The Peninsula wants answers: Shout Out election forums announced

Published on 23 September 2026

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With only weeks remaining until the Victorian State Election on 28 November, Mornington Peninsula residents will have the opportunity to put questions directly to local candidates at a series of free public election forums this October.
 
Hosted by Mornington Peninsula Shire, the three forums will bring together candidates contesting the Nepean, Mornington and Hastings electorates to discuss the issues shaping the future of the Peninsula and answer questions from residents.
 
The events form part of Council's Shout Out for the Peninsula advocacy campaign, at a time when community calls are growing for potholes to be repaired, roads to be upgraded, healthcare services strengthened, progress on projects such as Flinders Pier and long-awaited investment in Rosebud Hospital.
 
Unlike paid and invitation-only functions, the forums are free and open to all residents as long as they register, providing a direct opportunity for the community to hear where candidates stand on local priorities before voters head to the polls.
 
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Stephen Batty said the forums would ensure Peninsula voices were heard in the lead-up to the election.
 
"With election day fast approaching, these forums are an opportunity for residents to ask questions, hear candidates' priorities and make informed decisions," Cr Batty said.
 
"These are free events open to everyone in our community. Whether your focus is healthcare, roads, housing, transport, the environment or major local projects, this is a chance to hear directly from candidates and better understand their commitments to the Peninsula.
 
"The more informed our community is, the stronger our collective voice becomes."

Forum details

 
Nepean State Election Forum

  • Wednesday 14 October 2026
  • Rosebud Country Club, Rosebud
  • Doors open: 6.00pm
  • Forum: 6.30pm to 8.00pm

Mornington State Election Forum

  • Monday 19 October 2026
  • Alexandra Park Pavilion, Mornington
  • Doors open: 6.00pm
  • Forum: 6.30pm to 8.00pm

Hastings State Election Forum

  • Thursday 29 October 2026
  • Toscano Kitchen at Sanctuary Inn, Hastings
  • Doors open: 6.00pm
  • Forum: 6.30pm to 8.00pm

All forums are free to attend, however registrations are required.
The forums will be moderated by Simon Love, Mornington Peninsula Shire's Government and Stakeholder Relations Lead, who spent eight years reporting on Victorian politics and public policy, including serving as Deputy President of the Victorian Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Have your say


Residents need to submit questions for candidates in advance and attend or watch the live stream of their local forum to be part of the discussion.

To register, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/electionforums

To learn more about Council's advocacy priorities, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/shoutout

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