Frankston Accessible Beach Program To Return Next Summer
Frankston’s Australia’s Most Accessible Beach program will return next summer after strong demand during its first season at Frankston Foreshore.
Oscar Maynard
Greens Push Rent Freeze Pitch To Nepean Voters
Greens candidate Dr Sianan Healy has used the final days of the Nepean by-election campaign to call for a two-year rent freeze and stronger protections for renters.
South Side Festival To Bring 10 Days Of Art, Neon And Culture To Frankston
South Side Festival will return to Frankston from 8 to 17 May, with 10 days of arts, culture, neon installations, comedy, sustainability events and workshops planned across the city.
Frankston Sharks Crowned Australia’s Top BMX Club After Three National Titles
Frankston Sharks BMX Club has been crowned Australia’s top BMX club after three of its riders won national titles at the 2026 AusCycling BMX Racing Nationals.
Paul Edbrooke Joins Victorian Cabinet In Boost For Frankston
Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke has joined Victoria’s cabinet in a reshuffle of the Allan government, with former mayor Kris Bolam welcoming the promotion as a significant moment for the city.
Mornington Pre-School Opens New Nature-Based Playground After $739,000 Upgrade
Leslie Moorhead Pre-School in Mornington has opened a new nature-based playground following a $739,000 redevelopment funded through the Victorian School Building Authority.
Frankston Seniors Invited To Join Free Escorted Train Travel Program
Frankston seniors are being encouraged to register for a free two-part escorted train travel program starting on April 21, 2026, with sessions covering train safety, station navigation, myki tips and a guided trip to Melbourne to see the new Metro Tunnel.
Greens Candidate Targets Cost Of Living Pressure In Nepean
Greens candidate for Nepean Dr Sianan Healy has made cost of living and public transport central to her by-election campaign, arguing Peninsula families are being squeezed by rising everyday costs.
Frankston Pushes School Holiday Drawcard As Party In The Park Returns To Cruden Farm
Frankston City Council is bringing Party in the Park back to Cruden Farm on Sunday 12 April, with superhero-themed entertainment, family activities, rides, stalls and school holiday fun.
Australian Sand Sculpting Championships return to Frankston Waterfront
The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships are returning to Frankston Waterfront, where 400 tonnes of sand will be transformed into large-scale sculptures, interactive attractions and family-friendly activities.
Somerville To Baxter Trail Opens In Part As Road Crossing Holds Up Full Link
The northern section of the Somerville to Baxter Trail is now open, but the full link remains incomplete as work continues on a key crossing near Frankston-Flinders Road.
Union slams Searoad Ferries over alleged ferry safety incidents
The Maritime Union of Australia has criticised Searoad Ferries following allegations a passenger assaulted crew and accessed a restricted operational area during a 2024 voyage on the Sorrento–Queenscliff ferry route.
Pop-up Street Art Studio to Open Inside Bayside Shopping Centre During Frankston Festival
A vacant shop at Bayside Shopping Centre will be converted into a pop-up street art studio from 19–22 March as part of the 2026 Frankston Street Art Festival, with tours, workshops and a post-festival silent auction.
Hungry? Frankston City Rolls Out More Food Vans From 1 June
More mobile food vans are coming to Frankston City from 1 June 2026, with Council approving new and returning operators across parks and foreshore locations, including a new Carrum Downs site.
Frankston Council Opens $250K Funding Pool To Back New Destination Events
Frankston City Council has opened applications for its 2026–27 Destination Event Attraction Program, offering a $250,000 funding pool to support new and returning destination events in the city.
Frankston Recognised As An “Established Welcoming City” After National Assessment
Frankston City Council has been recognised as an Established Welcoming City under the Welcoming Cities program after a national accreditation assessment that returned a score of 4.4 out of 5.
Hastings Man Charged After Police Probe Into Copper Thefts From Power Poles
A 26-year-old Hastings man has been charged following a Victoria Police investigation into alleged copper thefts from power poles in the Hastings area, with police seizing what they described as a large amount of copper wiring during a search.
Roccella Lido To Open At Frankston Yacht Club In August 2026
Roccella Lido will open at the Frankston Yacht Club in August 2026, ending a decade-long vacancy and bringing a new Italian waterfront dining venue to Frankston’s foreshore.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Announces 2026 Australia Day Award Recipients
Mornington Peninsula Shire has announced the recipients of its 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising local residents and community groups for contributions to community life across the Peninsula.
