Former Liberal prime minister John Howard lunched with Rampal Muthyala at The Australian Club on Thursday.

Victoria’s hot seats LIVE updates:Kooyong candidates pitch climate action to voters;ruling made on corflute signs

Join us over the next five weeks for an in-depth look at the candidates,hot-button issues,and a breakdown of the policies and campaign promises in four key electorates.

  • Clay Lucas,Cara Waters,Rachael Dexter andCharlotte Grieve

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Nicole Batch found the parking signs in Lonsdale St difficult to decipher.

More people are driving into the CBD – and parking fines are up

Changes to parking in the City of Melbourne aimed at simplifying the experience enabled the council to rake in an additional $5 million in parking fines last year.

  • Cara Waters
A stray cat ready for de-sexing at the Lost Dogs’ Home in North Melbourne.

City considers 24/7 cat curfew for Melbourne

The City of Melbourne is aiming to reduce the number of wildlife killed and pets lost or hurt on roads.

  • Cara Waters
Robbie Williams shows his appreciation to the crowd at the free surprise concert in Federation Square where he received the key to Melbourne.

Funding of free Robbie Williams concert under the spotlight

The lord mayor has declined to detail who funded the Fed Square event,at which the pop superstar was given the key to the city.

  • Cara Waters
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece with Robbie Williams to give him the key to the city at Federation Square.

Pop superstar Robbie Williams sparks council review over keys to the city honour

The British singer received the key to Melbourne before a crowd at Federation Square. But a donation to Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s election campaign and the late notice to councillors have raised questions.

  • Cara Waters
Sculptor Kenny Pittock at the City Gallery with his Dirty Dozen exhibition.

‘The Dirty Dozen’ street foods that define Melbourne’s history

Ceramic sculptures of pies,coffee and dim sims are among the street foods celebrated in a new exhibition at Town Hall. See what else made the list.

  • Cara Waters
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Lord Mayor Nick Reece pledged in his election campaign to provide 50,000 free swimming lessons and $2 pool entry.

Lord Mayor backflips on promise of 50,000 free swimming lessons and $2 swims

Lord Mayor Nick Reece is backing away from a pledge to provide 50,000 free swimming lessons and $2 swimming pool entry across the City of Melbourne’s pools.

  • Cara Waters
Luke Sayers emerges at the Grand Prix

‘Good to be back’:Luke Sayers starts his comeback at the grand prix

Former Carlton president Luke Sayers has made his first public appearance since he became embroiled in a social media scandal over the summer.

  • Stephen Brook andCara Waters
The Scots College in Bellevue Hill under construction.

Scots College’s multimillion-dollar ‘vanity’ castle to finally open

For years,CBD has dined out on the trials and tribulations of Scots College’s garish new student centre modelled on a Scottish baronial castle.

  • Kishor Napier-Raman,Stephen Brook andCara Waters
Stylist Alicia Marshall Chantel Mila Inbotson wearing Alin Le’kal,Zoe Creed wearing Alin Le’kal,Bonnie Anderson wearing Jason Grech and Alex Pike wearing Alin Le’kal getting ready for the Glamour on the Grid party.

Hot Pies become soggy Pies as rain falls on grand prix’s fashion parade

Large golf umbrellas and rain ponchos were the must-have accessories at the Glamour on the Grid party at Albert Park raceway on Wednesday.

  • Stephen Brook andCara Waters