On the Ground in Rosebud: Pauline Hanson Brings Momentum To Hercus Campaign
Pauline Hanson’s appearance alongside Darren Hercus in Rosebud drew a packed crowd and added visible momentum to One Nation’s push in the Nepean by-election.
Jay Scicluna
Pauline Hanson Appears With Darren Hercus At Sold Out Event
Pauline Hanson has appeared beside Nepean candidate Darren Hercus at a sold out One Nation event, with more updates expected later tonight.
Council Attempts To ‘Set The Record Straight’ Over $570 Waste Charge
Mornington Peninsula Shire is attempting to quell backlash over a proposed $570 waste charge, arguing the public cleaning component is not a new fee despite sharp concern from residents.
Peter Angelico Accuses Anthony Marsh Of ‘Blatant Hypocrisy’ Over Roads
Peter Angelico has accused Anthony Marsh of “blatant hypocrisy” over roads messaging in the Nepean by-election, using both a campaign video and an STPL News interview to challenge Marsh’s credibility, honesty and handling of the issue.
Tracee Hutchison Slams ‘Lazy And Dishonest’ Liberal Attack Flyer In Nepean
Tracee Hutchison has hit back at a Liberal-authorised flyer targeting her in the Nepean by-election, calling it a dishonest attack and a sign of Liberal desperation.
Liberals Accused Of Dirty Tactics After Anti-One Nation Flyer Emerges
The Liberal Party is being labelled desperate after copies of an anti-One Nation flyer, authorised by the party itself, began circulating across the Nepean electorate.
Marsh Goes Off Script After Social Media Grilling
Anthony Marsh is under fresh scrutiny after campaign-period social media comments appeared to conflict with his earlier public position on Mornington Peninsula Shire’s municipal monitors.
Pothole Post Sees Marsh Dig Himself Into Another Hole
Anthony Marsh is facing fresh scrutiny after appearing to mark a pothole on White Hill Road, a state-managed 80 km/h arterial road, without visible hi-vis gear or traffic control. STPL News has contacted Roads Minister Melissa Horne for comment.
Frank Schiefler Chosen as Liberal Candidate for Hastings
Frank Schiefler has been chosen by the Liberal Party for endorsement as its candidate for Hastings at the November Victorian state election, with a formal public announcement still pending.
EDITORIAL | The Victorian Liberals Have Learned Nothing, and Hastings Is the Latest Example
The Victorian Liberal Party appears to have repeated in Hastings the same top-down preselection play used in Nepean, raising fresh questions about rank-and-file members being shut out and the political cost of party arrogance.
Hercus Rips Into Liberals and Labor Over Rosebud Hospital, Backs PPP Pathway
One Nation candidate Darren Hercus has blasted both Liberals and Labor over Rosebud Hospital, backing a PPP rebuild plan and questioning why voters should trust more election promises.
Frankston Barista’s Debut Novel Spencer Sparkles Builds Local Momentum
Frankston local Dan Stroede says his debut novel Spencer Sparkles is building momentum, with strong reader feedback, local interest and growing attention around the book.
McCrae Mediation Ends With Partial Deals But No Public Timetable
Mornington Peninsula Shire and South East Water say some McCrae residents have reached agreement through mediation, but the public update leaves major questions unanswered over the scope of works, timelines and when displaced residents may return home.
Local Schools Affected By Victorian Teachers Strike Over Pay And Conditions
Local schools across the Mornington Peninsula were affected as teachers, principals and education support staff joined a statewide strike over pay and conditions.
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
SA Labor Win Overshadowed by One Nation Surge, Raising Questions for Victoria
Labor has won comfortably in South Australia, but the bigger story is One Nation’s surge and the collapse of the Liberal vote. With similar political conditions emerging in Victoria, the Nepean by-election is now shaping as an early test ahead of the November state election.
Doveton man charged over alleged international Toyota theft and export syndicate
A Doveton man has been charged after Victoria Police alleged he played a role in an international syndicate accused of stealing high-end Toyotas in Victoria and exporting them to the United Arab Emirates.
