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  • The OncFive: Top Oncology Articles for the Week of 12/21

    The OncFive: Top Oncology Articles for the Week of 12/21

    Welcome to OncLive®’s OncFive!

    Every week, we bring you a quick roundup of the 5 top stories from the world of oncology—ranging from pivotal regulatory decisions to key pipeline updates to expert insights on breakthroughs that are moving the needle in cancer care. This resource is designed to keep you informed on the latest updates in the space, in just a matter of minutes.

    Here’s what you may have missed this week:

    On December 22, 2025, FDA approved a subcutaneous formulation of mosunetuzumab (Lunsumio VELO) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma following 2 or more prior lines of systemic therapy.

    The regulatory decision was based on data from the phase 1/2 GO29781 trial, (NCT02500407), which showed that patients treated with the fixed-duration subcutaneous formulation achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 75% (95% CI, 64%-83%), including a complete response (CR) rate of 59% (95% CI, 48%-69%) and a median duration of response (DOR) of 22.4 months (95% CI, 16.8-22.8).

    The FDA awarded breakthrough therapy designation to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-DXd; Enhertu) for the post-neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer who have residual invasive disease in the breast and/or axillary lymph nodes following neoadjuvant treatment and who are at high risk of disease recurrence.

    The designation was supported by findings from the phase 3 DESTINY-Breast05 trial (NCT04622319). Data presented at the 2025 ESMO Congress and published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that patients treated with T-DXd (n = 818) experienced a 3-year invasive disease–free survival (IDFS) rate of 92.4% (95% CI, 89.7%-94.4%) vs 83.7% (95% CI, 80.2%-86.7%) among those who received ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1; Kadcyla; n = 817; HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.34-0.66; P < .0001).

    The combination of ceralasertib (AZD6738) and durvalumab (Imfinzi) failed to improve overall survival (OS) vs docetaxel in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without actionable genomic mutations who experienced disease progression on prior immunotherapy and platinum-based chemotherapy, missing the primary end point of the phase 3 LATIFY trial (NCT05450692).

    The combination regimen was generally well tolerated, and ceralasertib plus durvalumab displayed a safety profile consistent with the known toxicities of each agent. Data from LATIFY will be presented at a future medical meeting.

    The biparatopic HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate JSKN003 received FDA breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic, platinum-resistant, recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, or fallopian tube cancers with a HER2 expression of 1+, 2+, and 3+ by immunohistochemistry who have received prior treatment with bevacizumab (Avastin).

    Findings from a pooled analysis of the phase 1 JSKN003-101 (NCT05494918) and phase 1/2 JSKN003-102 (NCT05744427) clinical trials supported the regulatory decision, and the demonstrated that patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who received JSKN003 (n = 46) achieved an ORR of 63.0% (95% CI, 47.5%-76.8%), with a CR rate of 4.3% and a disease control rate of 93.5% (95% CI, 82.1%-98.6%). At a median follow-up of 9.3 months, the median progression-free survival was 7.7 months (95% CI, 5.7-9.7), and the 9-month OS rate was 89.9% (95% CI, 75.0%-96.1%).

    China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved pimicotinib (ABSK021) as a systemic treatment for adult patients with symptomatic tenosynovial giant cell tumor for whom surgical resection is expected to result in functional limitation or relatively severe morbidity.

    The approval was supported by data from the global phase 3 MANEUVER study (NCT05804045), which showed that patients treated with pimicotinib experienced an objective response rate (ORR) of 54.0% at week 25 per RECIST 1.1 criteria as assessed by a blinded independent review committee vs 3.2% for those given placebo (P < .0001).

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  • A smart nail platform for wireless subsoil health monitoring via unmanned aerial vehicle-assisted radio frequency interrogation

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  • Ontario college students ‘reeling’ in face of program cuts, layoffs

    Ontario college students ‘reeling’ in face of program cuts, layoffs

    Colleges across the province, including Sault College, have announced the suspension of dozens of programs in response to a lower federal cap on international students

    TORONTO — The tightening of Canada’s international student regime has had ripple effects across higher education, but Ontario college students fear they are set to hurt the most amid cancelled programs and service adjustments.

    Colleges across the province have announced the suspension of dozens of programs in response to a lower federal cap on international students, who usually pay high tuition fees that support college budgets.

    Ottawa recently announced it would issue even fewer international student visas next year, after it introduced the cap in 2024, citing a need to reduce Canada’s temporary population. The federal government said the Immigration Department will issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, down from 437,000 permits in 2025 and 485,000 in 2024.

    Toby Lew, the director of education and equity at the student association of George Brown Polytechnic, said students expect these changes to affect their academic experience.

    “Many students were reeling from the fact that some of the programs that were highly popular amongst international students, or were funded through international student funding, were getting cut,” he said, adding seven sought-after hospitality programs were recently cut.

    The shuttered programs include food and nutrition management, event planning and hotel operations management.

    Lew said domestic and international students are being affected by the cuts, which are a direct “reflection” of the federal government’s policy decision.

    “That was quite an interesting experience seeing how so many students are directly affected, domestic and international students, by the cap.”

    He said the students’ union is facing financial difficulties and has been adjusting its services, including its food support programs, to respond to lower enrolment at the college.

