A recent news item highlights a program that has broadened job aspirations among young people in the Colac district. Three local young people took part and were exposed to the variety of career paths across the agricultural sector. The same listing page also features items on heifer prices recovering, a Probus club celebration, and an upcoming historic flower show. The provided text offers no detail on the program's organisers, its duration, or how many young people overall have taken part, so those specifics remain unstated.
The Dalemain Australian Marmalade Awards in Birregurra showcased a vibrant spectrum of global marmalade varieties, each offering distinct flavour profiles. Artisans from across the country presented their tangy creations to a panel of judges. The event highlighted the craftsmanship and diversity of marmalade-making in Australia. Participants included Belinda Stewart, Kylie Edwards, Jill Martin, Georgie Seebeck and Ami Hillege. The competition celebrated the rich tradition and innovation in this beloved preserve.
A free workshop in Colac on Tuesday, October 27, will help farm businesses improve their office systems and make better use of accounting software. It runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm at the DEECA Office on Gellibrand Street. Participants are asked to bring a laptop and can work through examples using their own records or a demonstration program. Topics include emailing invoices, processing batch payments, reconciling accounts, tracking fuel, grain and livestock inventory, and creating custom reports. Attendees will also learn ways to manage emails, receipts, paper records and cloud-based storage.
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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.
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.
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.
