Brief

The Age showcases 26 photos highlighting Melbourne Royal Show, AFL grand final and local protests

The weekly photo collection captures moments from the Royal Show, AFL grand final, health industry strike and other Victorian scenes.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:43:03 GMT

The Age published a 26‑image gallery on 3 October 2026, featuring a range of Victorian events and personalities, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

What happened

The gallery includes a portrait of 98‑year‑old Alf Woods, a long‑time participant in the Melbourne Royal Show poultry competition, who missed this year’s show because of bird‑flu precautions. It also shows Brisbane Lions player Cam Rayner signing autographs after the 2026 AFL Grand Final, and a crowd of health‑industry workers protesting on the steps of State Parliament ahead of a planned four‑hour doctors’ strike.

What the reports add

Among the images, a Palestinian author and journalist, Plestia Alaqad, is featured, as is artist Amanda Bennetts presenting data‑centre themed artwork at ACCA. The gallery highlights e‑sports competitor Declan Willmott (known as Resignz) and forensic doctor Dr Amelia McLean of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. A local picnic on Carlton North’s Drummond St median strip and a former rooming‑house resident, Helen Dawson, are also shown.

What was said

Alf Woods told the outlet he was “terrible not to be going this year due to bird flu precautions, but understands it has to be done to protect his chooks.”

How it came about

The photo series reflects The Age’s ongoing coverage of Victorian cultural and sporting events, building on previous reports of the Melbourne Royal Show’s long‑standing traditions and the 2026 AFL Grand Final.

Key facts

• Alf Woods, 98, missed the Melbourne Royal Show poultry competition due to bird‑flu precautions. (smh.com.au)
• Brisbane Lions player Cam Rayner signed autographs after the 2026 AFL Grand Final. (smh.com.au)
• Hundreds of health‑industry workers protested on the steps of State Parliament ahead of a doctors’ strike. (smh.com.au)
• The gallery includes 26 images covering a range of Victorian events and personalities. (smh.com.au)

Sources

• [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “The Age photos of the week, October 3, 2026”