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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Hannah Swinnerton has transformed her experience of years of bullying into a platform for resilience and connection. Now station manager at Radio Western Port and host of Inspired to Soar, she says the station has given her purpose and a supportive space to help others share their stories.
Frankston City Council has awarded $57,000 to ten community organisations in a new funding round under its Local Support Package, supporting emergency relief, wellbeing programs and outreach services across the municipality.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Somerville Cricket Club has continued its dominant start to the MPCA season, backing up its Round 1 win with a commanding victory over Mt Eliza. Nick Mann led the way with an unbeaten 87 as the Eagles claimed the Phil Graf/Doug Neal Cup in front of a strong home crowd
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has committed $500,000 to upgrade its CCTV network across major townships, aiming to improve reliability and give Victoria Police better access to footage in real time.
The Pink Ladies Auxiliary has donated $360,000 to Peninsula Health, supporting new equipment, services and research at Frankston Hospital.
RSPCA Victoria has confirmed 35 horses were seized from Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property under warrant. The Inspectorate praised the operation as complex but successful, while campaigners hailed the outcome as a major community win after months of protests.
RSPCA and Victoria Police have raided Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property in a major win for the community and animals. Horses, including a mare and foal, have already been removed.
Community protestors marked 22 weeks outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property on Sunday. STPL News interviewed organiser Carly Wines, who says the RSPCA’s warrant is progress — but vows the fight continues until every horse and animal is rescued.
The new edition of the Somerville Times is now available at collection points across the Mornington Peninsula — covering local stories on Helping Hands Somerville, a collapsed NDIS provider, council politics, Peninsula crime updates, and more.
After months of protests, political pressure and community outrage, the RSPCA will finally take action on the Mount Eliza horse welfare case. Campaigners say their relentless fight has forced action — and the neglected animals are now one step closer to freedom.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has unveiled the draft design for a new Sorrento playground at David MacFarlan Reserve. Locals are invited to provide feedback on features including slides, swings, sensory play and accessibility. Community consultation is open until 15 October 2025.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate 23-year-old Lucy, last seen in Dandenong on 10 September. Authorities believe she may have travelled to Frankston and hold concerns for her welfare due to a medical condition.
Somerville-based disability provider CJ Castle Care has gone into administration, with staff and clients left in limbo. Owner Richard Ingram has deleted all company and personal pages. While Arcadia Sports and Recreation in Hastings remains open, its future is uncertain. Workers are urged to contact unions over unpaid entitlements, and clients can seek urgent support from Amity Care Services in Somerville.
Victoria Police have announced a record $1 million reward in the manhunt for Desmond Freeman (Desmond Filby) following the fatal shooting of two officers in Porepunkah. The search is statewide, and residents, including those on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston, are urged to stay alert and report any information.
New AIHW and Homelessness Australia data reveals nearly 480 local children are homeless and more than 880 at risk across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
Frankston City Council has allocated $425,000 in funding for local relief agencies in 2025–26, supporting organisations that provide food relief, housing assistance, mental health services and more. See the full list of recipients and how to access help.
Six youths have been arrested after a violent home invasion in Rosebud, reigniting community fears about safety on the Mornington Peninsula. Police data shows two-thirds of aggravated burglary arrests involve children, with residents demanding the state government act before someone is killed.
Police seized half a kilo of cocaine and nearly $800,000 in cash from a Chelsea home during a raid, with three people arrested and major drug trafficking charges laid.
Overdose deaths in Frankston have surged by 72% over 15 years, with 81 lives lost since 2019. The Mornington Peninsula faces similar risks as overdose fatalities outpace the national road toll.
A man in his 40s has been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after being found with severe head injuries on Cecil Street, Frankston. Detectives are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to help piece together the events.
Superintendent Anne Rudd has been appointed to lead Victoria Police across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. With a strong background in police training and leadership, she says her priority is ensuring the community not only feels safe but is safe, through visible policing and stronger connections with residents.
Frankston Council has stepped in with $45,000 for Community Support Frankston, funding meals, vouchers, and relief for over 2,000 residents hit by cost-of-living pressures.
Small business owners face major legal changes in 2025, including the Right to Disconnect, wage theft penalties, superannuation increases and updated award classifications.
Helping Hands Somerville has officially opened its doors at Somerville Community House, already supporting more than 120 families each week with free food. Backed by volunteers, donors and local groups, the pantry launched on 22 August with a strong show of community support.
The Somerville Business Group is urging the Federal Government to honour its commitment to deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Somerville, amid reports the project may be redirected to Hastings despite Somerville’s greater population reach and limited access to bulk billing services.
Frankston City Council has committed $100,000 to expand free legal services for young people and renters, funding school-based lawyers and tenancy support through Peninsula Community Legal Centre. The move comes as housing pressures and cost-of-living stress hit local residents.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has adopted its Council Plan 2025–2029 and Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029, following extensive community consultation with more than 3,500 residents. The plans set Council’s strategic direction and focus on creating a healthier, more inclusive Peninsula.
Former AFL player Aaron James has pleaded guilty to indecent behaviour after being caught in budgie smugglers with a naked woman and engaging in NSFW shenanigans behind beach boxes at Dromana earlier this year, landing a $1,000 fine at Frankston Magistrates’ Court. He still faces charges including drug possession, theft, handling stolen number plates, sexual exposure, and dangerous driving.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh voted to approve his own interstate travel without declaring a conflict of interest — and it’s not the first time his voting has raised transparency questions.
Capel Sound has secured a major victory, with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council voting unanimously to keep 11a Allambi Avenue as public parkland in the draft Open Space Strategy.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council staff are reportedly on edge after being told job cuts are coming. Affected teams will be revealed in September. The Shire has not publicly commented.
A woman confronted a group of children as young as 8 vandalising a Frankston line train with a Stanley knife in a viral TikTok, raising safety concerns as Victoria’s machete ban takes effect.
