Local stories, community first — Melbourne and beyond.
Advocacy group Voices for Special Needs is demanding an independent inquiry into claims of physical, mental, and sexual abuse at Latrobe Special Developmental School. Premier Ben Carroll stated the government is working with authorities but has not committed to an independent investigation.
Frustrated residents in the Victorian border town of Nelson are demanding urgent action as hundreds of bird carcasses pile up, contrasting the state's passive approach with active cleanup efforts in nearby South Australia.
The Victorian Institute of Teaching has suspended the registration of Fitzroy Community School co-founder Faye Berryman. The 82-year-old and other family members face ongoing regulatory and police investigations.
A year after a partial human skull was discovered on the banks of the Murray River in Mildura, police are turning to advanced carbon dating at the Australian National University. With initial forensic tests proving inconclusive, investigators admit the identity of the remains may never be known.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced the abolition of a hidden one percent public transport levy just days after a watchdog report exposed its existence. The sudden policy reversal leaves an $8 billion hole in the state's long-term budget as questions mount over the Suburban Rail Loop's true costs.
Victorian public school teachers and education staff are voting on a fresh state government pay offer that could halt a planned statewide strike. The revised deal features a $2,000 sign-on bonus and workload reductions alongside the proposed salary increases.
Wastewater analysis shows that 80 per cent of nicotine consumed in Australia now comes from illicit sources as high taxes drive a massive black market boom. The trend has sparked a fierce debate over whether cutting tobacco excise is the only way to curb organized crime.
Following an extraordinary run of 10 wins from 12 games, Carlton caretaker coach Josh Fraser has officially confirmed his desire to land the permanent senior coaching role. The former Collingwood ruckman has engineered a stunning turnaround for the Blues, putting them on the precipice of an unlikely finals appearance.
Australian football stars Cortnee Vine and Tameka Yallop have secured blockbuster moves ahead of the upcoming A-League Women season. Vine joins reigning champions Melbourne City, while veteran midfielder Yallop heads to Wellington Phoenix in a historic transfer.
Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij will not take the field this weekend as the club grapples with an AFL investigation into a controversial, unregistered contract waiver. The club faces potential sanctions after it was revealed the defender had signed away legal rights regarding future brain injuries.
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