Nepean By-Election Nominations Open As Candidate Field Begins To Take Shape
Candidate nominations have officially opened for the Nepean District by-election, with the Victorian Electoral Commission urging prospective contenders to move quickly ahead of the April deadlines. The by-election will be held on Saturday 2 May. VEC Opens Formal Nomination Process…
Liberal Party Accused Of Double Standards As Anthony Marsh Signs Appear On Council Land In Rosebud
Anthony Marsh campaign signs appear to be on council land in Rosebud, raising questions over compliance and double standards in the Nepean by-election.
Nepean race rocked as leaked texts reveal Anthony Marsh backed Labor
The Nepean by-election campaign has been thrown into fresh controversy after leaked text messages revealed Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh privately backed a Labor candidate during the 2022 Victorian state election.
Nepean candidate Peter Angelico outlines business-focused pitch in by-election campaign
Libertarian candidate Peter Angelico says his Nepean by-election campaign will focus on business pressures, local infrastructure and growing voter frustration with the major parties.
Darren Hercus says One Nation will not play ‘support role’ in Nepean
One Nation candidate Darren Hercus says the party does not want to play a support role in the Nepean by-election, instead pitching itself as a genuine contender while campaigning on cost of living, housing, crime and Rosebud Hospital.
Nepean By-election 2026: Candidates Announced
Five candidates have announced campaigns for the 2026 Nepean by-election following the resignation of Sam Groth. STPL News is tracking the candidates and key developments as the campaign unfolds.
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.
International Women’s Day: The life and leadership of Annie Sage
As International Women’s Day is marked across the Mornington Peninsula, it is hard not to reflecting on the inspirational life of Annie Moriah Sage, a pioneering nurse from Somerville whose leadership in maternal and child health helped shape nursing and community care across Victoria.
Three Frankston Men among Five Charged After Alleged Melbourne Crime Spree
Three men described by Victoria Police as being from Frankston are among five charged following an investigation into alleged break-ins and attempted home invasions across Melbourne’s south and south-east.
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.
Liberal Party Preselection Candidate Resigns & Nominates for One Nation in Hastings
Former Liberal Party member Shane Osborne has confirmed to STPL News he has nominated to run for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in Hastings after withdrawing from Liberal preselection and resigning his membership. The Liberals have not announced a candidate at publication time.
Nepean By-election: Liberals go all-in on Anthony Marsh as One Nation moves in
The Nepean by-election is set for 2 May after Sam Groth’s resignation. Labor is not running, One Nation has named Darren Hercus, and a Roy Morgan poll shows One Nation leading in Victoria. Anthony Marsh’s past statements and a verified how-to-vote card have added scrutiny as the May by-election and November state election approaches.
Frankston City Council puts $17.05m “Frankston City First” priorities forward ahead of 2026 state election
Frankston City Council has released its “Frankston City First” advocacy priorities ahead of the 2026 Victorian state election, seeking $17.05 million for pavilions, shared paths, public spaces and support services across Frankston, Carrum and Hastings.
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.
Ex-Langwarrin Principal Jailed For Child Abuse Material, Eligible For Release After 3 Months
former Langwarrin Park Primary School principal has been jailed over child abuse material offences and may be released after three months. Readers are invited to share their views.
Batty: My Exit From Frankston Football Club Had Nothing To Do With Alleged Fraud
Stephen Batty says his resignation from Frankston Football Club had nothing to do with the alleged fraud inquiry, instead citing unrelated board decisions and governance concerns.
Marsh’s Paper Trail Collides With Nepean By-election Reality
Anthony Marsh’s previous written survey responses on party affiliation and political donations are being revisited as the Mornington Peninsula mayor seeks Liberal preselection for the Nepean by-election on 2 May 2026.
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.
Council’s Long Delay on Landslide Risk Exposed by EMO7 Rollout
Mornington Peninsula Shire is under renewed scrutiny after the rollout of EMO7 highlighted years of delay in updating landslide risk controls, despite having mapping data since 2012.
Shock Exit: Sam Groth Quits Parliament, Nepean Thrown Into By-election
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.
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.
RBA Rate Rise Sparks Concern Across Consumer, Welfare and Business Groups
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 Face Reported Police Inquiry, WorkSafe Monitoring
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 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.
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.
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.
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…
Tennille Bradley Begins As Frankston City Council CEO
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 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.
