Hastings Woman, 22, Dies Following Merricks North Collision

A 22-year-old Hastings woman has died after a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Balnarring and Myers roads in Merricks North.

A 22-year-old Hastings woman has died after a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Balnarring and Myers roads in Merricks North.

A 37-year-old Frankston man remains in a critical condition after an alleged late-night assault in Charon Court. Two men have been charged with attempted murder.

Fire restrictions have eased in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula, with CFA confirming the Fire Danger Period ended at 1am on Tuesday 7 April 2026. The change means some private burn-offs can resume, but safety rules still apply.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Six Frankston charities will share in $43,000 through the 2025 Community Connection Grants, funding grassroots projects that tackle domestic violence, health, youth engagement and more — reinforcing vital local support networks.

Mornington Peninsula Shire is inviting locals to have their say on the proposed upgrade of the Hastings Boat Ramp carpark. Plans include doubling sealed trailer parking, adding landscaping and improving safety. Community feedback is open until 23 July 2025.

Helping Hands Somerville is calling on locals to donate pasta, long-life milk, spreads and more to keep its volunteer-run pantry stocked for residents doing it tough.

A McCrae couple has won a major legal victory over the Mornington Peninsula Shire, after being told they’d have to pay $1.25 million to stabilise a cliff behind their home.

Hastings Club board member Kevin Miles criticizes the Mornington Peninsula Shire for neglecting Western Port communities following the club's closure due to a leak. He claims the Shire failed to provide financial support, leading to the club's liquidation and community frustration.

The Baxter Men's Shed celebrates its grand reopening after a two-year rebuild following a fire, reaffirming its vital role in community connection and support.

A beloved honesty box bread system in Mount Martha has been shut down after a resident’s complaint, with council regulations requiring a costly permit. Locals express frustration over the decision.

Police have arrested five men following an attempted home invasion in Cranbourne North, where suspects stole a dirt bike before being intercepted. Investigations are ongoing.

Independent Ben Smith Pledges Monthly Town Hall Meetings for Flinders Electorate at Somerville Business Group Meeting

The 21st Edition of the Somerville Times is out now and at all collection points. [dflip id=”4439″][/dflip] Somerville Times Collection Points: If you have any questions about this edition or are interested in featuring in the next issue of Somerville…

Frustration over youth crime and bail laws led to a protest in Hastings, with locals demanding action from the State Government and MP Paul Mercurio. https://wp.me/pgbDsE-17y

Three teenage boys have been arrested after allegedly stealing and brandishing imitation firearms at Somerville Central Shopping Centre. Police are appealing for witnesses.

Police are seeking public assistance to locate 14-year-old Trip, last seen in Safety Beach on 1st February 2025. Anyone with information should contact Rye Police.

Mornington Shire Council has officially scrapped its paid parking policy. Find out why, what’s next, and how locals can have their say.

Three people were hospitalised after two separate watercraft incidents at Safety Beach, Victoria, within an hour. Authorities urge caution as investigations continue.

A man tragically drowned at Balnarring Beach on Boxing Day after falling from his kayak. Emergency services attended, but he could not be revived.

Police arrested five individuals, including three youths, after a Christmas Eve aggravated burglary in Mount Eliza involving a stolen car, a crash, and an imitation firearm.

Wishing our readers a Merry Christmas! STPL News is taking a short break for Christmas and Boxing Day, returning on the 27th of December. Stay safe and enjoy the festive season.

An 18-year-old Dromana male has been charged with 42 offences, including burglary and theft, following a six-month investigation into commercial burglaries on the Mornington Peninsula.

Homicide Squad detectives have arrested four men in connection with the shooting deaths of two people in Rye earlier this month. Investigations are ongoing.

Merinda Day-Smith, Senior Botanist with Nature Advisory, reassures the Mornington Peninsula community that the environmental assessment for the $25 million Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade is on track. The three-stage project includes a function centre, observation tower, restaurant, and luge, set to begin next year.

Police are investigating an assault on a Frankston-bound bus in Hastings on 20 October, involving a 62-year-old victim. Public assistance is sought to identify two individuals. Contact Crime Stoppers with any information.