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.
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.
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.
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.
Marsh’s Paper Trail Collides With Nepean By-election Reality
Anthony Marsh’s previous written survey responses on party affiliation and political donations are being revisited as the Mornington Peninsula mayor seeks Liberal preselection for the Nepean by-election on 2 May 2026.
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.
Hungry? Frankston City Rolls Out More Food Vans From 1 June
More mobile food vans are coming to Frankston City from 1 June 2026, with Council approving new and returning operators across parks and foreshore locations, including a new Carrum Downs site.
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.
Marsh Preselection Bid Confirmed
Key claims first reported by STPL News about Anthony Marsh’s bid for Liberal preselection in Nepean have now been confirmed by major media reporting.
Liberals Divided As Senior Sources Flag Mayor Marsh For Nepean Preselection
Senior Liberal Party sources claim Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has recently joined the party and intends to seek Nepean preselection following Sam Groth’s resignation announcement.
Whoops: Council Admits to ‘Accidentally’ Overcharging Ratepayers
Mornington Peninsula Shire has confirmed incorrect rates notices were issued after a system error. STPL News has received emails from residents reporting unexpected increases, including a Somerville man who said his instalment appeared to double, and a woman from Moorooduc who reported a significant increase.
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.
Council’s Long Delay on Landslide Risk Exposed by EMO7 Rollout
Mornington Peninsula Shire is under renewed scrutiny after the rollout of EMO7 highlighted years of delay in updating landslide risk controls, despite having mapping data since 2012.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Somerville Cricket Club Rises To The Top
Somerville Cricket Club consolidated top spot on the MPCA ladder with a Round 11 win over Long Island, making 182 before bowling the hosts out for 101.
Frankston Dolphins Face Reported Police Inquiry, WorkSafe Monitoring
Frankston Dolphins Football Club is facing a reported police inquiry and WorkSafe Victoria monitoring, according to a Herald Sun report. STPL News sought comment from club treasurer and MPSC councillor Stephen Batty, who declined to comment.
Hastings Man Charged After Police Probe Into Copper Thefts From Power Poles
A 26-year-old Hastings man has been charged following a Victoria Police investigation into alleged copper thefts from power poles in the Hastings area, with police seizing what they described as a large amount of copper wiring during a search.
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.
Roccella Lido To Open At Frankston Yacht Club In August 2026
Roccella Lido will open at the Frankston Yacht Club in August 2026, ending a decade-long vacancy and bringing a new Italian waterfront dining venue to Frankston’s foreshore.
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.
Hastings Brought to Life by Massive Australia Day Car Meet
High Street in Hastings was brought to life on Australia Day as large crowds lined the footpaths for a car meet organised by Hastings Peninsula Cruisers, featuring everything from classic Holdens and Fords to hot rods and rat rods.
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.
Frankston Mayor Meets Japan’s Consul-General As Council Highlights Susono Sister City Ties
Frankston Mayor Sue Baker has met with Japan’s Consul-General to discuss the Frankston–Susono sister city relationship, ongoing student exchanges and opportunities to strengthen cultural and education links.
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.
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.
State Monitors Didn’t Arrive by Accident — And the Paperwork Doesn’t Lie
The official Terms of Reference behind the appointment of municipal monitors to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council make clear this is about governance, conduct and whether the council can function without state oversight.
Somerville Superb in Double Header Derby
Somerville Cricket Club secured a season-defining weekend, defeating Balnarring and Seaford in an MPCA Round 9 and 10 double header to finish clear on top of the ladder.
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…
