The forgotten chapter
July 12, 2026 - Community’s fight to save the Western Port Woodlands started more than 30 years ago, writes Rob Parsons.
July 12, 2026 - Community’s fight to save the Western Port Woodlands started more than 30 years ago, writes Rob Parsons.
An MP’s diary
July 16, 2026 - Mary Aldred reflects on a year since she was sworn into federal Parliament as the Member for Monash.
July 16, 2026 - Mary Aldred reflects on a year since she was sworn into federal Parliament as the Member for Monash.
Wonthaggi women
July 16, 2026 - Linda Cuttriss salutes the women who made Wonthaggi their home and gave the town its heart.
July 16, 2026 - Linda Cuttriss salutes the women who made Wonthaggi their home and gave the town its heart.
One family at a time
July 16, 2026 - What does it take to help refugees start again? For one Bass Coast volunteer group, the answer is hard work and an open door.
July 16, 2026 - What does it take to help refugees start again? For one Bass Coast volunteer group, the answer is hard work and an open door.
Walking with Eulie
July 8, 2026 - Eulie Brewster was a colossus of the local conservation scene for over 75 years. By Terri Allen
July 8, 2026 - Eulie Brewster was a colossus of the local conservation scene for over 75 years. By Terri Allen
Not forgotten
July 13, 3036 - A daughter's quest to honour her father became a mission to ensure that every veteran in the Wonthaggi Cemetery is remembered.
July 13, 3036 - A daughter's quest to honour her father became a mission to ensure that every veteran in the Wonthaggi Cemetery is remembered.
The trip I didn’t take
July 2, 2026 - Ed Thexton’s friends got the Himalayas, he got a different adventure.
July 2, 2026 - Ed Thexton’s friends got the Himalayas, he got a different adventure.
A few home truths
June 17, 2026 - Housing researcher Terry Burke says the debate over housing tax changes should focus on whether ordinary working people can still afford a place in their own community.
June 17, 2026 - Housing researcher Terry Burke says the debate over housing tax changes should focus on whether ordinary working people can still afford a place in their own community.
Ticket to ride
June 18, 2026 - Catherine Watson tests out the new Inverloch-Wonthaggi track and discovers something amazing.
June 18, 2026 - Catherine Watson tests out the new Inverloch-Wonthaggi track and discovers something amazing.
Happy landings, Maggie
June 18, 2026 - How a plucky little bird brought unexpected delight to Etsuko Yasunaga.
June 18, 2026 - How a plucky little bird brought unexpected delight to Etsuko Yasunaga.
The long view
Jun 4, 2026 - Entering Helen S. Tiernan’s new exhibition we are met by the powerful gaze of Maggie Arnott. By Rosemary Forde
Jun 4, 2026 - Entering Helen S. Tiernan’s new exhibition we are met by the powerful gaze of Maggie Arnott. By Rosemary Forde
The show goes on
June 3, 2026 - Philippa Sibley has earned a reputation as one of Melbourne's finest chefs. So what’s she doing running a pizza and pasta restaurant in Wonthaggi?
June 3, 2026 - Philippa Sibley has earned a reputation as one of Melbourne's finest chefs. So what’s she doing running a pizza and pasta restaurant in Wonthaggi?
Down on the farm
June 6, 2026 - A visit to Annie’s farm prompts plenty of heart-felt discussion among English language students. By Daryl Pellizzer
June 6, 2026 - A visit to Annie’s farm prompts plenty of heart-felt discussion among English language students. By Daryl Pellizzer
The fox man
July 1, 2026 - Alan Cleeland hunted foxes on Phillip Island for 55 years and reckoned he still didn’t know what makes them tick.
July 1, 2026 - Alan Cleeland hunted foxes on Phillip Island for 55 years and reckoned he still didn’t know what makes them tick.
Stories from the coalface
July 3, 2026 - Short films reveal the community spirit that built Wonthaggi.
July 3, 2026 - Short films reveal the community spirit that built Wonthaggi.
Dear George …
June 19, 2026 - A large block of woodland will remain standing because people on opposite sides talked to one another. By Catherine Watson
June 19, 2026 - A large block of woodland will remain standing because people on opposite sides talked to one another. By Catherine Watson
Walking with purpose
June 17, 2026 - Laura Brearley joined the final day of the National Walk for Truth as it arrived at Parliament.
