Question: What hobbies have been getting you through lockdown?

"I’ve been painting. It’s been mediative and helps me to unwind. I usually do portraits of friends, it’s been my personal joy."

The great love story of Tofu and Bruno

When Tofu the Japanese Spitz and Bruno the Jack Russell cross locked eyes at Royal Park some years ago, they knew they were going to be friends.

Childhood in the studio leads to the Metro Tunnel’s art program

Raised by a father who had oil paints and old trains close to his heart, it’s no surprise Mary Parker has become the woman behind turning the Metro Tunnel’s construction sites into canvases.

Harold Parsons Memorial

In mid-May I was crossing the wedge of green space on the north-west corner of the intersection of Hoddle St and Wellington Parade/Bridge Rd known as Weedon Reserve.

How are you entertaining yourself during lockdown?

“Long walks, kicking the soccer ball and watching the Olympics.”

A vet for all, within and beyond the walls

Gentle Daisy “lovely company during lockdown”

Seven-year-old golden retriever Daisy and her owner Nyree were out for a walk in Carlton when Inner City News met them in July.

Melbourne Zoo to build new animal hospital

Melbourne Zoo is set to receive a new wildlife hospital to cope with the rising demand for urgent animal care during bushfires and other extreme weather events.

Refugees held in Park Hotel resettle in the US

Detained refugees who faced uncertain futures in detention inside The Park Hotel have started to be evacuated overseas, as part of a refugee resettlement deal that was delayed due to COVID-19.

A fifth punch in the gut for local gyms

Another lockdown was the last thing inner city fitness venues needed after the steep downturn in business during 2020.

New balloon release laws a real sea change

As of July 1, it is now illegal to intentionally release any number of balloons in the state of Victoria with fines as high as $16,522 for an individual.

Alan the Carlton legend

Four-and-a-half-year-old border collie Alan has been coming to Carlton Gardens all his life.

Neighbourhood power at work in East Melbourne

Companionship is an asset when it comes to health.

Community rallies around Leonardo’s staff after fire

Staff at the Carlton pizzeria closed indefinitely due to fire will receive wage support during their time off thanks to a campaign that raised $15,000 in just 10 days.

Metro Tunnel Project creates a wealth of opportunity

The Metro Tunnel Project isn’t just building a city-defining train line – it’s also creating jobs and opportunities across the board.

Strong community the key to Lygon St future

Simon Rahme’s family has run a business on Lygon St since the mid ‘80s. These days he runs Italian-inspired Mediterranean restaurant Copperwood as part of his business portfolio which includes St Charly, Dimattina, and Carmine’s bistro.

Carlton COVID vaccine clinic opens for public housing residents 16 and over

To encourage vulnerable residents to be immunised, pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics have opened up at six public housing towers around Melbourne, and anyone from the towers aged 16 and over is eligible.

Reach for the sky

Ask those who live in East Melbourne about the different styles of local architecture and they will identify the rare houses still existing from the 1850s and ‘60s, the beautiful long lines of terraces in Powlett St and the iron lace-trimmed free-standing mansions which are the pride of the neighbourhood. But East Melbourne has another claim to fame; the 1955 ICI now Orica, building, the first skyscraper in Australia.

Delivering on the services Stolen Generations people say they need most

The state government dedicated $300,000 to cover the funeral costs of Stolen Generations people thanks to advice from the Stolen Generations Reparations Steering Committee.

Demand for food parcels has trebled since start of pandemic

Carlton’s Church of All Nations has provided emergency relief food packages to the community for more than a decade, but demand from the local community for food basics has trebled since the start of the pandemic.