Detectives have arrested four teenage boys after an alleged aggravated burglary at a home in Diamond Creek early on Friday, October 23. It is alleged a Ford Ranger and a Kia Sportage were stolen from a carport about 1.25am while a 50-year-old man, a 41-year-old woman and a child were home. None were injured. Police allege the Kia was abandoned on Foote Street in Templestowe, while the Ford Ranger entered an underground carpark on Blackburn Road, Doncaster East, where the four boys were arrested. All four were charged and were due to appear in children's court on Friday.
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.
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.