Frankston Mayor Meets Japan’s Consul-General As Council Highlights Susono Sister City Ties
Frankston Mayor Sue Baker has met with Japan’s Consul-General to discuss the Frankston–Susono sister city relationship, ongoing student exchanges and opportunities to strengthen cultural and education links.
Patient Transfer Marks First Full Operational Day For Peninsula University Hospital Tower
About 220 patients and mental health consumers have moved into Frankston’s new Peninsula University Hospital tower, marking its first full operational day.
Two Boys, 17 And 13, Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase Across Melbourne’s South-East
Two boys aged 17 and 13 have been arrested after a high-speed police follow involving an allegedly stolen white Mazda SUV across Melbourne’s south-east, ending in Berwick, Victoria Police say.
Incident At Somerville Central After Woman Followed And Verbally Abused By Group Of Young Boys
An incident at Somerville Central near Target and Chemist involved a woman being followed and verbally abused by a group of young boys, prompting security attendance and strong community backlash.
Frankston Waterfront Festival Gets $95k Boost
Frankston’s Waterfront Festival will return to the foreshore on 6–7 February 2026, with a $95,000 Revive Live funding boost supporting Australian performers and improved accessibility updates, including large LED screens for real-time information and safety messaging.
Rye Man Charged After Police Allege Stolen Jet Ski Found and $11,300 in Counterfeit Cash Seized
Police allege a 32-year-old Rye man was about to leave a Collingwood Street property with a jet ski and trailer stolen from Mannum, South Australia, when officers executed a warrant. Police also allege more than $11,300 in counterfeit cash was seized. The man was bailed to appear at Dromana Magistrates’ Court on 12 February.
Second Body Found On Mornington Peninsula As Police Investigate Rye Pier Death
Police are investigating after a man’s body was found floating near Rye Pier on Thursday morning. It was the second death reported on the Mornington Peninsula the same day, after police were called to a campsite in Rosebud earlier that morning.
Expert Tips to Avoid Burnout in 2026 as Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Workers Return to Routine
Burnout played a significant role for many workers in 2025, with stress and exhaustion affecting wellbeing and productivity. Burnout specialist Nick Orchard, founder of The Big Refresh, shares practical tips to help Mornington Peninsula and Frankston residents recognise early warning signs and reduce the risk of burnout in 2026.
Austrian Tourist Rescued After Cliff Fall Near Cape Schanck
An Austrian tourist has been airlifted to hospital after a six metre cliff fall at Bushrangers Bay near Cape Schanck, in the second serious cliff incident on the Mornington Peninsula in a week, following a teen’s rescue at Sorrento’s Diamond Bay.
Sewage Spill Affects Sweetwater Creek and Frankston Beach
South East Water has reported a sewage spill at Frankston South, sending overflow into Sweetwater Creek and Frankston Beach. Residents are urged to avoid the water while clean up and water quality testing continue.
Peninsula University Hospital Set To Open In January 2026
Peninsula University Hospital will open its new 12 storey clinical tower on 20 January 2026, significantly expanding public hospital services for people in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula with more beds, new operating theatres, an upgraded emergency department and improved access to specialist care closer to home.
Peninsula-Wide Bluebottle Warning Issued as Sightings Spread from Frankston to Portsea
Bluebottles have been reported across Peninsula beaches from Seaford and Frankston to Portsea, where the back beach closed for periods this week. Here’s what beachgoers should know, including safety advice and first aid steps if stung.
Frankston to Electrify PARC and Arts, Library Precinct Under $2.85m Upgrade
Frankston City Council has announced a $2.85 million electrification project at PARC and the arts and library precinct, aimed at reducing emissions and cutting long-term energy costs.
Frankston Mayor Issues Condolence Message After Bondi Attack
Frankston Mayor Sue Baker has issued a message of condolence and unity following the deadly incident in Sydney, saying Frankston stands together in respect, compassion and care.
