A world-class distillery export Australian single-malt whisky is heading to the world from its home in Rutherglen, drawing on tradition and heritage dating back more than 165 years.  

Morris of Rutherglen opened a year ago with support from the state government.   

The $20 million redevelopment of the commercial distillery, including the historic cellar door designed by Australian architect Robin Boyd, has transformed the Rutherglen site into an immersive wine and whisky destination.

The major refurbishment created 30 jobs during construction and secured 12 existing roles at Morris of Rutherglen, supporting an increase in whisky production to drive-up export sales.

Since reopening, sales transactions at the distillery’s cellar door have increased by more than 80%, and the redevelopment has played a key role in strengthening Morris’ presence in Taiwan, which is now the businesses’ largest export market.

Built for the future yet honouring the past, the upgrade delivered a new tasting room, state-of-the-art bar and landscaped gardens, with the original, restored 1930s copper still sitting proudly at the heart of the distillery.

Morris Whisky blends ancient techniques with modern methods and local ingredients including Australian barley, to produce its award-winning Australian single-malt whiskies, which are finished in fortified wine barrels.

Since 2016, the brand has grown to become one of the top selling Australian single-malt whiskies in Australia, increasing its exports to seven countries, including the US, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, New Zealand and Taiwan. In its short lifetime, Morris Whisky has won more than 100 prestigious International Gold Medals.

One of the most recognised fortified wine and whisky producers in the world, Morris of Rutherglen is a longstanding family winery originally established in 1859 and is owned by Casella Family Brands.

The newest geographical landmarks in the catchment have been named. Introducing Hatchling Harbour, Shellax Island, Big Turtle Island, Turtle House, Turtle Safe Home, Turtle Mania, and Ridley’s Turtles.

The names come from the very creative minds of Gunbower Primary School students Zane, Adam, Hunter, Ayva, Theo, Kalvin, and Saige who won the competitions to name the floating turtle islands in nearby Longmore Lagoon.

The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Turtles Australia, and Ridley Corporation have been working together to construct the turtle sanctuaries.

The islands provide a safe space for turtles to lay their eggs, away from the predators that decimate their population.

“Research tells us that 98 per cent of turtle eggs are lost to predation, and most of that is at the hands of foxes,” North Central CMA Project Manager Amy Russell said.

“Turtle islands help protect the endangered and critically endangered populations of turtles on the Gunbower Forest floodplain and in Gunbower Creek by providing a safe space for them to lay their eggs.

“The trials we have been doing over the past few months have been really successful, and we’re slowly building the case to build more in the area and beyond.”

Ms Russell said Gunbower Primary School had a strong connection to the area, with students regularly taking part in River Detectives and Gunbower Forest Ramsar projects and events.

“The students love the area and are really keen to do what they can to protect the plants and animals of Gunbower Creek and Gunbower Forest, especially the turtles” she said.

“We love their enthusiasm and always enjoy their excitement.”

That enthusiasm was very clear on the day:

“It was pretty cool how they (CMA and Turtles Australia) made them from all the things available in nature. I hope the turtles are able to be safe from foxes,” student Hunter said.

“I thought the islands were cool as they are helpful for the environment. I really liked making the poster for the island name,” Adam said.

“It was beautiful to see the turtles. It is good to know facts about them. The islands are a great idea to protect their eggs from predators,” Scarlett said.

The project is funded by the Victorian Government as part of its commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments.

Tim Wiebusch ESM is Victoria’s new Emergency Management Commissioner.

Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward congratulated Mr Wiebusch on his appointment for a term of five years starting today.

Mr Wiebusch is currently Acting Emergency Management Commissioner and is a highly experienced emergency management professional with more than 30 years’ experience within emergency services and government agencies.

He has extensive experience leading multi-agency and sector responses to major emergencies. Events he’s played a critical coordinating role in include the 2019-20 Eastern Victoria bushfires, June 2021 floods and storms, October 2022 Victorian floods, the 2024 severe weather events and this year’s bushfires.

