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Monday 18th November: $20 pasta, Gordon Ramsay & a tropical paradise

It's the I'm a Celeb launch day, which means the cast could be jumping off a tower in Surfers Paradise as you read this, never been a better time to use your VPN. Here is the latest from Melbourne for your Monday.

The Headlines

  • Good news for Victoria, Melbourne is rolling out free pad and tampon vending machines across the city. You'll spot these lifesavers at spots like the State Library, Melbourne Museum, and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, plus loads of libraries and hospitals. Starting with 50 machines this week, the Victorian government plans to expand to a whopping 1,500 machines by late 2025. It's all part of a big initiative to make sure no one gets caught out when they need period products—what a game changer.

  • On Friday we brought you the best swimming holes near the city. Well, today, we raise you—snorkelling spots. If you haven’t made it up to Cairns (lucky you) to tick off the Great Barrier Reef, it turns out there's plenty of opportunity to spot underwater wildlife right on our doorstep. Here's a list of the top five spots to go finding Nemo, including a quick drive to the gorgeous beaches down the peninsula or trip over to Philip Island.

  • If you heard the words “idiot” and “sandwich” ringing around the city this weekend, you weren't imagining things. Everyone's favourite British chef is in town. Gordon Ramsay soaked up the sun at Afloat before taking some time to pose awkwardly with a non-stick frying pan—very on brand we will say. Keep an eye out for him over the next few days; we’re sure he wouldn’t say no to a few happy hours on Chapel Street.

Where to Eat and Drink

Cam's Kiosk in the Abbotsford Convent is an escape from the city. Their quiet courtyard looks onto the convent that feel's like you're sat in the arches of a boarding school, in a good way. It's a beloved local haunt that pulls off being a cozy country-feel café by day, and sophisticated dinner spot by night. Their Monday night special is the stuff of pasta dreams, with all pasta and risotto dishes for just $20, plus a great selection of local and international wines.

Where to Live

Forced to live in Frankston but dreaming of living in Canggu? There's a room in this "tropical paradise" up for grabs and it looks ready and waiting for a new online life coach or freelance social media manager to call it home. The decor is soo Bali, with loads of plants, stone furniture, and gorgeous outdoor spaces and it's ready immediately.

Core selling point: Love Island-esque firepit.

Where to Work

Everyone loves a cosy summer outdoor cinema, and with this job, you can go every night in December. Sunset Cinema in Abbotsford is hiring event staff over their season to help set up, check tickets or work in the kiosk. They have a lovely little setup, and you’ll get paid to watch Love Actually and The Holiday, sounds ideal. If you're not in the job market, Sunset Cinema is one to add to the summer to-do list anyway.

Where to Go

Pronto Pilates adds a digital twist to traditional fitness classes by swapping in-person instructors for pre-recorded videos. This approach means more time slots and lower costs—a win-win for you and your glutes. Prices start at just $5 per class with a yearly commitment or slightly more with flexible membership options. Either way, it's definitely a cheaper choice than most studios.

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