Whittlesea council has launched a Home Energy Program to help local households reduce energy costs and make informed decisions about energy use. The program offers practical advice on energy-efficient homes and the first steps towards electrifying them. Free events throughout the year will let residents speak with experts and learn about rebates and discounts. Activities include 20-minute speed-date sessions with home energy specialists, information sessions and a Home Energy Expo. Mayor Lawrie Cox said the program aims to reduce emissions and help the community reach net zero emissions by 2036.
Families with young children are invited to free sessions that aim to build early language, communication and literacy skills. Run by Omnia Community Health's speech therapy team, the sessions will offer parents and carers practical tips for shared reading at home. Sessions will be held at the Sunbury Library on November 10, the Kyneton Library on November 17, the Woodend Library on November 17 and the Gisborne Library on November 18. Children are welcome to attend with a parent or carer. Registration is required for the Sunbury session only.
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.
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A $120,000 upgrade will add two new meeting rooms, study pods and a revamped service desk to the Traralgon library. The state government is providing $80,000 and Latrobe City Council $40,000. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said libraries are about more than quiet reading, offering places to work, learn and study. Works on a $30 million Warragul library and learning centre have started, with the facility due to open by early 2028. Upgrade works at Traralgon are expected to begin toward the end of the year.
Traralgon landholder Ashley Schoer says land rezoned for residential use 14 years ago cannot be developed. He said the land is ready, with surveys completed and concept plans drawn up. Planning approval has stalled after a geotechnical report submitted by AGL raised concerns about ground movement near mining activity. The state government has committed to its own risk assessment. Opposition planning spokesman David Southwick said the Coalition would unlock the land for up to 2000 homes if elected, and would audit coal overlays across the region.
VCE students finished the English exam on Tuesday, with Leongatha Secondary College students saying the paper went well. The exam was held in a function space at the town's Recreation Reserve, which is serving as an exam hall this year. Several students said they felt nervous beforehand but found the paper straightforward. Students said their preparation helped. Assistant Principal Tanya Chalmers praised the cohort's hard work.
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.
Hello Zindagi, a multicultural platform that began as a radio show, marked its second anniversary with music, dance and storytelling for about 138 guests at a hall in Melbourne's east. Founder Ruchi Sharma said the group aims to reach more people and build a more connected community. The evening also supported a fundraising effort for flood relief in Nepal. Federal MP Mary Doyle and Victorian MP Lee Tarlamis praised the organisers and spoke about keeping cultural traditions alive across generations.
The Victorian Government has released a 10-year blueprint for Montague, one of Fishermans Bend's fastest-growing neighbourhoods. The plan covers streets, open space, transport, heritage, housing and flood mitigation. It splits Montague into a higher-density northern area and a southern area that keeps its industrial character. A proposed Montague Art and Cultural Hub would support creative industries. City of Port Phillip Mayor Alex Makin welcomed the plan but said delivery now needs to follow. Funding for major public transport projects remains subject to future government decisions.
