The Local Paper

Rural News

STATEWIDE: Grantsn for Show societies

Saturday, August 8, 2026

The State Government says thast it is backing agricultural and pastoral societies to help regional communities come together, support local economies and promote Victorian agriculture.Minister Michaela Settle (pictured) announced the opening of applications for this year’s Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program.The grants provide successful applicants with up to $10,000.This can be used to upgrade…

Politics

NORTHERN VICTORIA: Local MP demoted by her own party

Kilmore-based MP Jaclyn Symes has lost the third-most senior position in State politics, at the hands of her own party.Ms Symes has been removed from the Treasurer’s position by new Premier Ben Carroll.Ms Symes, who lives at Broadford, was closely aligned with former Premier Jacinta Allan.The new portfolio assigned to Ms Symes is to be…

Politics

STATEWIDE: New Ministry announced

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Premier Ben Carroll has announced a new Cabinet: Anthony Carbines will become the new Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, focusing on driving innovation and investment, while keeping AI development ethical and responsible. He will also become the new Minister for Major Events, Medical Research, Economic Development and will remain the Minister for Racing and the…

Latest Issues

OUT NOW: Wed., Aug. 5, 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.) August 5 Editions • Eastern Suburbs Edition – https://isu.pub/tgTUha6 Covers Boroondara (north), Knox-Sherbrooke, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse • Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition – https://isu.pub/myPhvSDCovers Healesville, Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Warburton, Yarra Valley• Mitchell Strathbogie Edition – isu.pub/pyozRS8Covers Avenel, Beveridge, Broadford, Euroa, Kilmore, Longwood, Nagambie, Puckapunyal, Seymour, Tallarook, Wallan, Wandong • Northern…

Latest Issues

OUT NOW: Wed., Aug. 5, 2026 – First Edition

The First Edition of this week’s Local Paper/Melbourne Observer is published online.Other Editions will be published progressively. Read online at: isu.pub/yUYSDrD Next online issue is Wed., August 12, 2026 Next print/online issue is Wed., August 19, 2026

Health

MANSFIELD: Healthy eating for local kids

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Children in participating three and four year old kindergarten programs across Mansfield Shire will receive a new lunch box and healthy eating recipe book as part of a new Healthy Eating Initiative, designed to help children and their families build healthy eating habits early.The initiative will include hands-on healthy eating sessions and a resource pack…

Emergency Services

MURRINDINDI: Enough words on fires, time for action, says Mayor

Enough words, time for action on fire recovery recommendations, says Murrindindi Council Mayor. Full details in Wednesday’s Local Paper.

Police News

CARDINIA: Homicide probe at Pakenham

Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of a man in Pakenham on Friday (July 31).It is understood that a 36-year-old man was located deceased inside a property on Jamieson Court about 1pm.Investigators were treating the death as suspicious.Exact circumstances surrounding the man’s death are yet to be established and the investigation is ongoing.

Politics

POLITICS: 2 MPs quit, as Carroll becomes Premier

Mill Park MLA Lily D’Ambrosio has quit Cabinet and will not contest the State Election in November.Eastern Victoria MLC Harriet Shing has also resigned from Cabinet, and has indicated that she will leave Parliament.The shock political announcement follows the outing of Jacinta Allan as Premier, to be replaced by Niddrie MLA Ben Carroll.Climate Change Minister…

Observer

OBSERVER: Admissions

Friday, July 31, 2026

Peridot Theatre presents their VDL entry Admissions from August 14-23 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St, Clayton.Written by Joshua Harmon and directed by Alison Knight, Admissions tells of Sherri Rosen-Mason, head of the admissions department at a New England prep school, fighting to diversify the student body.Alongside her husband, the school’s headmaster, they’ve largely succeeded…