Local government election candidates are required by law to provide a record of whether they did or didn’t receive any donations or gifts, including in-kind support, for their election campaign.
The Local Government Inspectorate is the integrity agency for local government in Victoria and investigates alleged breaches of the Local Government Act 2020, including electoral offences. The Inspectorate monitors the submission of Campaign Donation Returns by candidates in council elections and may prosecute any candidate who fails to comply with the Act.
Under the Act, all candidates in Victorian council elections must submit a return within 40 days of election day. For the 2020 elections, this date is 3 December 2020.
Candidates for the 2020 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections must complete and submit their forms to the Chief Executive Officer at ceo@mornpen.vic.gov.au or by post to
Mr John Baker, Chief Executive Officer
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Private Bag 1000
ROSEBUD 3939
If you were a candidate in 2020 you must submit a return. The form, and FAQ guide, can be downloaded below.
If you were not elected and/or you received no donations, you still must submit a return.
On the form, you must include:
all monetary donations over the value of $500
all donations of in-kind support over the value of $500
all donations of services over the value of $500
all donations from the same person or body, if the combined value of the donations you received from that person or body is over $500
If you received no gifts, you must indicate this in the Details of Gifts’ section by writing ‘No disclosable gifts’ or words to that effect in the table provided. All fields must be filled out and the declaration signed by the candidate.
Failure to submit a Campaign Donation Return, or providing false or misleading information on a Campaign Donation Return, can result in prosecution and fines of more than $9900 (as of 1 July 2020).
In accordance with section 307(2) of the Local Government Act 2020 the Chief Executive Officer must ensure that a summary of each election campaign donation return is made available on the Council's Internet site until the close of the roll for the next general election in 2024.
View a summary of the 2020 Candidates Election Campaign Donation Returns(PDF, 329KB).
2020 Election Campaign Donation Return Form(PDF, 836KB)
Campaign donation return FAQ
Mornington Peninsula Shire 2020-2024 Councillors Announced
Briars Ward
Steve Holland, Despi O'Connor and Anthony Marsh
Cerberus Ward
Lisa Dixon
Nepean Ward
Sarah Race and Hugh Fraser
Red Hill Ward
David Gill
Seawinds Ward
Antonella Celi, Debra Mar and Kerri McCafferty
Watson Ward
Paul Mercurio
The Victorian Electoral Commission announced the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 2020 council election results at the ‘Declaration of Election’ ceremony at the Peninsula Community Theatre 06 Friday November. The event was live streamed via the council’s website.
The new Council will be sworn in at the Annual Council Meeting on Monday 16 November where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will also be elected.
Election (Caretaker) Period
Local government elections will be held across Victoria on Saturday 24 October 2020.
From midday on Tuesday 22 September to 6pm on Saturday 24 October 2020 we must comply with important legislative requirements in the lead up to the election, known as the Election Period.
During this time Council cannot publish or cause to be published any electoral matter that may infringe Council’s obligation under the Local Government Act 2020 and its Election Period Policy.
This means we are limited in what information and updates we can share with you during this time to ensure that Council actions do not influence the election process and that it is fair and equal for all.
Please note some content may be hidden during the Election Period, including information about current Councillors.
Routine service delivery and administration will not be affected and will continue as normal during the Election Period.
This includes providing you with updates on urgent operational and service matters that may arise, including those surrounding current coronavirus restrictions.
Section 60 of the Act requires the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to develop, adopt and keep in force Governance Rules for or with respect to an
election period policy in accordance with section 69. Section 69 of the Act requires Council to include an election period policy in its Governance Rules.
The Election Period (Caretaker) Policy(PDF, 254KB) and any Procedures developed pursuant to it have been developed in order to ensure that the general
elections for the Council on Saturday 24 October 2020 and subsequent elections are conducted in a manner that is ethical, fair and equitable, and are publicly
perceived as such.
The Policy also facilitates the continuation of the ordinary business of local government in the Council throughout the Caretaker Period in a responsible and transparent manner, in accordance with statutory requirements and best practice.
Council Elections
Council elections are held every four years on the fourth Saturday in October.
The next Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections will be held Saturday, 24 October 2020.
The conduct of council elections is regulated by the Local Government Act 2020 and the Local Government (Electoral) Regulations 2020.