    “We have to really pivot our strategy in terms of what type of services and how we provide those services for our students, and also to maximize the usage of these services,” he said.

    “We are trying to work with the college to ensure that some of these services (are) continuously being funded by the school, because food insecurity is a serious issue that students experience and the college has a responsibility to ensure that students are getting proper access to nutritious and affordable food.”

    George Brown College did not respond to questions from The Canadian Press.

    Students at many of Ontario’s 24 public colleges already saw service disruptions this fall during a nearly five-week strike of full-time college support staff.

    On some days during the strike, in-person classes and activities were cancelled on campuses where striking staff held rallies, including at Mohawk College in Hamilton and St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont.

    Members of the union representing the 10,000 support staff ratified a new, three-year contract in November. The union said job security had been a critical concern amid campus closures, program cuts and layoffs in the college sector.

    As it advocated for federal and provincial investment this fall, Colleges Ontario, which represents the 24 schools, said some 600 programs have already been suspended, with more than 8,000 positions cut. The advocacy group did not respond to multiple requests for additional comment.

    The Ontario Public Service Employees Union, which represents Ontario college faculty and support staff, has called on the Ontario government to intervene after Conestoga College issued nearly 400 layoff notices last week.

    The union said the college is laying off 181 full-time faculty across campuses in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford and Guelph, and is also eliminating 197 support staff positions.

    “We’ve just lost over 20 per cent of our experienced, full-time faculty right before the holidays — and the chilling reality is that college leadership is restructuring the workforce to push precarity,” said Leopold Koff, president of the local OPSEU branch representing the workers.

    “It’s inhumane, it’s union-busting.”

    Conestoga did not respond to a request for comment this week.

    Jerry Thomas, president and CEO of the student union at Fanshawe College in London, Ont., said the college is cutting and restructuring some services, including closing the Office of the Ombuds due to budget constraints.

    He said the office was an important impartial body for students.

    “It would support a student through any of the concerns they have, academic or non-academic, and then they will guide the students through from start to end so that their (needs) are met,” said Thomas.

    “Fanshaw was one of the few colleges, or two colleges, in Ontario which had that on campus.”

    Thomas said there also have been cuts to mental health resources on campus in reducing the number of counsellors available, and the students’ union’s understanding is some 40 programs will have been suspended by next year.

    Kyle Rooks, a spokesman for Fanshawe, said there has been no reduction in student services despite the closure of the Office of the Ombuds, and Thomas’s assertion that less counselling is available.

    “Students still have access to ombuds-related services through our equity, diversity and inclusion office,” he said.

    “There were some structural changes made within counselling and accessibility services this fall to increase efficiency and reduce wait times, allowing more students to access the support they need.”

    Rooks confirmed the institution is taking “difficult but necessary steps,” including closing programs, to respond to a projected $70-million deficit over the next two years caused by declining international enrolment, stagnant provincial funding and rising operational costs.

    “Our priority remains on ensuring all currently enrolled students have the opportunity to complete their programs with the same quality of education and support they expected when they chose to study at Fanshawe,” he said.

    For Thomas, the looming cuts associated with the international student cap seemed to have been “shadowed” this year by the support workers’ strike.

    He is concerned about what the future will hold, he said.

    “There has been a lot of changes, but those impacts would be seen from next year onwards.”

    The Canadian Press

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  • Want a new job? Here’s how to upskill or reskill for free in 2026

    Want a new job? Here’s how to upskill or reskill for free in 2026

    Analysis: There are hundreds of free courses available to help you improve your skills and job prospects in the coming months

    What do you want to improve your skills and job prospects in 2026? Are you poised to take advantage of this new world of work? Have you protected yourself from AI taking your Job? Do you want to upskill or reskill to allow you to take another step on the career ladder?

    It’s never too late to develop your skills, whether you’re employed or unemployed. Regardless of your level of education, there are numerous opportunities for you to take advantage of in the coming months and most of them are free. There are so many opportunities that it can be a little overwhelming so we’ve put together a simple step by step approach to help you find the right course.

    We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences

    From RTÉ Radio 1’s Drivetime, should we be concerned about Generation Z’s lack of practical skills?

    First question – why do you want to upskill or reskill?

    Do you want to use it as a platform for promotion, or as a way to formalise your experience and become an attractive candidate for other roles elsewhere? A note of caution; It’s important that you’re doing this for yourself and your own development. In a dynamic, ever-changing work world, we need to adopt a lifelong learner mindset and be committed to engaging in upskilling to keep pace with developments and make ourselves as employable and useful as possible.

    What skills do you want to develop?

    Forbes identified the most in-demand skills for the next 10 years. Digital and data literacy are high on the list, with creativity, curiosity and leadership skills not far behind. In Ireland, Solas published their National Skills Bulletin which found that business and administration knowledge (eg project management, customer service and quality standards) was the most frequently requested skill in 2022, followed by ICT skills and personal skills and development, such as teamwork, communication and assertiveness.

    How much time can you give to this course?

    It’s important that you are honest with yourself in terms of how much time you can give to this course. Do you want to dip your toe in the water first with a short course? Or are you able to take on a longer, more detailed course? Be realistic!

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    From RTÉ Radio 1’s This Week in 2020, John Burke takes a look at significant skills shortages across the construction sector and how this will impact political promises to build more houses

    How do you prefer to learn?

