Sam Groth has resigned as the Liberal Member for Nepean, prompting a by-election. In a statement dated 4 February 2026, the Leader of the Opposition thanked Groth for his contribution and said the contest would focus on cost of living, crime, health and housing ahead of the November 2026 state election.
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.
Australia’s cash rate has risen to 3.85 per cent after the Reserve Bank increased rates by 25 basis points. Welfare and consumer advocates warned of deeper financial stress, while CPA Australia and the Somerville Business Group said households and small businesses could face tighter spending and tougher trading conditions.
Frankston Dolphins Football Club is facing a reported police inquiry and WorkSafe Victoria monitoring, according to a Herald Sun report. STPL News sought comment from club treasurer and MPSC councillor Stephen Batty, who declined to comment.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Frankston City Council says Tennille Bradley has officially started as its new chief executive officer, marking a milestone as the first female CEO in Council history.
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.
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.
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.
Three people were rescued and brought to shore safely after emergency services responded to multiple reports of people in trouble in the water off Frankston Pier. Police also received reports of people jumping into deep water and urged the public to take extra precautions in extreme heat and windy conditions.
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.
A 35-year-old man has been charged after police allege a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser utility rammed a police vehicle multiple times at a Fleet Street unit complex in Mornington last month. The accused, Troy Cunneen, was arrested in Hallam after a short bushland pursuit and is listed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today (05/01/25).
Victorian Liberal MP Sam Groth has announced he will not continue in Parliament beyond the 2026 state election, citing pressure on his family and internal party issues. His departure leaves the Liberals with a Nepean vacancy less than 12 months from polling day, as the party is also yet to announce a candidate for Hastings.
Photos of sticker overlays on Hastings parking signs have triggered ‘money grab’ claims and confusion over whether time limits applied on the New Year’s Day public holiday. STPL News has contacted Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s CEO and Mayor, as well as ward councillor Cr Michael Stephens, seeking clarification.
A small fire broke out during Dromana 3 Drive In’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, prompting a precautionary evacuation and CFA response. No injuries or property damage were reported. Crews contained the grass and scrub fire before it reached the freeway.
Sandra and Kevin lost their Crib Point home in a house fire just after Christmas and are now facing homelessness while Kevin undergoes treatment for stage 4 cancer. Their son has launched a GoFundMe appeal, calling on the Mornington Peninsula community to help them rebuild.
Mornington Peninsula ratepayers are set to fund the cost of two municipal monitors, paid $1,375 per day each plus expenses, after Mayor Anthony Marsh claimed the appointments were his idea. STPL News examines potential annual costs, the governance context, and what documentation has not been produced publicly.
Mayor Anthony Marsh says he sought advice about appointing a monitor, as the Victorian Government confirms two municipal monitors will oversee Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for 12 months.
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.
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.
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Cam Williams has apologised after fallout from an STPL News interview, claiming some comments were “not accurate” and confirming a Council Watch post was removed. STPL News has contacted Williams seeking clarification on what he now disputes.
Hastings residents are calling for speed humps across West Park residential streets to curb hooning and slow traffic, and want Council to advocate for safer pedestrian crossings along Frankston–Flinders Road.
The Victoria Government has published the final scoping requirements for the Environment Effects Statement (EFS) for the proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings, setting out the studies required before the project can be assessed.
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.
Outgoing mayor Kris Bolam has used his final statement to reinforce that Frankston has taken a bold leap into the 21st century, highlighting record investment, governance reforms and city shaping projects as he ends a record 1,116 days in the role.
Frankston City councillors have elected Cr Sue Baker as Mayor and Cr Cherie Wanat as Deputy Mayor, marking a new leadership team after a “phenomenal year” and a high bar set by outgoing Mayor Kris Bolam.
Frankston’s skyline is set to shift after councillors approved three Nepean Highway towers worth $137 million, adding 312 apartments, new shops and offices, and helping pave the way for the city’s first new hotel in 15 years.
Frankston City Council has formalised a Nepean Partnership with Kingston City Council on the eve of the mayoral vote, leaving the next Mayor to turn the new framework, and a year of partnership-driven projects, into concrete results for locals.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s draft Rating Strategy would increase waste charges for most households and pass on the cost of a new retirement village discount to the wider rate base, with residents invited to have their say before 15 February 2026.
Using ramps, beach matting and wheelchairs, Frankston’s new accessible beach pilot is opening the foreshore to locals who have not been able to reach the water for years. The three month trial aims to set a fresh benchmark for inclusive coastal access in Australia.
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.
Hastings man Aaron Torpy, 30, is accused of grooming local children to commit burglaries and steal cars. He is now facing 48 charges and is seeking bail, which Victoria Police strongly oppose, as public anger grows across the Mornington Peninsula.
Frankston’s sister cities trip has delivered millions in proposed investment and new international agreements. Outcomes include a 20 million dollar factory proposal, job creation, education partnerships and strengthened global ties across Japan, China, Fiji and the United States.
Frankston has raised more than $220,000 to support the Australia’s Most Accessible Beach pilot and local causes. Nearly thirty organisations contributed to the community-driven effort.
An anonymous MPSC insider has contacted STPL News alleging a new wave of departures, following senior staff exits in December 2024 and January 2025, as well as redundancies in September. The source also claims the Local Government Inspectorate is continuing its presence inside the organisation.
Frankston City Council has unveiled new measures to support first-home buyers and speed up major developments, becoming the first municipality in Victoria to offer a local first-home buyer subsidy. The reforms include a $1,000 payment for eligible buyers and a 16-week fast-track planning pathway designed to boost supply, increase investor certainty and help residents stay in the market.
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.
DEECA has blocked mechanical beach raking on several Mornington Peninsula beaches, leaving only 6 km of the Shire’s 31 km cleaning program eligible for raking. A further 9 km are inaccessible to machinery and another 9 km contain protected vegetation that must be hand-cleaned. The decision raises questions over cost, erosion impacts and the councillor vote that reinstated raking nearly 12 months ago.
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.
Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam has been awarded the MAV Mayor Emeritus title, with former Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Graham Pittock praising his leadership and regional partnership efforts.
Frankston will welcome the festive season on 29 November with the Christmas Festival of Light, featuring markets, live entertainment, a parade, rides, a European Christmas Village and a 9.15 pm tree lighting and fireworks finale.
Scott Carson says positive human interaction and meaningful connection are vital for men’s wellbeing. His International Men’s Day event at Hotel Lona aims to give local men a supportive space to talk, reflect and connect without alcohol.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has reappointed Cr Anthony Marsh as Mayor and Cr Paul Pingiaro as Deputy Mayor, with both positions decided by the same 6–5 split. The results extend the council’s long-running division and confirm continued bloc control over key leadership roles.
Jess Wilson has been appointed Victorian Opposition Leader following yet another Liberal Party leadership change, a year before the 2026 state election. The shift highlights ongoing instability within the party as it works to reset its direction and present a credible alternative to voters ahead of polling day.
A financial review sought by STPL News raises concerns about MPSC’s 10-year plan, finding optimistic assumptions, and vague details.
Frankston has been named Victoria’s Tidy City for 2025, with multiple environmental and community awards recognising local programs, volunteer partnerships and sustainability initiatives across the city.
