Community
Emergency services are conducting an extensive search for a 53-year-old man who went missing after his canoe capsized in the Goulburn River. The incident occurred near Ghin Ghin, north-west of Yea, prompting a multi-agency response.
A new retail landscape is emerging in Geelong as a major international thrift chain prepares to open its doors, prompting local charity-run op shops to consider the potential shift in donations and customer traffic. The arrival of the 'thrift superstore' sparks both anticipation and apprehension across the community.
The close-knit community of Donald is preparing for a vital public meeting with investigators tonight, seeking clarity and support following the tragic alleged murder of 13-year-old Layla Jeffery. Residents hope the forum will address their deep concerns regarding safety and the ongoing justice process.
A national inquiry has cast an uncomfortable spotlight on Australian universities, uncovering widespread distress among Jewish students and staff who report experiencing antisemitism amidst pro-Palestine protests. The Royal Commission heard testimonies detailing instances of vilification, isolation, and a failure by some institutions to adequately protect their communities.
Australia's tertiary education standards body has issued a stark warning to universities regarding aggressive and violent behaviour from external agitators infiltrating campus protests. This comes as a national inquiry hears concerns about antisemitism and the challenges institutions face in maintaining peace and safety.
A Melbourne man has been charged in connection with two separate alleged assaults on women working at massage parlours in the city's central business district. Police initiated an investigation after footage of the incidents reportedly circulated on social media.
Detectives have made a significant arrest in Victoria, apprehending a New South Wales woman believed to be connected to the movements of notorious police killer Dezi Freeman. The arrest marks a crucial development in the ongoing investigation into who assisted Freeman during his seven months as a fugitive after the tragic shooting of two officers.
A recent global cost-of-living analysis reveals Melbourne and Sydney are among the world's most expensive cities for items like beer, cigarettes, and public transport. Despite high prices, the report highlights Australia's strong labour market and high living standards, balancing the economic equation for residents.
A devastating early morning collision on the Hume Highway near Breadalbane has tragically claimed the life of a truck driver, igniting a fiery inferno that closed a critical transport route for hours. The incident, involving two heavy vehicles, has brought renewed focus to safety concerns for heavy vehicle operators on the busy highway.
A significant legal victory has halted a major floodplain restoration project in Victoria's north-west after the state government admitted its failure to properly consult with traditional owners regarding Aboriginal cultural heritage. The decision underscores the critical importance of respecting and protecting cultural heritage in large-scale environmental projects.
A perilous midnight pursuit across Melbourne's northern suburbs culminated in a dramatic high-speed crash in Preston, leading to the arrest of two individuals. The stolen vehicle, reportedly reaching speeds of 120km/h, flipped onto its roof after colliding with a tree.
A Victorian County Court Judge has been directed to undertake counselling and training following a finding by the Judicial Commission of Victoria that certain comments made to a barrister were 'unfair and inappropriate'. This marks a significant moment for judicial oversight in the state, addressing professional conduct within the legal system.
A prominent university chancellor has delivered a scathing assessment of Australian higher education institutions, labelling them the "most prominent sites of antisemitic activity." Her testimony revealed a deeply personal battle with prejudice, driven by her father's antisemitism during her childhood.
Australia's National University's interim Vice-Chancellor has issued a formal apology to Jewish staff and students, acknowledging a failure to ensure psychological safety amidst prolonged pro-Palestinian encampments. The apology comes as universities nationwide confront heightened campus tensions and review their policies on student welfare and free speech.
Two masterminds and an accomplice behind a colossal $80 million cocaine smuggling operation have been handed lengthy prison sentences in Victoria. Their elaborate plan, which involved a modified light plane and spanned two years, dramatically unraveled when the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off in Papua New Guinea.
An East Gippsland domestic violence survivor is leading calls for Victoria to adopt Clare's Law, as local family violence statistics reach an epidemic peak.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush jumped into action yesterday morning, helping his security detail tackle an armed suspect to the ground on Queen Street.
Melbourne's north-western suburbs are reeling following a night of gun violence, with two separate drive-by shootings targeting residential properties. One home in Kealba has now been attacked twice in less than a week, sparking widespread concern among local residents.
A former primary school teacher from the Gippsland region is currently facing trial on serious charges, accused of sexually assaulting and grooming a young male student in the late 1990s. The court has heard harrowing details of the alleged abuse, which the accused vehemently denies.
Authorities are seeking public assistance following a distressing incident in Kooyong where two women were reportedly targeted in an attempted daytime assault. The quick actions of their eight canine companions are credited with thwarting the attack, chasing the assailant away.