    Are you someone who prefers face-to-face classes and interaction with other humans, or do you prefer the self-led online approach? Take an informal 20 question quiz to identify your own learning style first.

    Do you want a higher education qualification?

    The Springboard+ programme offers free and subsidised college courses at certificate, degree and master’s level. These courses lead to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy. There are also courses in skills-focused programmes designed to meet priority skills needs.

    Where can I find out more about my options?

    This Government website divides skills and retraining courses into a number of categories including free training for employees, PLC courses etc.

    Digital and data literacy are high on the list of the most in-demand skills, with creativity, curiosity and leadership skills not far behind

    Skills Connect is a series of free training and upskilling courses which can include work placements to support you if you’ve lost your job. You can learn new or extra skills that will help you get a new job in the same industry, or find a new role in a new industry.You can apply directly to the Skillnet business network that is delivering the course you’re interested in.

    The Back to Education Initiative provides part-time education programmes for young people and adults. It gives participants an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. eCollege is a Government-funded online training facility which has a range of online learning courses available any time. Skills to Compete offers free reskilling and retraining courses which courses focus on improving your employability and ability to compete for jobs.

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    From RTÉ 2fm’s Dave Fanning Show, Sinéad English from career consultancy Hilt on the green jobs available for those who want to upskill

    Skills to Advance gives subsidised upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees in jobs undergoing change, and to people employed in vulnerable sectors. It aims to give you the skills to progress in your current job, or to take advantage of new job opportunities. The programmes are free, 35 hours in duration and designed in a flexible way.

    There are also a range of short courses available for those who want to upskill in the area of retrofitting, also known as nearly-zero energy building (NZEB). If you’re already a construction worker, courses can be between one and four days. If you have limited construction experience, there are longer courses of three weeks available. Many existing further education courses have been updated to include green skills modules.

    Follow RTÉ Brainstorm on WhatsApp and Instagram for more stories and updates

    The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ


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  • Assessing SRTM one Arc second DEM accuracy for small dam volume-elevation curves using terrain metrics

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  • Victorian beach houses find new floor despite land tax forcing sales

    Victorian beach houses find new floor despite land tax forcing sales

    208 Bass Meadows Boulevard, St Andrews Beach.

    Victorians’ love for a holiday near the beach hasn’t diminished, even if how much we want to spend on it has.

    Ray White research has ­revealed Victoria is home to four of the nation’s top 10 premium holiday home markets.

    The research shows the stretch of the Great Ocean Road from Lorne to Anglesea commands the highest median price in the state at $1.57m, yet records modest 3.8 per cent ­annual growth.

    And towns near the tip of the Mornington Peninsula follow at $1.31m with identical 3.8 per cent growth.

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    And towns near the tip of the Mornington Peninsula follow at $1.31m with identical 3.8 per cent growth.

    Phillip Island and Otway (which includes Apollo Bay, Forrest and Lavers Hill), were among the areas with the ­biggest proportion of holiday homes.

    But the sector was in a state of flux after changes to the state’s land tax regime dramatically raised the cost of holding a coastal weekender.

    Ray White head of research Vanessa Rader said the recent regulatory changes had also ­altered investment calculations for people who rented out their holiday homes.

    “Victoria’s 7.5 per cent levy on short-stay platform revenue affects four locations in the analysis, while various councils implement rates surcharges for Airbnb properties,” Ms Rader said.

    The beach home at 174 Griffiths St, Port Fairy, stands out from the crowd a step closer to the sand.

    “These measures respond to housing affordability pressures but reduce rental income potential for holiday home investors.”

    The land tax issue is vexing for holiday home owners. Many have chosen to sell, while others turned to short-term holiday rentals to cover the additional costs.

    But agents are reporting a recovery in the market, as new buyers see value.

    Crowders Real Estate agent Sam Crowder said the Peninsula market was coming off a “low base”, having been heavily impacted by the rise in taxes and charges.

    “The market has declined because of certain taxes and charges but, at the same time, it’s a very good time for people to enter the Peninsula,” Mr Crowder said. “People have suddenly seen the Peninsula represents a level of value. We’re definitely seeing an impetus of people looking back to the Peninsula for holiday and certainly permanency is there.”

    Lax tax is a vexing issue for holiday home owners in Victoria.

    Permanent occupiers now represented about 65 per cent of ­buyers, Mr Crowder said, many looking to downsize.

    But he said housing supply was down 20 per cent compared with recent highs. The price point up to $1m was the most in demand through areas such as Rye and Tootgarook, rising to $1.5m to $2m at Blairgowrie and Sorrento.

    “Once you go above these levels, the action is less,” Mr Crowder said.

    “With holiday investments, people are leveraging against their assets in the city. Some people have got endless amounts of money, but more of us have a tighter budget.”

    Bellarine Property agent Peta Walter said traditional weekender hot spots, such as Barwon Heads, were attracting more permanent residents from the city, given the ability to work from home part time.

    “You’ve got a bit more work-life balance,” she said. “People seem to think the commute back to the city is quite good from Barwon Heads, too, even if it is a weekender or a holiday house.”

    For sale: 1 The Avenue, Ocean Grove

    Victoria’s most expensive coastline stretches from the Mornington Peninsula to Lorne, with median house prices stretching from about $1.2m in Torquay, $1.6m in Lorne and Sorrento and $4m in Portsea.

