Morning PostMelbourne Saturday, 9 May 2026 • Issue #677 |
Shower or two today 🌅 Sunset 5:25 PM |
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Good morning! Victorian farmers are embracing alpacas in surprising numbers, Melbourne has a new Archibald winner, and Tuesday's federal budget promises to shake things up. Grab your brolly and settle in. — Nathan, Editor |
At a Glance 📰 Melbourne artist claims top portrait prize 📍 Free Guided Garden Walks + 4 more events 🍳 Recipe of the Week: Traditional Beef and Mushroom Pie 🕰️ On this day in 1901: The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall opened Australia's first federal... |
Today's Melbourne Richard Lewer has taken out this year's Archibald Prize with his work depicting Pitjantjatjara Elder and traditional healer Iluwanti Ken. The Melbourne-based artist beat a competitive field. via 9News MelbourneVictoria's education regulator has opened another investigation into Fitzroy Community School following troubling allegations. The elite alternative primary school is being re-examined by the watchdog. via ABC MelbourneAlpacas are popping up on Victorian properties in growing numbers. Their soft, padded feet cause less damage to land than traditional livestock, making them an appealing alternative for local farmers. via The Age🔒 paywall |
Around Australia Jim Chalmers expects fierce criticism when he unveils sweeping tax changes on Tuesday. The treasurer says he's comfortable with the inevitable political firestorm ahead. via ABC NewsKaty Gallagher calls Tuesday's budget her most challenging yet amid accusations Labor broke promises on negative gearing and capital gains changes. via The Guardian Australia |
Around the World |
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What’s On: Weekends Out 🌲 Tomorrow: Mother's Day — Second Sunday of May in Australia. Celebrate mums. Royal Botanic Gardens MelbourneEvery day except Mondays Expert-guided tours sharing plant and design stories through the gardens, perfect for a peaceful morning walk. Free 46 locations including Albert Park Lake, Princes Park, MaribyrnongEvery Saturday 8am Join thousands for a friendly 5km walk or run at 8am — all fitness levels welcome, no booking needed. Free Scienceworks, Spotswood21 Mar – 26 Jan 2027 Mind-bending colour exhibition plus Lightning Room and Planetarium — wonderful day out with the grandkids. 18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford1 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec Working farm 4km from the CBD — meet animals, explore heritage gardens, guided tours Fridays at 1:30pm. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne21 Apr – 30 Jun Watercolour and pencil classes with practising botanical artists — all skill levels from beginner to advanced welcome. Got an event to share? Let us know → |
Recipe of the Week Every Saturday we share a recipe worth trying. Traditional Beef and Mushroom PieServes 6 · 2 hours Nothing beats a homemade pie with flaky golden pastry and rich, savoury filling. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and can be made ahead for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. 800g beef chuck steak, diced, 2 tbsp plain flour, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large brown onion, diced, 300g button mushrooms, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, crushed, 1½ cups beef stock, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed, 1 egg, beaten, Salt and pepper to taste Method 1. Toss beef in flour with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot and brown beef in batches. Set aside. 2. In the same pot, sauté onion until soft, then add mushrooms and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture. 3. Return beef to pot with stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer covered for 1 hour until beef is tender. Let cool completely—this helps prevent soggy pastry. 4. Preheat oven to 200°C. Spoon filling into a pie dish and cover with puff pastry, trimming edges and crimping with a fork. 5. Cut a small steam vent in the centre, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and puffed. 6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving with mashed potatoes and peas for a proper Aussie dinner. |
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Daily Brainteaser 🧩 What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?Answer revealed at the bottom of today's edition. |
Daily Games 🧠 Today's Featured Game Trivia Australia · 7 questions · ~2 min What is the name of the Australian airline founded by Reg Ansett in 1936 that ceased operations in 2001? | A) Ansett Australia | | B) Trans Australia Airlines | | C) East-West Airlines | | D) Compass Airlines |
Yesterday: 🧠 97 played · 💡 88 played · ✏️ 86 played |
On This Day Anniversary of • The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall opened Australia's first federal parliament in Melbourne. (1901) • The Duke of York opened the provisional Parliament House in Canberra. (1927) • The Channel Islands were liberated from German occupation. (1945) • Robert Schuman proposed the European Coal and Steel Community. (1950) 🎂 Born on this day: British singer Depeche Mode Dave Gahan (1962), American singer-songwriter Billy Joel (1949), and Australian cricket fast bowler Geoff Lawson (1957). |
Brainteaser Answer
Short. When you add 'e' and 'r', it becomes 'shorter'. |
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One Last Smile  My superpower is finding the one shopping trolley that only turns left. Send this to a friend who’d laugh |
Founding Supporter — limited spots We’re capping the number of Founding Supporters. Your name goes on the wall, and you’ll always be part of how this started. Claim your spot$5/month or $50/year. |
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