Researchers in Tasmania have discovered the value of animal scat, or faeces, in conservation efforts. A wildlife team found that studying scat can reveal crucial information about species, including their diet, health, and population size. For instance, scat analysis helped identify a Tasmanian devil's diet, which includes unusual items like shoelaces. Additionally, scat can indicate disease presence and genetic diversity, offering insights without invasive procedures. Despite challenges like DNA degradation, scat remains a vital, non-invasive tool for wildlife conservation.
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.
Birch, beech and sycamore trees at Wisley garden in Surrey have shed their leaves early after a record hot summer. Horticulturists say drought stress has caused a false autumn, with yellow-leaved trees losing foliage by mid-October. Trees with shallow roots are most affected, as they cannot reach deeper groundwater. Experts expect an earlier, shorter colour display in drought-hit areas. Wisley plans to plant more hardy, deep-rooted trees such as Lebanon cedars and swamp cypresses to adapt to changing conditions.
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A new McGrath Report has named Sunshine, Werribee, Reservoir, Boronia and Highett as Melbourne suburbs likely to perform strongly in 2027. McGrath Estate Agents founder John McGrath said Sunshine's days as a secret are numbered. Sunshine is set to become a major stop on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, with station works underway. Local agents expect the project to lift demand and prices. Buyers' advocates say Sunshine, Werribee, Boronia and Reservoir offer affordable entry points for first-home buyers.
A 29-year-old man allegedly armed with an axe was restrained by a group of tradies after a failed carjacking in Campbellfield. Police say the man tried to steal a car after an eight-vehicle crash at the Sydney Road and Bolinda Road intersection on Thursday morning. He was struck by a ute before fleeing, but the tradies chased him down and made a citizen's arrest. Police arrested the Altona North man, who was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported. Police are investigating and are urging the alleged carjacking victim to come forward.
Childcare chain Shared Beginnings has entered administration, with administrators now controlling its seven centres in Queensland, Victoria and the ACT. Owner Finexia Financial Group said the centres had been operating at a loss and that all other options had been exhausted. All centres remain open, and Finexia has committed to honouring staff entitlements. Administrators Bill Karageozis and Nick Keramos of DVT McLeods have been appointed to find suitable buyers. The collapse comes amid a wave of early childhood service closures across the sector.
A severe drought has been declared in six areas of England, with some reservoirs at critically low levels that threaten public water supplies. Parts of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex are now in severe drought after the UK's hottest summer on record. Environment secretary Angela Eagle has yet to approve requests from three water companies to extend bans on non-essential use to businesses such as golf clubs. Ardingly reservoir is only 19% full, while Wimbleball stands at 16%, well below the usual level for this time of year.
A man has been charged with arson and endangering life after an alleged fire destroyed a Housing Trust unit in Modbury, in Adelaide's northeast. The tenant, in his 40s, escaped the blaze and was treated for smoke inhalation. The fire broke out on Reservoir Road at about 4am on Thursday, and an explosion followed. Police allege a 42-year-old Modbury man set the unit alight and was seen throwing items into the flames before running away. He was arrested a short distance away. Neighbours say the fire has heightened fears in the community, and some residents are considering leaving.
Police have linked 12 car fires in Melbourne’s north-west to organised crime. The fires, including four in Reservoir and one in Maidstone, occurred since Monday 5 October. A Maidstone townhouse was also destroyed when a car in its garage was set alight. Acting Commander Troy Papworth said arson was being used to intimidate people quickly and easily. Police have made 165 arrests under Operation Phoenix, which targets night-time crime from Werribee to the eastern suburbs.
Victoria Police are investigating a suspicious car fire in Taylors Lakes, Melbourne, the sixth consecutive day of arson attacks across the city. Firefighters found a car alight in a double garage just after 11pm, and no one was injured. Separately, a 53-year-old man was arrested at Clayton Railway Station after a factory fire in Oakleigh South caused minor damage. A criminologist says the attacks may be linked to Victoria's crackdown on illegal tobacco sales, though he describes the timing link as tenuous.
Two cars at the Balwyn North home of philanthropist Inessa Shishkina and her husband Alexei Shishkin were firebombed early on Wednesday morning. The couple's son, Erik Shishkin, was jailed in June over a Reservoir home invasion. Police are trying to determine whether 14 car firebombings across Melbourne over five days are related. A 13-year-old boy is fighting for life after being burned in a bombing in Taylors Hill. Police believe the rise in attacks is linked to organised crime and appears to be an intimidation tactic.
Six cars have been destroyed and two homes damaged in a fourth consecutive night of residential firebombings across Melbourne. Victoria Police responded to incidents in Oakleigh East, Springvale and Reservoir early on Thursday, with several families inside their homes. No injuries were reported in the Oakleigh East or Springvale incidents. Police believe the two Reservoir incidents are linked, but have not established a connection between all the recent attacks. A teenage boy remains in critical condition after an alleged firebombing in Taylors Hill on Monday, and three teenagers have been arrested.
A car fire in Hampton Park, Melbourne's south-east, marks the 14th vehicle torched in five days. Police suspect organised crime is behind the spate of arson attacks, which have occurred in multiple suburbs. Acting Commander Troy Papworth warned of the serious risks, including a 13-year-old boy critically injured in a Taylors Hill blaze. Investigations are ongoing, with no injuries reported in the latest incident. The fires have spread to nearby homes, raising safety concerns.
Melbourne residents faced another night of arson attacks, with six vehicles torched across multiple suburbs. In Oakleigh East, a family of four escaped harm when a firebombed ute damaged their home. Similar incidents occurred in Springvale and Reservoir, where flames spread to properties. Premier Ben Carroll condemned the attacks, while police investigate potential links. The spate of firebombings has destroyed 13 cars this week, with two homes damaged and a teenager critically injured.