The management of the election process is undertaken by the Victorian Electoral Commission on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council's behalf.
The content on this web page will continue to be updated as information comes to hand from external sources, so please check back regularly.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council - Electoral Structure
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is divided into Six Wards with a total of Eleven Councillors.
- Briars Ward (3 Councillors) includes Mount Eliza, Mornington and most of Mount Martha.
- Cerberus Ward (1 Councillor) includes Hastings, Bittern, Crib Point, Tuerong , and Moorooduc.
- Red Hill Ward (1 Councillor) includes Red Hill , Red Hill South, Merricks North, Balnarring , Point Leo, Flinders, HMAS Cerberus, Somers, Shoreham, Main Ridge, Boneo, Fingal, Cape Schanck, and St Andrews Beach.
- Seawinds Ward (3 Councillors) includes Rosebud, Dromana, Capel Sound, Arthurs Seat and Safety Beach.
- Nepean Ward (2 Councillors) includes Portsea, Sorrento, Blairgowrie, Tootgarook and most of Rye.
- Watson Ward (1 Councillor) includes Somerville, Tyabb and Baxter.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council - Electoral Structure Map
This structure came into effect at the October 2016 election as a result of a 2016 Subdivision Review
The next scheduled representation review for Mornington Peninsula Council will be conducted before the 2024 Council Elections.
Enrolment and Voting Information
Voting in the 2020 Council Elections has now closed.
Results will be available after Friday 30 October, following the close of the postal vote receipt period.
Postal voting in the 2020 local Council elections
Ballot packs will be mailed to everyone on the voters' roll from 6 to 8 October.
Make sure you follow the instructions on the ballot pack and return your completed vote before 6 pm on Friday 23 October for your vote count.
Victorian Electoral Commission - Voting Information
Vote by post this October
- Voting is compulsory for voters who were on the State roll for this election by 4pm on Friday 28 August 2020.
- You are encouraged to vote but will not be fined if you don't if:
- you live outside the council area.
- you applied to Council to be on the roll.
- Each voter has one vote in a council area, regardless of how many entitlements you may have in the municipality.
- If you moved house and did not update your address by 4pm on Friday 28 August 2020, your ballot pack will be
addressed to your old address. If you do not have a mail redirection in place, please contact the Election Office on 1300 122 917.
- Ballot packs will be sent by the Victorian Electoral Commission to enrolled voters between 6 October and 8 October 2020.
(Please note: voters in the same households may not receive their packs on the same day).
- The ballot packs will include information on all candidates in your ward and instructions on how to fill out the ballot form.
- Enrolled voters must complete the ballot form and have their ballot packs in the return post by 6:00 pm Friday, 23 October 2020.
- Find out more about voting
- Request a redirection of ballot pack
- Download an 'Away from Victoria' notification form
- Moved house?
- Download detailed Electoral Structure Map
Click on the VEC link below:
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The roll closed for the 2020 local council elections at 4 pm on Friday 28 August.
If you are enrolled, you will receive a ballot pack in the post between Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 October 2020.
State enrolment
- If you live in the Mornington Peninsula Shire and are enrolled to vote in State elections at your current address, you are automatically enrolled to vote in Council elections.
- If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 years or over and you have lived at your current address in the Mornington Peninsula Shire for at least one month you will need to enrol with the Victorian Electoral Commission if you are not on the State electoral roll.
You can apply, check and amend your state enrolment details online at the Victorian Electoral Commission website.
Voting is compulsory for State enrolled electors for Council elections.
Council enrolment
If you were on the last voters’ roll for Mornington Peninsula Shire at the 2016 Council elections as a non-resident owner (and the circumstances of your enrolment have not changed), you will be automatically enrolled by council to vote at this year’s election.
You can apply to vote if you are aged 18 years or over, pay rates for a property in the Mornington Peninsula Shire and are not otherwise entitled to vote in the Mornington Peninsula Shire .
This includes:
- people who are non-Australian citizens;
- property owners who do not live in the Mornington Peninsula Shire and were not enrolled on the 2016 voters’ roll as a non-resident owner; and
- people who occupy rateable property in Mornington Peninsula Shire and are liable to pay the rates.
You may also be eligible to apply to vote if you are either a director or secretary of a corporation which is liable to pay rates in the Mornington Peninsula Shire and you are appointed by the corporation to represent their interests.
