Frankston City councillors have elected Cr Sue Baker as Mayor and Cr Cherie Wanat as Deputy Mayor for 2025–26, creating the city’s first all-female leadership team alongside incoming CEO Tennille Bradley. The new leaders have flagged housing, cost-of-living pressures and aged care reforms as key priorities for the year ahead.
Outgoing mayor Kris Bolam has used his final statement to reinforce that Frankston has taken a bold leap into the 21st century, highlighting record investment, governance reforms and city shaping projects as he ends a record 1,116 days in the role.
Police are investigating after a 42-year-old man was found dead inside a Curlew Court home in Hastings about 5 pm on Wednesday 10 December. Homicide Squad detectives are assisting local officers and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Frankston City councillors have elected Cr Sue Baker as Mayor and Cr Cherie Wanat as Deputy Mayor, marking a new leadership team after a “phenomenal year” and a high bar set by outgoing Mayor Kris Bolam.
Frankston’s skyline is set to shift after councillors approved three Nepean Highway towers worth $137 million, adding 312 apartments, new shops and offices, and helping pave the way for the city’s first new hotel in 15 years.
Frankston City Council has formalised a Nepean Partnership with Kingston City Council on the eve of the mayoral vote, leaving the next Mayor to turn the new framework, and a year of partnership-driven projects, into concrete results for locals.
Frankston parents have secured a major overhaul of the local kinder enrolment system, with new rules to keep children at the same centre, stronger sibling priority and extra places created through upgrades in Frankston South, Seaford and Langwarrin.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s draft Rating Strategy would increase waste charges for most households and pass on the cost of a new retirement village discount to the wider rate base, with residents invited to have their say before 15 February 2026.
Somerville Cricket Club and Somerville Football Netball Club united for a 20:20 contest honouring life member Rod Greenway, capped off by a record century from the women’s side and a community fundraising BBQ at Stumpy Gully Christmas Tree Farm.
Santa Comes to Somerville returns for its 5th year on Saturday 20 December, with Santa visiting three shopping precincts and a Christmas Window Wonderland showcasing local businesses.
Using ramps, beach matting and wheelchairs, Frankston’s new accessible beach pilot is opening the foreshore to locals who have not been able to reach the water for years. The three month trial aims to set a fresh benchmark for inclusive coastal access in Australia.
Victoria Police have detected mostly experienced drivers for alleged drink driving, speeding and suspended-licence offences in a single-night schoolies road blitz on the Mornington Peninsula, as officers step up patrols to keep young school leavers and other road users safe.
A mother has contacted STPL News to describe the lasting trauma on her family after her son was allegedly groomed and recruited by a Hastings man. Aaron Torpy, who remains on remand, is facing 48 charges linked to youth exploitation, vehicle theft, burglary and drug-related offences. The matter will return to court in January.
The final 2025 print edition of the Somerville Times is out now and available free at local collection points or by home delivery. Print will return in February 2026, while STPL News daily e-news continues throughout summer.
Frankston Arts Centre visitors will now arrive through a rebuilt $2.1 million forecourt designed to improve safety, accessibility and the overall theatre experience, with new Bunurong-inspired landscaping, upgraded lighting and clearer access forming part of broader investment in the city centre.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate 67-year-old Gerard “Gerry”, last seen about 12.30 am near Princes Highway and Gladstone Road in Dandenong. He uses an electric mobility scooter and is known to visit the Frankston area.
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro appeared uncomfortable as he opposed Cr David Gill’s donation transparency motion, saying it “doesn’t really seem fair” and could have “real unintended consequences”.
Frankston City Council has strengthened its summer water-safety measures following the deaths of two men at Frankston Beach in October. Increased patrols, extended lifeguard hours and clearer warnings will be in place across the foreshore.
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.
Two men were arrested in Somerville after an early morning police intercept involving a stolen moped, with the rider facing multiple charges and a court date at Frankston Magistrates Court.
Frankston’s newly rebranded Christmas Festival drew huge crowds on Saturday, with strong police presence, positive behaviour and no reported incidents. Council says the name change reflects a stronger focus on community connection.
Hastings man Aaron Torpy, 30, is accused of grooming local children to commit burglaries and steal cars. He is now facing 48 charges and is seeking bail, which Victoria Police strongly oppose, as public anger grows across the Mornington Peninsula.
Frankston City Council has addressed community concern over alleged illegal vegetation removal and unauthorised foreshore works, confirming investigations with DEECA and urging residents to report suspected breaches.
Eramosa Family Medical Centre Ad posted at 27/11/2025 at 1:00pm. The practice known as Eramosa Family Medical Centre will be transferred to a new health service provider on or about 12 December 2025. Dr Shaun Zail will continue to practice…
Western Port community members gathered at Hastings foreshore for the opening of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, joining a march and community event promoting respect and gender-based violence prevention.
