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.
Tag Somerville Times
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.
Somerville Cricket and Somerville Football Netball Club United
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.
Somerville Times final 2025 edition out now
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.
Somerville Times Final 2025 Edition Out This Wednesday
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.
From Victim to Thriver: Hannah Swinnerton’s Journey and Her Mission to Help Others Find Their Voice
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.
Final 2025 Advertising Opportunity: Somerville Times + STPL News Digital
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.
Advertise in 10,000 print copies, website placement, and nearly 7,000 inboxes daily. limited space available. Book now before spots fill.
Email: contact@stplnews.com.au
Call: 03 8692 0080
Peninsula Polls Reveal Stark Divide in Local Leadership Confidence
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.
Gill’s Transparency Motion Voted Down with Mayor Marsh Absent for Meeting
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.
New Edition of the Somerville Times Now Available
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.
Draft Design Revealed for Sorrento Playground at David MacFarlan Reserve
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.
Man Charged After Paramedics Allegedly Assaulted in Mornington
Two Ambulance Victoria paramedics were allegedly assaulted in Mornington’s Main Street. Police arrested a 58-year-old man, who now faces multiple charges.
Police Appeal for Help to Find Missing Woman Lucy
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.
Mornington Peninsula businesses in the spotlight as finalists named for 2025 Excellence Awards
Twenty-two local businesses have been announced as finalists in the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards, showcasing innovation, resilience and community connection across the region. Winners will be revealed at a gala event in November.
Victoria Police offers record reward in statewide manhunt for Porepunkah shooting suspect
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.
