The Creswick Friendship Shed is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is looking to reconnect with past members. The Shedders are also seeking old photographs, newspaper clippings, memorabilia and stories that capture the history of the shed over the past 25 years. If you were once a member, or know someone who was, they […]

Hepburn Shire residents are invited to hear from the organisations which support communities before, during and after emergencies at a free Emergency Services Panel on Tuesday, August 18, 10am to 12.30pm. Hosted by Hepburn Shire Council, the Emergency Services Panel will bring together representatives from emergency services, essential service providers and government agencies to share […]

The Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education will close St Mary’s Primary School, Clarkes Hill at the end of the 2026 school year. Executive director Tom Sexton said the decision had been made after the 2027 forecast of enrolments falling below the level required for non-government schools and the anticipated impact of the proposed Enterprise Bargaining […]

The expansion of Victoria’s Smile Squad free dental program is now underway. Students at low-fee non-government schools now have access to the service. An initial 54 schools across metro and regional Victoria have been invited to participate in the program. A phased roll out to all low-fee non-government schools will follow. Smile Squad is putting […]

By Alison Desmond, Project Leader BestWool/BestLamb For many sheep producers, lambing is already underway or completed. However, those lambing in August and September still have opportunities to influence lamb survival and marking percentages through management of the lambing environment. Improving lamb survival remains one of the most profitable opportunities in sheep production. While genetics and […]

It is with great sadness that the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Ltd (DOBCEL) has made the difficult decision to close St Mary’s Primary School, Clarkes Hill at the end of the 2026 school year. This decision has been made in the context of forecast 2027 enrolments falling below the level required for non-government schools […]

DEECA is using helicopter-mounted cameras to monitor Victoria’s coastline and detect possible H5 bird flu cases in wild birds and wildlife. Detections of H5 bird flu on Australian shores reinforce the need for continued surveillance, preparedness and prompt reporting of sick or dead wild birds and wildlife.

Five of Hepburn Shire Council’s seven councillors are now stood down after private prosecutions from a Hepburn Shire resident. Cr Don Henderson was stood down in March followed this month by Mayor Cr Tony Clark, then Cr Lesley Hewitt, Deputy Mayor Cr Shirley Cornish and Cr Pat Hockey. The two remaining councillors are Cr Brian […]

Macedon Ranges Shire Council will hold an Unscheduled Council Meeting on Tuesday 4 August 2026 to elect a new Mayor following the resignation of Cr Kate Kendall from the office of Mayor. The meeting will be held at 12.30pm at the Gisborne Administration Centre, in accordance with Council’s Governance Rules, which require a mayoral election […]

Central Highlands Water is providing surplus water to the Goldfields Reservoir. The water is being delivered under a Memorandum of Understanding between Central Goldfields Shire Council and Central Highlands Water that enables water to be diverted to this important community asset whenever the Evansford Reservoir exceeds capacity. Water began flowing last week at a rate […]

Central Highlands Rural Health will host a Women’s Wellbeing Day at the Mechanics Trentham on Saturday, September 5, in celebration of Women’s Health Week. Organised by the CWA Trentham Night Owls and Trentham Neighbourhood Centre, this event will focus on the health and wellbeing needs of women over 40. The program includes expert guest speakers […]

The Liberal Party has endorsed local farmer, small business owner, volunteer and mother of four Megan Read as its candidate for Ripon at the Victorian election on November 28. Born in Creswick, raised in Ballarat and now farming near Beaufort with her husband Warwick, Megan has spent her life living, working and volunteering across the […]