Victoria Police will patrol Altona and Williamstown beaches this summer under a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe and antisocial behaviour. Operations begin on 1 November, with Water Police, the Public Order Response Team and other units supporting local officers. Acting Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert warned that alcohol, drugs and waterways can be a deadly mix. Jet ski riders will face speed and restricted-area checks, drug and alcohol testing, and possible vessel seizure. Patrols will also cover St Kilda, Half Moon Bay, the Surf Coast, Bass Coast and Mornington Peninsula.
St Kilda face intense scrutiny ahead of the 2027 AFL season, despite a relatively quiet offseason. Coach Ross Lyon is on the final year of his contract, and the club's future direction is closely tied to the season's outcome. Commentator Sam Edmund rated the Saints 6.5 out of 10 and described the year as massive, noting they have not won a final since 2020. He called the signing of Jake Stringer a sign of desperation.
Blanche Street in St Kilda was gated at both ends overnight in the early 2000s after residents complained about traffic and noise. Its older duplex at number 34 has since been replaced by four townhouses. Two are being marketed for as much as $1.8m, and one includes a car turntable in its garage. Whitefox agent Jesse Jones said buyers from all levels of the market are showing interest in the area, and that the street's past still comes up with buyers.
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Media figure Antony Catalano has denied strangling his wife or swinging a clothes iron at her head during an alleged attack at their St Kilda apartment earlier this year, his lawyer says. Defence barrister Dermot Dann KC said there were grave difficulties with elements of the police case and that security footage would show his client did not commit the alleged acts. Mr Dann said Stefanie Catalano no longer wanted the case to proceed. Prosecutors are continuing with the case, which includes assault, false imprisonment, threats to kill and recklessly causing injury charges.
Media owner Antony Catalano is planning to move overseas with his family while facing assault charges. Police allege he attacked his wife at their St Kilda penthouse in Melbourne in March. He has been charged with eight offences and denies none in court, with his lawyer saying efforts are under way to resolve the case, possibly including withdrawal of all charges. The prosecution said meaningful discussions are progressing and supported an adjournment. Catalano will next appear in court on December 14.
Media figure Antony Catalano, accused of choking and threatening to kill his wife, will be allowed to move his family overseas. Appearing in person in the Melbourne Magistrates Court for the first time since being charged in March, his barrister said the family wants to reconcile and a plea deal showing remorse is possible. Catalano faces eight charges, which he has not yet answered in court, over alleged attacks at a St Kilda property. The magistrate approved a bail condition requiring 24 hours' notice of any change of address. The matter returns to court on December 14.
The 31st Greek Film Festival has opened in Melbourne with a full house at the Astor Theatre in St Kilda. The opening-night film, Best Friends Forever, directed by Konstantinos Mousoulis, drew consistent laughter from the audience. Its comedy follows five linked stories about loyalty, friendship and sacrifice, beginning with a wedding that falls apart before it begins. Festival director Jorge Menidis said the event offers a window into contemporary Greek life, and that this year's programme spans comedies, animal tales and historical dramas.
Harry Hoekstra has taken six wickets on his Sheffield Shield debut for Victoria against South Australia at St Kilda's Junction Oval. The Koonwarra-Leongatha RSL product also top-scored with 45 in Victoria's first innings. South Australia's Noah McFadyen made 134 on debut, helping the Redbacks reach 508. Victoria trails by 264 runs on the first innings, and rain overnight could help them save a draw. Hoekstra's home club has congratulated him on earning his first Victorian cap.
St Kilda faces critical pressure in 2027, with key players Wanganeen-Milera and Ross Lyon's contracts expiring. Fox Footy analyst Ben Dixon warns the club risks a downward spiral if they fail to secure a finals berth. The Saints' recent recruitment efforts, including De Koning and Silvagni, may not be enough to guarantee success. Missing the finals could jeopardise retaining their star players and damage the club's future prospects. Fans hope the team can build on last season's expectations and deliver a competitive performance.
