A three-metre mirrored sculpture by artist Paul Ewart is installed on the Bondi clifftops as part of Sculpture by the Sea. Titled Both Sides Now, the work uses the ancient Roman god Janus to explore polarisation and the loss of middle ground. Made from nearly 400 mirror-polished steel plates, the 260-kilogram piece has two faces looking in opposite directions. Ewart also holds a solo exhibition at QT Bondi, where he is artist-in-residence. Both Sides Now can be seen until November 2.
A triple-brick home in Northcote, with a separate apartment, passed in at auction on a vendor bid of $1.7 million, below its $1.8 million reserve. The property is now listed for private sale at $1.775 million. Meanwhile, a fully renovated art deco home in Fitzroy sold for $1.531 million, above its $1.35 million reserve, to a first-home buyer. In Essendon, a four-bedroom home sold for $2.285 million, above its $1.95 million reserve, to a young family.
The 2026 Environmental Film Festival will screen green films from around the world from Sunday, October 25 to Sunday, November 8. Organisers say the program covers community protests, grief and conservation, and animated stories about the natural world. Screenings include Valve Turners?, about five activists who try to halt oil flows across four US states, followed by a panel talk. Several short Australian films are also included. The volunteer-run festival also holds a Melbourne Cup Day litter cleanup in Footscray and a closing celebration.
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Victoria's teaching regulator conducted surprise inspections at Fitzroy Community School's two Melbourne campuses, examining teacher registrations and student supervision. The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) exercised rare powers to search premises and seize documents. This follows ABC reports of historical abuse allegations and recent staff suspensions. The school's enrolment has reportedly declined significantly. The federal education department is monitoring the situation, while the state government has been approached for comment.
The mother of a man who alleges Alan Jones kissed him and grabbed his buttock when he was 17 has told a Sydney court her son became withdrawn after returning from the broadcaster's Fitzroy Falls property. Mr Jones, 85, is standing trial in the Downing Centre Local Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching. He has consistently denied the allegations made by the complainant and four others. The mother said her son later told her he did not want to talk about the incident.
A two-bedroom 1970s apartment in Carlton North sold for $752,000 at auction on Saturday, almost $40,000 above its listed reserve. Three bidders competed for the top-floor home at 15/109 Wilson Street, which the vendors had owned as an investment for more than 35 years. The buyers were a couple with a design background who are first home buyers. Agent Charles Atkins said the new rule requiring vendors to publish reserves at least seven days before auction had brought more transparency.
A two-bedroom 1970s apartment in Carlton North sold for $752,000 at auction on Saturday, almost $40,000 above its listed reserve. Three bidders competed for the top-floor home at 15/109 Wilson Street, which the vendors had owned as an investment for more than 35 years. The buyers were a couple with a design background who are first home buyers. Agent Charles Atkins said the new rule requiring vendors to publish reserves at least seven days before auction had brought more transparency.
A Melbourne couple's vegan cafe, And Bodega, was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack that targeted a neighbouring tobacco shop in Fitzroy North. The firebombing occurred amid a wave of similar attacks across the city, with hundreds of tobacconists hit since late 2023. The cafe owners, Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit, have launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for repairs and reopening. Police are investigating the incident, which also resulted in the theft of $5,000 worth of equipment from the cafe.
Musicians John Butler and Nicholas Allbrook are set to join a rally outside Western Australia's Parliament House next Tuesday. Organisers expect about 1000 people to call on the State Government to ban fracking in the Kimberley. Campaigners say the gathering will bring together Traditional Owners, environmental advocates and community members. The rally is part of a campaign opposing plans by Black Mountain Energy to develop gas resources in the region. Fracking remains lawful in parts of the Kimberley, and the proposal awaits a decision from the Environment Minister.
Rockhampton residents can celebrate the 2026 Caulfield Cup while raising money for Fitzroy Community Hospice. A Caulfield Cup EVEning will be held on Friday, 16 October at Athelstane Bowls Club, with a Super Sweep draw. A Caulfield Cup Luncheon follows at Rocky Sports Club on Saturday, 17 October. Both events are organised by Auxiliary volunteers, who hope the community will attend, dress up and support the local service.
Nerissa and Hiran run Lankan Tucker, a Sri Lankan food business rooted in family recipes. It operates from a hidden spot off Lygon Street in Melbourne's College Square. The business began with workplace deliveries and moved into food festivals and night markets. Collaborations with venues such as Fitzroy Bowls Club and Patient Wolf have brought the food to new audiences. Nerissa says the business keeps its roots while finding new ways to reach people, marking 10 years of trading.
Guest columnist David Topp argues Rockhampton's 2032 Olympic rowing venue faces airport capacity problems, as the terminal there is purely domestic. He says Victoria Park's stadium site has lost its scenic signage status and that road signs should be changed. He also says the New Farm parkrun course is crowded and narrow in places. Topp notes that Brisbane Lions beat Fremantle Dockers in the 2026 AFL Grand Final, their sixth premiership since 1990.
North Melbourne appears close to signing Sydney Swans star Nick Blakey, according to commentary from Jon Ralph. Blakey is reportedly keen to join the club, where his father John once played. Neither Blakey nor the Swans have made an official statement about a trade. Ralph said North would need to offer pick 5, players and a future first-round pick. The deal is not yet done and its final shape is unclear.
Writer Carmel Bird has paid tribute to publisher and editor Hilary McPhee, who co-founded McPhee Gribble in 1975 with Diana Gribble. The small house gained a reputation for publishing women's writing and Australian stories. It published works by Helen Garner and Tim Winton, and in 1984 released An Aboriginal Mother Tells of the Old and the New by Elsie Labumore. McPhee later chaired the Australia Council for the Arts and was awarded an Order of Australia in 2001.
Troye Sivan's fourth album, She's The Best, features collaborations with Nicole Kidman, Sir Ian McKellen, and Lily-Rose Depp, along with a sample from Madonna. The singer, who splits his time between New York and Melbourne, wanted to honour his close friends and supporters. Sivan's connection with McKellen dates back to their work together in Waiting For Godot in 2010, when Sivan was grappling with coming out as gay.
