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.
The Newsroom
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…
Tennille Bradley Begins As Frankston City Council CEO
Frankston City Council says Tennille Bradley has officially started as its new chief executive officer, marking a milestone as the first female CEO in Council history.
Two Boys, 17 And 13, Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase Across Melbourne’s South-East
Two boys aged 17 and 13 have been arrested after a high-speed police follow involving an allegedly stolen white Mazda SUV across Melbourne’s south-east, ending in Berwick, Victoria Police say.
Incident At Somerville Central After Woman Followed And Verbally Abused By Group Of Young Boys
An incident at Somerville Central near Target and Chemist involved a woman being followed and verbally abused by a group of young boys, prompting security attendance and strong community backlash.
Frankston Waterfront Festival Gets $95k Boost
Frankston’s Waterfront Festival will return to the foreshore on 6–7 February 2026, with a $95,000 Revive Live funding boost supporting Australian performers and improved accessibility updates, including large LED screens for real-time information and safety messaging.
Two Arrested Over Alleged ATM Ram Raids, With Incidents In Frankston And Baxter
Two men have been arrested as Victoria Police investigate a series of alleged ATM ram raids across Victoria, with incidents in Frankston and Baxter among those linked to the inquiry. Police allege the offences caused more than $1 million in damage, with court dates now set.
Missing Person Appeal: Jordan, 15, Last Seen About 9pm Sunday
Victoria Police have issued a missing person appeal for Jordan, 15, who was last seen in Mooroolbark about 9pm on Sunday 4 January. Police say there are concerns for her welfare due to her age, and believe she may be travelling through Sunshine, Melbourne CBD, Altona and Frankston. Anyone with information is urged to contact Lilydale Police Station on (03) 9739 2300. Ref: 260005442.
$1 Million Reward Reignites Hunt For Missing Beaumaris Schoolgirl, 50 Years On
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.
Whaler Shark Reported Off Safety Beach After Jet Ski Sighting
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.
Rye Man Charged After Police Allege Stolen Jet Ski Found and $11,300 in Counterfeit Cash Seized
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.
‘Very Sus’: Mercurio Claims Mayor Shifted Hastings Parking Rules After Sticker Backlash
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.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Beach Report | Week Commencing 12/01/26
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 Rescued After Reports Of People In Trouble Off Frankston Pier
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.
Cut Through The Noise: Fixed Placement, Local Audience, Real Visibility
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.
Second Body Found On Mornington Peninsula As Police Investigate Rye Pier Death
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.
Man Found Dead At Rosebud Foreshore Camping Grounds
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.
‘Victoria Is Not Bushfire Ready’: Firefighter Groups Issue Statewide Warning
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.
Hastings Woman Charged Following Drug Bust
Victoria Police report that a drug search warrant executed in Hastings on 6 January allegedly uncovered ICE, cannabis, GHB, prescription medications and an imitation firearm. A 46-year-old Hastings woman has been charged and remanded in custody until April 2026.
Extreme Heat Warning for Wednesday as Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Face Dangerous Conditions
VicEmergency has issued an Advice for extreme heat across Victoria ahead of Wednesday 7 January. This report outlines expected conditions for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, including local temperature ranges, fire risk and practical safety reminders.
Expert Tips to Avoid Burnout in 2026 as Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Workers Return to Routine
Burnout played a significant role for many workers in 2025, with stress and exhaustion affecting wellbeing and productivity. Burnout specialist Nick Orchard, founder of The Big Refresh, shares practical tips to help Mornington Peninsula and Frankston residents recognise early warning signs and reduce the risk of burnout in 2026.
Police Car Ramming: Wanted Man Charged After Mornington Attack and Bushland Pursuit
A 35-year-old man has been charged after police allege a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser utility rammed a police vehicle multiple times at a Fleet Street unit complex in Mornington last month. The accused, Troy Cunneen, was arrested in Hallam after a short bushland pursuit and is listed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today (05/01/25).
Sam Groth to Quit Politics, Will Not Contest Nepean at 2026 State Election
Victorian Liberal MP Sam Groth has announced he will not continue in Parliament beyond the 2026 state election, citing pressure on his family and internal party issues. His departure leaves the Liberals with a Nepean vacancy less than 12 months from polling day, as the party is also yet to announce a candidate for Hastings.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Beach Report (Week commencing 05/01/26)
As at 04/01/26, the week ahead (05/01/26–10/01/26) starts mostly sunny with Extreme UV, peaks with midweek heat, then turns more changeable with showers and wind later in the week. Includes water quality and safety reminders.
Weekend Beach Report: Mornington Peninsula and Frankston (3–4 January 2026)
Weekend beach report for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, with resolved water quality update, Portsea shark sighting reminder, weather and UV forecast, plus safety tips.
‘Money Grab’ Claims After Hastings Parking Signs Stickered Around New Year’s Day
Photos of sticker overlays on Hastings parking signs have triggered ‘money grab’ claims and confusion over whether time limits applied on the New Year’s Day public holiday. STPL News has contacted Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s CEO and Mayor, as well as ward councillor Cr Michael Stephens, seeking clarification.
Fire Breaks Out During Dromana Drive-In New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Crowd Evacuated
A small fire broke out during Dromana 3 Drive In’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, prompting a precautionary evacuation and CFA response. No injuries or property damage were reported. Crews contained the grass and scrub fire before it reached the freeway.
STPL News 2025 Year in Review: The Stories That Hit Home
A look back at the most-read local stories of 2025, from school safety and animal welfare to major incidents and council accountability. As we start the new year, we remain committed to keeping them accountable.
Crib Point Couple Face Homelessness and Health Challenges After Losing Home in House Fire
Sandra and Kevin lost their Crib Point home in a house fire just after Christmas and are now facing homelessness while Kevin undergoes treatment for stage 4 cancer. Their son has launched a GoFundMe appeal, calling on the Mornington Peninsula community to help them rebuild.
New Year’s Eve 2025: What To Expect Across Frankston And The Mornington Peninsula
New Year’s Eve across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula is expected to be mild, with no council-run fireworks, foreshore alcohol bans and extra patrols in place. Check local weather, vantage points and safety advice before heading out to welcome 2026.
Second White Shark Sighting Reported Off Portsea in Two Days
A three metre white shark has been reported off Portsea for the second day in a row, with the latest sighting logged on the Dorsal app. A photo of the shark can he viewed in the article.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston Weekly Beach 29/12/25
Beach report for Mornington Peninsula and Frankston week commencing 29/12/25, covering a Portsea shark sighting, the Sweetwater Creek and Frankston Beach sewage spill advisory, and ongoing bluebottle jellyfish activity. Check warnings before swimming.
Letter to the Editor: Questions That Deserve Answers
Local resident Graham Griffiths raises questions about federal funding, migration settings and humanitarian aid, calling for clearer explanations from government decision-makers in his latest Letter to the Editor.
White Shark Sighting Reported Off Portsea Beach
A 2.5 metre white shark has been reported about 150 metres off Portsea Beach, after a slow-swimming shark was spotted from a boat. Swimmers are urged to stay alert and follow any safety advice from authorities.
House Fire in Crib Point
Firefighters have reportedly brought a house fire in Dartnell Close, Crib Point on the Mornington Peninsula under control. At this stage, no further information about the cause of the blaze has been released.