    But the further you drive, the relatively cheaper beach homes become, with median house prices around $850,000 in Apollo Bay and Phillip ­Island towns.

    Great Ocean Road Real ­Estate Apollo Bay agent Darren Brimacombe said the level of interest in properties slowed down above $1m.

    “I think it’s just the way the economy is, people aren’t stepping up to the next level unless they’re at the very top end, whereour Lorne-to-Anglesea market is quite strong,” he said.

    But Mr Brimacombe said the newly opened West Gate Tunnel could ease the pain of getting to holiday homes in southwest Victoria at least.

    “We’re expecting the market to pick up once the road opens because we’ve really struggled with that Westgate clog over the last five to seven years. It’s had a massive impact,” he said.

    “You’re either getting clogged up for a good 40 minutes trying to get out, or you’re coming back late on Sunday.”

    Ninety Mile Beach is the furthest from the city, yet Sale agent Mark Elliman said Melbourne families still provided the biggest market in hamlets such as Seaspray, The Honeysuckles, Golden Beach and Paradise Beach.

    With Samantha Healy, Nicole Mayne

    307 Hanlon Parade, Portland

    $810,000

    Boyd Falconer, A1 Real Estate Solutions

    For sale: 307 Hanlon Parade, Portland.

    At 307 Hanlon Parade, Portland, this double‑storey three‑bedroom home on a generous block offers uninterrupted sea views from both levels. An elevated outlook to the beach and walking tracks sits directly across the road. Inside, the main bedroom has a brand‑new ensuite, with additional living spaces ready for updating. A self‑contained rear unit provides flexibility and potential with refurbishment. Outdoor space includes a double garage with rear yard access for boat or caravan parking, room for entertaining, and a veggie patch. About 2.3km from the CBD, it blends convenience with coastal amenity.

    49 Fergusons Rd, Allestree

    $425,000

    Boyd Falconer, A1 Real Estate Solutions

    Beach frontage: 49 Fergusons Rd, Allestree

    At 49 Fergusons Road, Allestree, this waterfront home places the ocean metres from the front door. An elevated kitchen and open‑plan living capture uninterrupted sea views, with large front windows drawing natural light. A balcony extends the outlook for relaxed brunch or evening drinks. The layout includes two bedrooms and a combined bathroom/laundry, with extra storage beneath the house. About 8.5km from Portland CBD, the 587sqm block provides scope to extend or redesign for a low‑maintenance coastal retreat or investment.

    174 Griffiths St, Port Fairy

    $3.7m-$3.9m

    Penny Adamson, Charles Stewart Warrnambool

    174 Griffiths St, Port Fairy.

    Port Fairy’s classic beach house at 174 Griffiths St sits forward on East Beach with a dune‑front position. Mid‑century design pairs with contemporary comfort: polished hardwood floors, soft white finishes, and double‑glazed windows framing beach views. Sunlit open‑plan living links a retro kitchen, a wood heater, and split‑system airconditioner. The living area opens to a sheltered deck, lawn, and direct beach access. Three bedrooms include two with ocean views; the main opens to the timber deck. A study sits beside the living area, and two renovated bathrooms feature neutral tones.

    5 Old Great Ocean Rd, Port Campbell

    $759,000-$834,000

    Gerard Delaney, Ray White Timboon

    For sale: 5 Old Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell.

    At 5 Old Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell, this two‑bedroom cottage on an 824sqm front‑row allotment has bay and ocean views across Port Campbell Bay to 2 Mile Beach. A 270‑degree wraparound deck links sun‑filled open‑plan living to the outdoors. Inside are polished hardwood floors, reverse‑cycle heating and cooling, a bathroom with shower over tub, and a European laundry. Both bedrooms have robes and sliding doors to the deck. About 200 metres to the beach and 10 minutes to the 12 Apostles, the block provides storage, a secure backyard and potential for a shed or pool (STCA).

    1/33 Cawood St, Apollo Bay

    $650,000-$700,000

    Darren Brimacombe, Great Ocean Road Real Estate, Apollo Bay

    1/33 Cawood St, Apollo Bay.

    The 1965 two-bedroom fibro cottage sits 460 metres from the beach at 1/33 Cawood St, Apollo Bay. Held by one family, it retains coastal character with open‑plan living, a compact kitchenette and a central bathroom. Solar panels and solar hot water support low‑maintenance living. The address places cafés, restaurants and hotels within a short walk. Operated as an Airbnb, it offers scope as a retreat, investment or permanent base. Set near the Otway National Park, it’s a simple way to enjoy swimming, surfing and beach walks.

    14 Mitchell Grove, Separation Creek

    $4m-$4.2m

    Marty Maher, Great Ocean Road Properties

    14 Mitchell Grove, Separation Creek, is on the market for $4m to $4.2m.

    Perched above Separation Creek, the Crosier Scott Architects design built by its master‑builder owner, with more than 1000 tonnes of concrete anchoring sculptural forms to the site at 14 Mitchell Grove. Concrete, Corten steel, Colorbond and Alucobond define a low‑maintenance exterior; inside, burnished concrete floors, solid timber and finely detailed joinery set a calm tone. Hydronic in‑slab heating, premium appliances, integrated technology and a 600‑bottle climate‑controlled wine cellar support daily living. Vast glazing frames coastal and hinterland outlooks. The home won HIA Australian Home of the Year 2024, among multiple accolades.

