A local resident says uneven access to services, transport and community facilities across the Mornington Peninsula is leaving some suburbs isolated, particularly older residents and people living with disability.
A letter to the editor argues Australia’s fuel crisis is not solely a government failure, but the result of global instability, disrupted oil supply routes and long-term policy decisions that weakened fuel security.
The latest edition of the Somerville Times has flown off shelves at some collection points, with the allocated print supply moving quicker than usual. Readers who missed out can access the digital version now, with collection points set to be refilled on Monday.
The latest edition of the Somerville Times is rolling out now and will be available at all collection points from tomorrow, featuring local headlines, election coverage and community issues.
A Dromana man has been charged and a Mornington woman released pending further enquiries after police seized drugs, vehicles, ammunition and allegedly stolen ID cards at a Cranbourne property.
Police are investigating after a stolen industrial buggy allegedly rammed a police vehicle in Moorooduc early on Monday morning. The incident began at a business on Moorooduc Highway before officers later located the vehicles on Bentons Road.
A Rye resident says promises of a new hospital in Rosebud should be viewed realistically, noting that funding decisions rest with the Victorian Government through the state budget.
Victoria Police are appealing for public help to locate missing Highett woman Carmel, last seen on Friday morning.
Mornington Peninsula police conducted more than 1,800 roadside breath and drug tests during the long weekend Operation ARID road safety blitz, detecting several drink and drug drivers.
An anonymous letter to the editor raises concerns about police follow-up, call handling, and the availability of disability liaison support after assaults involving an autistic person on the Mornington Peninsula.
Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after an assault at the intersection of McCombe Street and Thomas Street in Rosebud about 5pm on Saturday 28 February 2026. A man was taken to hospital with significant injuries to his leg, and investigators believe a person in a white car may have filmed the incident.
STPL News has published an interim snapshot of results from the Rate Your State MP survey, covering Hastings, Mornington and Frankston for the 2022–2026 term. The survey is ongoing and voluntary. See response totals, key themes and interim grades, and take the survey.
Latest edition of the Somerville Times by STPL News.
More than $11,000 in prize money and staff salaries was allegedly stolen in a break-in at a sports facility on Boneo Road. Police say a Cranbourne man has been charged and bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court in May.
Victoria Police are appealing for assistance to locate Khial Smith, wanted on warrant over an alleged aggravated burglary in Shepparton.
Somerville Times returns on Wednesday 25 February 2026 with a refreshed layout and design, leading with coverage of the monitors’ appointment and terms of reference and confirmed developments in the Nepean race involving Mayor Anthony Marsh. This edition also includes a local crime roundup, a Rate Your MP survey snapshot and how to participate, an MPCA Country Week carnival recap, Australia Day in Hastings revisited, and more.
A snorkeller has reported seeing a small shark near Anthony’s Nose Boat Ramp at Dromana Beach, with the sighting logged through the Dorsal shark alert platform on Saturday evening.
STPL News’ Rate Your MP survey is tracking what locals want prioritised in 2026. Early responses point to cost of living, crime, roads and housing as key issues across Hastings, Mornington and Frankston.
Victoria Police are appealing for information after two classic Suzuki GSXR 1100 motorcycles were stolen from a collector’s garage in Seaford, within the Frankston City Council area.
STPL News has launched a community feedback survey inviting residents in Hastings, Mornington and Frankston to rate their local state MP’s performance during the current parliamentary term (2022–2026). Nepean will open after the by-election result.
Victoria Police say a Ringwood North man has been charged with more than 60 offences after allegedly using electronic “key mimicking” devices to steal at least 25 cars across Melbourne’s east and south-east, including Frankston.
Victoria Police are appealing for information to help locate 17-year-old Cynthia, last seen about 10.45am on 15 February in Langwarrin South. Police believe she may be in the Langwarrin, Cranbourne or Frankston areas.
A Seaford man is expected to face court after police allege he returned a high-range BAC of 0.171 and was driving unlicensed during a weekday morning intercept on Klauer Street.
A shark sighting near Rye Pier has been reported by swimmers after a large fin surfaced close to shore. The animal later swam toward the pier, prompting swimmers to return to shore and warn others.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has issued a reminder about battery disposal after a recycling truck caught fire in Mount Martha, highlighting the risks of hazardous waste in household bins.
