Somerville customer service point among four to close
Mornington Peninsula Shire has voted to close four customer service points, including Somerville, and trial longer hours at Hastings. The decision does not close Somerville Library.
Tag Hastings
Hastings candidates forum: policing, housing and state debt
Candidates at the Hastings forum debated police station access, housing, public transport and state debt, outlining different priorities for the Mornington Peninsula.
‘The Land’s There’: Angelico Pledges Funding For Baxter CFA Station
Peter Angelico says One Nation would fund a new Baxter CFA station by redirecting spending from Treaty and other priorities. Brigade members say better facilities would improve safety, training and volunteer retention.
Liberals Pledge $250,000 for Somerville CFA Station Upgrade
The Victorian Liberals have pledged $250,000 to upgrade Somerville CFA station, providing showers, accessible toilets and firefighter decontamination facilities.
Isaac Willoughby Calls For Rent Freeze In Hastings Election Pitch
Greens candidate Isaac Willoughby discusses his Hastings election priorities, including a rent freeze, housing affordability, public transport and youth crime. He also responds to questions about repeat offending and preferences.
Liberals Pledge $6m For Somerville Recreation Reserve After Labor’s $5m Commitment
The Liberals have pledged $6 million towards Somerville Recreation Reserve, $1 million more than Labor’s $5 million commitment, as both parties compete over the major redevelopment.
Chloe Coulson Outlines Hastings Priorities On Community And Wildlife
Animal Justice Party candidate Chloe Coulson outlines her priorities for Hastings, including better public transport, community health services, wildlife protection and housing. She also discusses why voters should consider a minor party.
‘Give People An Opportunity’: Peter Angelico’s Pitch For A Fair Go In Hastings
One Nation candidate Peter Angelico says he would bring practical problem-solving experience to Hastings. In an interview with STPL News, he discusses cost of living, roads, public transport, sporting facilities and policing.
‘They’ve Given Up On Hastings’: Frank Schiefler Makes Liberal Pitch On Roads And Crime
Liberal candidate Frank Schiefler speaks with STPL News about housing, roads, crime and his push to restore 24-hour public access to Hastings police station.
Peter Angelico Announced As One Nation Candidate For Hastings
Peter Angelico has been announced as One Nation’s candidate for Hastings, returning to the ballot after contesting the Nepean by-election earlier this year and following a 20-year association with the Liberal Party.
Two Arrested After $15,000 Worth Of Allegedly Stolen Tools Recovered In Hastings
Two men have been arrested after police allegedly recovered approximately $15,000 worth of stolen tools from a vehicle in Hastings. A Crib Point man has been charged, while a Frankston man was released pending further enquiries.
Greens Launch Nepean and Hastings Campaigns in Red Hill
The Greens have launched their Nepean and Hastings campaigns in Red Hill, with Sianan Healy and Isaac Willoughby outlining their priorities ahead of November’s state election.
Peninsula Election Field Widens Beyond Labor And Liberal
The Peninsula election field is widening beyond Labor and Liberal, with Greens, One Nation, independents and other minor-party candidates stepping up campaigns across Frankston, Mornington, Hastings and Nepean ahead of Victoria’s 28 November poll.
One Nation Mornington Candidate To Be Announced Tomorrow
One Nation will announce its Mornington candidate on Wednesday, 2 September, with STPL News also advised the party’s Hastings candidate is expected to be revealed in late September.
Crib Point Primary Wins 2026 Inter School Activity Challenge
Grade 5 students from Western Port primary schools put their engineering skills to the test at the seventh annual Inter School Activity Challenge, with Crib Point Primary School taking first place.
STPL News Seeks Interest in Proposed State Election Panel
STPL News is seeking expressions of interest in a proposed community panel series covering Hastings, Mornington, Nepean and Frankston ahead of the 2026 state election.
Man Arrested as Police Investigate Damage to Hastings Station Lawn
Police arrested a 22-year-old man during an investigation into alleged damage at Hastings Police Station after a motorcycle reportedly crossed the front lawn twice in three days.
All Alone: Paul Mercurio Appears Abandoned by Labor Ahead of Victorian Election
Victorian Labor has reportedly deprioritised Hastings despite the electorate's razor-thin margin. Community survey results and a growing three-way contest place Paul Mercurio under increasing pressure ahead of November's state election.
Seven Homes In Hastings As Mornington Peninsula Housing Crisis Outpaces Supply
Seven new social homes are underway in Hastings for women on the priority housing list, but Mornington Peninsula Shire figures show local housing demand still far outweighs supply.
