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.
The Newsroom
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.
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.
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.
Pop-up Street Art Studio to Open Inside Bayside Shopping Centre During Frankston Festival
A vacant shop at Bayside Shopping Centre will be converted into a pop-up street art studio from 19–22 March as part of the 2026 Frankston Street Art Festival, with tours, workshops and a post-festival silent auction.
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.
Police appeal for witnesses after Rosebud assault leaves man hospitalised
Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after an assault at the intersection of McCombe Street and Thomas Street in Rosebud about 5pm on Saturday 28 February 2026. A man was taken to hospital with significant injuries to his leg, and investigators believe a person in a white car may have filmed the incident.
Interim Results: “Rate Your State MP” Survey
STPL News has published an interim snapshot of results from the Rate Your State MP survey, covering Hastings, Mornington and Frankston for the 2022–2026 term. The survey is ongoing and voluntary. See response totals, key themes and interim grades, and take the survey.
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.
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.
11K Snatched in Boneo Sports Facility Break-In
More than $11,000 in prize money and staff salaries was allegedly stolen in a break-in at a sports facility on Boneo Road. Police say a Cranbourne man has been charged and bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court in May.
Man Known to Frequent Rye Wanted on Warrant Over Shepparton Aggravated Burglary
Victoria Police are appealing for assistance to locate Khial Smith, wanted on warrant over an alleged aggravated burglary in Shepparton.
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.
Snorkeller Reports Small Shark at Dromana, Commenters Respond with “Doo Doo Doo”
A snorkeller has reported seeing a small shark near Anthony’s Nose Boat Ramp at Dromana Beach, with the sighting logged through the Dorsal shark alert platform on Saturday evening.
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.
Early Snapshot: What Hastings, Mornington and Frankston Residents Want Prioritised in 2026
STPL News’ Rate Your MP survey is tracking what locals want prioritised in 2026. Early responses point to cost of living, crime, roads and housing as key issues across Hastings, Mornington and Frankston.
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.
Classic Suzuki Motorcycles Stolen From Seaford Collector’s Garage, Police Appeal For Information
Victoria Police are appealing for information after two classic Suzuki GSXR 1100 motorcycles were stolen from a collector’s garage in Seaford, within the Frankston City Council area.
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.
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.
Hungry? Frankston City Rolls Out More Food Vans From 1 June
More mobile food vans are coming to Frankston City from 1 June 2026, with Council approving new and returning operators across parks and foreshore locations, including a new Carrum Downs site.
MPCA Country Week Carnival
The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association squad delivered a strong performance at the 2026 Country Week Carnival, recording key wins before narrowly falling to Geelong in the Grand Final.
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.
10.30am Shock: Seaford Man, 52, Allegedly Recorded 0.171 BAC While Unlicensed
A Seaford man is expected to face court after police allege he returned a high-range BAC of 0.171 and was driving unlicensed during a weekday morning intercept on Klauer Street.
Shark Sighting Reported Near Rye Pier
A shark sighting near Rye Pier has been reported by swimmers after a large fin surfaced close to shore. The animal later swam toward the pier, prompting swimmers to return to shore and warn others.
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.
Battery Disposal Reminder Issued Following Mount Martha Recycling Truck Fire
Mornington Peninsula Shire has issued a reminder about battery disposal after a recycling truck caught fire in Mount Martha, highlighting the risks of hazardous waste in household bins.
Frankston Teens Charged After Alleged Luxury Car Home Invasion Spree
Three Frankston teenagers and a Seaford man are among four charged after police allege an overnight aggravated burglary and luxury car theft spree that ended in Mount Eliza with a stolen Maserati.
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.
Frankston Council Opens $250K Funding Pool To Back New Destination Events
Frankston City Council has opened applications for its 2026–27 Destination Event Attraction Program, offering a $250,000 funding pool to support new and returning destination events in the city.
Frankston Recognised As An “Established Welcoming City” After National Assessment
Frankston City Council has been recognised as an Established Welcoming City under the Welcoming Cities program after a national accreditation assessment that returned a score of 4.4 out of 5.
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.
Two Men Charged After Shotgun Home Invasion in Melbourne’s South East
Two men have been charged after an alleged home invasion in Narre Warren South, where police allege a loaded sawn-off shotgun was involved and a Mercedes SUV was stolen before arrests in Narre Warren.
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.
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.
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 Man Charged After Police Probe Into Copper Thefts From Power Poles
A 26-year-old Hastings man has been charged following a Victoria Police investigation into alleged copper thefts from power poles in the Hastings area, with police seizing what they described as a large amount of copper wiring during a search.
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.
Roccella Lido To Open At Frankston Yacht Club In August 2026
Roccella Lido will open at the Frankston Yacht Club in August 2026, ending a decade-long vacancy and bringing a new Italian waterfront dining venue to Frankston’s foreshore.
