Last Top Stories: Ballarat a 'safe haven' for refugees

Ballarat a 'safe haven' for refugees

The City of Ballarat has followed other municipalities across Victoria in opting in to the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) Scheme, paving the way for refugees to relocate to regional areas. The SHEV Scheme is to encourage asylum seekers who arrived ... >> view original

Ballarat welcomes in the Season of the Arts

Ballarat will be a feast for art enthusiasts and will probably mint a few more from August to October. The cornucopia of events has been pulled under a new banner by Ballarat Regional Tourism, the Season of the Arts. Art of Gallery of Ballarat director ... >> view original

Ballarat bands battle for a foot in the door

Ten bands from the Ballarat district are vying for a chance to record their songs in a recognised music studio. Heat one of the FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands was held at the Karova Lounge on Sunday, with the second heat to come this weekend, ... >> view original

Bombing Syria 'no game-changer'

The RAAF bombing Islamic State inside Syria would mean less planes would be available for the war inside Iraq, says Vice-Admiral David Johnston. 19/08/15. PM slams union China FTA campaign as 'racist lies' (Video Thumbnail). Up next... PM slams union ... >> view original

Kathy Jackson ordered by court to repay millions to HSU

Disgraced former union leader Kathy Jackson has been ordered to pay the Health Services Union more than $1.4 million in damages following a crushing court ruling against her. In a decision which will command attention from police detectives and the ... >> view original

Two possibilities in cycling death of Danish student Rebekka Meyer, coronial ...

Two scenarios for what happened in the moments before a Danish cyclist's death on a notorious stretch of road in Brisbane have been outlined at a coroner's inquest. Rebekka Meyer, 22, was hit by a truck on Annerley Road in South Brisbane last September. >> view original

Victoria abuse report will see more at risk children fostered

A disturbing report into the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable children in residential care that found children as young as seven were being abused in state-funded homes is likely to accelerate a push to place more at-risk children with relatives ... >> view original

Queensland farmer criticises Federal Government plan to limit environmental ...

A Queensland grazier is calling on the Federal Government to scrap plans to stop environmental groups from launching legal action to block mining developments. The Coalition Government announced it would introduce legislation this week to repeal a ... >> view original

Sydney prisoner charged with arranging hit on teen girl from inside jail

A prisoner in a Sydney jail has been charged after he allegedly tried to order a hit on a teenage girl he is accused of sexually assaulting. The 61-year-old man was being held in Long Bay jail after being charged with multiple offences, including ... >> view original

Public transport fare increase questioned by Scott Emerson

Shadow transport minister Scott Emerson has questioned the expected 2.5 percent increase in public transport fares. Photo: Michelle Smith. Public transport fares are increasing - the only thing up for debate is by how much. Shadow transport minister ... >> view original