June 17, 2026 - Laura Brearley joined the final day of the National Walk for Truth as it arrived at Parliament.
All together, now!
June 17, 2026 - The fundamental rule remains: watch the conductor, writes Larry Hills as he celebrates the first 20 years of the Bass Coast Chorale.
June 17, 2026 - The fundamental rule remains: watch the conductor, writes Larry Hills as he celebrates the first 20 years of the Bass Coast Chorale.
Island Empire
June 18, 2026 - How a couple of Scottish brothers built an empire on Phillip Island and fought to keep it. By Pamela Rothfield
June 18, 2026 - How a couple of Scottish brothers built an empire on Phillip Island and fought to keep it. By Pamela Rothfield
They also serve who only sit and wait
June 4, 2026 - An open letter from Basil, who grew old waiting for his nibs to finish that damned orchid book.
June 4, 2026 - An open letter from Basil, who grew old waiting for his nibs to finish that damned orchid book.
Forged in Wonthaggi
June 5, 2026 - The wonder is not that Cyclone’s Wonthaggi factory is closing but that it lasted as long as it did.
June 5, 2026 - The wonder is not that Cyclone’s Wonthaggi factory is closing but that it lasted as long as it did.
Pride of place
June 3, 2026 - Dennis Leversha's drawing of the old mine brace finds a fitting home in the Rescue Station Arts Centre.
June 3, 2026 - Dennis Leversha's drawing of the old mine brace finds a fitting home in the Rescue Station Arts Centre.
The happy snapper
June 4, 2026 - Kilcunda at sunset reminds Dyonn Dimmock that we are surrounded by beauty.
June 4, 2026 - Kilcunda at sunset reminds Dyonn Dimmock that we are surrounded by beauty.
Community rallies for winter shelter
May 19, 2026 - Cowes refuge prepares to lay out the welcome mat.
May 19, 2026 - Cowes refuge prepares to lay out the welcome mat.
Home delivery, minus the diesel
May 19, 2025 - Prefab nine-star home trucked to The Cape in Australia’s first carbon-free housing journey.
May 19, 2025 - Prefab nine-star home trucked to The Cape in Australia’s first carbon-free housing journey.
Sea Country
May 19, 2026 – The next best thing to sharing the water with a whale, writes Colin McHenry of Helen S Tiernan’s new exhibition.
May 19, 2026 – The next best thing to sharing the water with a whale, writes Colin McHenry of Helen S Tiernan’s new exhibition.
The great feijoa divide
May 21, 2026 - Kiwis go weak at the knees for them. Australians mostly say “Uuuugh no”. By Catherine Watson
May 21, 2026 - Kiwis go weak at the knees for them. Australians mostly say “Uuuugh no”. By Catherine Watson
Long live the olive!
May 20, 2026 - Love `em or hate `em, olives have earned their place in Wonthaggi, writes Matt Stone.
May 20, 2026 - Love `em or hate `em, olives have earned their place in Wonthaggi, writes Matt Stone.
A photo journal
May 20, 2026 – Our native flora marks the change of season in a subtle way. By Julie Paterson
May 20, 2026 – Our native flora marks the change of season in a subtle way. By Julie Paterson
The sinking of the Eagle Star
May 21, 2026 - How a fleet of sailors, paddleboarders and swimmers saved the day. By Pamela Rothfield
May 21, 2026 - How a fleet of sailors, paddleboarders and swimmers saved the day. By Pamela Rothfield
Just add water
May 18, 2026 - All going well, we hardly notice the Candowie Reservoir, writes Rob Parsons
May 18, 2026 - All going well, we hardly notice the Candowie Reservoir, writes Rob Parsons
The final journey
May 1, 2026 - At the Mouth of the Powlett, a secret migration unfolds each autumn.
May 1, 2026 - At the Mouth of the Powlett, a secret migration unfolds each autumn.
The secret life of figs
April 30, 2026 - Matt Stone will never look at a ripe fig in quite the same way
April 30, 2026 - Matt Stone will never look at a ripe fig in quite the same way
Partnering for plovers
April 30, 2026 - Plover lovers gather at Kilcunda to talk progress on plover protection.