    140 Smith Street, Lorne

    $3.7m-$3.9m

    Ian Stewart, Great Ocean Road Real Estate, Lorne

    140 Smith St, Lorne, is listed for sale.

    At 140 Smith St, Lorne, the two‑storey, north‑facing home takes in ocean outlooks across Louttit Bay to Aireys Inlet. Renovated in 2020, the upper entry level places the main bedroom with a walk‑in robe and ensuite alongside the open kitchen, living and dining, plus a billiard room with a bar and wood heater. Downstairs offers four bedrooms, a bunkroom and two bathrooms. Timber floors, stone benchtops, multiple fireplaces, Nobo heaters in all bedrooms and split‑system heating/cooling feature throughout. Expanses of glass open to a sunlit deck. A paved driveway, double carport, storage and established gardens complete the setting.

    225 Jarosite Rd, Bells Beach

    $5.25m-$5.5m.

    Shaun O’Callaghan, Natural Real Estate Torquay

    225 Jarosite Rd, Bells Beach, is on the market for $5.25m to $5.5m.

    A secluded Bells Beach hideaway on a 4.13ha property at 225 Jarosite Rd features a three-bedroom 1990s house with a surf‑check tower, an elevated viewing room and ocean outlooks from the main bedroom and ensuite spa. Established by surf and skate identities, it includes a skate ramp, teepee, a self‑contained studio and a natural amphitheatre that has hosted small concerts. High timber ceilings, extensive glazing and wraparound decks connect open‑plan living to the bush, where kangaroos graze. A large shed adds a games room and gym, with scope to infill under the house.

    19 Bridge Rd, Barwon Heads

    $1.35m-$1.45m

    Peta Walter, Bellarine Property Barwon Heads

    For sale: 19 Bridge Rd, Barwon Heads

    A renovated 1950s beach house delivers inner‑village convenience metres from the river, shops, golf course and cafés at 19 Bridge Rd, Barwon Heads. Original Baltic pine floors, timber windows and an open‑plan layout anchor three double bedrooms, two bathrooms and two decks. The kitchen features stone benchtops, a Bosch oven, induction cooktop and Miele dishwasher, with a servery to a private barbecue deck and gardens. Comforts include ducted heating, reverse‑cycle air‑conditioning, a north‑facing deck, outdoor shower, and a laundry. A single carport plus extra off‑street parking sit behind a fully fenced yard.

    1 The Avenue, Ocean Grove

    $3.2m-$3.5m

    Levi Turner, Bellarine Property Barwon Heads

    For sale: 1 The Avenue, Ocean Grove

    This brand-new three-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers river, Bluff and Spit views from expansive glazing and outdoor terraces at 1 The Avenue, Ocean Grove. A stone kitchen with Taj Mahal quartzite, Miele appliances and a butler’s pantry anchors two living zones, linked by a sculptural staircase and internal lift. The main suite has river outlooks, walk-in robe and ensuite. Engineered oak flooring, New Zealand wool carpet and an in-built ADF Linea 100 fireplace add comfort. Ducted climate control, solar with Tesla battery, landscaped gardens and an oversized garage round out coastal convenience.

    3 Lawrence Road, Point Lonsdale

    $950,000

    Skye Patel, Kerleys Coastal, Point Lonsdale

    3 Lawrence Rd, Point Lonsdale

    This 1960s beachside home sits 350m from Springs Beach and an easy walk to the shopping village at 3 Lawrence Rd, Point Lonsdale.

    The retro beach house on a 634sq m block offers scope to renovate, extend or redevelop. Preserved hardwood floors and clean lines frame light‑filled living and dining with a northern garden aspect. The layout includes three bedrooms, a bathroom and laundry. A generous backyard with access on both sides suits play, barbecues and future plans, in a well‑located pocket of Point Lonsdale.

    291 The Esplanade, Indented Head

    $1,650,000-$1,800,000

    Lee Martin, Bellarine Property

    For sale: 291 The Esplanade, Indented Head

    Set on the high side of The Esplanade, this quintessential bay beach home fronts Half Moon Bay with views to the Melbourne skyline. On 851sq m at 291 The Esplanade, Indented Head, the two‑storey, three‑bedroom beach house offers scope to renovate or rebuild. Open‑plan living with hardwood floors connects to an elevated deck. The main bedroom takes in a coastal aspect; all bedrooms are robed. There’s a four‑vehicle carport, caravan bay and ample off‑street parking. From the doorstep it’s a short walk to the calm bay beach, waterside tracks, yacht and boat clubs, the general store, and Portarlington’s services and Docklands ferry.

    17 Boroondara Rd, Sorrento

    $4.95m

    Rob Curtain, Sotheby’s International Realty

    The five-bedroom house at 17 Boroondara Rd, Sorrento, has been listed for sale.

    At 17 Boroondara Road, Sorrento, ‘Amagansett’ by de Campo Architects sits in a quiet cul-de-sac opposite Sorrento Park, a short walk to the front beach and village. An articulated cedar facade leads to a guest suite and garaging, then a landscaped courtyard with pool and multiple entertaining zones. Full‑height pivot doors link the kitchen, with an oak island bench and built‑in BBQ, to a sheltered alfresco with open fireplace. The main lounge and primary suite overlook the northern pool courtyard. Below, three bedrooms, a second lounge to the rear lawn, two bathrooms and a fitted laundry complete family amenity.

