5 - 2026 - The Local Paper

Community News

WHITTLESEA: Public toilets closed after vandals attack

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Vandals have trashed public toilets at the All Abilities Play Space in Mill Park, leaving families and people with disabilities without vital facilities. Whittlesea Council must pick up the bill.The extensive damage, totalling more than $50,000, has impacted all public toilets at the park, including the Changing Places facility, which is utilised by people with…

Politics

PENINSULA: Marsh moves from Mayor to MP

The dcelaration of the election for the seat of Nepean took place last week, confirming Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh as the new MLA.Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has confirmed the resignation of Mayor Marsh following his successful election to the Victorian Parliament.Council Chief Executive Officer Mark Stoermer said Council had formally received Cr Marsh’s resignation and…

Council News

WYNDHAM: Mayor refuses to stand down

Cr Preet Singh continues his stance, refusing to stand down as Mayor of the City of Wyndham.This is despite a vote of no confidence by Councillor colleagues.Former mayor and Heathdale Ward Councillor Dr Jennie Barrera resigned from Wyndham City Council, effective May 1, in protest at Cr Singh’s refusal to vacate the Mayoral role.Cr Singh…

Council News

WHITTLESEA: CEO Craig Lloyd finishes up

Wednesday, May 20 is Craig Lloyd’s last day as CEO for the City of Whittlesea.He is due to finish in the top job, to take up a position as CEO at the City of Joondalup, Western Australia, on Monday, May 25.On Thursday (May 21), Debbie Wood will take over as Acting CEO at Whittlesea. A…

Community News

VICTORIA: Dysons sells for $200 million

Dysons Bus Services has been sold to the Kinetic Group, an Australian-based multinational bus company that wholly owns a number of bus operations in Australia and New Zealand, including the SkyBus business.Reported sale price is in the vicinity of $200 million.Kinetic also operates buses and railway services in the United Kingdom, Sing-apore, Germany, Ireland and…

Council News

KNOX: Council double-dips on rates

A number of City of Knox ratepayers who pay on a nine-month direct debit cycle may have experienced a second deduction processed.Knox Council says this was caused by a “bank error”: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this has caused and understand the impact unexpected account deductions can have.“Initial investigations indicate the duplicate deduction relates…

Police News

WEST: Constable charged

A First Constable from the Western region has been charged following an internal investigation.The 24-year-old man has been charged with one count of pervert the course of justice and traffic offences.The charges relate to an alleged collision on August 18 last year while the officer was off duty.He was charged on summons to appear before…

Police News

GREATER DANDENONG: Murder charge

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man with murder following the death of a man in Dandenong in March last year.A 50-year-old Dandenong man was arrested on Thursday, and he has since been charged with one count of murder.The man appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on friday where he was further remanded to August 21.The…

Police News

MELBOURNE: Attempted arson in Flinders Lane

Friday, May 15, 2026

Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two teens after an alleged attempted arson attack in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday morning (May 15).Officers spotted a white Kia wagon arrive at a licenced venue on Flinders Lane about 4.45am.It is alleged two males ran from the car with a jerry can in hand.The males allegedly smashed…

Police News

WHITTLESEA: Police execute warrants

Victoria Police have charged three males as part of the Operation Eclipse investigation into incidents targeted at Melbourne hospitality venues.Detectives from Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit executed two search warrants at residential addresses in the Whittlesea area at 7.30am on Friday (May 15).Two 17-year-old boys were taken into custody and have since been interviewed by…