Victoria Police have announced a $1 million reward for information about the 1976 disappearance of eight-year-old Eloise Worledge from Beaumaris, in a renewed push to locate her remains and identify those responsible.
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.
Police allege a 32-year-old Rye man was about to leave a Collingwood Street property with a jet ski and trailer stolen from Mannum, South Australia, when officers executed a warrant. Police also allege more than $11,300 in counterfeit cash was seized. The man was bailed to appear at Dromana Magistrates’ Court on 12 February.
A Hastings parking sign dispute that sparked “money grab” claims has intensified after Council blamed incorrect contractor-installed signage and said no infringements were issued, while MP Paul Mercurio later claimed the Mayor advised High Street is now 1P, Monday to Saturday.
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.
Three people were rescued and brought to shore safely after emergency services responded to multiple reports of people in trouble in the water off Frankston Pier. Police also received reports of people jumping into deep water and urged the public to take extra precautions in extreme heat and windy conditions.
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.
Police are investigating after a man’s body was found floating near Rye Pier on Thursday morning. It was the second death reported on the Mornington Peninsula the same day, after police were called to a campsite in Rosebud earlier that morning.
A man has been found dead at the Rosebud Foreshore Camping grounds, with police saying the death is not being treated as suspicious. STPL News attended after a tip-off and police confirmed the man appeared to be experiencing homelessness.
Firefighter groups have issued an open letter warning Victoria, including Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, is “not bushfire ready”, raising concerns about fleet age, funding transparency and hazard-reduction burning as the bushfire season continues.
