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Farm fire levy freeze promised
Labor says a re-elected government would keep the emergency services levy rate on farmland frozen for good, while the Coalition and One Nation want the levy scrapped.
Victoria names award finalists
Pancreatic cancer advocate Cherie Dear is the 2027 Australian of the Year for Victoria, with Wenn Lawson, Ryan Brigham and Gavin Hynam also heading to Canberra.
Corpse flower set to bloom
A 1.5-metre corpse flower called Pete is expected to bloom at Geelong Botanic Gardens within days, two years after more than 20,000 people came to see the last one.
CFA stations hit by thieves
Six CFA fire stations were broken into across Victoria in October, close to the yearly average, and the CFA is reviewing security before the fire season.
VCAA website hacked mid-exams
The VCAA says a hacker's claim to have sold 2026 VCE exam papers to students is fabricated, and the exams will continue as normal.
Labor pledges more V/Line trains
A re-elected Labor government would spend $420 million on about 550 extra weekly V/Line services, with Melton and Wyndham Vale getting the biggest boost.
David Jones to close 19 stores
Malvern Central, Highpoint and Glen Waverley are among the David Jones stores set to close by the end of the year under the receivers' restructure.
Amazon to deliver Victorian Christmas trees
Real pines from a regional Victorian farm can now be ordered online and delivered to Melbourne doors from November 27.
Rural towns lose polling booths
Thirty-six regional Victorian towns that had a polling booth in 2022 will have none within five kilometres at this month's state election, an ABC analysis of electoral commission data has found.
Coalition preferences One Nation
The Liberals and Nationals will put One Nation ahead of Labor on their how-to-vote cards at the 28 November state election, with Labor, the Greens and the Victorian Socialists at the bottom.
Fed Uni staff strike over pay
Federation University staff walked off the job for 24 hours over pay and conditions, two weeks after a plan to cut most arts subjects was walked back.
Police seek couple in teen search
Police want to speak to a man and a woman who helped in the search for missing 17-year-old William near Walhalla East on Friday night.
McClelland fights for its future
McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery near Frankston says it needs $750,000 a year in government support or it may have to close.
Victoria Barracks sale scrapped
Victoria Barracks on St Kilda Road, Fort Queenscliff and RAAF Point Cook will stay in public hands after the federal government dropped plans to sell them.
Inside Now 'n Always, the Richmond Wedding Studio Putting Melbourne Couples at Ease Since 2010
Relaxed, natural photos from $1,699 and cinematic films from $1,999, all from one Stewart Street team, have earned the studio a 4.8 rating on Google and a place in Vogue Ballroom's guide to Melbourne's best.
Regional Victorian house prices rise
Regional Victorian house prices rose over the year as Melbourne declined, with affordability and investor demand supporting several smaller markets.
Victoria signs school funding deal
Victoria and the Commonwealth have signed a long-term school funding deal. Principals and the education union welcome certainty but warn about the wait.
NAB to cut 2,500 jobs
NAB plans to cut up to 2,500 roles, with up to 1,500 going before the end of 2026, as the bank reduces corporate functions and spending on external contractors.
Victorian pools restrict smart glasses
Councils are restricting camera-equipped glasses at pools and recreation centres, while disability advocates call for access needs to be protected.
Victorian Labor pledges $30 weekly public transport cap
Labor promises a two-year weekly fare cap if re-elected, with a lower concession limit. Transport users welcome savings as business raises funding concerns.
Victoria funds 20 extra children’s emergency treatment spaces
A $66 million staffing commitment will support expanded emergency care from December, with more nurses and a new procedure room for minor treatments.
Victoria lifts bird flu housing order for poultry
Poultry confinement rules end across Melbourne and southern Victoria, but owners are urged to keep protecting flocks from wild birds as H5 bird flu persists.
Victorian Coalition matches free abortion pledge
Both major parties promise to cover abortion care costs if elected, while Labor also proposes changes to the medical abortion window and regional access.
Bass Coast short-stay owners oppose registration fee increase
Holiday home owners want Bass Coast council to rethink higher registration fees, while the council says the charges cover the local costs of short-stay rentals.
Phillip Island seeks post-MotoGP tourism support
Businesses and tourism leaders want support for year-round visitation as Phillip Island prepares for its final MotoGP and a broader economic transition.
Victorian brolgas face genetic risk as wetlands shrink
Researchers identify a distinct Victorian brolga population vulnerable to losing genetic diversity, while wetland restoration offers signs of recovery.
South Melbourne beats Melbourne Victory to win Australia Cup
South Melbourne wins its first Australia Cup after a late equaliser and a penalty shootout, becoming the first NPL club to lift the trophy.
Melbourne artist Fiona O’Byrne wins Lester Prize
Fiona O’Byrne wins the $50,000 portraiture award for Luci, now, a painting of her daughter. Judges praise its tenderness and naturalness.
Gippsland aftershocks prompt earthquake preparedness drills
Aftershocks in Gippsland have renewed earthquake safety advice. Schools, workplaces and community groups are urged to practise ahead of the 15 October ShakeOut.
Melton council explores partnership for two new train stations
Melton council will explore partnerships for Thornhill Park and Mount Atkinson stations. The talks do not commit funding or guarantee either project will proceed.