April 30, 2026 - Plover lovers gather at Kilcunda to talk progress on plover protection.
How Inverloch was led down a one-way street
May 1, 2026 - Residents were only ever told half the story, writes Michelle Gardiner, but it’s not too late to get it right.
May 1, 2026 - Residents were only ever told half the story, writes Michelle Gardiner, but it’s not too late to get it right.
An MP’s Diary
April 30, 2026 - Mary Aldred on juggling politics in Canberra and community work at home.
April 30, 2026 - Mary Aldred on juggling politics in Canberra and community work at home.
On church going
May 1, 2026 - Nikki Nicols only got involved with her local church because she didn’t want it to close. Along the way, she found respite in a troubled world.
May 1, 2026 - Nikki Nicols only got involved with her local church because she didn’t want it to close. Along the way, she found respite in a troubled world.
A touch of stardust
April 30, 2026 - Meet Leigh Rowles, a disciplined artist with a mischievous soul. Be Liane Arno
April 30, 2026 - Meet Leigh Rowles, a disciplined artist with a mischievous soul. Be Liane Arno
How about it, Woodside?
April 15, 2026 - Bass Coast joins chorus of councils calling for fossil fuel companies to pay for the impacts of climate change.
April 15, 2026 - Bass Coast joins chorus of councils calling for fossil fuel companies to pay for the impacts of climate change.
To be or
not to be
April 17, 2026 - Catherine Watson's three friends had all lived rich, fulfilling lives. Then they were ready to depart.
not to be
April 17, 2026 - Catherine Watson's three friends had all lived rich, fulfilling lives. Then they were ready to depart.
Saltwater sanctuary
April 15, 2026 - How a bunch of locals with sledge hammers and gut-buster drills carved Victoria’s only man-made ocean rock pool. By Mike Tesch
April 15, 2026 - How a bunch of locals with sledge hammers and gut-buster drills carved Victoria’s only man-made ocean rock pool. By Mike Tesch
The Scots and Red Wonthaggi
April 16, 2026 - Scottish miners were a driving force in the militant unionism for which Wonthaggi became known. By Linda Cuttriss
April 16, 2026 - Scottish miners were a driving force in the militant unionism for which Wonthaggi became known. By Linda Cuttriss
Beetle vs spider
April 16, 2026 - Gayle Marien scores a ringside view of an epic drama in our local wetlands.
April 16, 2026 - Gayle Marien scores a ringside view of an epic drama in our local wetlands.
One ordinary morning
April 15, 2026 - In an instant Etsuko Yasunaga’s world tilts and reminds her of the fragility of all that she holds dear.
April 15, 2026 - In an instant Etsuko Yasunaga’s world tilts and reminds her of the fragility of all that she holds dear.
Changing of the guard at Glen Forbes
April 13, 2026 - The names may change but the purpose and community spirit remain the same. By Rob Parsons.
April 13, 2026 - The names may change but the purpose and community spirit remain the same. By Rob Parsons.
War and peace, one street at a time
April 13, 2026 - Eighty years after our fathers and uncles did their best to kill one another, our lives are woven together by friendship. By Catherine Watson
April 13, 2026 - Eighty years after our fathers and uncles did their best to kill one another, our lives are woven together by friendship. By Catherine Watson
Not fighting, dancing
April 16, 2026 - From happy accidents to AI anxiety, Gonzalo Varela finds poetry and light in uncertain times
April 16, 2026 - From happy accidents to AI anxiety, Gonzalo Varela finds poetry and light in uncertain times
Rethinking Surf Parade
March 31, 2026 - Four locals take on the challenge. Have they cracked it? By Glenn Morris
March 31, 2026 - Four locals take on the challenge. Have they cracked it? By Glenn Morris
Trials and tribulations
March 31, 2026 - When does a job trial turn into unpaid labour, asks Liane Arno
March 31, 2026 - When does a job trial turn into unpaid labour, asks Liane Arno
The power trip speeds up… again
April 3, 2026 - Are we there yet? Getting closer, writes Werner Theinert
April 3, 2026 - Are we there yet? Getting closer, writes Werner Theinert
Many voices, one community
April 3, 2026 - A day of music, dance and food celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Bass Coast. By Laura Brearley
April 3, 2026 - A day of music, dance and food celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Bass Coast. By Laura Brearley
The art of illusion
April 1, 2026 - Step into Pat Wishart's garden and nothing is quite what it seems.
