These candidates are fighting it out in Victoria’s key seats.

Battleground Victoria:Why these candidates may hold the key to the federal election result

The major parties are facing a fight for heartland seats,while challengers are ready to reverse the teal tsunami of the previous election. This is where the fiercest battles will be fought.

  • Sophie Aubrey,Adam Carey,Rachael Dexter,Cara Waters,Lachlan Abbott,Benjamin Preiss,Clay Lucas andTom Cowie

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Benjamin Preiss during his firefighting experience.

The fiery training centre where CFA volunteers are put through the wringer

Ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a firefighter? An Age reporter geared up and faced the flames to find out.

  • Benjamin Preiss
Sue Younis on a viewing deck at Port Campbell.

‘Horrified’:The renewal project that obscured this coastal town’s best asset

Can’t see the water for the wood beneath the trees. A community in coastal Victoria vents its frustrations about blocked seaside views.

  • Benjamin Preiss
Ballan resident John Kowarsky.

This satellite town could double in size under plans for major development

Plans to dramatically expand this town west of Melbourne have sparked concerns from residents and environmentalists.

  • Benjamin Preiss
Winchelsea is booming.

How does a country town grow fivefold without losing its charm? The locals have an idea

It used to be a stopping place on the way to somewhere else,but this riverside town in Victoria’s south-west is growing so fast it’s threatening to swallow up surrounding farmland.

  • Benjamin Preiss
Australian King-Parrot. Busloads of tourists at Kennett River. Some tourists have been harassing wildlife and feeding them. The community is now trying to educate tourists about leaving them alone.

A Great Ocean Road hotspot pushes back against tourist hordes

Residents at a popular stop-off point have had enough of crowds and of wildlife being harassed. They want large buses banned,and the local council agrees.

  • Benjamin Preiss
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A leaked report from the local government inspector has criticised ex-Hepburn Shire CEO Aaron van Egmond for his management of The Rex redevelopment in Daylesford.

Leaked report blasts former Daylesford CEO for bungled redevelopment

The council watchdog’s refusal to release its report on Hepburn Shire has prompted calls for more transparency.

  • Benjamin Preiss andLachlan Abbott
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Lismore today.

As it happened:Trump-Turnbull row deepens;Politicians react to antisemitism ‘con-job’

Keep up to date on today’s top stories with the national news blog.

  • Josefine Ganko andBenjamin Preiss
Toni and Nick Sayers on the tree-lined street outside their Euroa home.

‘Greeted by concrete’:Town fights for trees as rail project steamrolls historic avenue

Residents of Euroa in northern Victoria say Anderson Street is their Champs-Elysees. Now they’re concerned a rail project will leave them with “kerb-to-kerb concrete”.

  • Benjamin Preiss
Bari Sulejman

‘Maggots in the fruit’:Orchards under attack as pest prevention funds shrink

Councils in the food bowl are calling for urgent reinstatement of government funding to protect some of Victoria’s most fertile orchards from fruit fly.

  • Benjamin Preiss