The congestion levy will apply to off-street, private and public car parking spaces across parts of inner Melbourne. Announced in December 2024 following a cost increase that year already. In 2024, Parking was as low as $1,690 for category 1 and $1,200 for category 2. Image Source: Adobe Stock

To encourage motorists to use public transport, parking prices are being increased for a category 1 area from $1,750 annually in 2025 to $3,030 in 2026. Category 2 area from $1,240 annually in 2025 to $2,150 in 2026. Image Source: Adobe Stock

Aiming to reduce congestion in Melbourne's CBD, the Victorian Government will increase the annual cost of parking by 73% under the new congestion levy, effective from January 1st 2026. Image: Adobe stock

To combat repurchasing household appliances there is a worldwide movement of Repair Cafes with 3766 cafes registered, 13 of which are in Melbourne, shared by the non-profit Repair Cafe network. Image Source: Repair cafe.org

Australians are losing trust in modern tech appliance companies. 66% of Australians prefer older well known brands that they can trust, according to the Consumer Research Centre. Simpson a trusted household appliance brand that has gained a credible consumer reputation since 1853. Image Source: Adobe stock.

Australians have wasted $1.2 billion buying new household appliances that break quickly because of misleading green labels, according to the Consumer Policy Research centre. Image Source: Adobe Stock

There are calls for clearer labelling on appliance efficiency star ratings. The Consumer Policy Research Centre has shown 32% of sales assistants use star ratings claims when selling household appliances however 84% of Australians have reported to be misled by green claims. Australia's efficient energy rating sticker. Image credited WWF-Australia.

Indigenous artist Danie Mellor’s “Forever” artwork at the new State Library station honours Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung women and connects commuters to Country through storytelling and design. Danie Mellor’s Forever connects commuters to Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung heritage (MICHAEL TRAN).

Metro Tunnel precinct manager   Paula Williams said one of the toughest parts of the project was building tunnels under Swanston Street while Melbourne’s busy city life continued above. Melbourne’s deepest escalator at State Library Station, stretching 42 metres (Michael Tran).

The Metro Tunnel will open in early December with a “Summer Start” timetable, followed by the full “turn-up-and-go” service beginning in February, Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed. Inside the State Library Station during a sneak peak (Image: Michael Tran).

The 2025 Cox Plate is this Saturday. All eyes will be on jockey Hugh Bowman riding 'Aeliana', trained by Chris Waller. Bowman is known for riding 4-time Cox Plate champion Winx. ‘Winx’ won the Cox Plate from 2015 to 2018. Winx and Hugh Bowman after the 2017 Cox Plate win. Image Source: ABC

Phar Lap is well known as one of the greatest Racehorses of all time and an Australian Sporting Icon; with a true ‘rags to riches’ story for trainer and owner Harry Telford. Phar Lap, winning the Melbourne Cup in 1930 with longstanding jockey ‘Jim Pike’ on board, in front of thousands watching during the Great Depression– National Museum of Australia. (Image: State Library of Victoria).