Voter enrolment forms
For further information regarding enrolment forms, please contact our Revenue Office on 03 5950 1080 or via email: ratechanges@mornpen.vic.gov.au
2020 Council Election Candidates
Voting in the 2020 Council Elections has now closed.
Results will be available after Friday 30 October, following the close of the postal vote receipt period.
Please visit the Victorian Electoral Commission for further information and to view the progress and available results for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council election results for 2020.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has 43 candidates contesting the elections across six Wards:
- Briars Ward (3 vacancies) includes Mount Eliza, Mornington and most of Mount Martha.
- Cerberus Ward (1vacancies) includes Hastings, Bittern, Crib Point, Tuerong , and Moorooduc.
- Red Hill Ward (1 vacancies) includes Red Hill , Red Hill South, Merricks North, Balnarring , Point Leo, Flinders, HMAS Cerberus, Somers, Shoreham, Main Ridge, Boneo, Fingal, Cape Schanck, and St Andrews Beach.
- Seawinds Ward (3 vacancies) includes Rosebud, Dromana, Capel Sound, Arthurs Seat and Safety Beach.
- Nepean Ward (2 vacancies) includes Portsea, Sorrento, Blairgowrie, Tootgarook and most of Rye.
- Watson Ward (1 vacancies) includes Somerville, Tyabb and Baxter.
Visit the Victorian Electoral Commission website to view a full list of all Mornington Peninsula Shire candidates and their questionnaire responses.
View your Ward Candidate Statements. These Candidate Statements will also be included in the ballot pack mailed to enrolled voters from Tuesday 6 October 2020.
View Briars Ward Candidate Statements
View Cerberus Ward Candidate Statements
View Nepean Ward Candidate Statements
View Red Hill Ward Candidate Statements
View Seawinds Ward Candidate Statements
View Watson Ward Candidate Statements
Candidate Information Request Register
In accordance with section 11.1 of Council's Election (Caretaker) Period Policy an Information Request Register will be maintained for the duration of the Election Period.
All requests for information by candidates including current Councillors will be added to this Register to ensure equity of information for all candidates.
The Register will be updated regularly by the Council's Governance team.
Any enquiries regarding the Candidate Information Request Register can be directed to Council’s Governance team at election.information@mornpen.vic.gov.au
View the Candidate Information Request Register(PDF, 408KB)
View the Election (Caretaker) Period Policy(PDF, 254KB)
Electoral Signage Guidelines
The following guidelines are provided for the placement of electoral signs within the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Where signs can be placed (private land)
Electoral signs are permitted on private land with the owner’s consent and without the need for a planning permit, provided that:
- It is not located on road reserves, i.e. road pavement, median strips, traffic signals, electricity poles etc.
- It is stable and securely fixed to fences or poles on private land, and not attached to trees.
- The advertisement area does not exceed 5 square meters.
- Only one sign is displayed on the land.
- It is not animated or internally illuminated.
- It is not displayed longer than 14 days after the event is held, or 3 months, whichever is sooner.
Where signs cannot be placed (Council land)
Electoral signs are not permitted on roads, municipal buildings, reserves or Council land, including any structures such as bus shelters, light poles within road reserves.
Definitions are listed below; however, in general terms, no electoral advertising is permitted on roads, parkland or Council property.
- No signage can be placed/erected on any council road or reserve (including parks) this also includes any VicRoads, roads or reserves.
- Mobile billboards, (trailer types and signs that are placed in or on a vehicle) are not to be left standing / stationary as in (1) above. This type of signage has to be mobile at all times.
- Vehicles (other than trailers) that are permanently sign written may display signage, provided that they meet parking legislation requirements including time limits etc.
- The Environmental Protection Act 1970 (Litter section) prohibits the placing of any form of advertising on the windscreens of vehicles anywhere (public or private land).
- Banners, flags are also prohibited as in (1) above and are not to be attached to any fixtures located on any of the roads or reserves as in (1).
Council may remove non-compliant signs where located on Council land and retain them for collection by the candidate.
