The fictional doll is described as “looking strong in the box and collapsing on contact with reality”, complete with a mock “blame the previous government” button.

Critics argue the aggression reflects a government struggling to recalibrate its message against a leader who is neither internally divisive nor easily dismissed.

Mr Sivaraman said the date raised fundamental questions about what Australians were commemorating, arguing the country needed more honest discussion about its history.

Ms Allan aimed at what she described as rising hypocrisy and hard-right politics, warning that homophobia and transphobia remain active threats to progress in Victoria.

State’s policy momentum had positioned it to be the first to strike a deal under the Albanese Government’s 100,000-homes commitment.

In the west, Werribee and Williamstown line services no longer interline with Frankston trains. These lines now operate independently, with revised timetables intended to reduce flow-on delays caused by congestion elsewhere in the network.

It’s a crime that people often assume doesn’t happen here in Australia. But it can, and it does, it could be happening in your neighbourhood and your street.”

The redevelopments will triple housing capacity across the sites and deliver energy-efficient and accessible dwellings.

The society also acknowledged its children’s learning group and presented its Yuva (Youth) of the Year 2025 award to Aashini Rastogi.

Authorities advised people leaving the affected area to detour inland, with evacuation routes including Birregurra–Forrest Road and Forrest–Apollo Bay Road towards Colac, while noting conditions and road access may change.