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.
Category Latest News
Catch up on the latest news from the Somerville Times & Peninsula Local.
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.
Council Spends Nearly $500k on Memberships But Fails to Show Up
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is spending close to half a million dollars each year on memberships with advocacy and industry groups but often fails to participate.
Frankston Council Funds 34 Local Groups, Expands Emergency and Youth Support Programs
Frankston City Council has awarded almost $130,000 to 34 community organisations and boosted funding for urgent and child inclusion grants, helping local groups respond to cost-of-living pressures and support families across the municipality
‘Balancing the Budget Is Not the Goal’ — Mayor Softens Fiscal Rhetoric as Council Approves 10-Year Plans
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh says balancing the budget is not the goal, signalling a shift from the fiscal crisis narrative as Council adopts its 10-year Financial and Asset Plans.
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.
How Would You Spend $60,000? Mornington Peninsula’s Empty Seat at the MAV
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council spent $60,000 for a seat at the MAV State Council — but remained vacant. The no-show has fuelled frustration among ratepayers already concerned about transparency, budget cuts and leadership direction. What would you have done with $60k?
New Ballam Park Heritage Trail Brings Frankston’s Past to Life
Frankston City Council has unveiled the Ballam Park Heritage Trail — a new self-guided walk celebrating the city’s cultural heritage, community spirit and historical milestones.
Police Appeal After Speeding Driver’s Near-Miss in Mornington
Police are appealing for witnesses after a red Mazda sped through a red light on Nepean Highway in Mornington, narrowly missing pedestrians at a busy crossing.
Frankston Council Program Brews Success for Local Entrepreneurs
Frankston City Council’s mobile food van program is giving local entrepreneurs a chance to turn small ideas into thriving businesses, with success stories like Carrum Downs’ Caravan Chai showing how community support can help start-ups grow nationally.
Frankston Takes Lead on Statewide Reform as Council’s Advocacy Pays Off
Frankston City Council has strengthened its reputation for effective advocacy, securing five wins at the MAV State Council on housing, transparency, and worker protections — further positioning the city as a leader in local government reform.
Two men found deceased in Frankston Beach rescue operation
Police are investigating after two men were found deceased at Frankston Beach on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency crews responded around 5 pm after reports of two swimmers in distress.
Phil Graf and Andy Palmer Awarded Life Memberships
Somerville Football Netball Club has awarded Life Memberships to long-time contributors Phil Graf and Andy Palmer for their outstanding service and dedication — writes the Somerville Swooper.
New ‘Wash Against Waste’ Trailer to Help Peninsula Events Go Plastic-Free
Mornington Peninsula Shire has introduced a new Wash Against Waste trailer to help local event organisers cut down on single-use plastics and make community events more sustainable across the region.
Inquest Refused as Mother Finally Receives Death Certificate for Baby Talon
Six years after her baby’s death in Frankston, mother Kayla Hehir has finally received Talon’s death certificate — but the Victorian Government’s refusal to hold an inquest has renewed her fight for justice.
Music, Laughter and Local Talent Fill Somerville Seniors Hall | STPL News
More than 140 people attended the Smorgasbord of Music at the Somerville Seniors Hall, part of the Victorian Seniors Festival and hosted by Somerville Community House.
‘We’re Not Stopping’: $4,500 Raised to Feed Rescued Horses as Carly Wines Speaks on RPP FM
The Mount Eliza horse welfare campaign has raised $4,500 to feed 35 rescued horses, as organiser Carly Wines told RPP FM the community won’t stop protesting until all animals are safe.
Gill’s Transparency Motion Voted Down with Mayor Marsh Absent for Meeting
Cr David Gill’s push to strengthen transparency and councillor rights during meetings was defeated at Tuesday night’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting — a vote that took place without Mayor Anthony Marsh, whose absence left Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro in the chair.
Frankston Council Launches Emergency Disaster Fund to Strengthen Local Resilience
Frankston Council will add $150,000 per year to a new Emergency Disaster Fund, a proactive move to boost local disaster recovery and climate resilience.
Zoe McKenzie MP Appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary
Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie has been appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and will continue as Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning.
Frankston House Car Park Reopens, Boosting Access to City Centre
Frankston’s city centre is set to become more accessible with the reopening of the Frankston House Car Park on 15 October. The upgraded facility beneath Moon Dog Brewery offers 49 public spaces with the first two hours free, operating daily from 7am to 11pm and fully monitored by CCTV. The project supports local business growth and forms part of Frankston City Council’s broader plan to revitalise Nepean Highway and boost city centre activity.
Somerville Dazzles In Sensational Start To The Season
Somerville Cricket Club has continued its dominant start to the MPCA season, backing up its Round 1 win with a commanding victory over Mt Eliza. Nick Mann led the way with an unbeaten 87 as the Eagles claimed the Phil Graf/Doug Neal Cup in front of a strong home crowd
Somerville Cricket Club And The Mel Adolphus Award
Somerville Cricket Club has honoured the late Mel Adolphus with a new Round 1 award recognising one of the club’s best players. The award celebrates Adolphus’s five decades of dedication and the enduring impact he and his wife Sandy had on the Somerville community.
Cr Gill Pushes for Stronger Scrutiny Rules as Council Tensions Boil Over
Cr David Gill has lodged a motion to strengthen transparency and accountability at Mornington Peninsula Shire, following months of tension with Mayor Anthony Marsh and the “notorious bloc of six” accused of shutting down council debate.
Community Connector Program Expands to Frankston’s Retail Strips
Frankston’s Community Connector program will remain in place for another year, with new funding allowing outreach workers to expand their presence into two major retail precincts in the CBD.
Shire Faces $1 Million Recycling Bill as Contamination Rises
Mornington Peninsula Shire blames a rise in recycling contamination — now costing an extra $1 million — on residents putting the wrong items in yellow-lid bins.
Victoria Police Seek Public Help to Locate Wanted Persons in Frankston and Mornington Peninsula
Victoria Police are appealing for public help to locate several people wanted on warrant across Frankston, Mornington, Langwarrin and Rye. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report online. Read article for full details.
Somerville Cricket Club Season 2025–26
Somerville Cricket Club has kicked off the 2025–26 MPCA season in style, securing a dominant win over Long Island at The Nest, with standout performances from Nick Mann, Kiefer Peries and captain Chris Brittain.