Authorisation of electoral material
A person must not print, publish or distribute or cause, permit or authorise to be printed, published or distributed, an electoral advertisement, handbill, pamphlet or notice unless:
- The name and address of the person who authorised the electoral advertisement, handbill, pamphlet or notice appears on its face
(The address can be a street address or a PO Box address but cannot be an email address.)
Download a copy Council's Electoral Signage Guidelines(PDF, 310KB)
You can read more information in Council's Signage Policy(PDF, 3MB)
Becoming a Council Election Candidate
Nominations to stand as a candidate in the 2020 local council elections open on Thursday 17 September 2020.
The eligibility requirements for candidates have recently changed. Prospective candidates should confirm their eligibility and complete
the online mandatory local government candidate training before lodging their nomination.
This includes candidates who are currently or have previously been a Councillor.
Prospective candidates must make an appointment during business hours with the Election Manager to lodge their nomination form and
pay their $250 nomination fee by 12 noon Tuesday 22 September.
The Election office will be open for nominations during business hours from Thursday 17 September until 12 noon Tuesday 22 September 2020.
To prepare, prospective candidates can:
- Watch the candidate information session video which outlines the nomination process. Watch the video
Who can stand as a candidate in the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council elections?
To be a candidate for a local council election, you must:
- be an Australian citizen
- be at least 18 years of age on the election day
- be enrolled on the voter's roll for the council in which you wish to stand
- have completed the mandatory Local Government Candidate Training
- not be disqualified from being a Councillor
You are not eligible to stand for election if:
- you are an undischarged bankrupt
- your property is subject to control under the law relating to bankruptcy
- you are a member of council staff of the Council. You can take leave from this role in order to nominate
- you have been convicted of any of the criminal offences referred to in section 34(2) of the Act
- you are a Councillor with another Council, including interstate Councils
- you are member of an Australian Parliament, including the Federal Parliament or a Member of Parliament in any state or territory of the Commonwealth of Australia
- you are employed by a Federal or State Member of Parliament as a Ministerial Officer, a Parliamentary Adviser or an Electorate Officer. You can take leave from these roles in order to nominate
- you are otherwise incapable of becoming or continuing to be a Councillor.
Further details are outlined in the Local Government Act 202
Do I need to live in the area?
Candidates can stand for election for any ward within the Mornington Peninsula Shire, even if
their enrolled address is in a different ward within the municipality.
Information, Training and Assistance for Candidates
Local Government Victoria - Mandatory Candidate Training
The Local Government Act 2020 has a requirement for Mandatory Candidate Training. Eligibility requirements for local government election
candidates have changed.
This year, for the first time, there is a new requirement that all candidates must complete Local Government Candidate Training before you are able
to nominate and provide proof to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) when you nominate as a candidate.
This includes all serving or former Councillors intending to nominate.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the new Mandatory Candidate Training requirements here.
The mandatory Local Government Candidate Training course for the 2020 elections is now available online. The online course will take around an hour
to complete and ensure candidates fully understand the role of Councillor and its requirements.
The course can be found at https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/candidate-training
Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) - Information Sessions
The Victorian Electoral Commission's Candidate Information video presentation is now available.
The presentation provides comprehensive information for prospective candidates to find out more about the nomination process for the 2020 local council elections.
Watch the video
The recorded version will be complemented by three state-wide interactive candidate seminars. The seminars will provide prospective candidates the opportunity to ask questions about the nomination process and the election.
Register to attend a state-wide interactive candidate seminar. Register here
No local, in-person candidate information sessions will be held because of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
You can find out more about the nomination process by reading the VEC Candidate Handbook.
Local Government Victoria have published Safe Campaign Guidelines for the 2020 local council elections.
The guidelines will help candidates understand how to comply with the directions of the Victorian Chief Health Officer to stay safe while campaigning.
They include advice on permitted campaign activities, safety for campaign teams, basic hygiene and physical distancing.
Local Government Victoria will continually update these guidelines with the latest directions and restrictions.
click on the images below to download VEC handbooks
Please visit the Victorian Electoral Commission website for further information about Council Elections.
How to Nominate
A candidate Helper application is available online from the VEC to help you complete the:
- nomination form
- candidate statement
- candidate questionnaire
| Click on link to access |
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To nominate, you must:
- complete the mandatory Local Government Training before submitting your nomination
- complete a nomination form
- make an appointment to submit the hard copy in person with the Election Manager for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
- pay a nomination fee of $250 in cash or with a bank, building society or credit union cheque (no personal cheques).