Sue Baker Elected Mayor as Frankston Makes History with All Female Leadership Team
Frankston City councillors have elected Cr Sue Baker as Mayor and Cr Cherie Wanat as Deputy Mayor for 2025–26, creating the city’s first all-female leadership team alongside incoming CEO Tennille Bradley. The new leaders have flagged housing, cost-of-living pressures and aged care reforms as key priorities for the year ahead.
Frankston City’s Kinder Overhaul Hailed as Win for Local Families
Frankston parents have secured a major overhaul of the local kinder enrolment system, with new rules to keep children at the same centre, stronger sibling priority and extra places created through upgrades in Frankston South, Seaford and Langwarrin.
Frankston Arts Centre forecourt upgrade puts precinct centre stage
Frankston Arts Centre visitors will now arrive through a rebuilt $2.1 million forecourt designed to improve safety, accessibility and the overall theatre experience, with new Bunurong-inspired landscaping, upgraded lighting and clearer access forming part of broader investment in the city centre.
Frankston ramps up beach safety after October’s tragic drownings
Frankston City Council has strengthened its summer water-safety measures following the deaths of two men at Frankston Beach in October. Increased patrols, extended lifeguard hours and clearer warnings will be in place across the foreshore.
Victoria Police Arrest Duo on Stolen Moped in Somerville
Two men were arrested in Somerville after an early morning police intercept involving a stolen moped, with the rider facing multiple charges and a court date at Frankston Magistrates Court.
Frankston Christmas Festival Draws Massive Crowds as New Name Makes Its Debut
Frankston’s newly rebranded Christmas Festival drew huge crowds on Saturday, with strong police presence, positive behaviour and no reported incidents. Council says the name change reflects a stronger focus on community connection.
Frankston Council Responds to Concerns Over Alleged Illegal Foreshore Works
Frankston City Council has addressed community concern over alleged illegal vegetation removal and unauthorised foreshore works, confirming investigations with DEECA and urging residents to report suspected breaches.
‘World’s Best’: Peninsula Hot Springs Wins Global Luxury Hot Springs Award
Peninsula Hot Springs has been named the world’s leading luxury hot springs destination, winning the Global Luxury Hot Springs award at the World Luxury Spa Awards. The Mornington Peninsula wellness centre marks 20 years of growth.
Mornington Peninsula Named Victoria’s Tidy Town for 2025
Mornington Peninsula has been named Victoria’s Tidy Town for 2025, acknowledging the region’s community-led sustainability work, from coastal protection to renewable energy innovation.
Peninsula Health recognised for eliminating seclusion in mental-health care
Peninsula Health has been named a finalist in the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards for its success in ending seclusion and mechanical restraints across its mental-health units at Frankston Hospital.
Frankston Council Launches New Winter Festival to Boost Off-Season Tourism
Frankston City Council will launch a new Winter Fire Festival in June 2026, investing $100,000 to boost off-season tourism, support local business, and expand its year-round events calendar.
Nairm Marr Djambana granted 50-year lease for cultural inclusion
Frankston City Council has granted a 50-year lease to Nairm Marr Djambana at Jubilee Park, marking a major milestone in its long-term plan to strengthen cultural inclusion, reconciliation, and community connection.
Frankston Council Funds 34 Local Groups, Expands Emergency and Youth Support Programs
Frankston City Council has awarded almost $130,000 to 34 community organisations and boosted funding for urgent and child inclusion grants, helping local groups respond to cost-of-living pressures and support families across the municipality
Frankston Council backs police and community safety initiatives
Frankston Council has funded new community safety initiatives, supporting the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation and re-establishing Neighbourhood Watch Frankston to strengthen local partnerships and public safety.
Frankston Council to Move to Shared Community Care Model by 2026
Frankston City Council will transition to a shared Community Care delivery model from June 2026, maintaining essential programs like Meals on Wheels while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
New Ballam Park Heritage Trail Brings Frankston’s Past to Life
Frankston City Council has unveiled the Ballam Park Heritage Trail — a new self-guided walk celebrating the city’s cultural heritage, community spirit and historical milestones.
Frankston Council Program Brews Success for Local Entrepreneurs
Frankston City Council’s mobile food van program is giving local entrepreneurs a chance to turn small ideas into thriving businesses, with success stories like Carrum Downs’ Caravan Chai showing how community support can help start-ups grow nationally.
