Whodunnit solved: Election sign-thrower unmasked as Kingston councillor

It turns out the identity of the sign-thrower wasn’t such a mystery to the good burghers of Melbourne’s south-east.

• October 22, 2024
• by Tom Cowie and Rachael Dexter

Going postal: Council ballot papers stolen in Australia Post van theft

There’s bad news for City of Monash voters who may have to cast their ballots again after an opportunistic thief made off with an Australia Post van.

• October 18, 2024
• by Rachael Dexter and Tom Cowie

‘Slum lord’ tag sticks like mould on Birkenstocks to Greens mayoral candidate

A Greens lord mayoral candidate campaigning as a renter has been outed as a former landlord with tenants who complained about an apartment filled with mould.

• October 16, 2024
• by Rachael Dexter and Tom Cowie

Ward games: The weird, wacky and wonderful world of council elections

Our collection of regular columns in the lead-up to voting closing on October 25, focusing on the colourful characters and unusual goings-on.

He loves beer and watching the footy, and wants your council vote

Yarra Ranges Shire candidate James Talbett knows how to capture the hearts and minds of voters – with a mullet, a mastiff-cross called Diesel and a no-nonsense pitch.

• October 14, 2024
• by Tom Cowie and Rachael Dexter

Sausage breakfast? Lord mayor debate an all-bloke affair

There were three notable absentees at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry event this week when six male lord mayor hopefuls took to the stage.

• October 10, 2024
• by Tom Cowie and Rachael Dexter

Caught on camera: Signs torn down and turfed in council poster wars

Who is the poster pirate caught ripping down election signs in Chelsea? Welcome to Ward Games, The Age’s coverage of the wacky world of Victoria’s local council elections.

• October 8, 2024
• by Tom Cowie and Rachael Dexter