A 157-year-old Ginkgo biloba in the Geelong Botanic Gardens has been named the 2026 Victorian Tree of the Year. It received 27 per cent of the 4435 votes cast, beating eight other finalists across the state. Geelong councillor Elise Wilkinson said the tree is one of the city's most cherished landmarks and a popular backdrop for weddings. The competition, run by National Trust Victoria, also highlights the need for stronger protections for established trees. Prahran's smooth bark apple myrtle placed second, and Apollo Bay's myrtle beech placed third.
Labor MP Tim Watts has reflected on how politicians move freely among the public, following an attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Haines was allegedly struck twice by a four-wheel drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on 19 October and has suffered catastrophic injuries. A 43-year-old man has been charged, and police have not established a motive. Watts says threats against MPs have risen fourfold since 2020. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor have both condemned the attack.
Hello Zindagi, a multicultural group that began as a radio show on Eastern FM 98.1, marked its second anniversary with an evening of music, dance and storytelling in a hall in Melbourne's east. Around 100 guests attended, including community leaders and elected representatives. Founder Ruchi Sharma said the group aims to reach more people and build a more connected, inclusive community. The evening also supported a fundraising effort for flood relief in Nepal. Federal and state MPs spoke about the value of passing cultural traditions to younger generations.
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Independent MP Helen Haines has been recovering in hospital after she was allegedly deliberately rammed by a 4WD outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. Haines, 65, had both legs amputated during emergency surgery, and her condition is now serious but stable. Colleague Allegra Spender told parliament that Haines's first words on waking showed concern for her staff, community, bystanders and medical personnel. Spender used the tribute to urge MPs to lower the temperature of political debate, saying abuse aimed at politicians can turn into violence.
Nearly two thirds of Melbourne home sellers who went to auction last week sold, despite having to reveal their reserve prices early. Greater Melbourne recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 60.1% from 539 auctions, according to realestate.com.au. A three-bedroom townhouse in Reservoir sold for $831,000 after attracting five registered bidders, with a young couple buying their first home. The agent lowered the reserve after buyer feedback and then agreed to $795,000 with the owners. Nationally, the preliminary clearance rate was 41.5% from 1,593 homes scheduled for auction.
Ten-year-old Brandon Winkworth raised $500 for Bread Hub Victoria after his school charity choice was not selected. The charity matched the amount, doubling it to $1000. The money will fund vouchers for disadvantaged people in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham to use swimming and gym facilities at Laverton Community Hub and Bayfit. Laverton Community Integrated Services chief executive Michael Pernar praised the boy's efforts. Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said the youngster's hard work was an inspiration. Brandon said he is proud of what he achieved.
Wyndham City Council's Light Box project is back for a second year, placing illuminated artworks by local artists on the exterior walls of community facilities. Naimo Omar's Isii Nafta is displayed at Arndell Park Community Centre in Truganina. Ammar Yonis' As Long As I'm Near is at Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre, and Ayelet Brooks' Just a Wallflower is at Point Cook Community Learning Centre. The works can be viewed by day and lit up at night until June 30, 2027.
Iramoo Community Centre is launching a 2027 fundraising calendar called Still Got It. The calendar features centre members in fun, theatrical monthly themes. Proceeds will support community programs and services. The not-for-profit centre offers a space where locals can connect, learn new skills, build friendships and take part in wellbeing activities. Local businesses and residents can get involved in the fundraising initiative.
Kings Park Primary School could move closer to a new gym after the state government promised $500,000 in planning funding, if Labor is re-elected. The money would allow planning to begin, including consultation with the school community. Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said she had secured the commitment after advocating for better facilities at the school. Education Minister Gabrielle Williams said careful planning would help deliver the best possible upgrade for students.
Melbourne student Aparjot, 21, has self-published her first novel, When We Were Souls, while studying cybersecurity and working part-time. The 376-page story follows two people who meet, fall in love and face the reality that some connections do not last. It is structured around seven Sufi stages of love, reflecting the Punjabi poetry she has written since childhood. Aparjot funded the book herself, designing the cover and editing the manuscript with help from friends. She is now preparing a second book, Ibadat, due in January 2027, which will draw on her Punjabi poems.
A Melbourne couple has moved into a new home that cost $80,000 less than they planned to spend. Jeyakaran Karnan and Shree Harini Vinothkumar chose a $720,000 house-and-land package in Clyde North after finding auctions stressful. They built at the Orana estate, where they hoped their son Yaalan could grow up among other young families. The couple used the federal 5 per cent deposit scheme, which reduced their deposit to $36,000. Construction took about four months, with the keys arriving roughly 10 months after they signed up.
Security reviews are ramping up for some MPs after independent Indi MP Helen Haines was allegedly struck repeatedly by a four-wheel drive outside her Wangaratta office. Haines has lost both legs and remains in a serious but stable condition in a Melbourne hospital. Police are examining the alleged attacker's motive. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher confirmed at least nine MPs will have security upgrades for their electorate offices brought forward, and security in Parliament House's public areas will be stepped up. Gallagher urged social media companies to act on threats posted on their platforms against women in public life.
Two Warrnambool police officers delivered a baby on the Princes Highway near Dennington early on Monday, October 19, after pulling over a speeding car. The driver, Joel, asked whether he could settle any fines later because his wife, Jamie-Lee, was in labour. Sergeant Liam Cook helped with the birth while Constable Angus Hill held the mother's hand. Baby Ashlee was born within two minutes, and the family was taken to hospital once the ambulance arrived. The officers and family reunited in Warrnambool the following day.
Jockey Craig Williams will ride James J Braddock in this year's Melbourne Cup, despite not having ridden the four-year-old yet. The horse is trained by Joseph O'Brien, who is seeking further Cup success after previous wins with Rekindling and Twilight Payment. Williams won the 2019 Cup with Vow And Declare. He said co-owner Ozzie Kheir pressed him to commit to the ride last month. Co-owner Kevin Blake said the horse has been bouncing since arriving at Werribee from Ireland last week.
