Shark Sighting Reported About 30 Metres Offshore At Somers
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
STPL News Rejects MPSC Claims and Affirms Independent Reporting
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 Seek Public Help To Locate People Wanted On Warrant
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.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Beach Report (Week commencing 19/01/26)
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.
Missing Person Appeal: Jordan, 15, Last Seen About 9pm Sunday
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.
Whaler Shark Reported Off Safety Beach After Jet Ski Sighting
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.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Beach Report | Week Commencing 12/01/26
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.
Cut Through The Noise: Fixed Placement, Local Audience, Real Visibility
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.
Hastings Woman Charged Following Drug Bust
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.
Extreme Heat Warning for Wednesday as Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Face Dangerous Conditions
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.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Beach Report (Week commencing 05/01/26)
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: Mornington Peninsula and Frankston (3–4 January 2026)
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.
STPL News 2025 Year in Review: The Stories That Hit Home
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 2025: What To Expect Across Frankston And The Mornington Peninsula
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.
Second White Shark Sighting Reported Off Portsea in Two Days
A three metre white shark has been reported off Portsea for the second day in a row, with the latest sighting logged on the Dorsal app. A photo of the shark can he viewed in the article.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Weekly Beach 29/12/25
Beach report for Mornington Peninsula and Frankston week commencing 29/12/25, covering a Portsea shark sighting, the Sweetwater Creek and Frankston Beach sewage spill advisory, and ongoing bluebottle jellyfish activity. Check warnings before swimming.
Letter to the Editor: Questions That Deserve Answers
Local resident Graham Griffiths raises questions about federal funding, migration settings and humanitarian aid, calling for clearer explanations from government decision-makers in his latest Letter to the Editor.
White Shark Sighting Reported Off Portsea Beach
A 2.5 metre white shark has been reported about 150 metres off Portsea Beach, after a slow-swimming shark was spotted from a boat. Swimmers are urged to stay alert and follow any safety advice from authorities.
House Fire in Crib Point
Firefighters have reportedly brought a house fire in Dartnell Close, Crib Point on the Mornington Peninsula under control. At this stage, no further information about the cause of the blaze has been released.
Mornington Peninsula & Frankston Beach Report
In our latest beach report for 27/12/25, bluebottles have been reported across the Peninsula foreshore, while no shark warnings are currently active. Read the full report and check local conditions, water quality forecasts and patrol information before entering the water.
In Case You Missed It: Teen Rescued After Cliff Fall at Sorrento
A teenage boy has been winched to safety after falling from a cliff at Diamond Bay in Sorrento, as reported by the ABC. Emergency services treated him on the rocks before he was flown to hospital with non life threatening injuries, prompting renewed warnings about cliff and coastal safety.
Christmas Day Across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston: Key Info for Residents
Christmas Day service closures, council contact details and key community support information for residents across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston.
Peninsula Safety Measures Announced Ahead of New Year’s Eve Crowds
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has outlined foreshore safety measures ahead of New Year’s Eve 2025, including alcohol restrictions, closures at key locations, prohibited items and transport reminders for visitors planning to celebrate on the Peninsula.
Police Search for Missing 10-Year-Old Boy Jack in Frankston
Victoria Police are searching for missing 10-year-old Jack, last seen in Violet Street, Frankston about 8.30pm Thursday night. Police urge anyone who sees him to call 000.
Troy Cunneen sought over Mornington police car ramming and outstanding warrants
Victoria Police are seeking information on Troy Cunneen’s whereabouts after a police car ramming in Mornington on 12 December 2025. He is also wanted on five outstanding warrants.
Letter to the Editor: Integrity Can’t Be Optional in the Council Chamber
In a letter to the editor, Anne Kruger of Rye questions whether the public can trust council decision-making if integrity inside the chamber is treated as optional, pointing to renewed concerns about governance and internal politics at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
Police vehicle Rammed in Mornington, Driver Still Not Caught
Police are appealing for information after a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly rammed a parked police vehicle at a Fleet Street unit complex in Mornington on Friday night before the driver ran off. Detectives want any CCTV or dashcam footage.
Alleged $172k Schoolies Drug Pipeline Cut Off Across Mornington Peninsula Say VicPol
Police say a string of raids from Carrum Downs to Rye has cut off an alleged $172,000 drug pipeline aimed at school leavers on the Mornington Peninsula, with nine people arrested and a mix of illicit substances seized in the lead-up to schoolies.
Police investigate death of man in Hastings home
Police are investigating after a 42-year-old man was found dead inside a Curlew Court home in Hastings about 5 pm on Wednesday 10 December. Homicide Squad detectives are assisting local officers and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Santa Comes to Somerville & Window Wonderland
Santa Comes to Somerville returns for its 5th year on Saturday 20 December, with Santa visiting three shopping precincts and a Christmas Window Wonderland showcasing local businesses.
