WITH only a month to go until the 28 November state election, the field for the Hastings contest has grown to six candidates.
Labor’s Paul Mercurio announced during the week that a re-elected Labor government will fund two new classrooms at Tyabb Railway Station Primary School.
The pledge is valued at around $690,000.
During last week, Liberal candidate Frank Schiefler announced an elected Liberal-National government will invest $250,000 into the extension of the CFA in Somerville.
“A Jess Wilson-led Liberal government will invest $250,000 to fully fund the extension of the Somerville CFA station, delivering functional showers, accessible toilets, a dedicated decontamination room and upgraded meeting spaces,” said Schiefler.
“The decontamination room will give crews a safe place to remove turnout gear that may be contaminated with carcinogenic material, an amenity the station currently lacks.
“Somerville CFA is more than a fire station. Its Junior Brigade supports young people aged 11 to 15, local schools and kindergartens use it for education programs, and many community groups meet and train there.
“Despite this, its volunteer firefighters operate without basic facilities that should be standard in an emergency-services environment.”
Schiefler also announced an elected Liberal-National government would invest $200,000 to ensure the expansion of the Langwarrin Men’s Shed is fully funded.
“The current Men’s Shed has outgrown its home,” said Schiefler.
“The current building is too small for its membership and is becoming unsafe. The expansion will give members the space they need to keep working, meeting and supporting one another.”
One Nation’s Peter Angelico dropped into Baxter Fire Station to talk about funding a new station for the brigade.
“These are the guys who actually put their arse on the line when a fire comes up, and they’re the ones protecting the community, and they have substandard facilities here.”
In a social media video, Angelico also spoke about cost of living being “the sole focus of the people” in this campaign.
“Meanwhile, governments of all persuasions keep spending like there’s no tomorrow,” said Angelico.
And who pays the bills? Well, you do.”
Crib Point resident Michael Denman has announced his intention to run for the seat of Hastings for the Victorian Socialists.
“I believe we have a duty to fight for a fairer society with its foundation in well-funded public schools, affordable and quality housing, and public ownership of critical resources and infrastructure,” said Denman.
“We have to stand against the short-sighted, self-destructive agenda of corporations and corrupt politicians that have put profit before people for decades.
“Working in the NDIS for the last several years, I have seen firsthand the devastating and traumatic impacts Labor’s massive cuts are having on the disabled community, their families, and our community at large.
“It is clear that establishment parties will only ever see people living with disabilities as a burden, and that we must fight for everyone’s right to independence and equal access.
First published in the Western Port News – 28 October 2026
