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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The August edition of the Somerville Times rolls out Tuesday, 19 August, and will be available at all collection points by Wednesday, 20 August.
Somerville rider Noah Hart competed at the UCI BMX World Championships in Denmark, an event showcasing the best riders globally.
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.
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.
Police have released CCTV after three cars were vandalised in Rosebud, causing $20,000 in damage. Do you know this woman seen in the carpark?
Frankston police are asking for the public’s help to find 40-year-old Shane Conham, wanted on warrant and believed to be travelling via public transport.
Capel Sound residents are calling on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to honour its 2023 commitment to protect 11a Allambi Avenue as parkland. A draft strategy proposing a 50/50 housing split has sparked community backlash ahead of the 12 August council meeting at Tyabb.
Frankston City Council has approved a $72.9 million capital works program for 2025–26, funding upgrades across roads, parks, childcare centres, sports facilities and arts precincts to support future growth.
A 42-year-old Seaford man has been arrested following a hit-run on Nepean Highway that left an off-duty police officer seriously injured. The white Isuzu D-MAX was intercepted in Mentone after being reported for erratic driving. Police continue to investigate.
A 24-year-old Langwarrin man has been charged over a high-speed pursuit that ended with a crash, police car ramming, and Dog Squad arrest. Drugs and weapons were allegedly seized.
Somerville continued its winning streak in Round 15 with a gutsy 23-point win over Chelsea, setting up a thrilling final stretch in the 2025 MPNFL season.
A 24-year-old Langwarrin man is in custody after allegedly ramming a police car and fleeing in a stolen vehicle. The chase ended in a crash and Dog Squad arrest.
A six-year community battle has ended in defeat, with VCAT approving a "McDonald’s-style" outlet in Safety Beach despite strong local opposition and two previous rejections. Locals and council fear traffic congestion, harm to small businesses, and the loss of village character.
Frankston City Council has endorsed a new Council and Wellbeing Plan for 2025–2029, shaped by extensive community input and designed to deliver lasting outcomes in health, inclusion, climate action and local development.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has approved a 20% rebate on general rates for retirement village residents after scrapping the long-standing discount applied to their property valuations. The rebate, introduced as a temporary one-year measure, follows sharp CIV increases and was passed after Cr David Gill successfully amended the motion.
A decomposing horse has been found on Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property, fuelling fresh outrage as local protests reach their 14th week. Community members say conditions are worsening and accuse authorities of inaction. STPL News has obtained footage of the dead animal, as pressure mounts on the RSPCA and state government to intervene.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council plans to halve rate relief for retirement village residents, replacing the long-standing 20% discount with a 10% one-off rebate. The change would affect more than 2,500 units across 15 villages and has been labelled a "slap in the face" to pensioners already doing it tough. Critics say Council is targeting the most vulnerable while claiming to prioritise community wellbeing.
Somerville Football Club fought back against the wind and the odds to defeat Bonbeach in Round 14 of the MPNFL. With finals still within reach, the Eagles delivered a team-first performance, while the club’s netball sides also battled hard across all grades. Read the latest from the Somerville Swooper.
Our July edition has been flying off shelves across the Peninsula. If you missed out, read the full digital version online — featuring the new Helping Hands pantry, local crime, council updates and more.
A Frankston man faces court after parking in a disabled bay without a permit, while disqualified from driving and allegedly more than three times over the legal alcohol limit. Police impounded his car on the spot.
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.
Somerville kept its finals hopes alive with a stirring final-term surge to down Devon Meadows by seven points. Read the full match wrap from The Somerville Swooper.