    208 Bass Meadows Boulevard, St Andrews Beach

    $2.9m-$3.1m

    Liza Milchman, Milchman Real Estate

    208 Bass Meadows Boulevard, St Andrews Beach

    At 208 Bass Meadows Boulevard, St Andrews Beach, this two‑level, ocean‑facing home on 1549sqm offers broad coastal views about 200 metres from the shore. It has four bedrooms, including three in the main house and a downstairs bedroom with separate entrance, plus two bathrooms and three toilets. Living spaces connect to a tiered back deck and a heated 5x10m concrete pool. Comforts include reverse‑cycle heating and cooling, polished boards and a Coonara fireplace. There is substantial outdoor and under‑house storage. The property is being sold fully furnished, with sunset outlooks and the sound of the ocean a nightly feature.

    61 Constantine Ave, St Andrews Beach

    $3.7m-$3.9m

    Liza Milchman, Milchman Real Estate

    61 Constantine Ave, St Andrews Beach.

    At 61 Constantine Avenue, St Andrews Beach, this coastal home frames ocean outlooks to Cape Schanck, Boag Rocks and Arthurs Seat. Across two levels are five bedrooms, four bathrooms and three living areas, with a main kitchen upstairs and a kitchenette downstairs. Integrated appliances, a games/gym or home office zone, a European laundry plus a separate laundry, and two heating units support easy living. Comforts include evaporative cooling, new double‑glazed Low‑E windows and two instantaneous hot water units. Front and rear balconies capture sunrise and sunset. The 1326sq m block rounds out a substantial beachside holding.

    12 Keith St, Tootgarook

    $1,025,000-$1,125,000

    Sam Crowder 0403893724

    Steps from the shore, this updated 1950s home at 12 Keith Street, Tootgarook sits about 150 metres from the beach on approximately 982sqm. Natural timber floors and soft coastal tones lead to a well‑appointed kitchen with stone benchtops, a dual integrated fridge/freezer and Westinghouse appliances. Three bedrooms are served by a bright central bathroom, with an outdoor hot/cold shower for post‑swim rinses. A separate rear studio suits guests, a creative workspace or a home office. Walk to The Kitchen in Tootgarook, with golf courses, hot thermal springs, St Andrews Beach Brewery and the Tootgarook Wetlands a short drive away.

    629 Settlement Rd, Cowes

    $1.0m-$1.1m

    Michael McLeod, First National Phillip Island

    The three-bedroom house at 621 Settlement Rd, Cowes is on the market.

    At 629 Settlement Road, Cowes, this sustainably built home pairs north-facing living and foreshore outlooks with direct access to the Red Rocks nine‑hole golf course. High ceilings, warm timber flooring and an open‑plan hub connect to indoor – outdoor entertaining. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms include a versatile self‑contained wing with a kitchenette, suited to a parents’ retreat or guest stay. Hemp‑based handmade materials enhance insulation and comfort. A gentle foreshore walk leads to a protected north‑facing beach, with Red Rocks Beach close by. The sizeable allotment offers scope for extra garaging, boat or caravan storage.

    4/2 The Esplanade, Ventnor

    $1.85m

    Greg Price, Alex Scott & Staff Cowes

    For sale: 4/2 The Esplanade, Ventnor

    At 4/2 The Esplanade, Ventnor, a Peter Crone‑designed, award‑recognised residence spans two levels with uninterrupted Western Port Bay views. Ground floor Tasmanian oak floors lead past three bedrooms and a central bathroom to a study and a master suite with walk‑in robe, ensuite and bay outlooks. Upstairs, a versatile fourth bedroom or second living opens to a private balcony. Full‑height glazing frames an open‑plan kitchen, dining and living domain that extends to a wide entertainer’s balcony. The kitchen features stone benchtops, Miele appliances and generous pantry storage. Rear lane access adds a double garage and boat/caravan parking.

    32 Forrest Ave, Newhaven

    $2m-$2.2m

    Greg Price, Alex Scott and Staff

    For sale: 32 Forrest Ave, Newhaven.

    At 32 Forrest Avenue, Newhaven, a level front‑row allotment faces Western Port Bay and the marina. Open‑plan living draws the water outlook in via large bay windows, alongside a timber kitchen with marble benchtops. The main bedroom offers bay views, a walk‑in robe and ensuite, with three additional bedrooms including built‑ins, a second bathroom and a powder room. A study nook adjoins a games room as a third living zone, while a spa room opens to a light‑filled alfresco area. Secure entry from the main garage and a large shed/workshop add storage and utility.

    48 Wareeny Rd, Walkerville South

    $3.1m-$3.41m

    Jason Hellyer, Ray White Rural

    48 Wareeny Rd, Walkerville South

    Cape House sits on 3.32ha with elevated views over Cape Liptrap National Park, Bass Strait and Morgans Beach at 48 Wareeny Road, Walkerville South. Designed by Hayne Wadley Architects, the main residence has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and open‑plan living with floor‑to‑ceiling glazing. A designer kitchen features an AEG oven, induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel appliances. A self‑contained guest house adds a mezzanine, bathroom, kitchenette, private deck and outdoor hot tub. Infrastructure includes a 3‑vehicle carport, a shed with helicopter enclosure, six water tanks totalling about 117,500 litres, CFA‑compliant fittings, landscaped observation decks and direct beach access.