Frankston’s sister cities trip has delivered millions in proposed investment and new international agreements. Outcomes include a 20 million dollar factory proposal, job creation, education partnerships and strengthened global ties across Japan, China, Fiji and the United States.
Peninsula Hot Springs has been named the world’s leading luxury hot springs destination, winning the Global Luxury Hot Springs award at the World Luxury Spa Awards. The Mornington Peninsula wellness centre marks 20 years of growth.
Frankston has raised more than $220,000 to support the Australia’s Most Accessible Beach pilot and local causes. Nearly thirty organisations contributed to the community-driven effort.
Frankston police are seeking public assistance to locate 15-year-old Nate, who was last seen on 12 November. Officers and family hold concerns due to his age and the time he has been missing.
An anonymous MPSC insider has contacted STPL News alleging a new wave of departures, following senior staff exits in December 2024 and January 2025, as well as redundancies in September. The source also claims the Local Government Inspectorate is continuing its presence inside the organisation.
Frankston City Council has unveiled new measures to support first-home buyers and speed up major developments, becoming the first municipality in Victoria to offer a local first-home buyer subsidy. The reforms include a $1,000 payment for eligible buyers and a 16-week fast-track planning pathway designed to boost supply, increase investor certainty and help residents stay in the market.
Hannah Swinnerton has transformed her experience of years of bullying into a platform for resilience and connection. Now station manager at Radio Western Port and host of Inspired to Soar, she says the station has given her purpose and a supportive space to help others share their stories.
DEECA has blocked mechanical beach raking on several Mornington Peninsula beaches, leaving only 6 km of the Shire’s 31 km cleaning program eligible for raking. A further 9 km are inaccessible to machinery and another 9 km contain protected vegetation that must be hand-cleaned. The decision raises questions over cost, erosion impacts and the councillor vote that reinstated raking nearly 12 months ago.
Police have issued a fresh appeal to locate four people wanted on warrants across the Mornington Peninsula, following an earlier Crime Stoppers alert naming eight other individuals.
Frankston City Council has awarded $57,000 to ten community organisations in a new funding round under its Local Support Package, supporting emergency relief, wellbeing programs and outreach services across the municipality.
Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam has been awarded the MAV Mayor Emeritus title, with former Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Graham Pittock praising his leadership and regional partnership efforts.
Police are seeking public assistance to locate several people wanted on warrant across Frankston, Rosebud and Langwarrin. Crime Stoppers Victoria has released the names and details of individuals linked to burglary, theft, drug-related offending and bail breaches.
Frankston will welcome the festive season on 29 November with the Christmas Festival of Light, featuring markets, live entertainment, a parade, rides, a European Christmas Village and a 9.15 pm tree lighting and fireworks finale.
Scott Carson says positive human interaction and meaningful connection are vital for men’s wellbeing. His International Men’s Day event at Hotel Lona aims to give local men a supportive space to talk, reflect and connect without alcohol.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has reappointed Cr Anthony Marsh as Mayor and Cr Paul Pingiaro as Deputy Mayor, with both positions decided by the same 6–5 split. The results extend the council’s long-running division and confirm continued bloc control over key leadership roles.
Jess Wilson has been appointed Victorian Opposition Leader following yet another Liberal Party leadership change, a year before the 2026 state election. The shift highlights ongoing instability within the party as it works to reset its direction and present a credible alternative to voters ahead of polling day.
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.
A financial review sought by STPL News raises concerns about MPSC’s 10-year plan, finding optimistic assumptions, and vague details.
A Frankston teen is among three youths charged over a violent armed robbery in Pakenham involving a stolen SUV. Police say a man was slashed with a knife after refusing demands during the street attack.
Victoria Police are searching for 18-year-old Hunter Scott, who is wanted on a warrant for armed robbery, vehicle theft and other alleged offences. He is believed to frequent the Hastings area.
Frankston has been named Victoria’s Tidy City for 2025, with multiple environmental and community awards recognising local programs, volunteer partnerships and sustainability initiatives across the city.
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.
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Frankston City Council has confirmed a full redevelopment of the long-closed Moto Park in Seaford. The operator-funded project is expected to deliver jobs, major events and a modern off-road venue that will attract families and young riders from Frankston and the broader Mornington Peninsula.
A Seaford man has been arrested after allegedly driving a white Holden Commodore at more than 200 km/h through Melbourne’s southern suburbs before abandoning the vehicle in Cheltenham. Police say the 44-year-old was found nearby with drugs and items linked to vehicle theft.
Frankston City Council has appointed Tennille Bradley as its new Chief Executive Officer — the first woman to hold the position. She will begin in January 2026, bringing extensive experience in major-project delivery, urban transformation and economic development from her leadership role at the City of Greater Geelong.
STPL News community polls have revealed a clear split in local sentiment — with Cr Max Patton the overwhelming favourite on the Mornington Peninsula, while Mayor Anthony Marsh’s popularity plummets. In contrast, Frankston’s leadership continues to enjoy broad public support.