Will Skarpona debuts his first solo cabaret, 'Big Diva Energy,' at the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda from October 14-17. The production, directed by Maude Davey and musically directed by James Frampton, blends iconic pop hits with a narrative of self-discovery and resilience. Skarpona, a 21-year-old performer from Wollongong, explores themes of authenticity and nonconformity through a mix of camp and sincerity. The 50-minute show features songs by Madonna, Tina Turner, and Chappell Roan, among others. Tickets are available for $24.50 through the Melbourne Fringe website.
Supporters of a Melbourne teenager, whose death prompted widespread community grief, have held a rally outside the Supreme Court of Victoria. Isla Bell, 19, disappeared in early October 2024 before her body was found at a waste transfer station in Dandenong. Marat Ganiev, 55, is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice over his alleged actions after her death in his St Kilda apartment. The court hearing details cannot be reported under Victorian law.
Geelong has traded pick 14 in this year’s draft and a 2028 third-round selection to St Kilda for ruckman Rowan Marshall. The 30-year-old requested a move after St Kilda recruited Tom De Koning. Geelong needed to strengthen its ruck stocks following Rhys Stanley’s retirement. Nick Blakey, a 2024 All Australian, is being pursued by five clubs, including Geelong, as he tests the water for a possible trade from Sydney.
Sydney Swans list manager Chris Keane has dismissed reports Nick Blakey could be traded, despite the defender meeting with rival clubs. Blakey is contracted for five more years, and Keane insists the club has no intention of trading him. Geelong’s chances of securing Blakey have diminished after trading pick 14 to St Kilda for Rowan Marshall. Blakey and four other Swans players are under investigation for an alleged sexual assault incident in Melbourne in August.
Local theatre enthusiasts have a wealth of performances to choose from this season. Geelong Lyric Theatre Society presents The Addams Family, while Mornington Peninsula Theatre Company stages Pygmalion. The 1812 Theatre offers Switzerland, and Babirra Music Theatre brings Disney’s Frozen. The Basin Theatre Group performs You’re Only Young Twice, and Encore Theatre presents Steel Magnolias. CLOC Musical Theatre will showcase Come From Away, and Mordialloc Theatre Company prepares Cock. Warragul Theatre Company adapts The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and SLAMS Musical Theatre Company performs Into the Woods.
Harry Hoekstra made an impressive Sheffield Shield debut for Victoria against South Australia at the Junction Oval. Batting in a difficult situation, he scored 45 runs and took a wicket with a well-delivered ball. Victoria's head coach, Chris Rogers, expressed excitement about the new season and the team's potential. The match is being broadcast live on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au.
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North Melbourne has offered Nick Blakey an $11 million contract, making them favourites to sign the Sydney Swans player. Blakey has met with officials from Geelong, Gold Coast, and St Kilda, with Essendon also expressing interest. His current contract with the Swans runs through 2031. Geelong traded its first-round pick to St Kilda for ruckman Rowan Marshall and a 2028 third-round pick.
Artist Kristeena Saville discusses her creative journey, from her childhood in St Kilda to her current work in the Central Highlands. She reflects on her diverse artistic pursuits, including drawing, painting, and video creation, and her involvement in the local art scene. Saville's upcoming exhibition at Hepburn Palais will feature musician portraits drawn at various venues in the region, with live music and free entry.
Channel 7 meteorologist Jane Bunn has addressed public attention to her recent weight loss. The 47-year-old appeared at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium for the St Kilda Best and Fairest/Hall of Fame Night, drawing comments from fans about her transformation. Bunn attributed the change to a doctor-recommended health plan, focusing on both physical and mental wellbeing. She expressed surprise at the public interest in her appearance.
St Kilda co-captain Cal Wilkie has expressed understanding and support for teammate Rowan Marshall's trade request to Geelong. Wilkie praised Marshall's character and contributions, acknowledging the team will miss him. With one year left on his contract, Marshall's move appears likely, as the Saints have Tom De Koning as their primary ruckman. Wilkie emphasised no ill-will exists within the playing group, who remain focused on the club's future. The Saints face pressure to finalise a deal, as retaining Marshall for 2027 could damage their reputation.
