Fresh Somerville Times Hits Shelves From Tomorrow
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.
STPL News
Mornington Peninsula pair arrested after Cranbourne drug and vehicle haul
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.
Stolen Buggy Rams Police Car In Moorooduc
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.
Letter to the Editor: New Rosebud Hospital Pledges are Conditional.
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.
Police Search for Missing Woman Carmel (59)
Victoria Police are appealing for public help to locate missing Highett woman Carmel, last seen on Friday morning.
Drink and Drug Drivers Detected During Long Weekend on Mornington Peninsula
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.
Letter To The Editor: Police Concerns After Assaults Involving An Autistic Person
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 appeal for witnesses after Rosebud assault leaves man hospitalised
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.
Interim Results: “Rate Your State MP” Survey
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.
Print & Digital Copies of Somerville Times 031 are Out Now
Latest edition of the Somerville Times by STPL News.
11K Snatched in Boneo Sports Facility Break-In
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.
Man Known to Frequent Rye Wanted on Warrant Over Shepparton Aggravated Burglary
Victoria Police are appealing for assistance to locate Khial Smith, wanted on warrant over an alleged aggravated burglary in Shepparton.
Somerville Times Returns Wednesday with Refreshed Look for 2026
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.
Snorkeller Reports Small Shark at Dromana, Commenters Respond with “Doo Doo Doo”
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.
Early Snapshot: What Hastings, Mornington and Frankston Residents Want Prioritised in 2026
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.
Classic Suzuki Motorcycles Stolen From Seaford Collector’s Garage, Police Appeal For Information
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.
Have Your Say: STPL News Launches ‘Rate Your State MP’ Survey
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.
Busted: Serial Car Thief Used High-Tech Key Devices To Steal 25 Vehicles Across Melbourne And Frankston
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.
Police Appeal After 17-Year-Old Cynthia Reported Missing From Langwarrin South
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.
10.30am Shock: Seaford Man, 52, Allegedly Recorded 0.171 BAC While Unlicensed
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.
Shark Sighting Reported Near Rye Pier
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.
Battery Disposal Reminder Issued Following Mount Martha Recycling Truck Fire
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.
Frankston Teens Charged After Alleged Luxury Car Home Invasion Spree
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.
Frankston Man Charged After Alleged Hammer Assault in Cranbourne
A Frankston man has been remanded in custody following an alleged hammer assault in Cranbourne, with two men now facing court.
Two Men Charged After Shotgun Home Invasion in Melbourne’s South East
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.
Rosebud Raid: Man Remanded As Police Allege Firearms, Drugs, Cash And 3D Printer Seized
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 Sets Weight Record in Balnarring Cup Win
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
Crackdown On Jet Skis And Boats: 94 Fined On The Mornington Peninsula In Two-Month Safety Blitz
Frankston Locals Recognised For Grassroots Work Across Beaches, Youth Services And Legal Support
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.
Police Release Images After Alleged Sexual Assault on City-Bound Train
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.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Weekly Weather Report
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.
Shark Sighting Reported Off Merricks Beach in Western Port Bay
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.
Frankston Man Charged Over 3am Mount Eliza Home Invasion And Stolen Porsche
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.
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 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.
