Bushfire detection technology has come a long way since CFA Commander Gavin Parker began his service with the organisation, working as a volunteer firefighter at the Neerim South Fire Brigade in 1976.

Parker told the Monitor back in those days firefighters would rely primarily on trained personnel in watchtowers to spot and call in dangerous fires.

Now, Australian firefighters have access to more tools, like roaming bushfire detecting aircraft and satellite imagery.

But Parker said the most significant advancement has been the rollout of AI cameras just south of Morwell, placed strategically on high vantage point weather masts at the Delburn Wind Farm.

Read the full story here.

The Victorian government will send two new outreach teams into Gippsland streets to connect rough sleepers with housing and healthcare, but homelessness services say a recent commitment of 100 new homes is nowhere near enough to meet the region's need.

More houses needed: The rate of people accessing homelessness services in Gippsland is more than double the national average, according to the Gippsland Homelessness Network.

The new policies aimed at combatting that range from collecting information on the services each individual experiencing homelessness requires to housing targets for housing more young people. 

Alongside this, the state government has also committed to the construction of 100 new homes in the region.

GHN Coordinator Chris McNamara told the Monitor the new policies will be a welcome addition to the region, which has some of the worst rates of rough sleepers in the country.

However, just shy of 600 people entered GHN’s entry points seeking housing in 2025-26, a figure that vastly overshadows the state’s new home contribution. McNamara was supportive of the announcements but described the commitment as “not enough”.

Still, she added the new housing and outreach workers will help the growing crisis and called on the Victorian Coalition to support the plan.

Read the full story here.

Bass Coast Shire councillors have unanimously voted to refuse a planning application for a 24-hour McDonald’s on Phillip Island, but acknowledged the decision could lead to a costly VCAT fight with the fast food company.

What happened: Since community submissions opened in April, the council has received 1,564 objections to the development of a McDonald’s at the corner of Thompson Avenue and Settlement Road in Cowes.

This led to councillors voting against their own officer’s advice during Wednesday’s council meeting, which had recommended that councillors grant the permit. 

Read the full story here.

From rollercoasters and twilight markets to sausage sizzles and a vibrant circus, there’s plenty on this month.

Check out the list here.

From folk festivals and Australian rock royalty to country singer-songwriters and high energy hip-hop, there are heaps of shows to choose from.

Check out the list here.

How could rising temperatures put Australia’s security in jeopardy?

My colleague Archie Milligan from the National Account made a video about whether the Australian government is doing enough to prepare the country for mass migration driven by climate change.

Take a look at his video below.