Local stories, community first — Melbourne and beyond.
North Melbourne has announced Jaymie Graham as its new senior coach, succeeding Alastair Clarkson. Graham joins from Fremantle where he has been an assistant coach for five seasons.
The federal government is considering using more water buybacks to make up a 265 gigalitre shortfall in a key Murray-Darling Basin Plan water-saving target. The move has sparked concern among irrigators and community leaders, who say it would have a devastating impact on regional economies.
The Victorian government has been criticised for its handling of the booming black market for illicit tobacco products. A former federal police officer has slammed the government for not moving quickly enough to address the issue.
Renewable energy transmission lines, the emergency services levy, and road conditions were among the contentious topics discussed at a recent candidates' forum in the regional Victorian electorate of Ripon. The forum was attended by more than 200 people and was seen as a gauge of the regional electorates' sentiments ahead of the upcoming state election.
A car was firebombed in Keilor early yesterday morning, in the second such incident in Melbourne's north-west in less than 24 hours. A teenage boy remains critical in hospital after being engulfed in flames during a firebombing in nearby Taylors Hill.
Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a horse in the Geelong suburb of Lovely Banks last month. The 27-year-old horse, Dane, was a beloved pet and his owner was devastated by his death.
International seafarers docking in regional Australian ports may soon face limited access to onshore leave and vital support services due to a shortage of volunteers at local Mission to Seafarers chapters. The charity provides crucial support to thousands of foreign workers who spend months at sea without setting foot on land.
The AFL trade period has kicked off with several high-profile players on the move, including Zak Butters, Zach Merrett, and Ben King. A proposed deal involving Butters, Todd Marshall, and the Port Adelaide Power has been shut down by the AFL.
The Sydney Roosters have won the NRL grand final, holding off a spirited Newcastle Knights outfit. Kalyn Ponga shone for the Knights, while Daly Cherry-Evans finished his career with another title.
The Sydney Roosters NRLW side has won the grand final, defeating the Brisbane Broncos and completing a perfect season. The Roosters are the first team in over 100 years to win every match in a season.
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