RSPCA Victoria has launched a new program to help victim-survivors of domestic and family violence keep their pets safe while fleeing unsafe situations. The SafePaws program provides practical support including emergency pet packs, access to emergency boarding, and veterinary care for animals that have been harmed or require rehabilitation due to domestic and family violence. For many victim-survivors, concern for a pet’s safety can be an overwhelming barrier, delaying their decision to leave unsafe situations. RSPCA Victoria’s senior manager education and community outreach, Dr Lauren Roberts, said the scale of the problem was significant. “We know people in domestic and…
Author: Sarah Halfpenny
THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD Mordialloc wheelchair tennis player, Sonny Rennison, is representing Australia at the inaugural BNP Paribas Junior World Team Cup in Knokke-Heist, Belgium – and he’s already made his mark, finishing runner-up in the singles competition before heading into the teams competition where they’re building momentum. The Junior World Team Cup is the wheelchair tennis equivalent of Davis Cup, considered one of the biggest team tournaments on tour. While the event has previously run alongside the senior competition, this year marks the first time it has been staged as a standalone tournament, designed to elevate the junior division internationally. Sonny, who…
COMMUNITY advocates say animals continue to suffer at a Moorooduc Hwy property in Mt Eliza, more than 12 months after peaceful protests began outside the site. The RSPCA, accompanied by police, returned to the property on 11 May and seized an injured horse and a dog – the second seizure operation at the address since September last year, when 35 horses were removed (RSPCA seizes 35 horses in major operation at Mt Eliza property, The Times 9/10/25). An RSPCA Victoria spokesperson confirmed the September seizure of 35 horses was part of an active investigation that remains ongoing, and that no…
THE Frankston Softball Association has taken home the Peter Norman Inclusion Award at the 2025 Victorian Sport Awards, presented by the Victorian Government and Vicsport on 13 May at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The award recognised the association’s partnership with Doable Australia, which created canteen volunteering opportunities for people with disability. Association president Terri Landt also works as Client Safeguards and Wellbeing Officer at Doable Australia, and said the idea had come to her ahead of an AGM. “Prior to the AGM I saw an opportunity for clients with NDIS supports to help run the canteen. Getting volunteers on a…
SAFETY concerns have been raised about traffic chaos near Aspendale train station since a level crossing closure linked to a major state government infrastructure project left local roads gridlocked during school drop-off and pick-up times. Station St was permanently closed at the level crossing on 30 April as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project’s works, with crews undertaking a three-week construction blitz to complete two new rail bridges at McDonald St, Mordialloc and Station St, Aspendale, and a new elevated Mordialloc Station. Ann-Marie Hermans MLC, Liberal Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region, contacted The News after visiting Aspendale near…