April 1, 2026 - Step into Pat Wishart's garden and nothing is quite what it seems.
Send her packing, again
March 31, 2026 - Pauline Hanson didn’t get far with Victorians in the late `90s, writes former MP Susan Davies. Now she’s back for a second go.
March 31, 2026 - Pauline Hanson didn’t get far with Victorians in the late `90s, writes former MP Susan Davies. Now she’s back for a second go.
King of the underground
April 2, 2026 - Lou Storti loved drilling tunnels and digging coal. Along the way he also saved our mining history. By John Bordignon and Moz Wilson
April 2, 2026 - Lou Storti loved drilling tunnels and digging coal. Along the way he also saved our mining history. By John Bordignon and Moz Wilson
The other Norm Smith
April 1, 2026 - Our Norm Smith was a footballer with one eye and a banged-up body. He made up for it with guts and determination, writes Bruce Phillips
April 1, 2026 - Our Norm Smith was a footballer with one eye and a banged-up body. He made up for it with guts and determination, writes Bruce Phillips
The world in miniature
April 2, 2026 - Dick Wettenhall’s monumental study of orchids in the Gurdies uncovers a complex web of life.
April 2, 2026 - Dick Wettenhall’s monumental study of orchids in the Gurdies uncovers a complex web of life.
Bruce, Scabby and Bob
April 2, 2026 - Matt Stone observes an unfolding family drama from his front deck.
April 2, 2026 - Matt Stone observes an unfolding family drama from his front deck.
Autumn nature notes
April 3, 2026 - As the nights draw in, Lisa Gilbert tells us what to watch for on Phillip Island.
April 3, 2026 - As the nights draw in, Lisa Gilbert tells us what to watch for on Phillip Island.
The Happy Snapper
April 2, 2026 - Dyonn Dimmock's first visit to Harmers Haven gave her plenty to think about and photograph.
April 2, 2026 - Dyonn Dimmock's first visit to Harmers Haven gave her plenty to think about and photograph.
My great big adventure
March 19, 2026 - Lesley Kool shuts the door of her lab and immerses herself in a world that’s long gone.
March 19, 2026 - Lesley Kool shuts the door of her lab and immerses herself in a world that’s long gone.
Special spiders
March 18 2026 - The clever leaf curling spider has plenty of fans, including Matt Stone.
March 18 2026 - The clever leaf curling spider has plenty of fans, including Matt Stone.
The show goes on
March 21, 2026 - Gwen Derrick was the creative, tireless heartbeat of the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group. By Karen Milkins-Hendry
March 21, 2026 - Gwen Derrick was the creative, tireless heartbeat of the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group. By Karen Milkins-Hendry
Of triangles and points
March 20, 2026 - Phillip Island and its people have their own a way of doing things, writes Tim Shannon in the second extract from An Architect’s Story.
March 20, 2026 - Phillip Island and its people have their own a way of doing things, writes Tim Shannon in the second extract from An Architect’s Story.
The long view from Hurricane Hill
Feb 19, 2026 - How Bob Davie reshaped farming and community life on Phillip Island. By Catherine Watson
Feb 19, 2026 - How Bob Davie reshaped farming and community life on Phillip Island. By Catherine Watson
Here we go again
Feb 18, 2026 - Revelations of massive corruption in Melbourne’s Big Build come as no surprise to Mark Robertson, who says it started during construction of the Wonthaggi desalination plant.
Feb 18, 2026 - Revelations of massive corruption in Melbourne’s Big Build come as no surprise to Mark Robertson, who says it started during construction of the Wonthaggi desalination plant.
I’m not racist but …
Feb 15, 2026 - Recent events remind Blue Barlow that most racists think they’re just being reasonable.
Feb 15, 2026 - Recent events remind Blue Barlow that most racists think they’re just being reasonable.
