Police are investigating after a stolen industrial buggy allegedly rammed a police vehicle in Moorooduc early on Monday morning. The incident began at a business on Moorooduc Highway before officers later located the vehicles on Bentons Road.
Former Liberal Party member Shane Osborne has confirmed to STPL News he has nominated to run for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in Hastings after withdrawing from Liberal preselection and resigning his membership. The Liberals have not announced a candidate at publication time.
The Nepean by-election is set for 2 May after Sam Groth’s resignation. Labor is not running, One Nation has named Darren Hercus, and a Roy Morgan poll shows One Nation leading in Victoria. Anthony Marsh’s past statements and a verified how-to-vote card have added scrutiny as the May by-election and November state election approaches.
More than $11,000 in prize money and staff salaries was allegedly stolen in a break-in at a sports facility on Boneo Road. Police say a Cranbourne man has been charged and bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court in May.
Somerville Times returns on Wednesday 25 February 2026 with a refreshed layout and design, leading with coverage of the monitors’ appointment and terms of reference and confirmed developments in the Nepean race involving Mayor Anthony Marsh. This edition also includes a local crime roundup, a Rate Your MP survey snapshot and how to participate, an MPCA Country Week carnival recap, Australia Day in Hastings revisited, and more.
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.
former Langwarrin Park Primary School principal has been jailed over child abuse material offences and may be released after three months. Readers are invited to share their views.
STPL News’ Rate Your MP survey is tracking what locals want prioritised in 2026. Early responses point to cost of living, crime, roads and housing as key issues across Hastings, Mornington and Frankston.
Somerville Cricket Club consolidated top spot on the MPCA ladder with a Round 11 win over Long Island, making 182 before bowling the hosts out for 101.
A 26-year-old Hastings man has been charged following a Victoria Police investigation into alleged copper thefts from power poles in the Hastings area, with police seizing what they described as a large amount of copper wiring during a search.
A 53-year-old man has been remanded after police executed a warrant at a Rosebud address, with officers alleging they located firearms, drugs, cash and a 3D printer during the search.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Christmas Day service closures, council contact details and key community support information for residents across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The last Somerville Times print edition of the year is almost here — and our special offer includes 2 months of online + e-news exposure at no extra cost.
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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.
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.
A 23-year-old Victoria Police constable from the Southern Metro Region, which includes Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, has been charged with harassment following an internal investigation.
Destructive winds up to 100km/h left thousands of residents in Frankston and across the Mornington Peninsula without power on Monday, as the SES responded to hundreds of incidents and train services were disrupted.
Two Ambulance Victoria paramedics were allegedly assaulted in Mornington’s Main Street. Police arrested a 58-year-old man, who now faces multiple charges.
Pelican Park Recreation Centre has reopened in Hastings after months of renovations. The pool, gym and change facilities are back in action, with more wellness upgrades still to come later in 2025.
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If a councillor fails to declare a conflict of interest, consequences can include suspension, reputational damage, and loss of public trust.
Peninsula Health is tackling homelessness on the Peninsula with a holistic approach — combining housing, healthcare, and social support to keep at-risk patients off the streets.
Homelessness is rising fast on the Mornington Peninsula, with more than 80 people now sleeping rough — up 45% since June. Council says local services are at breaking point and is calling on the Victorian Government to urgently invest in crisis housing and long-term solutions.
Victoria Police have caught 835 drink and drug drivers across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula over the past year. Most drug drivers were repeat offenders, with some recording extreme blood alcohol readings.
Police are appealing for help to locate 14 people wanted across Frankston, the Mornington Peninsula, Cranbourne and Narre Warren. Do you recognise them?
A 16-year-old boy is in a critical condition after a shooting in Seaford on Sunday afternoon. Police say they’re not seeking anyone else at this stage, but investigations are ongoing.
Animal welfare advocates Carly Wines and Tracey Asquith are demanding urgent action at a Mount Eliza property where horses, goats, and dogs remain in deteriorating conditions. With evidence of starvation, carcass burn pits, and institutional inaction, protesters ask: how many more animals must suffer before someone takes responsibility?
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Stephen Batty has backed a proposal to establish a marine sanctuary along the Mt Eliza coast, aimed at protecting the unique reef system between Daveys Bay and Moondah Beach. Community group Mt Eliza Marine Advocacy Inc is leading the campaign, with broader consultation planned over the coming months.
Frankston City Council is investing $1.7 million in new support for local businesses under its 2025–26 Budget, with grants, waived fees, more parking and a $50 million CBD upgrade — a clear sign the Council is backing local jobs and economic growth.
Police hold concerns for missing 12-year-old Shantaya, who was last seen in Keysborough on 22 May. As police continue to search for her, they inform that she is known to frequent the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Berwick, and Doveton areas.
Parks Victoria is using helicopters to repair the Two Bays Walking Trail between Dromana and Cape Schanck. The works aim to boost safety and drainage, with an early spring reopening expected.
Four teenagers have been charged after an alleged violent incident outside a Rosebud restaurant in March. Police are calling for witnesses and video footage.
Victoria Police are seeking community feedback through their annual sentiment survey. Mornington Peninsula residents are urged to participate before 30 June.