As Chief Officer Operations for Victoria’s State Emergency Service since 2017, Mr Wiebusch was responsible for overseeing the development of volunteer specialist and incident management capabilities.

His experience extends to supporting transition from response to recovery, including relief operations alongside Emergency Recovery Victoria.

Mr Wiebusch is also an accredited State Response Controller and performed key emergency management roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and as a State Controller for cyber and energy emergencies.

Internationally significant permanent and semi-permanent Gunbower Island wetlands will get a much-needed drink in the coming months, with a flow focussed on efficiency and helping the area recover from the 2022 floods.

About 20 wetlands, including priority permanent wetlands such as Reedy Lagoon and Barapa Swamp, will begin receiving water for the environment in early July.

The 2022 and 2023 floods provided the Gunbower Forest’s trees and understorey with the long drink they needed, however compared to other years, the wetland plants didn’t respond as well.

The unregulated flooding filled the wetlands and held them full for two consecutive years, preventing the usual wetting and drying regime. This prolonged inundation reduced the establishment of wetland aquatic plants.

North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Chief Executive Officer Brad Drust said the 2025 wetland flow would focus on efficiency and effectiveness.

“Using water efficiently to get the best results we can with the available infrastructure and allocations has always been our target,” he said.

“This flow is not a full floodplain watering. It’s a flow designed to connect and fill the wetland complexes, some of which would have had water in them nine out of every 10 years before river regulation.

“This flow will give the plants the ideal conditions to germinate, flower, and set seed, while also supporting frogs, waterbirds and other animals after a dry summer and autumn.”

Mr Drust said the flow would initially come through the Hipwell Road regulator and channel off Gunbower Creek, along the natural creeks and flood runners, and into the wetlands.

“We have an opportunity this year to use the Hipwell Road regulator and channel to reach these wetlands, especially during the off-irrigation season, which will give us great bang for our buck,” he said.

“When irrigation season begins in mid-August, irrigation delivery takes priority. As the irrigation season goes on, the environmental flow will be supplemented by water delivered through the lower forest regulators.

“Given how dry it has been, delivering water this way will be efficient and effective, and it ensures both wetlands and the farmers get the water they need.

“We used the Hipwell Road regulator the same way in 2015 to water the wetlands and we were really happy with the results, especially the vegetation response.”

Mr Drust said the wetland flow was a chance to ensure the resilience of the wetlands as they face the challenges of climate change and provide vital food and habitat for a range of waterbirds and native fish.

“This flow is an opportunity to provide wetlands with the right amount of water at the right time of the year. Water for the environment is climate change mitigation in action” he said.

“The whole region loves these wetlands. They are a vital part of the landscape, and the plants and animals they support are the envy of a lot of places around the world.

“Protecting them so they are around for a long time to come is what we are all about.”

For more information about the flow, go to www.nccma.vic.gov.au/wetlandflow

The flow is authorised by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan.

The Plan is available for download from www.vewh.vic.gov.au, with regular watering updates posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au.

Criminals who share their disturbing crimes on social media will face extra jail time under new legislation.

The Crimes Amendment (Performance Crime) Bill, introduced into Victoria’s Parliament, will outlaw the cowardly behaviour of ‘posting and boasting’ about certain crimes on social media and messaging apps.

The new offence targets those who publish content bragging about their involvement in serious crimes such as affray, burglary and robbery, car theft, carjacking, home invasions and violent disorder.

This includes anyone encouraging or facilitating these crimes – so there is no room to hide behind the ringleader.

This legislation responds to the dangerous trend among young people chasing clout on Tik Tok and Snapchat about their heinous crimes which encourages copycat offending, retraumatises victims and deeply disturbs the community.

Anyone found guilty of a specified serious offence who has also posted and boasted about it will face up to two years’ jail time on top of any other penalty imposed for the substantive offence.

Currently, posting and boasting can be considered as an aggravating factor in sentencing, but this new standalone offence will see offenders face tougher penalties, and sends a clear message: there is no pride in crime.   

