A business network in Yallah with 14 members says it has generated $282,000 in revenue and 161 direct referrals this year. Members pay an annual fee of $1200. Foundation member Joel Warren, a web design and marketing specialist, says the group gives a return of roughly 18 times the membership cost. Each business category has one seat, and members meet every Wednesday at 8 am at Yallah Woolshed Kitchen. Several categories, including physiotherapists, builders, painters and bookkeepers, are currently open to new members.
Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves is encouraging residents to become library members. The City of Ballarat is developing a new Library Strategy to guide library services over the next four years. Community feedback will help shape priorities for programs, collections, digital services, accessibility and library spaces. Ballarat Libraries has three physical locations, with weekend and extended evening opening hours. A free membership gives access to books, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs and digital resources.
The Lions Club of Hamilton in western Victoria is recognised for a long list of community work, according to its president, Raelene Hadden. Its projects include fundraising for the Children's Hospital Appeal, school eye screenings, hospital patient driving, Meals on Wheels, and support for local events. Members also run raffles and a regional skin-check van, and have raised money for hearing dogs, bushfire appeals and disaster relief overseas. The club's Hamilton Showgrounds headquarters needs new roller doors, which members hope to fund through a budget bid with Southern Grampians Shire Council.
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Events Management Queensland has launched a new premium membership, called E2, that gives discounted entry to the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Running Festival. The program costs $199 a year and was launched on 15 October 2026. Members also receive priority access to the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, discounted entry to other Queensland events, and exclusive merchandise. The membership is aimed at people who plan their sporting calendar well ahead, according to chief executive Ben Mannion. E2 is available through the official Events Management Queensland membership website.
Events Management Queensland has launched E2, a new premium membership that gives sporting enthusiasts priority access to the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon. The membership also offers discounted entry to several other major Queensland events, including the Gold Coast T100 10km Run and the Pan Pacific Masters Games. Members receive race number collection and bag drop services at the marathon, branded merchandise, and a guaranteed refund if they cannot attend an event. E2 costs $199 a year. The membership is aimed at people who plan their training and event participation well in advance.
Luke Hadfield was re-elected unopposed as president of the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce at its Annual General Meeting on 13 October. The chamber made a formal submission on the Draft Laurieton Town Centre Master Plan after consulting businesses and residents through meetings and a community forum. Its new initiatives, including the Laurieton Riverwalk Markets, helped lift membership, and its finances improved. Chantelle Ansell was elected vice president. The new executive will plan the next 12 months, with street beautification a high priority.
Australian billionaire Adrian Portelli has launched a new supermarket chain, LMCT+, in Melbourne's Deer Park, aiming to challenge major retailers like Coles and Woolworths. The store offers locally sourced products and a 10% price match guarantee, though customer reactions to pricing have been varied. Portelli's venture requires an annual $99 membership fee and operates at a loss, with the focus on gaining members. He has relocated to Dubai but denies abandoning Australia, criticising the current government and media. Portelli claims his mission is to hold leaders accountable while expanding his business empire.
In this episode of Tension's Running High, hosts Troy and Nathan, both paid-up Penrith Panthers members, examine how the club's membership offerings compare with those of other NRL clubs. They take a closer look at whether supporters are receiving fair value for their memberships. The episode also includes Nathan's predictions for the upcoming World Cup. The podcast is produced by the newsroom team.
The European Tour has told players considering the new LIV Golf version that they cannot remain tour members if they join. Chief executive Guy Kinnings said players need to make a choice. Previously, LIV players could keep European membership by paying fines. Players have until October 25 to decide whether to stay with LIV, which is seeking to move out of bankruptcy. Players must be European Tour members to compete in the Ryder Cup next September.
New Greens leader David Shoebridge has backed a proposal for publicly owned supermarkets to challenge the Coles and Woolworths duopoly. The Greens' Victorian branch has pledged $300 million to build 10 state-owned supermarkets. The party reports 884 new members in the week after the leadership change, though One Nation claims between 60,000 and 70,000 members. Shoebridge says the Greens want to build a mass movement and replace Labor. Its vote has stayed near 12 per cent for years, and some progressives have turned to other groups.
The Northwest Regional Economic Development Committee has welcomed a full cohort of members, with the refreshed group meeting later this month for the first time.
Sydney's XtraClubs, a tech-enhanced bathhouse offering ice baths, saunas, and steam rooms, is expanding to Canberra's Civic. Located near the Canberra Centre, it features direct access from the shopping centre's car park. The self-service wellness hub, founded by Anthony and James Simonetta with Simon Hamilton, aims to make premium relaxation accessible daily. It opens from 6am to 11pm, with special Saturday night social sessions. Memberships start at $19.95 per week, with a limited-time discount available.
