An Austrian tourist has been airlifted to hospital after a six metre cliff fall at Bushrangers Bay near Cape Schanck, in the second serious cliff incident on the Mornington Peninsula in a week, following a teen’s rescue at Sorrento’s Diamond Bay.
Mornington Peninsula ratepayers are set to fund the cost of two municipal monitors, paid $1,375 per day each plus expenses, after Mayor Anthony Marsh claimed the appointments were his idea. STPL News examines potential annual costs, the governance context, and what documentation has not been produced publicly.
South East Water has reported a sewage spill at Frankston South, sending overflow into Sweetwater Creek and Frankston Beach. Residents are urged to avoid the water while clean up and water quality testing continue.
Peninsula University Hospital will open its new 12 storey clinical tower on 20 January 2026, significantly expanding public hospital services for people in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula with more beds, new operating theatres, an upgraded emergency department and improved access to specialist care closer to home.
In our latest beach report for 27/12/25, bluebottles have been reported across the Peninsula foreshore, while no shark warnings are currently active. Read the full report and check local conditions, water quality forecasts and patrol information before entering the water.
A teenage boy has been winched to safety after falling from a cliff at Diamond Bay in Sorrento, as reported by the ABC. Emergency services treated him on the rocks before he was flown to hospital with non life threatening injuries, prompting renewed warnings about cliff and coastal safety.
Christmas Day service closures, council contact details and key community support information for residents across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston.
Somerville Cricket Club delivered a statement win in Round 8, defeating Old Peninsula in a hard-fought one-day contest led by Nick Mann’s steady 61 and Chris Brittain’s five-wicket haul.
Mayor Anthony Marsh says he sought advice about appointing a monitor, as the Victorian Government confirms two municipal monitors will oversee Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for 12 months.
STPL News has been told two monitors have been appointed to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council by the Victorian Minister for Local Government. Once confirmed, the appointments would make Cr Anthony Marsh the first mayor in Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s history to have two monitors appointed at the same time.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has outlined foreshore safety measures ahead of New Year’s Eve 2025, including alcohol restrictions, closures at key locations, prohibited items and transport reminders for visitors planning to celebrate on the Peninsula.
Bluebottles have been reported across Peninsula beaches from Seaford and Frankston to Portsea, where the back beach closed for periods this week. Here’s what beachgoers should know, including safety advice and first aid steps if stung.
Frankston City Council has announced a $2.85 million electrification project at PARC and the arts and library precinct, aimed at reducing emissions and cutting long-term energy costs.
Victoria Police are searching for missing 10-year-old Jack, last seen in Violet Street, Frankston about 8.30pm Thursday night. Police urge anyone who sees him to call 000.
St Andrew’s Opportunity Shop in Somerville has moved into a newer, larger premises, boosting display space for donations and making browsing easier for locals.
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Cam Williams has apologised after fallout from an STPL News interview, claiming some comments were “not accurate” and confirming a Council Watch post was removed. STPL News has contacted Williams seeking clarification on what he now disputes.
Hastings residents are calling for speed humps across West Park residential streets to curb hooning and slow traffic, and want Council to advocate for safer pedestrian crossings along Frankston–Flinders Road.
The Victoria Government has published the final scoping requirements for the Environment Effects Statement (EFS) for the proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings, setting out the studies required before the project can be assessed.
Victoria Police are seeking information on Troy Cunneen’s whereabouts after a police car ramming in Mornington on 12 December 2025. He is also wanted on five outstanding warrants.
Frankston Mayor Sue Baker has issued a message of condolence and unity following the deadly incident in Sydney, saying Frankston stands together in respect, compassion and care.
In a letter to the editor, Anne Kruger of Rye questions whether the public can trust council decision-making if integrity inside the chamber is treated as optional, pointing to renewed concerns about governance and internal politics at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
Police are appealing for information after a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly rammed a parked police vehicle at a Fleet Street unit complex in Mornington on Friday night before the driver ran off. Detectives want any CCTV or dashcam footage.
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Cam Williams has acknowledged the September term-limits motion was used to target Cr David Gill, as questions mount over bloc politics, council culture and leadership at MPSC.
Police say a string of raids from Carrum Downs to Rye has cut off an alleged $172,000 drug pipeline aimed at school leavers on the Mornington Peninsula, with nine people arrested and a mix of illicit substances seized in the lead-up to schoolies.
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.