Third parties who are not involved in the offending such as witnesses, bystanders and journalists will not be captured by the new offence.

These new laws build on the Labor Government’s action to ensure community safety comes first. This includes tough new bail laws which are already working with more serious repeat alleged offenders going to jail and the new ban on machete sales to choke their supply.

Further changes to bail will be introduced to Parliament in the coming months and an Australian-first ban on the possession of machetes will come into effect on 1 September.   

The state government is supporting more students with hands-on training during the final years of school to build the skills they need and ensure they are job ready.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carrol has announced schools offering the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathway Certificate will share in $50,000 to run programs that offer students practical experience as part of their vocational major.

The Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants represent a fitting tribute to former Education Minister Lynne Kosky, who was a champion of vocational and applied learning.

Eight schools across Victoria will receive $6,250 to deliver projects through the Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants, a tribute to former Labor Minister for Education Lynne Kosky who was a champion of vocational and applied learning.

Mansfield Secondary College will use the grant to provide start-up funding for VCE Vocational Major (VM) students to run small businesses. The money raised from the small businesses will be used to transform two classrooms into an ‘Applied Learning Hub’ dedicated to VCE VM students.

North Geelong Secondary College will use the grant to create a student-led podcast, which will involve VCE VM students creating content, learning how to use industry-grade equipment, and teaching others.

At Somerville Secondary College the funding will support a collaboration with the Rotary Club of Somerville Tyabb to restore 18 garden benches for the Peninsula Health Palliative Care Unit. VCE VM Students will sand, repair, and repaint the benches, enhancing their practical skills and contributing to a meaningful community project.

The Nepean School, a special school in Melbourne’s south-east, will use their grant to launch a clothing label informed by lived experience of disability and passion for contemporary design.

The 2025 Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants recipients include Ascot Vale Heights School, Cire Community School, Mansfield Secondary College, Mount Erin College, Nepean School, North Geelong Secondary College, Somerville Secondary College and Stawell Secondary College.

More information is available at vcaa.vic.gov.au/news-and-events.

Victoria is open for business – and the state government is creating jobs by cutting payroll tax for small businesses and slashing red tape for cafes, bars and restaurants.

Premier Jacinta Allan, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny visited the Terminus Hotel recently to announce that, from 1 July 2025, the payroll tax-free threshold will lift from $900,000 to $1 million – meaning even more small businesses will pay no payroll tax.

It follows the lifting of the threshold from $700,000 at the start of the financial year. The change will mean about 6,000 businesses no longer paying any payroll tax and a further 22,500 businesses paying a reduced amount – saving up to $14,550 per year.

Also from 1 July, it will be faster and easier to open a restaurant to serve alcohol – and to expand dining outdoors.

Businesses applying for a liquor licence will no longer be required to obtain approval from both the local council and Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) – only the latter.

By removing the double up, this reform will slash the time it takes for pubs, cafes and restaurants to get a liquor licence, enabling businesses to open up to six months earlier and saving them up to $7,000.

Currently around 600 businesses apply for a new application annually. A further 14,000 existing liquor license holders could also benefit from these changes if they’re looking to vary their license.

Protections for amenity, noise and operating hours will remain in place, while zoning and planning permit requirements will continue to determine where restaurants and pubs can open their doors. Only now, businesses won’t be asked to waste time proving the same things twice.

Additionally, the temporary changes made during the pandemic to remove the need for a planning permit for outdoor dining will become permanent.

The move will allow venues to serve customers in underutilised spaces including streets, footpaths and carparks without a planning permit – supporting more Victorians to enjoy dining outdoors at pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants without businesses facing unnecessary red tape.

The state government is joining forces with major international and local tourism operators to attract more visitors to Victoria and grow the state’s $40 billion visitor economy.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos has announced new tourism marketing partnerships with Accor, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Alpine Resorts Victoria.