Warrior woman
Feb 17, 2026 - There was nothing in Phyllis Papps’ mild demeanour to suggest the courageous feminist who faced down homophobia and discrimination, writes Jan Bourne.
Feb 17, 2026 - There was nothing in Phyllis Papps’ mild demeanour to suggest the courageous feminist who faced down homophobia and discrimination, writes Jan Bourne.
Welcome, stranger
Feb 16, 2026 - Spotted on Reef Island, the Eastern Yellow Wagtail is a long way from home, writes Dave Newman.
Feb 16, 2026 - Spotted on Reef Island, the Eastern Yellow Wagtail is a long way from home, writes Dave Newman.
Meeting Itsuku
Feb 17, 2026 - A newborn baby brings joy and healing to Etsuko Yasunaga’s family.
Feb 17, 2026 - A newborn baby brings joy and healing to Etsuko Yasunaga’s family.
Playing close to home
Feb 16, 2026 - Bass Coast’s young musos are ready – and you might want to listen, writes Anabelle Bremner
Feb 16, 2026 - Bass Coast’s young musos are ready – and you might want to listen, writes Anabelle Bremner
The unforgettable Laurie Chizzoniti
Feb 16, 2026 – The genial fruiterer lifted the belligerent drunk and gently danced him out of the pub. Bruce Phillips tells the tale of one of nature’s gentlemen.
Feb 16, 2026 – The genial fruiterer lifted the belligerent drunk and gently danced him out of the pub. Bruce Phillips tells the tale of one of nature’s gentlemen.
How we Learn English
Feb 18, 2026 - In a speedy world, slow learning gives students a chance to go much deeper, writes Daryl Pellizzer
Feb 18, 2026 - In a speedy world, slow learning gives students a chance to go much deeper, writes Daryl Pellizzer
From Italy to Wonthaggi
Feb 16, 2026 - By the mid 1930s a thriving Italian community of around 800 people was living in the district, writes Linda Cuttriss.
Feb 16, 2026 - By the mid 1930s a thriving Italian community of around 800 people was living in the district, writes Linda Cuttriss.
The final curtain
Jan 16, 2026 - Gill Heal has left the theatre but a touch of magic remains. By Catherine Watson
Jan 16, 2026 - Gill Heal has left the theatre but a touch of magic remains. By Catherine Watson
Lost in Bunnings
Jan 15, 2026 - All Liane Arno wanted was a garden tap, and she got a reminder of why our snap judgements are so often wrong.
Jan 15, 2026 - All Liane Arno wanted was a garden tap, and she got a reminder of why our snap judgements are so often wrong.
Waiting for the shot
Jan 15, 2026 - Dyonn Dimmock timed her visit to Twin Reefs to capture the turning of the tide.
Jan 15, 2026 - Dyonn Dimmock timed her visit to Twin Reefs to capture the turning of the tide.
I had a dream
Jan 14, 2026 - Matt Stone delves into the mysterious world on the other side of sleep.
Jan 14, 2026 - Matt Stone delves into the mysterious world on the other side of sleep.
So real you can almost smell them
Jan 16, 2026 - Jam Jerrup fibre artist Jennie-maree Tempest is forging a growing reputation with her extraordinary botanical works.
Jan 16, 2026 - Jam Jerrup fibre artist Jennie-maree Tempest is forging a growing reputation with her extraordinary botanical works.
Where words grow wild
Jan 15, 2026 - Normally quietly spoken, poet Kathy Wiltshire finds her voice on stage.
Jan 15, 2026 - Normally quietly spoken, poet Kathy Wiltshire finds her voice on stage.
Annual vigil continues to grow
Jan 15, 2026 - This year’s commemoration of the hanging of two Aboriginal men in Melbourne in 1842 has added significance.
Jan 15, 2026 - This year’s commemoration of the hanging of two Aboriginal men in Melbourne in 1842 has added significance.
A touch of home
Jan 15, 2026 - The Victorian Acclimatisation Society worked hard to introduce a host of plants and animals that would be useful to new settlers. By Anne Paul
Jan 15, 2026 - The Victorian Acclimatisation Society worked hard to introduce a host of plants and animals that would be useful to new settlers. By Anne Paul