TLC Floats $250m Rosebud Hospital PPP As Debate Reignites
TLC Healthcare has put forward a $250 million public-private partnership proposal for Rosebud Hospital, reigniting debate over how the southern peninsula hospital should be rebuilt.
Category Community News
Community related news across the Mornington Peninsula & Frankston
Peninsula Aero Club Hands Over $43,000 To Local Groups After Tyabb Airshow
Peninsula Aero Club has handed over $43,000 raised through the Tyabb Airshow to five local organisations, supporting mental health, emergency services and youth sport.
Peninsula Quarries Opens 2026 Community Grants For Somerville, Tyabb And Mornington NFP Groups
Local not-for-profit groups in Somerville, Tyabb and Mornington can apply for Peninsula Quarries Victoria’s 2026 community grants program, with $5,000 available for community projects and initiatives.
Four Trailer Loads Removed In Somerville Clean-Up
Seventeen volunteers braved wet and windy weather to remove four trailer loads of rubbish from areas around Somerville Railway Station as part of a Clean Up Australia event organised by Somerville Business Group.
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.
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.
Fire Restrictions Ease In Frankston And On The Mornington Peninsula
Fire restrictions have eased in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula, with CFA confirming the Fire Danger Period ended at 1am on Tuesday 7 April 2026. The change means some private burn-offs can resume, but safety rules still apply.
Police Appeal For Help To Find Missing Rosebud Man Bernard
Victoria Police is appealing for public assistance to help locate Bernard, 84, who was last seen leaving a residence on Waterfall Gully Road in Rosebud about 9.30pm on Saturday, 28 March. Police say he was travelling in a 2008 Subaru Outback, registration WGD037.
Somerville Business Group To Host Community Clean-Up Day On 3 May
Somerville Business Group will host a community clean-up day on 3 May, with locals encouraged to register in advance to assist with planning, catering and insurance coverage.
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.
International Women’s Day: The life and leadership of Annie Sage
As International Women’s Day is marked across the Mornington Peninsula, it is hard not to reflecting on the inspirational life of Annie Moriah Sage, a pioneering nurse from Somerville whose leadership in maternal and child health helped shape nursing and community care across Victoria.
Another Recycling Truck Fire, Another Close Call as Load Dumped on Bittern Street
A recycling truck fire in Bittern has been blamed on lithium batteries incorrectly disposed of in a kerbside recycling bin, prompting renewed warnings about hazardous waste in household bins.
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.
Ex-Langwarrin Principal Jailed For Child Abuse Material, Eligible For Release After 3 Months
former Langwarrin Park Primary School principal has been jailed over child abuse material offences and may be released after three months. Readers are invited to share their views.
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.
MPCA Country Week Carnival
The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association squad delivered a strong performance at the 2026 Country Week Carnival, recording key wins before narrowly falling to Geelong in the Grand Final.
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.
New Psychiatrist-Led Mental Health Program Set To Operate In Mount Eliza
A new psychiatrist-led outpatient program for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression is set to operate at Avive Clinic Mornington Peninsula in Mount Eliza from July–September 2026, improving access to specialised mental health care locally.
RBA Rate Rise Sparks Concern Across Consumer, Welfare and Business Groups
Australia’s cash rate has risen to 3.85 per cent after the Reserve Bank increased rates by 25 basis points. Welfare and consumer advocates warned of deeper financial stress, while CPA Australia and the Somerville Business Group said households and small businesses could face tighter spending and tougher trading conditions.
Hastings Library Forced To Close On Tuesday Due To Extreme Heat
Hastings Library was forced to close from 2pm Tuesday after Mornington Peninsula Shire said extreme heat meant the building could not be kept at a safe temperature.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Peninsula University Hospital To Begin Taking Patients From 20 January After Official Opening
Peninsula University Hospital will begin caring for patients from Tuesday, 20 January, following its official opening in Frankston. The site was previously known as Frankston Hospital and operated under Peninsula Health before the health service was folded into the newly…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fire Breaks Out During Dromana Drive-In New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Crowd Evacuated
A small fire broke out during Dromana 3 Drive In’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, prompting a precautionary evacuation and CFA response. No injuries or property damage were reported. Crews contained the grass and scrub fire before it reached the freeway.
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.
Crib Point Couple Face Homelessness and Health Challenges After Losing Home in House Fire
Sandra and Kevin lost their Crib Point home in a house fire just after Christmas and are now facing homelessness while Kevin undergoes treatment for stage 4 cancer. Their son has launched a GoFundMe appeal, calling on the Mornington Peninsula community to help them rebuild.
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.
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.
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.