These deals will promote Melbourne and regional Victoria to key global markets through joint marketing campaigns – including advertising, social media, roadshows and special promotions.

Funded through the Labor Government’s $7 million Visit Victoria Industry Partnerships Program (VVIPP), these agreements see industry partners match government investment dollar-for-dollar.

The new model, which was developed in partnership with the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, delivers stronger collaboration between government and industry to grow tourism and support local jobs.

An independent report from KPMG found that for every $1 spent through Visit Victoria’s marketing activities, the return on investment was up to $27 of tourism expenditure.

Activities through these partnerships will highlight Victoria’s world-class tourism experiences, including the Twelve Apostles, Sovereign Hill, Puffing Billy Railway, the Grampians National Park and Wilsons Promontory.

The new partnerships follow the recently announced Delta Air Lines direct flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne, secured through Visit Victoria’s partnership with Melbourne Airport, which will add 86,000 seats per year.

A typical daily international service contributes $109.1 million in value added to Victoria, with associated employment of 1,026 full time equivalent jobs.

Partners were selected through two streams of the program, including one where Visit Victoria worked directly with major partners in priority markets to drive interstate and international visitation, and a second stream where any industry participants could apply for a partnership to grow local visitation.   

According to the latest data from Tourism Research Australia, international visitor spend in Victoria reached a new record high of $9 billion in 2024, reinforcing the value of investing in global marketing partnerships. The Victorian Budget 2025/26 invested $627 million to support business and grow the Victorian economy, including delivering the Economic Growth Statement in full to make it easier to start or build a business in Victoria.

The state government is delivering stronger protections for Victorians building or renovating their home with reforms introduced to Parliament recently.

The reforms to the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 will better protect consumers while at the same time supporting Victoria’s building industry – helping get more homes built.

The reforms will ensure the rules around domestic building contracts are fair and clear, and better protect Victorians by:

• Updating rules around when and how builders get paid by prescribing deposit limits, progress
  payment stages and progress payment limits to be prescribed in regulations
• Allowing the use of cost escalation clauses for domestic building works with a contract price of $1 million or more to manage unforeseen costs, with a 5 per cent ceiling on price increases. There will also be additional consumer protections
• Aligning Victoria’s laws with other jurisdictions by removing the preparation of plans, specifications and bills of quantity from the definition of domestic building work
• Addressing issues such as ‘contract splitting’ and allowing consumers to cancel contracts if timelines blow out by more than 50 per cent or costs rise by more than 15 per cent.

The Bill will also support the establishment of the Building and Plumbing Commission – a new powerful watchdog, by transferring powers from Consumer Affairs Victoria to the Victorian Building Authority. This will bring together all aspects of building quality control – regulation, insurance, and dispute resolution – into a single agency.

The Government consulted with a range of consumer, banking and builder groups on the reforms, including the Housing Industry Association, the Master Builders Association of Victoria, and the Consumer Action Law Centre.

Internationally significant permanent and semi-permanent Gunbower Island wetlands will get a much-needed drink in the coming months, with a flow focussed on efficiency and helping the area recover from the 2022 floods.

About 20 wetlands, including priority permanent wetlands such as Reedy Lagoon and Barapa Swamp, will begin receiving water for the environment in early July.

The 2022 and 2023 floods provided the Gunbower Forest’s trees and understorey with the long drink they needed, however compared to other years, the wetland plants didn’t respond as well.

The unregulated flooding filled the wetlands and held them full for two consecutive years, preventing the usual wetting and drying regime. This prolonged inundation reduced the establishment of wetland aquatic plants.

North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Chief Executive Officer Brad Drust said the 2025 wetland flow would focus on efficiency and effectiveness.

“Using water efficiently to get the best results we can with the available infrastructure and allocations has always been our target,” he said.

“This flow is not a full floodplain watering. It’s a flow designed to connect and fill the wetland complexes, some of which would have had water in them nine out of every 10 years before river regulation.

