Feature stories and articles
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Rethinking Surf Parade
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 
The power trip speeds up… again
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 
The art of illusion
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. |
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 
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 
The world in miniature
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. 
Autumn nature notes
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. |
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. 
Special spiders
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 
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. |
The long view from Hurricane Hill
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. 
I’m not racist but …
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. 
Welcome, stranger
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. 
Playing close to home
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. 
How we Learn English
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. |
The final curtain
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. 
Waiting for the shot
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. |
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. 
Where words grow wild
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. 
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 |