A man has been charged after allegedly targeting Victorian MP Helen Haines outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday. Police allege Brendan Nugent deliberately did a U-turn and drove into her as she was unloading items from her car. Ms Haines has had her legs amputated and remains in critical condition in hospital. Mr Nugent, a former plant researcher with a history of mental health struggles, faces charges including intentionally causing serious injury. Mental health experts say the issue must be considered in the case, and that violent incidents involving people with mental illness appear to be increasing.
House prices in Victoria's regions rose 6.7 per cent over the past year, even as the Melbourne market slowed after interest rate rises. Glenelg recorded the biggest jump, with prices climbing more than a quarter in 12 months. Agents in Portland and Ararat say interstate investors are driving demand, while limited listings push prices up. Mansfield was one of the few areas where the median house price fell, dropping by more than $75,000 in the September quarter. Experts say regional areas are attracting buyers through relative affordability and more job options.
Police have arrested five teenagers over an alleged group assault on a 15-year-old boy in Stawell, in Victoria's west. Police allege the group attacked the boy near the corner of Wakeham and Doye streets on October 5 and stole his shoes and clothing. The boy was taken to hospital and has since been released. Four of the teenagers will appear in court at a later date, and police expect to charge a fifth. Community pressure is growing on the Northern Grampians Shire Council to install CCTV in crime hotspots.
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Asking rents in Glenelg Shire rose 17.8 per cent in the year to September, the largest increase in Victoria, according to Domain data. Mount Alexander followed with a 15 per cent rise. Domain economist Nicola Powell said small rental markets with limited stock feel bigger effects from modest demand increases. A local real estate agent in Castlemaine said investors selling off has reduced available rentals and lowered rents by 6 to 7 per cent.
Jackie Elliott founded Rural Women's Day after struggling for nine years to find women her own age in rural Victoria. The non-profit holds social events for women working in agriculture and living in isolated areas. The first event, held in Dunkeld in 2019, was meant to be a one-off. It has since grown to 50 events across mainland Australia, connecting more than 5,000 women. Ms Elliott says the events also support mental health by giving women a chance to talk with others facing similar challenges.
The Victorian Government says more than 100,000 potholes have been repaired across the state since July 1. It expects to fix more than 500,000 by the end of June 2027. Crews are repairing 6.8 million square metres of road at more than 1,000 projects, funded by a $1.4 billion road maintenance investment. Works in the Grampians include the Glenelg Highway, Western Highway, Sunraysia Highway and Nhill-Harrow Road. Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer said the program is doubling the number of potholes filled.
Three teenage boys have been charged with robbery and assault over an alleged attack on a 15-year-old in Stawell, western Victoria. Police allege the group stole the boy's shoes and clothes near Wakeham and Doyle streets on October 5. The boy was taken to hospital and has since been released. Police say more arrests are expected. The incident has renewed pressure on Northern Grampians Shire Council to install CCTV in crime hotspots. The mayor said the cost and privacy concerns remain, though priorities could be reviewed. Police say they will increase patrols.
Another 12 Victorian towns have graduated as Heart Safe Communities, bringing the state total to 66. The 12-month program, run by Ambulance Victoria and the Heart Foundation, teaches people to recognise cardiac arrest, give CPR and use an automated external defibrillator. Off-duty paramedic Tom Cleaver helped save Adrian Auld in Noojee in May after a public defibrillator at the local hotel was used. Ambulance Victoria director Dr Ziad Nehme urged people to call Triple Zero, push hard and fast on the chest, and shock with a defibrillator.
Bush Flowers has opened a shopfront on Queensberry Street in North Melbourne, filled with Australian native flowers. Owner Michael, who grew up around the flower industry, started the business after noticing few native flowers reached florists. The business began in Carlton North just before COVID and built a following online and at farmers' markets. Michael says he wanted customers to see the flowers in person. He grows some flowers on his own farm in the Northern Territory and sources others from growers, including Grampians grower Brett McDonald.
Sally Beggs has completed a 50-kilometre ultramarathon in 10 hours and 24 minutes, a personal best. She began running after her sister encouraged her to participate in a half marathon, despite initially being unfit. Beggs now competes in the Grampians Peaks Trail 50-kilometre ultramarathon, which traverses tough terrain in Gariwerd/Grampians National Park. The sport of ultramarathons and trail running is growing in popularity, attracting a diverse range of participants.
