh. The new café is already attracting strong community support, with customers praising its coffee, fresh atmosphere and friendly service. Backed by community, Project One is quickly establishing itself in the city’s hospitality scene.
