3 - 2026 - The Local Paper

Police News

WHITTLESEA: 4 million illegal cigarettes seized, 6 face charges

Friday, March 27, 2026

Police have dismantled an organised crime syndicate allegedly involved in the trafficking of illegal tobacco, with more than four million cigarettes seized and six people arrested.The seven-month long investigation has been led by the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, focusing on the trafficking of drugs of dependence across Melbourne.Detectives conducted a search warrant at…

Emergency Services

STONNINGTON: Nightclub destroyed by fire

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are investigating the circumstances surrounding a suspicious fire which occurred in Prahran on Thursday morning (Mar. 26).Officers were patrolling the vicinity of Malvern Rd and Chapel St about 2.05am when they noticed a fire at a Chapel St nightclub.Simultaneously, a witness called Triple-Zero to report a loud bang…

Police News

WHITTLESEA: Fifth person charged over Mernda death

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a fifth person following the death of a man in Mernda.A 16-year-old girl from the Pascoe Vale area was arrested on Thursday afternoon (Mar. 26)She has since been charged with robbery, two counts of theft, hinder and assault police and possess drug of dependence.The girl was summonsed to appear at…

Police News

YARRIAMBIACK: Man, 57, dies after Murtoa crash

A man has died in hospital following a crash in Murtoa. Emergency services were called to the Wimmera Hwy about 8.20pm on Tuesday, March 10, after reports a Nissan Patrol utility had left the road and crashed.The driver, a 57-year-old man from Warracknabeal, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries but later died.The investigation into…

Police News

MELBOURNE: Boy collected terrorism material

A boy has been charged by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team with allegedly collecting manuals, guides and material promoting ISIS-inspired terrorism.Investigations began after intelligence indicated an ISIS flag, destined for an address in Melbourne’s inner-city, was imported into Australia.Further inquiries conducted into the consignee details allegedly led police to identify the boy, 17, as…

Police News

BALLARAT: 12-year-old girl dies after Eureka crash

A 12-year-old pedestrian struck by a vehicle in Eureka has died. Emergency services were called to reports a car had struck a pedestrian on Eureka St just before 8.30am on March 13.The girl was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries where she passed-away on March 23. The driver of the car, a 35-year-old female, was…

Police News

SURF COAST: Police van rammed at Jan Juc

Police have arrested a man after he allegedly rammed a police vehicle in Jan Juc on Wednesday (Mar. 25).Officers conducted checks on a Subaru Impreza parked on the Great Ocean Rd about 7am and discovered the driver was allegedly wanted on outstanding matters.Police boxed in the vehicle and utilised a tyre deflation device to stop…

Latest Issues

OUT NOW: Wed., Mar. 25, 2026 – All Latest Editions

Lots of local news, sport and advertising.The Local Paper has localised editions for all suburbs, in and around Melbourne.(The Melbourne Observer section appears inside ALL editions of The Local Paper.) March 25 Editions • Eastern Suburbs Edition – https://issuu.com/mediaflash/docs/the_local_paper._eastern_suburbs_ed_8cf4be653653f7?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw Covers Boroondara (north), Knox-Sherbrooke, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse • Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition – https://issuu.com/mediaflash/docs/the_local_paper._lilydale_and_yarra_5798450bccebeaCovers Healesville, Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Warburton, Yarra Valley• Mitchell Strathbogie Edition – https://issuu.com/mediaflash/docs/the_local_paper._mitchell_strathbog_ba38beaa0422bfCovers Avenel, Beveridge, Broadford, Euroa, Kilmore, Longwood, Nagambie, Puckapunyal, Seymour, Tallarook, Wallan, Wandong • Northern Suburbs Edition – https://issuu.com/mediaflash/docs/the_local_paper._northern_suburbs_edtion._wed._maCovers…

Latest Issues

OUT NOW: Wed., Mar. 25, 2026 – First Issue

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

The First Edition of this week’s Local Paper/Melbourne Observer is published online. Other Editions will be published progressively. Read online at: https://issuu.com/mediaflash/docs/the_local_paper._eastern_suburbs_ed_8cf4be653653f7 Next print/online issue is Wed., April 1, 2026 We take our usual Easter break: there is no issue on Wed., April 8, 2026

Emergency Services

HOBSONS BAY: Suspicious fire at Williamstown shop

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Police are investigating a suspicious fire in Will-iamstown on Sunday morning (Mar. 22).Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a shop on Nelson Place about 3.45am.Fire crews extinguished the blaze at the unoccupied premises which sustained significant damage.An adjoining residence above the business was found to be unoccupied at the time.A crime…