View a Candidate Helper Video Tutorial
MAV - Stand for Council - Community and Candidate Information Session
Municipal Association of Victoria is hosting an information session ahead of Council Elections in October. It will focus on:
- Introduction to Local Government
- Introduction to your Local Council
- What is expected of a Councillor?
- Councillor interviews
- How to become a Councillor
This will be a virtual session
When: Wednesday, 9 September 2020 - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: online via Zoom
Event Cost: Free
Registrations Essential: Register Here
Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) - 2020 Candidate Information and Training Sessions
The Victorian Local Governance Association will be holding candidate information sessions designed to increase understanding of Councils and the role of a Councillor for potential candidates leading up to the 2020 Council Elections.
If you are thinking about running as a candidate in this year's Local Government Elections, candidate information sessions will provide everything you need to know about how Local Government functions and the journey from community member to candidate and Councillor.
Candidate Information and Training Sessions
This will be a virtual session
When: Saturday 08 August 2020 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Where: online via Zoom
Event Cost: Free
Registrations Essential: Register Here
This will be a virtual session
When: Monday 10 August 2020 - 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where: online via Zoom
Event Cost: Free
Registrations Essential: Register Here
Want to know more about councils?
Thinking of running as a candidate in the 2020 council elections? Come along to an interactive workshop presented by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) in collaboration with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
This free workshop will cover:
- Roles and responsibilities of Councils and Councillors
- Current issues facing local government
- Candidate information for the 2020 elections
- Campaign tips and tools
For further information please visit VLGA - Candidate Information and Training Sessions
Local Women Leading Change Sessions
South East - Local Women Leading Change Session
When: Saturday 18 July 2020
Part 1: Local Government 101 10:30am - 12:00pm
Part 2: Candidate Development 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: online via Zoom
Event Cost: Free
Registrations Essential: Register Here (this session is currently full. Please email deborah@vlga.org.au to be placed on the waitlist).
Are you considering running (or supporting another woman to run) in this year’s council elections?
This bumper workshop will cover content from our ‘Local Government 101’ and ‘Candidate Development’ sessions.
Women across the state - just like you - have a significant contribution to make to public life. Your connections to community, your skills and your unique perspective mean you are rich with potential to be a great local Councillor
The workshop will cover:
- What councils do
- Roles and responsibilities of Councillors
- How to become a candidate
- Managing your campaign
- Developing a policy platform
- Connecting with community
- Key skills and campaigning techniques
For further information or to view available online workshops please visit VLGA - Local Women Leading Change
Key Election Dates for Candidates
Candidates for Council Elections must adhere to certain key dates and conditions.
Entitlement Day - Friday 28 August 2020 (4:00pm)
Entitlement day (57 days before election day) is important for a candidate because it’s the last chance a person has to be correctly enrolled to vote.
Opening of Nominations - Thursday 17 September 2020
Certification of the voter's roll by the Registrar. Opening of the nomination period.
Close of Nominations - Tuesday 22 September 2020 (12 noon)
Candidates must be nominated by 12 noon on the day that is 32 days before the election day. Start of Election (Caretaker) Period.
Lodgement Deadline - Wednesday 23 September 2020 (12 noon)
Candidates personal statements and photographs must be lodged by 12 noon. Lodgement of candidate questionnaires deadline 12 noon.
Close of Voting - Friday 23 October 2002 (6:00pm)
Ballot papers must be posted by 6.00pm on the day before the election day.
Election Day - Saturday 24 October 2020
The election day is the last Saturday in October – 24 October 2020. Extraction and counting activities for postal elections commence. Postal vote receipt period closes 12 pm, Friday 30 October 2020.
Declaration of the Poll - Sunday 25 October - Friday 6 November 2020
The Election Manager will publicly declare results after the votes have been counted and scrutineers have had time to examine the record of the count. Public declaration to take place no later than Friday 6 November 2020.
Safe Campaigning for the 2020 Council Elections in Victoria
Candidates for council general elections will be considering how to safely campaign for election during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These guidelines aim to help candidates to safely campaign by providing an overview of the restrictions applicable to campaign activities and measures they can take to reduce the risk of transmission.
click the image below to download
