Somerville Football Netball Club Primed For Success In 2026
Somerville Football Netball Club is heading into the 2026 season with confidence, strong recruitment and a clear focus on success both on and off the field.
Category Latest News
Catch up on the latest news from the Somerville Times & Peninsula Local.
Liberals Accused Of Dirty Tactics After Anti-One Nation Flyer Emerges
The Liberal Party is being labelled desperate after copies of an anti-One Nation flyer, authorised by the party itself, began circulating across the Nepean electorate.
CCTV released after driver flees Rosebud freeway hit-run
Police have released CCTV images as they investigate a hit-run collision on the Peninsula Freeway at Rosebud, where a driver allegedly fled the scene on foot before the offending vehicle was driven away.
Pothole Post Sees Marsh Dig Himself Into Another Hole
Anthony Marsh is facing fresh scrutiny after appearing to mark a pothole on White Hill Road, a state-managed 80 km/h arterial road, without visible hi-vis gear or traffic control. STPL News has contacted Roads Minister Melissa Horne for comment.
Frank Schiefler Chosen as Liberal Candidate for Hastings
Frank Schiefler has been chosen by the Liberal Party for endorsement as its candidate for Hastings at the November Victorian state election, with a formal public announcement still pending.
EDITORIAL | The Victorian Liberals Have Learned Nothing, and Hastings Is the Latest Example
The Victorian Liberal Party appears to have repeated in Hastings the same top-down preselection play used in Nepean, raising fresh questions about rank-and-file members being shut out and the political cost of party arrogance.
Frankston Barista’s Debut Novel Spencer Sparkles Builds Local Momentum
Frankston local Dan Stroede says his debut novel Spencer Sparkles is building momentum, with strong reader feedback, local interest and growing attention around the book.
Letter to the Editor: MPSC Residents Deserve Fairer Access to Services
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.
Letter to the Editor: Fuel Crisis Blame Game Misses the Real Cause
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.
Flew off the shelves: latest edition already gone from some collection points
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.
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.
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.
Darren Hercus says One Nation will not play ‘support role’ in Nepean
One Nation candidate Darren Hercus says the party does not want to play a support role in the Nepean by-election, instead pitching itself as a genuine contender while campaigning on cost of living, housing, crime and Rosebud Hospital.
Nepean By-election 2026: Candidates Announced
Five candidates have announced campaigns for the 2026 Nepean by-election following the resignation of Sam Groth. STPL News is tracking the candidates and key developments as the campaign unfolds.
Fact check: Did Anthony Marsh increase road funding by 72% as stated in Jess Wilson’s video?
A claim that Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh increased road funding by 72% is examined against council records, budgets and procurement documents. The fact check looks at when the increase occurred and what decisions led to the higher spending.
Tracee Hutchison Announced Independent Bid for Nepean By‑Election
Rosebud local Tracee Hutchison has launched her campaign as a community independent in the Nepean state by-election. She will contest against Liberal candidate and MPSC mayor Anthony Marsh, Darren Hercus, Libertarian Peter Angelico, and the Greens candidate. Hutchison pledges to fight for local healthcare, ensure fair government spending, and be the first woman to represent Nepean.
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.
Setting the Record Straight: STPL News Statement
STPL News issues a statement responding to an MP News article by Cameron McCullough, clarifying the matter is a civil enforcement process and raising concerns about omitted key details and misleading framing.
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.
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.
Frankston City Council puts $17.05m “Frankston City First” priorities forward ahead of 2026 state election
Frankston City Council has released its “Frankston City First” advocacy priorities ahead of the 2026 Victorian state election, seeking $17.05 million for pavilions, shared paths, public spaces and support services across Frankston, Carrum and Hastings.
Print & Digital Copies of Somerville Times 031 are Out Now
Latest edition of the Somerville Times by STPL News.
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.
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.
Batty: My Exit From Frankston Football Club Had Nothing To Do With Alleged Fraud
Stephen Batty says his resignation from Frankston Football Club had nothing to do with the alleged fraud inquiry, instead citing unrelated board decisions and governance concerns.
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.
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.
Shock Exit: Sam Groth Quits Parliament, Nepean Thrown Into By-election
Sam Groth has resigned as the Liberal Member for Nepean, prompting a by-election. In a statement dated 4 February 2026, the Leader of the Opposition thanked Groth for his contribution and said the contest would focus on cost of living, crime, health and housing ahead of the November 2026 state election.
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.
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.
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.
Somerville Salutes Against Peninsula Old Boys
Somerville Cricket Club delivered a statement win in Round 8, defeating Old Peninsula in a hard-fought one-day contest led by Nick Mann’s steady 61 and Chris Brittain’s five-wicket haul.
BREAKING | Monitors Appointed to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
STPL News has been told two monitors have been appointed to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council by the Victorian Minister for Local Government. Once confirmed, the appointments would make Cr Anthony Marsh the first mayor in Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s history to have two monitors appointed at the same time.
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.
Councillor Confirms Term-Limits Motion Was Used To Target Colleague
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Cam Williams has acknowledged the September term-limits motion was used to target Cr David Gill, as questions mount over bloc politics, council culture and leadership at MPSC.
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.
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.
Editorial: The Latest Suicide Numbers Are Tragic — And Locally, It’s Not Slowing Down
New ABS data shows suicide remains the leading cause of death for young Australians. Local figures in Mornington Peninsula and Frankston highlight growing pressure on mental-health services, with suicide rates higher than the state and national averages.
Lest We Forget: Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Pause for Remembrance Day
Communities across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston will pause at 11 am this Remembrance Day to reflect on the legacy of war and the locals who served — including Fort Nepean gunner Sergeant John Purdue, Lieutenant General Sir Vernon Sturdee, pioneering nurse Annie Sage of Somerville, and the many more.
Frankston Council Expands Support for City’s Most Vulnerable
Frankston City Council is expanding its outreach services to better support residents facing homelessness and hardship — with new funding for street chaplaincy, an extended social work clinic, and extra grants for frontline community groups.
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.
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.
Frankston Development and Small Business Growth Accelerate as City Transformation Gains Momentum
Frankston’s transformation is gaining pace, with record business growth, housing projects and investment fuelling its rise as a thriving metropolitan city.
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.
Community Pressure Finally Moves Somerville Recreation Reserve Forward
After years of frustration and broken promises, Somerville’s long-awaited Recreation Reserve Master Plan Draft is open foe feedback — with locals, clubs and past players welcoming the Shire’s move to upgrade one of the town’s most overworked community hubs.
Driver Allegedly Four Times Over Limit After Wrong-Way Freeway Incident
Victoria Police intercepted a 24-year-old woman allegedly driving the wrong way on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway around 10pm last night. The woman reportedly returned a blood alcohol score of 0.165, more than four times the legal blood alcohol driving limit.
Who Would You Elect as Mayor? A Quick Poll for Frankston and the Peninsula
Frankston and Mornington Peninsula councillors will soon decide who leads their councils — not through a public vote, but an internal one. We’re asking readers who they’d elect if given the choice.
Notorious Bloc of Six Faces Collapse as Internal Rift Threatens Mayor’s Control
Internal tensions within the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s ‘bloc of six’ have emerged following internal reports of a reprimand and threats of resignation from Cr Stephen Batty, an anonymous council employee told STPL News.
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.