Mostly Experienced Drivers Caught in Schoolies Road Blitz on Mornington Peninsula
Victoria Police have detected mostly experienced drivers for alleged drink driving, speeding and suspended-licence offences in a single-night schoolies road blitz on the Mornington Peninsula, as officers step up patrols to keep young school leavers and other road users safe.
Somerville Times final 2025 edition out now
The final 2025 print edition of the Somerville Times is out now and available free at local collection points or by home delivery. Print will return in February 2026, while STPL News daily e-news continues throughout summer.
Police appeal to find missing Dandenong man “Gerry”
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate 67-year-old Gerard “Gerry”, last seen about 12.30 am near Princes Highway and Gladstone Road in Dandenong. He uses an electric mobility scooter and is known to visit the Frankston area.
Bloc Votes Down Bid to Tighten Council Campaign Donations
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro appeared uncomfortable as he opposed Cr David Gill’s donation transparency motion, saying it “doesn’t really seem fair” and could have “real unintended consequences”.
Somerville Times Final 2025 Edition Out This Wednesday
The final Somerville Times print edition for 2025 is out this Wednesday, featuring a year-in-review of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, an interview with Hannah Swinnerton, updates on the Aaron Torpy case, Christmas events and more. STPL News continues online through the holidays.
Eramosa Family Medical Centre
Eramosa Family Medical Centre Ad posted at 27/11/2025 at 1:00pm. The practice known as Eramosa Family Medical Centre will be transferred to a new health service provider on or about 12 December 2025. Dr Shaun Zail will continue to practice…
Western Port Community Unites to Mark Start of 16 Days of Activism in Hastings
Western Port community members gathered at Hastings foreshore for the opening of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, joining a march and community event promoting respect and gender-based violence prevention.
Police Seek Public Assistance to Locate Missing Frankston Teenager Nate
Frankston police are seeking public assistance to locate 15-year-old Nate, who was last seen on 12 November. Officers and family hold concerns due to his age and the time he has been missing.
Mornington Peninsula Police Issue New Wanted on Warrant Appeal
Police have issued a fresh appeal to locate four people wanted on warrants across the Mornington Peninsula, following an earlier Crime Stoppers alert naming eight other individuals.
Wanted Persons Sought Across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula
Police are seeking public assistance to locate several people wanted on warrant across Frankston, Rosebud and Langwarrin. Crime Stoppers Victoria has released the names and details of individuals linked to burglary, theft, drug-related offending and bail breaches.
Police search for missing 15-year-old girl last seen in Parkville
Victoria Police are searching for 15-year-old Grace, last seen on Park Drive in Parkville on Monday evening. Grace is known to frequent the Mornington Peninsula area. Police and family hold concerns for her welfare and are urging anyone with information to contact Triple Zero.
Frankston Teen Among Trio Charged Over Violent Pakenham Armed Robbery
A Frankston teen is among three youths charged over a violent armed robbery in Pakenham involving a stolen SUV. Police say a man was slashed with a knife after refusing demands during the street attack.
Police Seek Public Assistance to Locate Hunter Scott
Victoria Police are searching for 18-year-old Hunter Scott, who is wanted on a warrant for armed robbery, vehicle theft and other alleged offences. He is believed to frequent the Hastings area.
Final 2025 Advertising Opportunity: Somerville Times + STPL News Digital
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Seaford Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase Through Melbourne’s South
A Seaford man has been arrested after allegedly driving a white Holden Commodore at more than 200 km/h through Melbourne’s southern suburbs before abandoning the vehicle in Cheltenham. Police say the 44-year-old was found nearby with drugs and items linked to vehicle theft.
Woman and Child Drown in Dandenong Creek Tragedy
Emergency crews were called to Dandenong Creek near Allan Street after reports of two people swept away in fast-moving water.
Police Seek Help to Identify Man Found on Frankston Freeway
Police are appealing for help to identify a man found on the Frankston Freeway on 3 November. A Facefit image has been released as investigations continue.
Have You Seen AMELIE? Police Search for Missing Langwarrin Teen
Police are searching for 14-year-old Amelie, last seen on Stevens Road, Langwarrin, on 5 November. It’s believed they may be travelling to Cranbourne or Hastings.
MISSING TEEN: Police Seek Public Help to Find MAKAYLA
Police are searching for 14-year-old Makayla, last seen in Langwarrin on Tuesday. Anyone with information is urged to contact Frankston Police Station on (03) 9784 5555.
Community feedback shapes Sorrento parking upgrades
Mornington Peninsula Shire is progressing plans to expand the Morce Avenue car park in Sorrento following strong community feedback on proposed design options.