14-Year-Old Among Three Charged Over Alleged Frankston Home Invasion Spree
Three teens, including a 14-year-old boy, have been charged after police linked alleged aggravated home invasions in Frankston to a wider investigation involving a stolen vehicle, weapons charges and an alleged police evasion in Hastings.
One Nation’s Farrer Win And What It Means For November
One Nation’s Farrer breakthrough has added weight to warning signs already visible in Nepean, where the party topped several booths and exposed pressure on the Liberal primary vote. With Hastings held by Labor on a narrow margin, November’s Victorian state election could be far more volatile than expected.
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.
Letter to the Editor: MPSC Residents Deserve Fairer Access to Services
A local resident says uneven access to services, transport and community facilities across the Mornington Peninsula is leaving some suburbs isolated, particularly older residents and people living with disability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘Very Sus’: Mercurio Claims Mayor Shifted Hastings Parking Rules After Sticker Backlash
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.
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.
‘Money Grab’ Claims After Hastings Parking Signs Stickered Around New Year’s Day
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.
Hastings Residents Call for Speed Humps to Curb Hooning in West Park Area
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.
Western Port Community Unites to Mark Start of 16 Days of Activism in Hastings
Western Port community members gathered at Hastings foreshore for the opening of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, joining a march and community event promoting respect and gender-based violence prevention.
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.
Hastings Residents Hope for Fix as Councillor Responds to Flooding on Curlew Court
Curlew Court in Hastings is once again under water as heavy rain and high winds lash the Mornington Peninsula. Residents say the flooding is a long-running issue, and Councillor Michael Stephens has visited the site to investigate drainage concerns.
Good News for Hastings as Pelican Park Reopens After Major Upgrade
Pelican Park Recreation Centre has reopened in Hastings after months of renovations. The pool, gym and change facilities are back in action, with more wellness upgrades still to come later in 2025.
CJ Castle Care Collapses Into Administration, Leaving Staff and Clients in Limbo
Somerville-based disability provider CJ Castle Care has gone into administration, with staff and clients left in limbo. Owner Richard Ingram has deleted all company and personal pages. While Arcadia Sports and Recreation in Hastings remains open, its future is uncertain. Workers are urged to contact unions over unpaid entitlements, and clients can seek urgent support from Amity Care Services in Somerville.
Locals Lead Parliament Protest Over Mt Eliza Animal Neglect
Locals lead a snap protest at Victoria’s Parliament calling for urgent action over ongoing horse neglect at Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property.
Search Underway for Missing Hastings Teen
Police are seeking public assistance to help locate 13-year-old Hayden, who was last seen in Hastings on 20 April. Anyone with information is urged to contact Bayside Police.
Zoe McKenzie Likely to Retain Flinders, But Local Swings Show Regional Divide
Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie holds Flinders in 2025 election. Regional divides emerge; support grows in Somerville but wanes in Rosebud and Dromana. Final results pending.
Backlash Over Mayor’s Comments as Hastings Community Demands Answers
Outrage is growing in Hastings after Mayor Marsh's remarks on the club's closure. Community leaders point to council inaction, unequal funding, and long-standing neglect of the Western Port region.
Council’s 3% Rate Hike Misses the Mark with Residents
Mornington Shire's 3% rate increase has faced backlash from residents, particularly in lower-income areas like Hastings, who argue the burden of recovery from the McCrae landslide unfairly falls on them. Deputy Mayor Pingiaro cited financial pressures and a lack of state support, but many feel betrayed after promises of a rate freeze during the election.
RPP FM Interview: Shire Inaction Forced Hastings Club Closure, Says Board Member
The Hastings Club shut down due to ignored repair requests, board member Kevin Miles said. He criticized the council for inaction and highlighted a systemic disregard for the Western Port area.
Concerns for Missing Man Jack Last Seen on Frankston to Stony Point Train
Victoria Police are seeking public assistance to find Jack, a 22-year-old from Dingley Village, last seen boarding a train at Frankston Station on 19 February, heading towards Stony Point.
Missing Person: 14-Year-Old Taj
14-year-old Taj is missing from Dandenong. Last seen February 7th. May be in Hastings. Police are concerned. Contact police with any information.
Community Demands Action on Youth Crime at Hastings Protest
Frustration over youth crime and bail laws led to a protest in Hastings, with locals demanding action from the State Government and MP Paul Mercurio. https://wp.me/pgbDsE-17y
State-of-the-Art Early Parenting Centre to Open in Hastings
Parents and caregivers on the Mornington Peninsula will soon have access to specialist support with the construction of a cutting-edge Early Parenting Centre (EPC) in Hastings. Minister for Health Infrastructure, Mary-Anne Thomas, recently inaugurated the multi-million-dollar project at 185 High…
