Your trusted source for breaking news, in-depth analysis, and local stories that matter to you.
Melbourne's property market is experiencing a significant downturn, marked by its lowest auction clearance rate in five years, as recent federal budget changes targeting negative gearing and capital gains tax compel investors to retreat. This policy-driven shift is fostering widespread uncertainty among buyers and sellers, raising concerns about housing supply and affordability for renters.
A groundbreaking four-year LiDAR project has dramatically expanded the official count of Victoria's historical gold mining features from 30,000 to an astounding 230,000. These newly mapped subterranean remnants, a testament to the state's 175-year gold rush legacy, highlight both the ingenuity of early prospectors and the enduring hazards they left behind for modern communities.
A gripping Friday night AFL double-header sees the Sydney Swans battling the Western Bulldogs in a finals-shaping clash, while the Adelaide Crows seek a crucial away win against the West Coast Eagles. The Swans will also celebrate their annual Pride Game amidst a pivotal match for both top-eight contenders.
Toll operator Linkt is set to refund tens of thousands of Victorian drivers after a systemic classification error led to widespread overcharging on CityLink and the West Gate Tunnel for up to a decade. The company, through its parent Transurban, has promised full, inflation-adjusted refunds, compensation for inconvenience, and will waive charges for those who were undercharged.
Victoria's United Firefighters Union has failed in its Supreme Court challenge to prevent the publication of a significant anti-corruption report. The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission's 'Operation Richmond' details alleged misconduct during a 2016 industrial dispute, but its release is now contingent on a potential appeal.
Two NRL powerhouses, the Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs, clash tonight in a vital Round 18 fixture, with both teams significantly impacted by State of Origin representative absences. The table-topping Panthers are under pressure, looking to snap a two-match losing streak against their top-eight rivals.
Former AFL star Neil Elvis "Nicky" Winmar has been found guilty of assaulting a woman in northern Victoria, with a magistrate accepting the victim's account of the incident. The case will return to court in August for a pre-sentence hearing, where Winmar's barrister is expected to seek a community corrections order.
Amidst passionate debate about the AFL's competitive balance, data reveals a league more tightly contested week-to-week and over the long term than often perceived. However, while struggling clubs show significant rebound potential, persistent challenges for those at the bottom remain a focus of ongoing equalisation efforts.
Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has secured a temporary reprieve, preventing the party from revoking her preselection ahead of the upcoming state election. This follows her legal challenge in the Supreme Court, which paused the party's planned action after she refused to apologize over allegations against former leader Matthew Guy.
Charges have been formally withdrawn by Victoria Police against two males previously accused in the alleged abduction of a teenage girl near a Melbourne school. This development follows their arrests and a court appearance by 18-year-old Ayom Deng, with police confirming notification to all involved parties.
Dave Andrews, best friend of the late Adam Hunter who suffered from CTE, has penned a searing letter to the AFL Commission, accusing the league of failing its duty of care to players. His powerful critique draws parallels to the James Hardie asbestos scandal and demands urgent, transparent action on player brain health for all levels of the game.
A 15-year-old boy was fatally stabbed outside a Melbourne hospital, leading to murder charges against two teenagers, one of whom was on bail. The tragic incident has prompted a community outpouring of grief and a firm stance from Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny on serious consequences for knife crime.
Ebony Jan Bell has received a 12-month community corrections order, avoiding prison time, for her 2024 assault on federal senator Lidia Thorpe outside the MCG. Senator Thorpe, who sustained injuries and missed parliamentary sitting days, had consistently advocated against a custodial sentence for Bell.
A 15-year-old boy has tragically died after being stabbed outside a medical centre in Melbourne's north, sparking a major homicide investigation and two arrests. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, as friends remember a 'loyal and funny' young man.
A poignant new exhibition in Melbourne unveils the harrowing realities of female homelessness across Australia, sharing the deeply personal stories of women forced onto the streets, often as a direct result of family violence.
Interim coach Dean Solomon remains tight-lipped about his aspirations for Essendon's top job, even as former premiership captain James Hird officially throws his hat into the ring for the hotly contested role. The Bombers' future leadership is now at the centre of a significant search.
The Adelaide Thunderbirds are poised for a historic third grand final victory in four years against the Melbourne Vixens, with passionate fans making the pilgrimage to witness what could be another iconic chapter in women's sport.
A series of unannounced and substantial increases to Australian visa fees has left thousands of international students and long-term residents reeling, sparking widespread anger and accusations of exploitation. Many now face unexpected financial burdens and bureaucratic hurdles, questioning Australia's commitment as a welcoming destination.
An 18-year-old Melbourne man has been remanded in custody following his court appearance on serious charges, including the alleged abduction of a 17-year-old girl with the intent to force her into marriage. The incident near a south-east Melbourne school has sparked a swift police response and significant concern.
Brisbane Lions have emphatically announced their return to the AFL's elite, holding off a spirited Geelong fightback to secure a dramatic 22-point victory at Kardinia Park and leapfrog into fourth place on the ladder.