Getting Ahead of Misleading Reporting: Statement on Historic Fines Matter
Statement from Jamie (Jay) Scicluna on historic fines outcome, issued ahead of further media coverage after excessive and misleading reporting from select media
Tag Somerville Times
Flew off the shelves: latest edition already gone from some collection points
The latest edition of the Somerville Times has flown off shelves at some collection points, with the allocated print supply moving quicker than usual. Readers who missed out can access the digital version now, with collection points set to be refilled on Monday.
Fresh Somerville Times Hits Shelves From Tomorrow
The latest edition of the Somerville Times is rolling out now and will be available at all collection points from tomorrow, featuring local headlines, election coverage and community issues.
Union slams Searoad Ferries over alleged ferry safety incidents
The Maritime Union of Australia has criticised Searoad Ferries following allegations a passenger assaulted crew and accessed a restricted operational area during a 2024 voyage on the Sorrento–Queenscliff ferry route.
Drink and Drug Drivers Detected During Long Weekend on Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula police conducted more than 1,800 roadside breath and drug tests during the long weekend Operation ARID road safety blitz, detecting several drink and drug drivers.
Balnarring Triumphant Over a Gallant Somerville
Balnarring claimed victory over Somerville in the Division 1 Women’s MPCA Cricket Grand Final at Somerville Recreation Reserve, with both teams delivering strong performances before a packed crowd.
Fact check: Did Anthony Marsh increase road funding by 72% as stated in Jess Wilson’s video?
A claim that Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh increased road funding by 72% is examined against council records, budgets and procurement documents. The fact check looks at when the increase occurred and what decisions led to the higher spending.
Tracee Hutchison Announced Independent Bid for Nepean By‑Election
Rosebud local Tracee Hutchison has launched her campaign as a community independent in the Nepean state by-election. She will contest against Liberal candidate and MPSC mayor Anthony Marsh, Darren Hercus, Libertarian Peter Angelico, and the Greens candidate. Hutchison pledges to fight for local healthcare, ensure fair government spending, and be the first woman to represent Nepean.
Letter To The Editor: Police Concerns After Assaults Involving An Autistic Person
An anonymous letter to the editor raises concerns about police follow-up, call handling, and the availability of disability liaison support after assaults involving an autistic person on the Mornington Peninsula.
Setting the Record Straight: STPL News Statement
STPL News issues a statement responding to an MP News article by Cameron McCullough, clarifying the matter is a civil enforcement process and raising concerns about omitted key details and misleading framing.
Somerville to face Balnarring in historic MPCA Women’s Grand Final
Somerville will play Balnarring on Sunday, 8 March at Somerville Recreation Reserve in the MPCA Women’s Grand Final, with both sides chasing their first premiership cup.
Print & Digital Copies of Somerville Times 031 are Out Now
Latest edition of the Somerville Times by STPL News.
Another Recycling Truck Fire, Another Close Call as Load Dumped on Bittern Street
A recycling truck fire in Bittern has been blamed on lithium batteries incorrectly disposed of in a kerbside recycling bin, prompting renewed warnings about hazardous waste in household bins.
Mayor Anthony Marsh Selected as Liberal Candidate for Nepean By-election
Anthony Marsh has been confirmed as the Liberal Party’s candidate for Nepean, after weeks of reporting on his preselection bid and internal division within local party ranks.
Somerville Times Returns Wednesday with Refreshed Look for 2026
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.
Have Your Say: STPL News Launches ‘Rate Your State MP’ Survey
STPL News has launched a community feedback survey inviting residents in Hastings, Mornington and Frankston to rate their local state MP’s performance during the current parliamentary term (2022–2026). Nepean will open after the by-election result.
Busted: Serial Car Thief Used High-Tech Key Devices To Steal 25 Vehicles Across Melbourne And Frankston
Victoria Police say a Ringwood North man has been charged with more than 60 offences after allegedly using electronic “key mimicking” devices to steal at least 25 cars across Melbourne’s east and south-east, including Frankston.
Police Appeal After 17-Year-Old Cynthia Reported Missing From Langwarrin South
Victoria Police are appealing for information to help locate 17-year-old Cynthia, last seen about 10.45am on 15 February in Langwarrin South. Police believe she may be in the Langwarrin, Cranbourne or Frankston areas.
Marsh Preselection Bid Confirmed
Key claims first reported by STPL News about Anthony Marsh’s bid for Liberal preselection in Nepean have now been confirmed by major media reporting.
Liberals Divided As Senior Sources Flag Mayor Marsh For Nepean Preselection
Senior Liberal Party sources claim Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has recently joined the party and intends to seek Nepean preselection following Sam Groth’s resignation announcement.
Whoops: Council Admits to ‘Accidentally’ Overcharging Ratepayers
Mornington Peninsula Shire has confirmed incorrect rates notices were issued after a system error. STPL News has received emails from residents reporting unexpected increases, including a Somerville man who said his instalment appeared to double, and a woman from Moorooduc who reported a significant increase.
Frankston Man Charged After Alleged Hammer Assault in Cranbourne
A Frankston man has been remanded in custody following an alleged hammer assault in Cranbourne, with two men now facing court.
New Psychiatrist-Led Mental Health Program Set To Operate In Mount Eliza
A new psychiatrist-led outpatient program for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression is set to operate at Avive Clinic Mornington Peninsula in Mount Eliza from July–September 2026, improving access to specialised mental health care locally.
Somerville Cricket Club Rises To The Top
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.
Rosebud Raid: Man Remanded As Police Allege Firearms, Drugs, Cash And 3D Printer Seized
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
In Case You Missed It: Teen Rescued After Cliff Fall at Sorrento
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.
BREAKING | Monitors Appointed to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
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.
Councillor Confirms Term-Limits Motion Was Used To Target Colleague
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.
