Councillors Elect Stephen Batty As Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor
Cr Stephen Batty has been elected Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor after councillors broke a two-week deadlock following repeated tied votes.
Tag Peninsula Local
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Vote Returns Tonight After 5-5 Stalemate
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors return tonight to try again to elect a mayor after the previous vote split 5-5, leaving Cr Paul Pingiaro as Acting Mayor.
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.
Gatto Arrest Puts Construction Integrity Back In Election Spotlight
Mick Gatto has been released without charge after being arrested and interviewed by Taskforce Hawk detectives at Mount Martha during an investigation into alleged financial offences.
Frankston Business Chamber Welcomes Trader Support Review
Frankston Business Chamber has welcomed Frankston City Council’s move to review trader support, de-escalation training and clearer referral pathways for local businesses.
Frankston Council Backs Trader Support Training Review
Excerpt:
Frankston City Council will investigate a trader and community support training program after local businesses raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, staff safety and business confidence.
Mayor Vote Ends In Stalemate As Mornington Peninsula Shire Splits 5-5
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has failed to elect a new mayor after councillors split 5-5 in two consecutive votes, leaving Cr Paul Pingiaro as Acting Mayor until councillors try again on 16 June.
If The Shire Wants Cleaner Bins, It Needs Clearer Communication
Safety Beach resident Joe Lenzo argues the Mornington Peninsula Shire should focus more on clear communication and practical waste education if it wants to reduce recycling and FOGO bin contamination.
The Shire May Be Going Through Your Bin As Audits Get Underway
Mornington Peninsula Shire has started random kerbside bin audits after recycling contamination added $1 million to waste fees, with household bins checked for wrong items left out for collection.
Salvos Food Crisis Warning Hits Home On The Peninsula
The Salvation Army says vulnerable Australians are skipping meals, eating expired food and struggling with power and medical costs, as homelessness pressures continue across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston.
Pearcedale Morning Tea Raises $3,309 For Cancer Council
Pearcedale Prime Group and The General Cafe have raised $3,309 for Cancer Council through a local Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event supported by residents, businesses and community market stallholders.
Somerville Business Group Hosts Christmas In May At Eagles Corporate Box
Somerville Business Group members gathered at the Somerville Eagles Corporate Box for a Christmas in May event, with local business owners, community representatives and special guests attending as Somerville hosted Karingal.
P-Plater Loses Licence After Alleged .174 Breath Test In Mornington
An 18-year-old Mornington P-plater has had his licence suspended and vehicle impounded after allegedly returning a .174 blood alcohol reading during a police intercept.
Peninsula Projects Recognised At National Tidy Towns Awards
The Mornington Peninsula has received three honours at the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful National Tidy Towns Awards, recognising local projects in reef restoration, conservation and youth environmental education.
TLC Floats $250m Rosebud Hospital PPP As Debate Reignites
TLC Healthcare has put forward a $250 million public-private partnership proposal for Rosebud Hospital, reigniting debate over how the southern peninsula hospital should be rebuilt.
Anonymous Tip-Off Exposes Alleged Guns, Drugs And Weapons Cache In Mornington
A Mornington man has been remanded after police allegedly found eight firearms, ammunition, cannabis, drugs and weapons during a search warrant linked to an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip-off.
Council Funding Commitment Welcomed By Frankston Business Chamber
Frankston Business Chamber has welcomed a three-year funding commitment from Frankston City Council, with support to reduce each year as the organisation works toward financial independence by 2028.
Frankston Council Says Budget Delivers Relief And Responsible Investment
Frankston City Council says its adopted 2026/2027 Budget will deliver cost-of-living relief, reduce waste charges for most households and fund an $83.6 million Capital Works Program.
Frankston Budget Passes After Alternate Motion Ignored
Frankston City Council’s 2026/2027 Budget has passed after Cr Nathan Butler says he was not afforded the opportunity to move an alternate motion aimed at exploring targeted cost-of-living relief for residents. The meeting also saw Cr Kris Bolam move a failed motion of dissent against Mayor Baker.
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.
Somerville Times Edition 033 Available Tuesday
The latest edition of the Somerville Times will be in distribution from Monday 11 May 2026, with free copies available across the usual collection points in Somerville, Tyabb, Hastings, Baxter, Langwarrin and surrounding areas.
Peninsula Aero Club Hands Over $43,000 To Local Groups After Tyabb Airshow
Peninsula Aero Club has handed over $43,000 raised through the Tyabb Airshow to five local organisations, supporting mental health, emergency services and youth sport.
Peninsula Quarries Opens 2026 Community Grants For Somerville, Tyabb And Mornington NFP Groups
Local not-for-profit groups in Somerville, Tyabb and Mornington can apply for Peninsula Quarries Victoria’s 2026 community grants program, with $5,000 available for community projects and initiatives.
Four Trailer Loads Removed In Somerville Clean-Up
Seventeen volunteers braved wet and windy weather to remove four trailer loads of rubbish from areas around Somerville Railway Station as part of a Clean Up Australia event organised by Somerville Business Group.
Somerville Sizzles Eventually Against Pearcedale
Somerville overcame a 47-point first-quarter deficit to defeat traditional rivals Pearcedale in the Round 4 MPNFL Postcode Derby at Pearcedale.
