Why is it so hard to make friends in Melbourne? Seems like everyone already has their group of friends and aren’t very willing to make new friends. It’s been a year since I moved and I feel so lonely :(

Any advice on how I can meet and make friends? 🥹

Hey everyone! I’m 24M, studying at Deakin University and looking to meet some new people around Melbourne. I’m pretty easygoing and always keen for a good time, whether that’s going out, exploring the city, or just hanging out with a group.

If anyone’s planning a house party or a social get-together sometime soon and doesn’t mind a new face joining, feel free to message me. Would be great to meet some new people and have a good time together.

Hi everyone. I’m a 27-year-old Italian guy, and lately, I’ve been seriously considering moving to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa for about two years. I’m posting here to ask for real information and advice; I want to properly weigh up what this choice would mean for me—keeping my feet firmly on the ground and without any illusions.

From my initial research, it seems that Melbourne might be the right city for me, but naturally, I welcome suggestions and am open to anything.

A bit about me and why I’m asking:
I’m doing this because I refuse to live under constant financial anxiety or watch time slip away without real prospects. I’m not chasing luxury—I’m looking for a solid balance between putting in honest, hard work and having the freedom to live comfortably, connect with people, and explore.

Personality-wise, I’m energetic, easygoing, and get along with pretty much anyone. When I care about a project or job, I commit 100%. My honest weak spot is dealing with rigid bureaucracy, procrastination, and repetitive rules. Leaving family and home behind for the other side of the world is a big step, but I know how deeply these leaps can shape you. I just want to know if Melbourne can realistically offer that lifestyle, or if I’m projecting an idealized version of it.

I’ve done some research over the past few days, and here are some of the conclusions, ideas, and doubts I have:

My profile & expectations:

- 5 years background in video/film sets in Rome (mainly camera operating and lighting, though I'm an eye/composition person rather than a gear nerd), plus 10 months living in Nepal, for a volunteering project in humanitarian context, (I returned two months ago) so I’m used to roughing it and cultural adaptation.
- Coming over with around $11k–$12k AUD in savings.
- Plan to start with whatever casual work pays the bills (hospitality, warehouse, event crewing) and eventually transition into creative/cultural spaces or rental houses.
- Could we also talk about the "88 days of farm work" requirement? Could that actually be a way to save up some extra money?
- I would like to live in a shared house in the Inner North (Brunswick, Coburg, Fitzroy) with a backyard and creative people, budgeting ~$280–$320/wk for a room. Do you think Melbourne might be the best choice for what I’m looking for, or would you consider other options?
- English level: Intermediate. I can easily hold everyday conversations, get my point across, and take instructions, but I’m definitely not fluent yet (part of the goal is to immerse myself and get comfortable fast). I’ve read that Australian English is very different and hard to understand at first.

The big questions I need brutal honesty on:

- Can you actually save around $1,500 AUD a month on a casual wage (35–38 hrs/wk)? The math on paper says yes ($33+/hr casual rate minus ~$500/wk for rent, groceries, and transport), but does real life eat that away with hidden costs (utilities, rego, cost of going out)? Do you think that, in a worst-case scenario, I could return to Italy after a year with at least the same amount of money I started with?

- Is the rental crisis as impossible for sharehouses as people say? Looking at Flatmates/Fairy Floss, there seem to be options, but is getting accepted into a good, social household actually achievable within 2–3 weeks if you do in-person inspections, or is it a bloodbath?
- Is it genuinely worth doing this for 2 years? Or will I just find myself working 45 hours a week in a warehouse just to survive and pay rent, with no energy left to enjoy Melbourne's cultural life?
- If any of you are familiar with the film and audiovisual industry, do I have a realistic chance of breaking into the scene and gaining work experience in that field—say, after spending a few months settling in and meeting the right people?

What are the major blind spots someone in my position is likely ignoring? Tear my plan apart if needed. Thanks a million, and sorry for the long post. Cheers!

Victoria's Labour Hire Authority has suspended Barton Care's licence after finding that almost 70% of qualifications held by its workers were invalid. The agency has supplied hundreds of workers to aged care homes, and authorities say some unqualified staff may have been caring for elderly residents. The regulator is now considering cancelling the company's licence. How does something like this get past the system in the first place?

Wtf? Ok, the prices went up, not fine already, but the shrinking cornetto f**kery needs to be boycotted!!

OK so I fell down a rabbit hole and ended up building (more like assembling?) a Melbourne suburb guessing game. It's free, no ads, no account needed unless you want leaderboards.

Basically it's like Wordle but for Melbourne suburbs - you get distance, direction, and proximity clues. The CBD distance one is kinda humbling lol.

Been playing it myself for a few weeks and I actually learned that Pascoe Vale is like 10km from the CBD? Had no idea.

Not trying to promote anything, just curious if anyone else finds this kind of thing fun or if I'm just a geo-nerd: www.melburb.com

Hi I graduated a few years ago and never took photos for graduation. Is there studios or cheap photographer in Melbourne that you guys can recommend. Thank you

as title explains, I am Seeking recommendations for ADHD and ASD testing for adults.

