Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police have closed four suspected illicit tobacco stores across the Latrobe Valley for 90 days. The closures follow new laws introduced on September 9 that give authorities power to intervene in the illicit tobacco trade. Tobacco Licensing Victoria's chief operating officer, Bree Oliver, said the area was targeted due to intelligence about high illicit supply. Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson welcomed the action. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the closures showed the scale of the illegal trade in his electorate.
Victoria Police and Tobacco Licensing Victoria have closed the first suspected illicit tobacco stores in regional Victoria. Four shops were shut in Gippsland, three in Moe and Newborough in the Latrobe Valley and one in Yarram. The stores were closed for 90 days under new powers that took effect on September 9. Tobacco Licensing Victoria says raids will continue across the state, and it will act if the premises reopen. The regulator chose the Latrobe Valley after tip-offs about illicit tobacco supply.
Moe won all three of its first-round matches in the McGilton Shield, which opened the bowls season at Trafalgar on Saturday, October 10. Moe went on to win six matches across the first two rounds, leading the pack. It lost a round three match to Traralgon, but its close wins were enough to show it is a strong contender in Division 1 this year, after winning Division 2 last year. It was Moe's first McGilton Shield win since 2011/12. In the Barry Shield at Warragul, Warragul and Boolarra each finished on four wins after Churchill's late surge.
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Police are seeking information about the death of Albert Pisani, a 27-year-old father of five last seen in Moe in October 1986. His remains were found in bushland in Driffield in June 1987. Police believe he was met with foul play and have offered a $1,000,000 reward. His sister Karen Pisani said the family still wants answers and asked anyone with information to come forward. Director of Public Prosecutions will consider indemnity for people who provide information.
Victoria Police have issued a fresh appeal for information about the disappearance of Albert Pisani, last seen in 1986. His remains were found eight months later in bushland near Driffield. Police believe he met with foul play and that his killer has never been identified. A $1 million reward remains on offer for information leading to a conviction. Prosecutors will consider indemnifying anyone who helps identify the offenders.
Family members of Albert Pisani have appealed for information on the 40th anniversary of his disappearance in Moe, Victoria. The 27-year-old was last seen walking on Prince Street on 10 October 1986. His remains were found in bushland at Driffield in June 1987. Police believe he was met with foul play. Detectives say they still do not know who was responsible and are asking the public for help to solve the case.
Year 12 students at Mirboo North Secondary College began their final school day with an egg and bacon roll breakfast, many dressed in costume. An assembly followed, where students presented awards to each other and shared a video of photos from their years at the school. Senior School Coordinator Rose Hill said the event was about the students. Students entered in themed groups, and the day ended with a slip 'n slide and lunch at the park. Students in the VCE Vocational Major have finished, while VCE students are sitting exams, including English today.
Ken Bodinnar, a 73-year-old former State Emergency Service worker from Paynesville, is fighting to have his workers' compensation claim recognised. His doctors believe his small-cell lung cancer resulted from years of service, including the Black Saturday fires. The insurer rejected the claim, and a medical report later found his exposure to firefighting smoke and diesel fumes was a significant contributing factor. The dispute will go to trial in November. Mr Bodinnar is in intensive care in Geelong and hopes the claim will support his family.
A new mural has been painted on the Waterhole Creek underpass in Morwell. The project was delivered by Latrobe City Council with local artist Charles Solomon, and it recognises the Brayakaulung people of the Gunaikurnai Nation. Painters Bradley Brown, Erika Brown and Terry Hayes worked on the design, which is titled Rise and Shine. Mr Brown said the artwork is meant to encourage young people. Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson said the mural reflects the diversity of the community. The mural is expected to be finished by the end of the month.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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North Geelong will aim to win its fourth consecutive T20 cricket premiership. The Magpies, who are on a 17-game winning streak, open their season with an away match against Lara. Both sides sit in Group D of the Division 1 and 2 competition, alongside Bell Park and Geelong West. Each team plays three round robin games before quarter-finals and semi-finals, with the final set for Tuesday 26 January. Defending Division 2 champions Lethbridge are in Group A with Winchelsea, Meredith and Teesdale.
Altona Meadows Primary School will celebrate the 10th edition of its internal news program, AMP NEWS, on Thursday 29 October. Year five and six students film, write and edit stories on fetes, special days and sports events. Two episodes are produced each term, featuring teachers and students. Teacher Sarah Capri has run the program since 2017, after it was started by a former teacher in 2016. About 60 students took part this year.
A contract has been awarded to remove boom gates at two inner-west Melbourne level crossings. The alliance of Acciona, WSP, Metro Trains Melbourne and VIDA Rail will carry out work at Anderson Street in Yarraville and Hudsons Road in Spotswood. The state government says the Anderson Street crossing has seen one fatality and four serious injuries since 2006. The Yarraville project will close the western part of Anderson Street to traffic, create a pedestrian plaza and add parking. Construction starts next year, with completion due in 2029. The Hudsons Road crossing is expected to be removed by 2028.
Vandals destroyed 28 newly planted trees at Cyril Curtain Reserve in Williamstown last month, causing more than $10,000 in damage. Hobsons Bay council says the cost, including replacements, will exceed $12,000. The trees were destroyed in two separate incidents in September and were among 51 advanced coastal banksias planted behind the Williamstown Cricket Ground. The incident has been reported to police. Mayor Diana Grima said the loss of years of growth was disappointing, and the council hopes education will prevent future incidents.
Kerry Janten has announced she will contest the St Albans seat as an independent. She says she is dissatisfied with the party system and wants the freedom to address electorate issues without following a party line. Her policy focus includes state debt, cost of living, transport, environment and disability access. Ms Janten will hold a campaign launch on Friday 30 October from 6pm to 9pm at the St Albans Community Centre. She says she wants to hear from a broad range of residents, including homeless people and those whose first language is not English.
The Class of 2026 at Chairo Christian School in Leongatha has marked the end of its school years with a series of celebrations. A carnival morning used a toy-themed design, with graduates dressed as characters and running stalls for younger students. The next day, the final assembly featured a devotional message from school captain Meg Stokes and flowers presented by Prep students. That evening, a Valedictory Dinner recognised the graduates and their families. Principal Amy Stork said the school was proud to celebrate with the students.
WorkSafe inspectors will be able to issue on-the-spot fines from 31 March to reduce fatal falls at work. Employers can be fined for failing to control fall risks, keeping safety records unavailable, or starting high-risk construction work without a Safe Work Method Statement. Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Steve Dimopoulos said falls remain a leading cause of workplace deaths and serious injuries. WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said employers face no new obligations, but those breaking the law will face consequences sooner.
Stonnington Council has adopted its 2025-2026 Annual Report, the first year of its Stonnington Tomorrow Council Plan. Council invested $40.32 million in local infrastructure and community assets, including upgrades to Prahran Market and Percy Treyvaud Reserve. Visitor spending in the city reached $2.82 billion, up 9.9 per cent on the previous year. Council planted 1,558 trees and 12,150 native and indigenous plants. Mayor Melina Sehr said Council remains focused on keeping its finances healthy over the long term despite rising costs.
A new $2.03 million play space and pump track has opened at Banyan Reserve in Carrum Downs. Shaped by feedback from residents, families and school groups, the upgrade includes inclusive play equipment, a pump track for beginner and experienced riders, sealed paths and sheltered seating. Frankston City Deputy Mayor Cherie Wanat officially opened the reserve on Friday with Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny. The project was jointly funded by Frankston City Council and the Victorian Government, which contributed $1.5 million towards the pump track.