Tracee Hutchison Confirms November Run After Nepean By-Election
Independent Tracee Hutchison has confirmed she will contest Nepean again at November’s Victorian state election, following Saturday’s by-election result. Anthony Marsh’s win also means Briars Ward residents will vote in a council by-election, with ratepayers expected to meet an estimated cost of about $200,000.
Marsh Win Leaves Ratepayers Facing $200,000 Briars Ward By-Election Bill
Mornington Peninsula Shire ratepayers are facing an expected $200,000 Briars Ward by-election bill after Anthony Marsh’s Nepean win leaves a council vacancy and ends his time as mayor.
Liberals Projected To Hold Nepean Despite Weakened Vote
The Liberal Party is projected to retain Nepean, but provisional results show a weakened primary vote, a strong One Nation result and a sizeable independent vote for Tracee Hutchison.
Candidates’ 30-Second Pitch To Voters
STPL News spoke with Nepean by-election candidates on election day, with candidates from Independent, Greens, Libertarian and One Nation campaigns taking part. Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh declined the opportunity.
Greens Urge Nepean Voters To Back Housing, Climate And Cost-Of-Living Push
Greens candidate Dr Sianan Healy has urged Nepean voters to back action on housing, climate and cost-of-living pressures, while questions remain over the detail behind the party’s local pitch.
Angelico Says Cancel Suburban Rail Loop To Help Fund Rosebud Hospital
Libertarian candidate Peter Angelico says the proposed Rosebud hospital should be funded without new taxes, arguing the Suburban Rail Loop should be cancelled to redirect infrastructure spending.
Calmer Scenes At Rosebud Pre-Poll After Previous Day’s Confrontations
STPL News observed a calmer atmosphere at Rosebud pre-poll on Wednesday, 29 April, following the previous day’s reports, footage and photos showing confrontational scenes outside the early voting centre.
Frankston Accessible Beach Program To Return Next Summer
Frankston’s Australia’s Most Accessible Beach program will return next summer after strong demand during its first season at Frankston Foreshore.
Greens Push Rent Freeze Pitch To Nepean Voters
Greens candidate Dr Sianan Healy has used the final days of the Nepean by-election campaign to call for a two-year rent freeze and stronger protections for renters.
Liberal Campaign Workers Accused Of Harassing Candidate, Volunteers And Voters At Rosebud Pre-Poll
Liberal campaign workers have been accused of harassing volunteers, voters and One Nation candidate Darren Hercus at Rosebud pre-poll, with STPL News supplied videos, photographs and audio showing repeated confrontations.
South Side Festival To Bring 10 Days Of Art, Neon And Culture To Frankston
South Side Festival will return to Frankston from 8 to 17 May, with 10 days of arts, culture, neon installations, comedy, sustainability events and workshops planned across the city.
Somerville And Bonbeach Stand Together For ANZAC Day Ceremony
Players and supporters from Somerville and Bonbeach Football Netball Clubs paused before play at Somerville Recreation Reserve for an ANZAC Day commemoration, including a guard of honour and the Ode of Remembrance.
Liberal Unease Deepens As Voters Turn On Marsh In Nepean
Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh is facing fresh signs of unrest in Nepean, with long-time Liberal supporters, public comments and a former party member’s full-page advertisement raising questions about his candidacy.
Liberal Campaign Goes Harder Negative In Nepean As Anti-One Nation Flyer, Video And Texts Circulate
Fresh anti-One Nation material is circulating in Nepean through letterbox flyers, authorised video and text messages, adding to concerns about an increasingly negative Liberal campaign centred on Rosebud Hospital ahead of the by-election.
Anthony Marsh Avoids Scrutiny In Last-Minute Withdrawal From Sold-Out Candidates Forum
Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh has withdrawn from a sold-out Nepean candidates forum after attendee questions were circulated, with organisers telling STPL News his team pulled out about an hour after receiving direct questions for the candidate.
Early Voting Opens For Nepean By-Election As Voters Prepare To Choose New MP
Early voting opens Wed for the Nepean District by-election, with voters able to cast their ballot before election day on Saturday 2 May. Here is where to vote, the full list of candidates, postal voting deadlines and election day voting centre details.
Marsh Under Department Review As Roadworks Scrutiny Deepens Around Nepean Campaign
Liberal Nepean candidate Anthony Marsh is facing fresh scrutiny after Victoria’s transport department began reviewing a complaint over a campaign pothole stunt, adding to earlier questions over road funding claims, Liberal unrest, political independence and the state-appointed monitors at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
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.
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.
Paul Edbrooke Joins Victorian Cabinet In Boost For Frankston
Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke has joined Victoria’s cabinet in a reshuffle of the Allan government, with former mayor Kris Bolam welcoming the promotion as a significant moment for the city.
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.
Fire Restrictions Ease In Frankston And On The Mornington Peninsula
Fire restrictions have eased in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula, with CFA confirming the Fire Danger Period ended at 1am on Tuesday 7 April 2026. The change means some private burn-offs can resume, but safety rules still apply.
Frankston Pushes School Holiday Drawcard As Party In The Park Returns To Cruden Farm
Frankston City Council is bringing Party in the Park back to Cruden Farm on Sunday 12 April, with superhero-themed entertainment, family activities, rides, stalls and school holiday fun.
Support Independent Nepean By-election Coverage
STPL News is seeking support to expand its independent coverage of the Nepean by-election, with funds to go towards reporting, travel, fuel, print distribution or digital coverage.