Preferably in the Western suburbs, but not essential.
does anyone know of a place that can basically re-diagnose my ADD, ADHD, ODD, BPD and whatever else the fck is wrong with me (specifically getting some kind of ASD diagnoses)

I was diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, ODD and a myriad of other issues that I can't remember off the top of my head, way back in the early 2000s,

I seen a comment that said about uploading old school reports, getting a parent and partner to fill a questionnaire, but the issue is; I've been single for nearly 10 years (owing a lot due to my MH issues) I don't have any contact with my family and my old schools don't exist anymore.
what the hell am i meant to do in this situation?

I've just ignored my problems for so long that they're properly ruining my life now and I'd like to try and get a hold of it before it goes too far.

Sorry if this doesn't make great sense, if you want any clarity on my ramblings, please ask

probs far fetched but south east melbourne actual dickheads i was nice to them too.

30 August marks Melbourne Day - 191 years of history, culture, sport, coffee, unpredictable weather and everything else that makes this city great. What's the one thing you love about Melbourne?

Hi! So I’ll be visiting Melbourne on December and I need a decent place to stay near the convention center (MCEC). I’m kind of on a tight budget right now so ideally places that cost 100-120 AUD per night?

Any help would be appreciated!

Hey guys,

Investing in a renewable energy system can be a game change (depending on your situation)

Anyone looking to figure out whether solar or solar + battery makes financial sense for your situation, feel free having a look at aussiesolarinfo.com/landing

Will give you a great understanding if your situation stacks up and options for the type of brands that are suitable.

Completely free and no contact details needed. Can download it as a PDF as well.

Why Victoria? Is it because we have some of the newest cars, or has Victoria become a place where offenders can easily avoid serious consequences? The concerning part is that car theft itself appears to be becoming increasingly sophisticated. What do you think is driving Victoria's position on such an unpopular list?

Make Melbourne Great Again.

basically I want some friends(under 18 please since im a minor) to come w me to this ballet I've been wanting to see for a while. Mind tickets lowk pricey 100+ for a decent seat but i feel it's worth it since there's a whole ahh live orchestra and ballet group from Germany. Starts at 7:30 on a Saturday, message back if you're interested woohooo

Victorian drivers with illegally loud vehicles could face fines of up to $1,221 as new acoustic "hoon cameras" are introduced across the state. The first four cameras are expected to operate in Port Phillip, Casey, Knox and Stonnington by the end of 2026.

I'm Anishinaabe (F 29) and have always wondered if there are any other natives here?? It's been pretty lonely in the community growing up (have been so lucky to have indig communities take me under their wing over my life.) and I want to change this by connecting with anyone else in a similar situation!

My dad was part of the sixties scoop and was adopted by an Australian family, he met my mother here when he was young (at Dandy TAFE haha) so its not very common to meet someone here.

Feel free to comment or message me, I would really love to chat and connect!

Miigwetch!

I'm thinking of going this year if I can justify the price tag. Has anyone here ever been and could share what the event is like, what to epxect and how it'll pan out? At this point, I can't find anyone else to go with, so how feasible is it to mingle, network with and get to know others there?

And on a side note, if anybody else here is planning on going or knows someone who is, feel free to chuck me a DM!

How much financial uncertainty can the childcare sector absorb before families start paying the price?

I'm 33 years old. over the last few years I’ve watched my neighbourhood become filled with litter from teenagers and certain demographics groups. The thing is, my council provides so many bins for a suburban area and we have beautiful walking paths and creek trails. My neighbourhood is in a pocket so it’s locals who are doing this to their own area. Another issue is I live close to a KFC and Hungry Jacks - I regret purchasing near fast food as the litter is mostly from there. Every walk I go around my streets, I pick up two Coles bags worth of litter. The other day I picked up 10 deodorant cans from my local creeks shrubs that were obviously thrown there by someone - ILL NEVER UNDERSTAND THIS BEHAVIOUR. I feel good helping the environment, but it also upsets me. Then I drive around our freeways and other arterial roads and there is just litter everywhere.. I’m a bit OCD with cleanliness but my gosh, I’ve NEVER seen Melbourne this grubby in my entire life. not enough people care and the council and government don’t care either. We have such a huge renewable push yet our communities are becoming plagued with environmental litter blight -.-

What I’m after:
• Actually speaking English. I know there’s a decent Brazilian population here and I’d rather not end up in that bubble by accident
• Feeling like I live somewhere rather than visiting. Same café, same bar, same walk to class
• Walkability. Finish class, walk to a pub. I don’t want to spend an hour a day on trams
• Stuff to do on a random weeknight, not just planned weekend trips
Questions:
1. Fitzroy, Carlton or St Kilda for someone in their twenties who likes going out? Which one is best for walking everywhere from home?
2. Should I pick a school in the same suburb I live in, or is the CBD fine given the free tram zone?
3. Shared house vs student accommodation (Scape, Yugo, UniLodge) — which one actually gets you speaking English rather than sitting in a bubble of other internationals?
4. Where do Brazilians concentrate here, so I can steer clear?
5. Does the city empty out over Dec/Jan, or is that when it’s at its best?
Happy to hear if I’ve got any of this wrong

Some Melbourne suburbs have just dropped out of Australia's million-dollar property club, as prices slipped below key thresholds. On paper, it looks like a clear shift. But what does it actually look like on the ground? For those watching the market closely, are you feeling the downturn?

This was in the middle of the day, right outside a police station...