Latest articles by Sean Car
Calls grow for Free Tram Zone extension to include Carlton as advocacy continues
The push to extend Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone north into Carlton remains a top priority for local traders, residents, and the City of Melbourne, but Inner City News understands there is little appetite for change within the state government.
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Heritage reimagined at Lincoln Square: council backs adaptive reuse of former Allen & Co. piano factory
The City of Melbourne has unanimously backed plans to bring one of Carlton’s most storied buildings back to life, approving an adaptive-reuse scheme for the former Allen & Co. Piano Factory and Warehouse at 23–31 Lincoln Square South.
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La Mama Theatre returns in 2026 with exciting new program
After a year-long pause prompted by funding cuts, Carlton’s beloved La Mama Theatre will return in 2026 with a reimagined program that reaffirms its place at the heart of Melbourne’s independent arts scene.
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UMAC closes out 2025 with two bold new productions
The University of Melbourne Arts and Culture (UMAC) is closing out the year with two standout productions that promise to captivate audiences with their depth, artistry, and heart.
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Historic Carlton property hits the market for the first time in a century
A piece of Carlton’s history is up for grabs, with a landmark mixed-use building at 138-144 Elgin St being offered for sale for the first time in nearly 100 years.
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Hugh Allen opens Yiaga in Fitzroy Gardens blending craft, nature and cuisine
Melbourne’s dining scene has a striking new addition this spring, with celebrated chef Hugh Allen unveiling his long-awaited first restaurant, Yiaga, inside the historic Fitzroy Gardens pavilion in East Melbourne.
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Carlton traders unite for family-friendly Halloween celebration
Carlton will come alive with ghosts, ghouls, and plenty of sweet treats this Halloween, with local traders joining forces to host a Trick or Treat community event for families and children.
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Ray White CRE: Toby Campbell ushers in a new era for East Melbourne real estate
For more than two decades, Caine Real Estate (CRE) was the trusted name in East Melbourne property. Founded by Paul Caine and later led by his son Jacob, the agency built a reputation for professionalism, transparency and a deep connection to the local community.
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Carlton exhibition celebrates the city’s love affair with coffee
Melbourne’s passion for coffee takes centre stage this November in Carlton with Melbourne Through the Coffee Cup, a new photographic exhibition exploring how espresso culture came to define the city’s identity.
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Champions of Carlton: celebrating the Blues’ greatest players
A new book by Carlton historian and writer Miles Wilks is shining a light on the rich cultural legacy of the Carlton Football Club and its place in the community.
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Cricket great Chris Cairns inspires local Melbourne school community
New Zealand cricket legend Chris Cairns visited the Academy of Mary Immaculate in Fitzroy in September, delivering an unforgettable message of resilience and optimism to students, staff and parents.
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Legacy gift opens doors for Parkville students during Include a Charity Week
As “Include a Charity Week” (September 1 to 7) highlighted the transformative power of leaving gifts in wills, a powerful example has emerged in Parkville, where a bequest to Janet Clarke Hall has unlocked life-changing opportunities for students.
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Lord Mayor pushes crackdown on Melbourne’s derelict buildings
The City of Melbourne will explore tougher measures to tackle vacant and dilapidated buildings, with Lord Mayor Nick Reece declaring “enough is enough” ahead of a September 2 Future Melbourne Committee meeting.
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Barbara Piscioneri, the “Queen of Lygon St”
In Carlton’s bustling heart, where the aroma of espresso mingles with the chatter of diners, few figures are as well-known as Barbara Piscioneri.
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Junior Rangers program returns to Royal Park these school holidays
Children will have the chance to become Junior Rangers and explore the hidden wonders of Melbourne’s wetlands these school holidays, with the City of Melbourne launching a hands-on program in Royal Park.
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Italian Film Festival returns, with Carlton’s Cinema Nova among key Melbourne venues
Carlton will once again be at the heart of Melbourne’s Italian cultural celebrations this spring when the ST. ALi Italian Film Festival returns to Cinema Nova in September.
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Friends of Jimmy Watson’s formed as Carlton icon turns 90
Few addresses in Melbourne carry the cultural weight of 333 Lygon St, Carlton. Home to Jimmy Watson’s Wine Bar since 1935, the site has been at the centre of Melbourne’s food, wine, and social life for nine decades.
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Yarra bike lane decision sparks backlash over safety and governance
The City of Yarra’s decision to narrow Elizabeth St’s bike lanes in Richmond has reignited tensions between councillors, cycling advocates and the state government, with critics warning the move undermines safety on one of Melbourne’s key cycling corridors.
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Council backs heritage extension in Parkville
The City of Melbourne is set to grant a planning permit for a modest extension to a heritage home in Parkville, with officers recommending approval following strong support from the local community.
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Police Association rooftop bar gets green light for 2am trading
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has overturned a City of Melbourne decision to restrict the operating hours of the Victorian Police Association’s new rooftop venue in Jolimont, granting approval for it to trade until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.
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