Health professionals are calling for national guidelines to be established in the animal-assisted therapy sector to ensure the safety and welfare of both participants and animals as demand for the service continues to grow.
Volunteer plane spotting helped 12-year-old Irene Jones make sense of World War II
An exhibition at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance honours the contribution of young people during periods of war, including the likes of Irene Jones whose family was enlisted in north-east Victoria as volunteer air observers.
Photo shows Sepia coloured old photo of two young children on bikes, supported by two older children standing beside them.Victorian police officer clocked at 230kph cleared of dangerous driving charges
Leading Senior Constable Bradley John Beecroft says he is "relieved with a just outcome". Charges were brought against him after he responded to an incident involving another police officer in 2021.
Photo shows photo from car dash with mobile speed camera on the left side if roadCouncillor says election process is too easy amid calls for more governance training
Victorian councillors want more training for those new to local government ahead of the 2024 elections, with one suggesting more thorough background checks.
Photo shows Man in suit stands in front of tree'They were just so lucky': Men clinging to submerged vehicle rescued from floodwater in Victoria's north
Emergency service personnel say the "lucky" rescue of two men from floodwater in the state's north is a timely reminder for Victorians to remain vigilant of flood risk this long weekend.
Photo shows A man clings to part of a vehicle, with the rest submerged in floodwater.Morale among fruit growers 'as low as it's ever been' as wild hailstorm wreaks havoc in Victoria
The third major storm of the season, described as a "mini-cyclone", has "wiped out" what was left of apple crops in the region and robbed some growers of a year's worth of income.
Photo shows A huge pile of hail which looks like the size of a human body in a hammock weighs down a net.Three states give evacuation orders as water rises and more wild weather is expected
Communities across south-east Australia are bracing for more wild weather after being lashed by heavy rainfall, with towns across Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales urged to evacuate on Thursday evening.
Meet Emma Kealy, the western Victorian politician who's next in line to lead the Nationals
The former regional hospital chief has spent eight years as the member for the western Victorian seat of Lowan.
Photo shows A woman in jeans and a white top stands in front of a pen filled with sheep amid grassy hills.'Very difficult to navigate': Resigning Victorian Nationals deputy says parliament could be made more family friendly
After eight years in politics, Steph Ryan has announced her retirement. Her resignation, in the lead-up to the birth of her second child, means the Victorian Nationals have lost a third of its female MPs in one hit.
Photo shows A blond woman wearing a dark jacket listening during an interview.Young guns kick goals as Bushrangers plan to juggle school and professional footy following AFLW draft
The Goulburn Murray region has demonstrated its sporting strength after five players from the region were selected at last night's AFL Women's Draft.
Photo shows girl getting ready to kick footballPlan to get more regional women elected to local government sets sights on 2024 poll
After the federal election led to a record number of women elevated to positions of power, a Victorian fellowship is hoping to see an impact on a local government level.
Photo shows A smiling woman sits at a park bench with trees behind her'I want to shout from the rooftops how wonderful this facility is'
When Kenny star Shane Jacobson needed hospital treatment in regional Victoria, he ended up at Euroa bush hospital. He then found out how rare a facility like that is.
Photo shows Photo of Shane Jacobson smilingThe grass will always be greener in Euroa if this ambitious, climate-smart plan works out
A small Victorian town prone to drought has developed a plan to keep its grassed areas green by upgrading wastewater and piping it throughout town. Now, it just needs to secure more funding.
Photo shows A wide river with trees on either side.Stripped of points for ‘honest mistake’, this footy club warns others to beware of new admin system
Echuca Football and Netball Club will launch an appeal after it was found guilty of fielding ineligible players in its seniors and reserves side.
Photo shows A football on the ground during Hawthorn Hawks' training session at Waverley Park in 2008.Victoria Police officer charged with endangering life after 200kph emergency response
The veteran police officer is accused of dangerous driving after racing to the scene of a crash where other officers had been struck on the Hume Freeway.
Photo shows A police sign on a Victoria Police car.Saved from destruction, these insects may unlock evolutionary secrets
Researchers hope a collection containing about 200,000 creepy crawlers saved from destruction will uncover the impacts of climate change on insect evolution.
Photo shows An antCOVID-19 cluster leaks into High Country town
Shepparton's COVID-19 cases are on the rise, and a High Country mayor says the virus has leaked into his community, which is already struggling.
Photo shows Testing sheppartonWhat if you never win a medal? Olympian shares aftermath of Games losses
Neil Snowden was goalkeeper for the Australian men's hockey team at two Olympic Games – both times they were favourites to win gold, but finished fourth.
Photo shows Man in yellow jumper smiles at camera while surrounded by peopleVictoria is now battling COVID on multiple fronts. Here are four things to watch
Victoria's coronavirus outbreak takes a concerning turn with authorities now fighting both the Kappa and Delta variants.
Photo shows A medical worker in PPE wearing a mask and visor talks to a disembarked passenger at an airportBus routes and new times at Maidstone aged care home added to list of VIctorian exposure sites
Victorian health authorities have now identified more than 350 exposure sites.
Photo shows Three workers in blue PPE gowns prep to go inside an aged care homeEvery time a snap lockdown happens, businesses like this have to throw away food — and lose $50,000
Commonwealth Bank economists believe this lockdown will cost Victoria $1.3 billion in lost economic activity and that it is more expensive than previous ones for industry because there is no JobKeeper.
Photo shows a woman in a cafe kitchen with food