“This flow will give the plants the ideal conditions to germinate, flower, and set seed, while also supporting frogs, waterbirds and other animals after a dry summer and autumn.”

Mr Drust said the flow would initially come through the Hipwell Road regulator and channel off Gunbower Creek, along the natural creeks and flood runners, and into the wetlands.

“We have an opportunity this year to use the Hipwell Road regulator and channel to reach these wetlands, especially during the off-irrigation season, which will give us great bang for our buck,” he said.

“When irrigation season begins in mid-August, irrigation delivery takes priority. As the irrigation season goes on, the environmental flow will be supplemented by water delivered through the lower forest regulators.

“Given how dry it has been, delivering water this way will be efficient and effective, and it ensures both wetlands and the farmers get the water they need.

“We used the Hipwell Road regulator the same way in 2015 to water the wetlands and we were really happy with the results, especially the vegetation response.”

Mr Drust said the wetland flow was a chance to ensure the resilience of the wetlands as they face the challenges of climate change and provide vital food and habitat for a range of waterbirds and native fish.

“This flow is an opportunity to provide wetlands with the right amount of water at the right time of the year. Water for the environment is climate change mitigation in action” he said.

“The whole region loves these wetlands. They are a vital part of the landscape, and the plants and animals they support are the envy of a lot of places around the world.

“Protecting them so they are around for a long time to come is what we are all about.”

For more information about the flow, go to www.nccma.vic.gov.au/wetlandflow

The flow is authorised by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan.

The Plan is available for download from www.vewh.vic.gov.au, with regular watering updates posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au.

Superstars from the LA Rams have landed in Melbourne to meet fans ahead of Australia’s first-ever NFL regular season game. It’s just one of the events backed by the state government that creates jobs for Victorians.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos joined LA Rams stars Kobie Turner and Steve Avila for a tour of the MCG ahead of next year’s blockbuster game.

The visit is part of countdown to the Rams making history, with the MCG to host the first NFL regular season game outside Europe or the Americas – reinforcing Victoria’s status as the country’s sporting and major events capital.

The Rams held its Fan Combine over the weekend at Margaret Court Arena which attracted Victorians who met with players alongside the Vince Lombardi Trophy, cheerleaders and Rams mascot Rampage.

Players have had the chance to see some of the city’s most iconic locations – with visits to Maha, the NGV, CBD laneways and an AFL match at the iconic MCG.

The multi-year deal with the NFL will deliver significant economic benefits and will showcase Melbourne to a huge global audience, including the US market which generated $330 million for the state’s visitor economy in 2024.   

Australia is also a significant global market for the NFL, home to a growing fan base of millions of supporters – with the Rams acting as the designated ‘host’ team for next year’s game.

It will soon be even easier for NFL fans from the United States to visit Victoria, with Delta Air Lines announcing it will run three new direct flights per week between LA and Melbourne from December this year.

Major events like the NFL game don’t just bring visitors – they support local jobs and boost the economy.

New data reveals the state’s record-breaking $40 billion visitor economy is employing more Victorians than ever.

Fans can register for updates on ticketing and game details at nfl.com/Melbourne.

The state government is providing more support Victoria’s African communities through the ground-breaking Homework Clubs which have helped increase school participation and completion rates.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll has announced the 18 community organisations selected to deliver the successful Homework Clubs program over the next three years, sharing in a total of $5.1 million in funding.

Homework Clubs aim to support improved engagement of students and their families with education, schools and communities.

The program is delivered as part of the Victorian African Communities Action Plan, which is empowering African communities across the state to have a strong sense of belonging, connection, and inclusion in Victoria.

The initiative provides funding to community organisations in partnership with school communities to deliver extra tuition for young people of African heritage who require additional support.

Homework Clubs provide a culturally responsive and safe space where parents and carers can also attend information sessions to build their knowledge of the Victorian education system and strengthen their relationship with school administration.

The Homework Clubs program has enrolled more than 1,350 students, with feedback indicating that students feel more confident and positive about school, and parents are more engaged in their children’s education.

