The Local Paper

Police News

PORT PHILLIP: 94 drug arrests at St Kilda

Thursday, April 24, 2025

New crime data reveals Victoria Police arrested almost 100 people for drug offending in St Kilda last year, as detectives continue to target traffickers peddling illicit substances.In 2024, St Kilda police arrested 94 people allegedly involved in drug crime a total of 96 times – equivalent to around two people each week.These arrests often included…

Police News

MILDURA: $1m meth seized

Police have dismantled an alleged drug trafficking syndicate operating out of Mildura, seizing more than $1 million worth of methylamphetamine.Four people were arrested, including a patched member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, following a series of coordinated warrants in Mildura.Police intercepted a vehicle in Red Cliffs shortly before 12 Noon on Tuesday (Apr. 22).A…

Police News

YARRA: Critical injury after Fitzroy collision

Melbourne Highway Patrol officers are investigating after a car struck a pedestrian in Fitzroy on Wednesday afternoon (Apr. 23). It is understood the male pedestrian was struck by a white Ford Transit on Victoria Pde between Napier St and George St about 3.25pm. The pedestrian, a 21-year-old man, was taken to hospital with critical life-threatening…

Observer

OBSERVER: 1984

Shake & Stir Theatre Co announces the cast for its 2025 national tour of 1984, George Orwell’s chilling dystopian masterpiece, from July 1-6 at the Comedy Theatre.The cast features a line-up of celebrated Australian performers, including Michael Whalley (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Winston Smith, Chloe Bayliss (Doctor Doctor) as Julia, and returning…

Observer

OBSERVER: Songwriters’ Night

As part of the Nillumbik Festival of Stories, the inaugural Nillumbik Songwriters Night will take place on Friday, May 2 at Allwood House Gardens to celebrate the wealth of songwriting talent in the community.The free event will be hosted by 88.6 Plenty Valley FM in conjunction with Allwood Neighbourhood House, and will showcase the works…

Observer

OBSERVER: Trivia Fundraiser

The Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust will bring together some of Australia’s biggest stars for its first ever Very Appealing Showbiz Trivia Fundraiser and invites the public to join in the fun and test their trivia knowledge whilst helping to raise funds to provide vital financial relief to artists, creatives and crew members in need across…

Observer

OBSERVER: Who’s Talking?

It is in the final scenario of Bron Lewis’s comic set, Who’s Talking, that we see the real comic potential of her subject matter about her time as a teacher.She recounts a confrontation with a student that could well escalate.This is fertile ground for addressing the polite conventions and social mores associated with schooling that…

Observer

OBSERVER: Blak Holes at Paw Paw Jump

The performance space at the Paw Paw Jump in Russell St was the atmospheric venue for comedians Dane Simpson and Isaac Compton to present their show Blak Holes in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.From the moment these seasoned performers appeared and started sharing their amusing tales, the room filled with laughter.Their professionalism and energy in…

Observer

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

ShowsWilliamstown Little Theatre: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) Until May 10 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Shirley Sydenham. Bookings: wlt.org.auLilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Haunted (by Eric Chappell) Until May 10 at Lilydale Mechanics Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Nicholas Ryan. Bookings: lilydaleatc.comThe Basin Theatre Company: Heisenberg: The…

Observer

OBSERVER: Legends of the Skies

The cast and crew of Legends of the Skies theatre (LOTS) are touring to Ballarat to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the 1934 MacRobertson Trophy Air Race. The two performances are on Saturday, May 17 at 7.00pm and Sunday, May 18 at 2.00pm at the BAFA Hut 48 – ‘Mess Hall Theatrette’, Airport Road, Mitchell…