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.
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.
Mornington Peninsula has been named Victoria’s Tidy Town for 2025, acknowledging the region’s community-led sustainability work, from coastal protection to renewable energy innovation.
Emergency crews were called to Dandenong Creek near Allan Street after reports of two people swept away in fast-moving water.
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.
Crib Point Pool is set for a vibrant makeover as Mornington Peninsula Shire invites locals to help design a new mural marking the pool’s 50th anniversary. Residents can vote on themes and contribute ideas before artists are selected later this year.
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 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.
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.
Police are searching for 14-year-old Makayla, last seen in Langwarrin on Tuesday. Anyone with information is urged to contact Frankston Police Station on (03) 9784 5555.
Frankston’s transformation is gaining pace, with record business growth, housing projects and investment fuelling its rise as a thriving metropolitan city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
Frankston Council has funded new community safety initiatives, supporting the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation and re-establishing Neighbourhood Watch Frankston to strengthen local partnerships and public safety.
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.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is progressing plans to expand the Morce Avenue car park in Sorrento following strong community feedback on proposed design options.
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?
Frankston City Council will transition to a shared Community Care delivery model from June 2026, maintaining essential programs like Meals on Wheels while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
A once-vacant building in the heart of Frankston has been transformed with a bold pink and purple façade, signalling fresh energy for the city centre. The project at 76 Young Street is part of Frankston City Council’s broader plan to revitalise the area, improve safety and walkability, and encourage more people to live, work and invest locally.
Protesters braved wild weather outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property, marking six months of demonstrations, after new photos by photographer and regular protester Carol Augustinus revealed another animal death.
A recovery operation is underway off Mornington Pier after a small boat capsized late Friday night. One man was rescued, while another — believed to be in his 20s — remains missing as police continue their search.
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 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 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.
A major search is underway off Mornington Pier after a small boat capsized late Friday night. One man was rescued, while another remains missing as police and marine units continue their search.
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.
A Blairgowrie man faces multiple charges after allegedly assaulting a road safety camera operator and damaging the vehicle in Rosebud. Police say camera footage helped identify the suspect.
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam has urged residents to stay clear of the pier and foreshore after two men died in extreme wind conditions on Tuesday afternoon. Council will increase lifeguard patrols and safety signage ahead of summer.
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.
Curlew Court in Hastings is once again under water as heavy rain and high winds lash the Mornington Peninsula. Residents say the flooding is a long-running issue, and Councillor Michael Stephens has visited the site to investigate drainage concerns.
A severe weather warning has been issued for Wednesday, 22 October 2025, with winds up to 110 km/h, rain and possible thunderstorms expected across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors and monitor updates via the VicEmergency App.
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.
More than 6,000 people and their pets filled Ballam Park for Frankston’s Great Pet-Together, as Council expands cost-of-living relief and new programs to support animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
A 38-year-old Pakenham man was tasered and arrested after allegedly assaulting two Protective Services Officers at Pakenham Railway Station on Monday evening.
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.
Mornington police sergeant Hayden Bodycomb will face trial in May 2026 over allegations he dragged a fellow officer 10 metres along the road during a traffic stop in Somerville in 2024.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is seeking community feedback on two proposed routes for a new shared path linking Dromana and Safety Beach, aimed at improving safety, access and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility users across the Peninsula. Submissions close 24 November 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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 will add $150,000 per year to a new Emergency Disaster Fund, a proactive move to boost local disaster recovery and climate resilience.
A 31-year-old Dandenong man has been charged over two separate fires that destroyed sporting facilities in Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley, causing an estimated $4 million in damage.
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’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.
15 motorists caught drug driving in one week in Mornington Peninsula. Police warn: don't risk it on the roads, especially during the silly season.