For more information on the Victorian African Communities Action Plan and Homework Clubs visit vic.gov.au/empowering-african-communities-victoria 

The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association of Australia (GAMAA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement regarding its new electrification and efficiency standards and regulations for Victorian buildings.

GAMAA President Ross Jamieson said it was a step in the right direction.

“Enforcing a one size fits all regulation would have caused serious hip pocket pain to struggling Victorians and devastated the local industry,” Mr Jamieson said.

“Today’s announcement is welcome news but there is more work to be done to make sure families aren’t made worse off under the Government’s proposed changes.

“This includes exemptions for rental properties so that the cost of forced electrification for landlords isn’t then passed onto tenants.

“Our research found switching from gas to electric appliances could cost as much as an additional $30,000 in upfront costs for landlords. Such costs would likely lead to hikes in rents with some estimates as high as $65 a week.

“Work needs to be done to avoid perverse outcomes such as tenants being left with higher rents or inadequate heating.

“It is for these reasons that we look forward to working with the Victorian Government to ensure the final regulations, exemptions and detail make sense and don’t add even more financial pressure to Victorian households.”

With good rain across most of Victoria, farmers may be looking to return stock to paddocks following months of containment feeding.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock and Land Management Extension Officer Neil James said returning stock too early may result in damage or death of deep-rooted perennials such as phalaris, cocksfoot and fescue.
‘The loss of perennial pasture is primarily caused by over grazing, but when combined with extended dry periods, pasture decline can intensify.
‘Perennial ryegrass, however, rarely survives prolonged dry periods, regardless of grazing pressure.
‘Many pastures are already under stress due to the prolonged dry conditions. Late season rainfall will have triggered some green leaf growth.
‘However, repeated grazing of these new shoots can deplete the plants’ root reserves, ultimately leading to plant death.
‘Ideally, livestock should be held in containment until pastures have grown sufficient leaf area to maximise photosynthesis and rebuild their root reserves. This may take 4 – 6 weeks following rain or longer, depending on the starting condition and temperature.
‘Where stock containment is not possible due to the onset of lambing, or excessively wet conditions, farmers might consider containing stock in a paddock corner or using part of a laneway to form a small sacrifice paddock.
‘Keeping the area small minimises paddock damage and reduces energy requirements of stock when compared with searching for feed over larger areas.
‘Resowing perennial pastures is extremely expensive, often exceeding $200/ha, and producers planning to sow new pastures are encouraged to review how those species have performed in environments similar to their own.
‘The Pasture Trial Network developed and hosted by Meat & Livestock Australia, compiles data from independent trial sites assessing a wide range of pasture varieties.
‘It can be used to compare the performance (seasonal and total dry matter production) of tested varieties of legumes and grasses.’
For more information about perennial pastures, visit the Agriculture Victoria website: Getting the most out of your old perennial pastures.

The state government is supporting a Geelong based food manufacturing business to continue to grow and create more jobs.

From meatballs and sausages to Angus beef burgers, Farm Foods Australia specialises in manufacturing a range of pre-packaged meat products.

Farm Foods Australia’s manufacturing plant in Breakwater has expanded its production capacity and created 24 new jobs by upgrading its food processing plant with advanced manufacturing technology and equipment.

Funding  from the Labor Government for the new machinery upgrades has enabled Farm Foods Australia to increase production from 20 to 30 trays per minute and significantly improve sales.

The business was founded in a small shop in Birregurra where it sold fresh hand-made meat products and locally sourced wine, cheese and condiments. Its growth led to stores opening in Hamilton and coastal Victoria before branching out into food manufacturing in 2013.

Farm Foods Australia now supplies meat products to all major retailers across Australia with the expansion helping to meet growing demand for the business’ high-quality products.

The Labor Government has invested over $45 billion in projects and programs to create more jobs in regional Victoria, support more community projects and help councils build the infrastructure local communities need.

For more information visit www.rdv.vic.gov.au.