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Federal MP Clare O’Neil has visited the Sri Venkata Krishna Brundavana Temple in Murrumbeena. She met His Holiness Sri Radha Manohar Das Swamiji and members of the local Hindu community. O’Neil described the temple on social media as a place of warmth, welcome and faith, and thanked the temple community for its welcome. Her post did not mention any formal announcements or policy discussions during the visit.
It is a company profile of Mornington Peninsula News Group, a locally owned and independent media business established in 2006. According to that text, the group publishes five weekly community newspapers, including the Western Port News, Mornington News and Frankston Times, along with two glossy magazines, Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids. Because the material provides no details about the shopping centre, the fire, its closure or any response by authorities, no summary of those events can be reliably written from it.
Forensic psychiatrist Rajan Darjee's data shows 43 of an estimated 126 Victorian homicides in 2024 and 2025 were committed by people with psychosis. That is up from about one in 10 a decade ago. Almost 84 per cent of offenders had previously received treatment from mental health services. Professor Patrick McGorry blamed a policy failure to build a modern care system. Experts called for a review of the royal commission's recommendations and a greater focus on severe mental illness.
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Get the appConsumer spending across Stonnington grew 8.1 per cent on the previous year, reaching $3.78 billion in 2025/26, according to new council data. Malvern East, including Chadstone, remained the largest spending destination at $1.8 billion, up 13 per cent. South Yarra and Glenferrie Road, Malvern also recorded gains, while night-time spending made up 22 per cent of the total. Council says it will fund precinct activations, business grants and night-time safety work in 2026/27.
Typical home prices in 18 Melbourne suburbs have moved above the $950,000 cap for the federal first-home buyer scheme, according to new REA Group figures. The cap was lifted by $150,000 last October, but rising prices have pushed these suburbs beyond it again. Templestowe's median unit price now sits $31,500 above the limit. Industry figures say the scheme makes larger mortgages easier to access but does not necessarily make housing more affordable, while one builder reports packages starting at about $450,000.
Hay fever sufferers could face a harder spring, with pollen levels expected to rise through November. Deakin University researcher Professor Cenk Suphioglu said a wet winter and warm spring weather have created ideal conditions for grass growth. He advised sufferers to stay indoors where possible and keep windows closed on windy days. People with both hay fever and asthma face the highest risk during thunderstorms with high pollen counts, and Victoria's chief health officer urged them to take precautions.
Strzelecki North Bowls Pennant matches were affected by wet weather, with some games delayed but all completed. Traralgon defeated Moe, Longwarry beat Traralgon RSL, and Morwell narrowly won against Drouin. In Division 2, Boolarra, Newborough and Garfield secured victories. Division 3 saw wins for Trafalgar, Moe, Warragul and Thorpdale. Midweek pennant results included Drouin defeating Trafalgar, Traralgon RSL beating Morwell Club, and Newborough winning against Traralgon.
Chef Amandeep Rolay has returned to hospitality with Rolay’z Kitchen, a takeaway business operating from a council-approved home kitchen in North Wonthaggi. The business drew about 150 people to a curry feast at Dalyston Hall on October 17. Rolay closed his Indian restaurant in Rhyll during the COVID pandemic. The takeaway serves dishes including butter chicken and rogan josh, prepared to order. Rolay plans to hold another feast about every three months.
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.
The Victorian Liberal Party has pledged $1.5 million towards two Greek Community of Melbourne cultural initiatives if it wins government at the upcoming state election. The announcements followed a feast-day service at St Dimitrios in Prahran. Shadow Minister Evan Mulholland said a Liberal government would give $1 million over four years to the Antipodes Festival. Member for Prahran Rachel Westaway pledged $500,000 towards a theatre and cultural space at the St Dimitrios Hall site, where work is already underway.
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.
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.