Local People

WHITTLESEA: New spot for ex-Administrator

Friday, February 6, 2026

The State Government has appointing Peita Duncan and Jonathan Hardwick as new Directors to the Racing Victoria Board.Ms Duncan was a former Administrator on the City of Whittlesea, and then a Monitor.Anthony Carbines, Racing Minister (pictured), congratulated Ms Duncan and Mr Hardwick on their appointments.“Ms Duncan brings significant experience in racing administration, governance and regulatory…

VICTORIA: Australia Day Honours

Monday, January 26, 2026

Eastern Suburbs EditionMember of the Order of Australia (AM)in the General DivisionThe Honourable Bruce Norman Atkinson, Donvale. For significant service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, and to the region of Nunawading.Member of the Order of Australia (AM)in the General DivisionMrs Andrea Coote. For significant service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, and…

OBSERVER: Meet Vikki Petraitis

Saturday, November 1, 2025

True crime writer Vikki Petraitis captivated guests at a Joan Saxton Speakers’ luncheon with fascinating stories of her investigative work.A school teacher earlier in her life, Vikki’s first book The Phillip Island Murder was co-written with journalist Paul Daley and published in 1993.The book has now come full circle with the new Spotify podcast The…

WHITTLESEA: Benetas buys into Wollert

Friday, October 24, 2025

The sale of the aged care site at Keyton’s Sherwin Rise retirement village will see Benetas offer access to residential aged care services, once the project is complete.“I am extremely pleased to have agreed the sale with Benetas and to be able to welcome one of the most successful and renowned providers of residential aged…

FRANKSTON: 6000 pet lovers gather together

Thursday, October 23, 2025

More than 6,000 pet lovers and their companions gathered at Ballam Park on Sunday, October 19, for The Great Pet-Together. A Frankston City Council representative said this demonstrated that Frankston is the most pet-friendly municipality in Victoria.There was a mix of dogs, cats, turtles, horses, snakes, bees, and pigeons.Frankston City Councillor Cherie Wanat said it…

WHITEHORSE: Vale Faye Dapiran

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Faye Dapiran, longstanding Surrey Hills resident and life member of the Victorian ALP.” said Box Hill MLA Paul Hamer (pictured).“The many who knew Faye well speak of how friend and community focused she was, her sense of fun and her love of a chat about…

MANNINGHAM: Tribute to Egon Cyganek

Manningham Council has expressed condolences after the passing of Egon Cyganek, founder of Egons Cake Shop.Mr Cyganek and his wife Karin founded the bakery in 1971, but he leaves a legacy that extends far beyond the renowned cakes, pastries and bread.“He enriched our community through the much-loved Melbourne institution, providing countless employment opportunities and valuable…

WHITEHORSE: Vale Mal Campbell

The life of Mal Campbell has been highlighted in the Legislative Assembly by Box Hill MLA Paul Hamer (pictured).“Mal served as the president of the Surrey Hills Cricket Club for eight years and was a well-known and valued member of the club,” Mr Hamer said.“Mal was adored and respected by the whole sporting community at…

KNOX: Simone to honour ‘Aunty Dot’

Knox Council has awarded First Nations artist Simone Thomson the commission to create an artwork celebrating the life and work of Yarra Yarra and Yorta Yorta woman Aunty Dorothy ‘Dot’ Peters (pictured).Knox Mayor, Cr Lisa Cooper, said Council was among six organisations statewide whose projects were selected for State Government funding under the Victorian Women’s…

CASEY: Awards nominations open

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Monday, October 20 is the deadline for nominations for the Casey Community Awards.“These people consistently go above and beyond in their contribution to the Casey community as a volunteer, professional or community member,” said a Casey Council representative./“All nominee finalists are invited to the Casey Community Awards 2026, a prestigious event where category winners and…