Angus Smith

Melbourne

Associate Editor at Bendigo Times

Writer at Freelance

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Articles

Mystery works baffle Torquay residents

1 week ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

FENCED-OFF works at Point Danger and Elephant Walk have left many Torquay residents guessing, with community forums filled with speculation in recent weeks. Theories have ranged from a new Hungry Jack’s to a skate park, a casino, a marina, and even an undersea gas pipeline. In reality, the project is designed to improve communication across Australia — though in Torquay, many are still waiting to hear what it’s all about.
Under 18s to get free Victorian public transport next year

1 week ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

CHILDREN across Victoria will be able to travel for free on public transport from January 1, 2026, under a major cost-of-living measure announced in the 2025-26 Victorian budget. The state government initiative will make all public transport free for people under the age of 18, with new youth myki cards available for a $5 fee. A yearly student pass presently costs $755, meaning a family with three children could save more than $2,200 a year.
Chance to cash in as Geelong hits recycling milestone

3 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

GEELONG residents have returned more than 103 million drink containers through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme since its launch in November, earning nearly $11 million in refunds. Now, local recyclers are being offered the chance to win an extra $10,000 through a new competition rewarding participation in the scheme.
Libby Coker reflects on re-election and what comes next

3 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

A WEEK after her re-election, Libby Coker still carries the weight of the moment. “It’s quite emotional,” she says. “To have a role to play in helping people — it’s amazing.”Libby has been returned for a third term in Corangamite, as the Albanese Government swept to a historic national win. For Libby, the victory felt personal — a validation of years of hard work across the Surf Coast. “It is such a humbling experience,” she says.
Community choir strikes a chord in Mount Duneed - see it live at 3pm today

3 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

A MOUNT Duneed choir that has brought together 90 community members in song will be part of the Poa Banyul Community Hub’s Open Day at 3pm today. Each Monday night, the sound of voices spills from the hub’s largest room, where singing teacher Laura Rowan leads the Melody Makers choir with passion and care. “I knew it would be something I could do for the community, but also selfishly I wanted to do it for myself,” Ms Rowan said.
Access increases to free medication to reverse opioid overdoses

1 month ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

More people across Victoria will be able to get access to free naloxone under an expansion of the state’s overdose prevention program. This week, acting Mental Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced the Take-Home Naloxone Program would be extended to all Needle and Syringe Program sites, allowing carers, family members and others likely to witness an opioid overdose to access the life-saving medication.
Victorians invited to have their say on multicultural review

1 month ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

MULTICULTURAL and multifaith communities across Victoria are being invited to help shape the future of the state’s multicultural policies and institutions. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt this week announced the start of community consultations for Victoria’s Multicultural Review, which will engage communities across 10 regional and metropolitan areas.
Australians head to the polls this weekend

1 month ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

MORE than 7,000 polling places will open across the nation tomorrow (Saturday, May 3) as Australians cast their votes in the federal election. Polling places will open at 8am and close at 6pm sharp. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) says 97 per cent of eligible voters are on the electoral roll, with more than 100,000 temporary workers helping deliver the election and more than 500 early voting centres already operating.
New watchdog powers to target misconduct on construction sites

1 month ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

A NEW referral service will be set up to handle complaints about misconduct on Victorian construction sites, under legislation introduced to Parliament this week. The Wage Theft Amendment Bill 2025, part of the Victorian government’s response to the Wilson review, will create a central complaints service within Workforce Inspectorate Victoria to refer allegations to the appropriate agency.
Torquay community battery project moves ahead

1 month ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

A NEW community battery will be installed in Torquay as part of a national push to improve access to renewable energy and reduce household power costs. Corangamite Labor federal memeber Libby Coker has announced the Yarra Energy Foundation will lead the delivery of the project, with funding through the federal government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar program.