Yarra City Council has officially ended its shared e-bike trial, declining a permanent contract after years of complaints regarding dumped bikes and safety concerns. The decision follows the council's inability to secure a commitment from operator Lime to take responsibility for its fleet and address community grievances.
Victorian public school teachers are set to undertake a second statewide strike on July 23, escalating their ongoing dispute with the state government. The Australian Education Union cites chronic underfunding and excessive unpaid workloads as key reasons for the impending industrial action.
A 43-year-old man faces a murder charge after emergency services discovered a body with significant injuries at a Morwell property over the weekend. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court today as investigations continue into the death of a 58-year-old local man.
A prominent Melbourne academic has revealed he hired a private investigator to identify masked protesters who occupied his university office, expressing deep concerns about campus safety and the institution's response. His testimony before a national commission shed light on the escalating tensions faced by Jewish Australians in academic settings.
The tragic deaths of four women and girls in just four days have sparked national grief and urgent calls for systemic reform. Families are left picking up the pieces as advocates warn that funding cuts and a lack of resources are stalling efforts to prevent domestic violence.
Victorian detectives have arrested a 20-year-old Essendon man accused of orchestrating a violent campaign of arson, kidnappings, and home invasions across Melbourne. The suspect allegedly managed a vast network of recruits from his family home using encrypted messaging apps.
Correctional officers at Ravenhall and Fulham prisons have launched a series of strikes today as enterprise bargaining negotiations break down with private operator GEO Group. The industrial action has forced both facilities into lockdowns, raising concerns over staff welfare and operational conditions.
Australia's black-market tobacco trade has moved aggressively online, with sophisticated networks now flooding the country with cheap, unregulated products through seemingly legitimate e-commerce platforms. This burgeoning illicit market is not only undermining public health efforts but also directly fuelling a surge in organised crime and violence across the nation.
A University of Melbourne professor details how a campus protest involving the invasion of his office has led to significant personal security measures and a profound shift in his academic life. He is now calling for stronger university action against antisemitism and greater transparency regarding disciplinary outcomes.
A former recipient of Victoria's Young Australian of the Year award is facing a litany of charges, including the possession of numerous imitation firearms and police uniforms. The high-profile advocate was arrested following a police raid in regional Victoria last month.
A Melbourne father narrowly escaped death after a brutal assault near his local mosque, an incident that has amplified grave concerns within the Muslim community about escalating anti-Islamic hostility. The unprovoked attack highlights a worrying trend of hate-motivated violence impacting local residents.
Walhalla, a historic gold-rush town, is a vital tourism magnet eyeing World Heritage status. However, its charm is overshadowed by aging infrastructure, raising concerns about its capacity to welcome a potential surge in visitors.
A new exhibition at Hawthorn's Town Hall Gallery challenges visitors to step away from their digital devices and immerse themselves in art. "Slow Read" offers a refreshing antidote to endless scrolling, inviting deeper contemplation and connection with intricate, thought-provoking works.
A breakthrough proposal seeks to end blanket climbing bans at Mount Arapiles Dyurrite, aiming to protect vital Indigenous cultural sites while preserving access for the climbing community. The revised plan is poised to redefine the future of this iconic Victorian climbing destination, fostering greater collaboration between recreational users and Traditional Owners.
Disturbing accounts of pervasive antisemitism have emerged from the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, detailing a climate of hostility for Jewish students and staff at Australian universities. Witnesses described enduring everything from casual antisemitic jokes to chilling Nazi salutes and allegations of institutional inaction.
A profound sense of grief has swept through Melbourne's eastern suburbs following the tragic death of Lavanya Chappa, a cherished mother and professional. Her family and the wider community are remembering her vibrant spirit, while police continue investigations into the devastating incident.
A cafe in Essendon North has been severely damaged by a suspicious fire just three days after it was targeted in an alleged drive-by shooting. Authorities are now investigating both incidents, which have caused significant local concern.
Local police have taken a man into custody following the discovery of a deceased individual inside a Morwell property yesterday afternoon. Investigators believe the two men involved were known to each other as inquiries continue.
An extensive investigation by our news team reveals Australia's "affordable" rental schemes are failing those most in need, with many properties remaining out of reach for low-income households. Some listings were even found to be advertised above median market rates, highlighting critical deficiencies in current housing policies.
A grand vision for a 15,000-seat football stadium in Wyndham has seemingly evaporated, leaving residents and football enthusiasts in Melbourne's west deeply disappointed. The ambitious $150 million project faces an uncertain future after years of promises and recent setbacks for the local A-League club.