News Archives

A Letter From the Editor

G'day to the wonderful readers of The Local Rag. The past twelve months has been a huge one for this publication. We have been able to tell more stories than ever before, all written by a growing array of great journalists all wanting to tell stories about regional Australia. We were able to do this…

5 May 2025ByBen Tyers

News Pubs

Sorrento’s Hotel Gets a Sky-High Upgrade with New Rooftop Bar

The iconic Hotel Sorrento is set to transform the Mornington Peninsula's dining scene with the launch of its stunning new rooftop bar and restaurant. Inspired by the glamorous rooftop scenes of Saint-Tropez, the new venue promises panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, blending contemporary design with the hotel's historic charm. Director Myles Pitt describes it…

14 December 2024ByJohn Taylor

Food & Drink News

Rewild Launches Eco-Friendly ‘Bagnum’

Australia's own Rewild, renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability, has introduced its latest innovation: the eco-conscious bagnum. Continuing to minimise its environmental impact while providing consumers with convenient options, Rewild's bagnum comes as a fresh addition to the market, featuring popular varietals such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz. Crafted by sustainability industry leader…

20 March 2024ByBen Tyers

Food & Drink News

Cape Byron Distillery Launches ‘Free Spirited’ Non-Alcoholic Premixes

Cape Byron Distillery, the renowned B Corp certified producer from Byron Bay, has unveiled its Brookie's Free Spirited range—two delicious non-alcoholic premixes poised to shake up the beverage scene. Inspired by their award-winning spirits and infused with the essence of the Byron Bay rainforest, Free Spirited offers a world-class cocktail experience without the alcohol. Choose…

18 February 2024ByBen Tyers

News Victoria

The Remote Victorian Town of Walhalla Will Feature in a New Hollywood Blockbuster

The isolated town of Walhalla in Victoria's Alpine region will be the backdrop for a new Hollywood film starring Liam Neeson when filming begins in January 2024. The film, a sequel to The Ice Road (2021), will feature the town of Walhalla, including landmarks such as the Star Hotel as it is made to look…

11 December 2023ByBen Tyers

News Victoria

V/Line Fares Are Now the Same as Metro

The Andrews Labor Government has announced the implementation of a regional fare cap to make public transport fares fair for Victorians. The move is aimed at transforming the way people travel across the state and ensuring families living in rural and regional Victoria can access essential services and visit loved ones. Minister for Public Transport…

31 March 2023ByThe Roustabout

News Pubs

The Historic Ky-West Hotel Has Burnt Down

The historic Ky-West Hotel near Kyabram and Tongala has burnt down this week. The family-run pub, and popular meeting place for the district's Irish residents burnt down after a suspicious fire started before midnight on Monday 21 March. CFA firefighters battled the blaze for more than two hours into Tuesday morning before the fire was…

22 March 2023ByBen Tyers

News

A Freight Train Has Derailed Near Inverleigh

A train has derailed near Inverleigh, Victoria on the Melbourne to Adelaide railway corridor west of Geelong. The incident occurred between Inverleigh and Gheringhap around 5:30am on Monday 14 November. Sixteen wagons derailed and are strewn across the tracks and the railway reserve. "There's at least 20 containers just everywhere and Inverleigh itself is pretty…

14 November 2022ByBen Tyers

News

Two New Railway Stations Open in Bendigo

It's been 68 years since a train has stopped at the Victoria railway station of Huntly, but as of last weekend that has been reset. Two new stations, Huntly and Raywood, have opened near Bendigo, giving residents the chance to catch trains from their local community rather than travelling to Bendigo station. “This is a…

18 July 2022ByBen Tyers

News

New Sites For Victoria’s Riverside Camping Scheme Have Been Announced

Update March 2022: Up to 50 more riverside camping sites will become available by the end of April this year, with the sites appearing on the DELWP website once they're suitable for camping. New sites can be accessed by foot from designated parking areas near the towns of Seymour, Tallarook, Murchison, and Molesworth. "Public land…

30 March 2022ByBen Tyers

News Property

Bendigo’s ‘Round House’ Is Up For Sale

If you've been to Bendigo sometime in the past 70 years, there's a good chance you've come across a very odd-looking building there. One that you might mistake for a UFO. Initially built in the 1950s as a service station by the Beaurepaire family, these days the building is home to a bakery. ALSO READ:…

11 February 2022ByBen Tyers

News

Regional Victoria Will Come Out Of Lockdown On September 9th

In news that will be extremely welcome, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that regional Victoria will emerge from lockdown at 11:59pm on Thursday 9th September. All of regional Victoria that is, except for Shepparton which is still in the grips of a serious outbreak. Authorise worker lists will no longer apply in regional Victoria which…

8 September 2021ByBen Tyers

News

Hobart’s Brunswick Hotel Evacuated As Fire Breaks Out

A historic hotel in Hobart, the Brunswick Hotel, has gone up in flames in the early hours of Monday morning. Night managers who lived on-site at the hotel woke to smoke and helped guests escape as flames took over. Brunswick Hotel manager, Darren Brown told ABC News he was "absolutely devastated" as the venue was…

12 July 2021ByBen Tyers