Suspected e-bike and e-scooter riders have damaged the turf wicket at Caroline Springs Cricket Club, ahead of this week's matches. Club president Anthony Rice was alerted by neighbours on Sunday 18 October and spent almost four hours repairing the playing surface the next day. Rice, who is also the club's volunteer head curator, described the damage as heart-breaking. He said the not-for-profit club raises its own funds and maintains its wickets without council help, and called for greater support from Melton council. Melton council was contacted for comment.
Caroline Springs has signed key forward Jack Tessari from Wyndhamvale for next year's Western Football League division 1 season. The club described him as fearless in the contest and able to play other roles around the ground. Tessari has multiple best and fairest awards, three WFNL team of the year mentions, and was best on ground in the 2025 grand final. The division 1 premiers have also signed Jake Galea, Josh Klaromenos and Macedon ruck Charlie Rossetti during the off season.
Caroline Springs RSL will hold a Remembrance Day service at the Caroline Springs War Memorial at Lake Caroline on Wednesday 11 November, beginning at 10.30am. Local students and scouts will again take part, raising flags to half-mast on the day. Former RSL president Andrew Marshall said the day is important for recognising Australian history and those who served. The RSL will also sell commemorative poppies and badges at Watergardens, Burnside, Caroline Springs and Taylors Hill shopping centres, supporting current and former Australian Defence Force members and their dependants. A minute's silence at 11am will conclude the ceremony.
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Promoted Caroline Springs coach Ian Shattock says the Falcons have no fears about stepping up to division 2 in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield this summer. The club won last season's division 3 premiership. It has recruited Ashen Abeykoon from Sunshine and Ishan Peiris from Sydenham-Hillside, both with experience in higher grades. Captain Rukshan Fernando has been appointed first XI captain, and Mohammad Mehdi is a standout of the club's next generation. Shattock said the group is confident in its own ability despite the strong competition ahead.
Caroline Springs coach Ian Shattock says the Falcons have no fears about moving up to division 2 in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield this summer. The club won last season's division 3 premiership and has signed Ashen Abeykoon and Ishan Peiris, both with experience in higher grades. Shattock said the squad was confident in its ability, while the club replaces captain Roshan Laksiri and Akeem Springer. Rukshan Fernando has been named first XI captain.
Detectives are investigating a drive-by shooting at a house in Caroline Springs, in Melbourne's western suburbs. Victoria Police say several shots were fired from a vehicle at the home in Flinders Place at about 12.45am. Four people inside were not injured. Police say the offenders fled in a silver Toyota Corolla, which was later found burnt out in Deer Park. Police have asked anyone with information or footage to contact CrimeStoppers.
Melbourne's lowest-priced homes have gained value faster than the rest of the market over the past 12 months, according to Real Estate Institute of Victoria data. Mornington led the rise, with its bottom quarter of sales up 12 per cent to a typical $920,000. Overall, the city's median house and unit prices fell 0.7 per cent in the September quarter, with steeper falls in affluent inner suburbs. REIV chief executive Toby Balazs linked part of the squeeze to a federal scheme offering 5 per cent deposits and landlords selling rental homes.
Greg Lynn, accused of murdering camper Carol Clay, will apply for bail a second time ahead of his retrial. Lynn, 60, is charged over Ms Clay's disappearance from Victoria's High Country in March 2020, when she was camping with friend Russell Hill. The Court of Appeal ordered a retrial in December, finding a substantial miscarriage of justice in his first trial. His earlier bail application in the Supreme Court was refused, with Justice David Beach finding no exceptional circumstances. The new application will be heard on October 22, and the retrial is set to begin on May 24, 2027.
Melton City Council is exploring a public-private partnership to build two train stations in Melbourne's outer west. The stations at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park have been demanded by residents for years. The council voted to discuss the idea with the state government, which could generate revenue through parking fees. The area is growing rapidly, with the population expected to reach 32,000 by 2051.
Washington Escano, a 69-year-old nurse turned lawyer, has lived in Melbourne’s northwest for almost four decades. He completed a Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University and is a member of the Caroline Springs RSL. Escano values the area’s diversity and growth, though he notes traffic congestion and community safety as concerns. He enjoys local cafés and Caroline Springs Lake, appreciating the community’s vibrancy and progress.