    15-17 Toorak Ave, Loch Sport

    $620,000

    Renee Potts, CShells Real Estate

    15-17 Toorak Ave, Loch Sport.

    Set across two blocks on Lake Victoria, 15-17 Toorak Ave offers a waterfront home with upper‑level open‑plan living, repurposed floorboards and timber beams. The main bedroom and a second with built‑ins take in lake views; a renovated kitchen with gas cooking and dishwasher pairs with a bathroom featuring a walk‑in shower and separate toilet. Original wood heating and gas lights remain. A full‑width deck includes an undercover north‑facing section. Downstairs is self‑contained with open‑plan living, an oversized bedroom and a combined bathroom/laundry. A garage with 3‑metre clearance, wraparound driveway and rear carport suit boats, caravans and outdoor living.

    73 McLachlan St, The Honeysuckles

    $690,000

    Mark Elliman, John Elliman Real Estate

    73 McLachlan St, The Honeysuckles. Picture: Open2View Gippsland

    Directly opposite Ninety Mile Beach, 73 McLachlan Street offers a distinctive two‑storey, boat‑inspired home. The ground level features open‑plan lounge and dining with reverse‑cycle split‑system, a north‑facing sunroom, a kitchen with butler’s pantry/laundry, two robed bedrooms, and a central bathroom with glass vanity, set on polished Victorian ash floors. Upstairs, the main bedroom includes a walk‑in robe, ensuite and a private balcony with foreshore views; new carpet was added in April 2024. Outside, an enclosed deck, carport, workshop, studio, storage shed, eight solar panels, water tanks and established gardens complete the block.

    145 Seventh Ave, Paradise Beach

    $980,000

    Mark Elliman, John Elliman Real Estate

    145 Seventh Ave, Paradise Beach. Picture: Open2View Gippsland

    On a 2000sq m foreshore allotment at 145 Seventh Ave, Paradise Beach, this renovated coastal home backs directly onto Ninety Mile Beach. James Hardie cladding and double‑glazed windows anchor a light‑filled plan with floor‑to‑ceiling glazing, split‑system heating/cooling and a Coonara Settler C600. The kitchen features Smeg appliances and Italian Calacatta marble; bathrooms carry quality finishes. Three bedrooms include a main suite with a custom walk‑in wardrobe with a SkyVent and an ensuite with a picture window. Outside, timber decking and secure yards sit alongside an eight‑car garage, hoist‑ready slab and a separate third bathroom/laundry, plus a backup generator.

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  • Christmas is over. Here’s what to do with your holiday trash

    Christmas is over. Here’s what to do with your holiday trash


    Household waste increases 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years — according to the Environmental Protection Agency.


    Dan Hoornweg, an energy engineering professor at Ontario Tech University, said people should check with their local recycling policies when sorting through holiday trash. Rules vary by municipality, including what belongs in recycling bins and what should go in the trash.


    Hoornweg cautioned residents to pay close attention to what they are throwing away.


    “A lot of people get engaged at Christmas and a couple of times we’ve had to try and find a diamond ring,” Hoornweg said. “Which really is a needle in a haystack in the garbage.”


    Here’s some general rules:


    Gift packaging


    Hoornweg said cardboard is a major source of holiday waste, built up largely by orders from big box stores.


    “The more people can squash them down and put them out either in separate bins or separately tied up, the better,” he said.


    That cardboard can include gift boxes and empty paper tubes of wrapping paper.


    While some wrapping paper may be recyclable, multilaminate material like paper coated in metallics, wax or glitter can’t be recycled. Neither can styrofoam.


    For information on recycling in Indianapolis go here.


    Christmas trees


    Marion County residents can dispose of real Christmas trees through Wednesday at several locations. Gerald Gorman, assistant superintendent of waste reduction in Boston’s Public Works Department, said trees can be chipped up and reused as mulch for gardening in the spring.


    “They need to be completely free of ornaments, plastic bags, Christmas tree bases, all that type of thing,” Gorman said.


    Most items removed from trees should not go in recycling bins, he said.


    “You can imagine Christmas tree lights getting wrapped around a conveyor belt and jamming the conveyor belt up,” Gorman said. “Other things not belonging in there may cross contaminate with good recycling material.”


    Food waste


    In many municipalities, food waste can be composted. Americans throw away 30-40% of the food supply.


    Hoornweg says it’s best to be proactive in addressing food waste.


    “Typically as much as possible, it’s avoiding the waste in the first place,” Hoornweg said. “So buying a 12 pound turkey instead of 20, if that’s all you need, if you’re just going to throw out the rest.”


    WFYI contributed to this story

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  • AT&T bringing faster Wi-Fi to residents near Texas Motor Speedway

    AT&T bringing faster Wi-Fi to residents near Texas Motor Speedway

    by Scott Nishimura, Fort Worth Report
    December 27, 2025

    AT&T plans to install a communications tower in an industrial complex between Texas Motor Speedway and Blue Mound Road in Denton County, to provide improved high-speed wireless broadband access to the nearby communities.