Three Frankston teenagers and a Seaford man are among four charged after police allege an overnight aggravated burglary and luxury car theft spree that ended in Mount Eliza with a stolen Maserati.
A Frankston man has been remanded in custody following an alleged hammer assault in Cranbourne, with two men now facing court.
Two men have been charged after an alleged home invasion in Narre Warren South, where police allege a loaded sawn-off shotgun was involved and a Mercedes SUV was stolen before arrests in Narre Warren.
A 53-year-old man has been remanded after police executed a warrant at a Rosebud address, with officers alleging they located firearms, drugs, cash and a 3D printer during the search.
Diamanda has claimed this year’s Balnarring Cup, carrying a record 77 kilograms to a dominant hometown victory for Crib Point trainer Michael Binney at the Balnarring Picnic Races.
Crackdown On Jet Skis And Boats: 94 Fined On The Mornington Peninsula In Two-Month Safety Blitz
Frankston locals have been recognised in the 2026 Citizens of the Year awards, with community work across coastal protection, youth wellbeing and free legal support celebrated at Frankston Arts Centre.
Victoria Police have released images of a man they believe may assist with enquiries after an 18-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted on a city-bound metropolitan train.
Australia Day begins warm before a hot mid-week spike across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston, with UV expected to stay high to extreme. A cooler change is forecast for the weekend, with light showers possible on Saturday.
A shark sighting was reported off Merricks Beach in Western Port Bay on Saturday afternoon, with the animal listed as about 50 metres from shore, according to a public Dorsal Shark Reports entry.
A Frankston man has been charged following an alleged 3am home invasion in Mount Eliza, where a wallet, car keys and a silver Porsche were taken before the vehicle was intercepted by police in Carrum Downs.
A shark estimated at least 2m long was reported about 30m offshore at Somers Beach on Friday afternoon, according to a sighting logged on the Dorsal platform.
STPL News has issued a formal statement rejecting claims made by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and reaffirming its commitment to independent, fact-based local journalism and accountability.
Victoria Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate several people currently wanted on warrant, with Crime Stoppers Victoria publishing updated details for the Southern Metro region. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Warmer weather returns this week, but so does the wind. Here’s the BOM outlook for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, plus key safety notes on UV and marine conditions.
Victoria Police have issued a missing person appeal for Jordan, 15, who was last seen in Mooroolbark about 9pm on Sunday 4 January. Police say there are concerns for her welfare due to her age, and believe she may be travelling through Sunshine, Melbourne CBD, Altona and Frankston. Anyone with information is urged to contact Lilydale Police Station on (03) 9739 2300. Ref: 260005442.
A whaler shark has been reported off Safety Beach after a jet ski rider spotted a dorsal fin about 400 metres from shore. The public report was logged on Dorsal Watch as summer shark sightings continue across the Mornington Peninsula.
Conditions are mixed across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula for the week starting 12 January 2026, with water quality a key consideration, Very High to Extreme UV levels early in the week, and a midweek shift to stronger winds, showers and possible thunderstorms.
STPL News is now offering fixed-placement online advertising for Mornington Peninsula and Frankston businesses, reaching 100,000 website visitors a month, 7,000 daily e-news subscribers and 1–2 million Facebook views monthly. Print advertising also returns in February 2026 with 10,000 copies distributed each month.
Victoria Police report that a drug search warrant executed in Hastings on 6 January allegedly uncovered ICE, cannabis, GHB, prescription medications and an imitation firearm. A 46-year-old Hastings woman has been charged and remanded in custody until April 2026.
VicEmergency has issued an Advice for extreme heat across Victoria ahead of Wednesday 7 January. This report outlines expected conditions for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, including local temperature ranges, fire risk and practical safety reminders.
As at 04/01/26, the week ahead (05/01/26–10/01/26) starts mostly sunny with Extreme UV, peaks with midweek heat, then turns more changeable with showers and wind later in the week. Includes water quality and safety reminders.
Weekend beach report for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, with resolved water quality update, Portsea shark sighting reminder, weather and UV forecast, plus safety tips.
A look back at the most-read local stories of 2025, from school safety and animal welfare to major incidents and council accountability. As we start the new year, we remain committed to keeping them accountable.
New Year’s Eve across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula is expected to be mild, with no council-run fireworks, foreshore alcohol bans and extra patrols in place. Check local weather, vantage points and safety advice before heading out to welcome 2026.