    AT&T is entering into partnership with Public Safety Towers Co., or PSTC, on the project at 12799 Private Road 4716. PSTC builds and manages wireless communications towers in partnership with commercial carriers to close coverage gaps and improve public safety communications.

    The Denton County tower was designed to be 105 feet tall, which would have required a zoning variance to be issued by the Fort Worth Board of Adjustment due to regulations that limit tower height to 75 feet in that area.

    AT&T and PSTC formally applied for the zoning variance, which was to be reviewed at a Nov. 19 board of adjustment meeting, but was postponed at the applicant’s request.

    The variance was scheduled to be reviewed at the board of adjustment‘s Dec. 17 meeting, but was withdrawn by the applicants, who informed city staff at that time of their intention to redesign the tower to comply with the 75-foot height restriction.

    Fort Worth Board of Adjustment Meeting

    Documenter name: Doug Wilhelm

    Date: Dec. 17

    See more about this meeting at documenters.org.

    In other business at their Dec. 17 meeting, the board of adjustment approved a 50-foot high freeway sign with electronic changeable copy for a RaceTrac gas station under construction at 9600 South Freeway in Fort Worth; approved three 30-foot monument signs on the Northwest Campus of Tarrant County College; and rejected a request by HomeGoods/HomeSense to add a fourth sign cluster to their Distribution Center at 8201 Oak Grove Road.

    Doug Wilhelm is a member of the Fort Worth Report’s Documenters Crew. 

    If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at with news@fortworthreport.org “Correction Request” in the subject line.

    This <a target=”_blank” href=”https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/27/att-bringing-faster-wi-fi-to-residents-near-texas-motor-speedway/”>article</a> first appeared on <a target=”_blank” href=”https://fortworthreport.org”>Fort Worth Report</a> and is republished here under a <a target=”_blank” href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/”>Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.<img src=”https://i0.wp.com/fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-favicon.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=80&amp;ssl=1″ style=”width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;”>

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  • South East rail users hit by change to peak time ticketing

    South East rail users hit by change to peak time ticketing

    Getty Images A person scans their smartwatch on a train gate. Getty Images

    Contactless changes were expanded to 30 more train stations in December

    The expansion of contactless payments on trains has caused the price of travelling on some services to soar as they now require more expensive peak time tickets.

    The change allows people to pay by tapping a bank card or contactless-enabled device on readers at stations, avoiding the need to manually purchase a ticket.

    But Rebecca Paul, Conservative MP for Reigate, said the new rules – introduced to 30 more stations in the South East on 14 December – risked “pricing passengers out of rail altogether”.

    Train operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) said the changes meant many passengers would save money and insisted the process was not designed to increase revenue.

    The introduction of contactless payments to 30 more stations in south-east England forms part of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Project Oval.

    However, changes to paper ticketing time restrictions to align with Transport for London’s contactless structure have meant some services that could previously be used with an off-peak ticket now require a more expensive peak ticket.

    ‘Ridiculous’

    The first weekday London-bound Southern service from Reigate, Surrey, that can be boarded with an off-peak day travelcard ticket now departs at 09:28, compared with 08:58 previously.

    But when the 08:58 train calls at Redhill just five minutes later, passengers are still able to board it with an off-peak ticket.

    A day travelcard that can be used at any time from the stations costs £37.10 whereas an off-peak is £20.60.

    There are also new restrictions on travel between 16:00 and 19:00.

    One member of the Reigate, Redhill and District Rail Users’ Association described the situation as “ridiculous” and said he would cycle to Redhill to save money.

    Getty Images A train on some tracks. Getty Images

    The Department for Transport has defended the changes

    Meanwhile, Paul said a number of residents were “understandably frustrated” by the contactless expansion.

    The MP added: “This change should make rail travel easier, not more expensive or confusing.”

    The contactless rollout has also led to the cheapest super off-peak tickets being removed from some stations.

    Analysis by lobby group Railfuture said passengers paying by contactless would be charged up to twice as much as those using paper tickets for some journeys.

    This is because discounts for railcards or children cannot be registered with contactless.

    ‘More flexible travel’

    A GTR spokesman said: “Peak and off-peak timing has to match with the TfL system…

    “We understand how, for some people, this means fares will rise, but for many others they will fall.”

    It pointed to a number of savings, such as Reigate passengers making a single journey at weekday off-peak times now paying £7.60 compared with £14.60 previously.

    Commuters travelling before 06:30 and returning either before 16:00 or after 19:00 now save £11.60, it added.

    The Department for Transport said: “Contactless ticketing means passengers are benefiting from simpler, more flexible travel and the majority of single tickets will be the same price or even lower.”

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  • South East rail users hit by change to peak time ticketing

    South East rail users hit by change to peak time ticketing

    A GTR spokesman said: “Peak and off-peak timing has to match with the TfL system…

    “We understand how, for some people, this means fares will rise, but for many others they will fall.”

    It pointed to a number of savings, such as Reigate passengers making a single journey at weekday off-peak times now paying £7.60 compared with £14.60 previously.

    Commuters travelling before 06:30 and returning either before 16:00 or after 19:00 now save £11.60, it added.

    The Department for Transport said: “Contactless ticketing means passengers are benefiting from simpler, more flexible travel and the majority of single tickets will be the same price or even lower.”

    Continue Reading