Liquor giant Dan Murphy’s may be coming to Daylesford. And Hepburn Shire Council has already issued a planning permit.
Owner Endeavour Group Limited has applied to Liquor Control Victoria to grant it a packaged liquor licence for 63 Central Springs Road.
A planning permit for the store was granted by the council last month.
Council CEO Bradley Thomas said a planning permit was first issued for the development of a supermarket and associated works at the site in December 2018.
“Recently an application for an amendment to this permit and plans was applied for at the end of April 2022 seeking to alter the preamble of the permit from ‘supermarket’ to ‘shop’,” he said. “The change from a ‘supermarket’ to a ‘shop’ did not require planning permissions and there are no appeal rights.”
However many people are not happy with the store coming to the town, with community stalwart Sarah Lang saying “I can understand people want cheap booze but that is a really short-sighted reason”.
“Once you allow someone like Dan Murphy’s in – they are not run by small business owners, by people who live and work and breathe in the town, they are run by shareholders.
“Yes, they are going to employ local people but they will be from other local businesses who are already struggling to find staff. This is part of a much larger picture that needs to be looked at by the community and by the council in a holistic way. Development is inevitable but if it goes unchecked and we don’t ask ourselves ‘is this part of the overall vision we want for our town’ then we will end up killing the golden goose with a town full of chain stores that nobody wants to visit.”
Ms Lang, who is starting up a website for the community to pull together on this and other development matters, said she was also worried, aside from risking a reputation as a wonderful tourism destination, that the position of the store, near the Daylesford Preschool and Daylesford Pool, was already too busy for even more traffic.
“That intersection is really hard to get in and out of already, with low visibility. There are just a whole lot of reasons we don’t need Dan Murphy’s in our town.”
Cellarbrations Daylesford owner Matt France said he had been shocked to hear a planning permit had been issued for the store without any community consultation.
He said he was disappointed Hepburn Shire Council had made an amendment on the application from a supermarket to liquor store, without any opportunity for anyone to object or discuss.
Mr France said if the liquor licence was granted he would not be able to continue with his move into the new store and may well end up being forced to close his current store.
“That will be my last resort, as I love this community and am thankful for the support they have given me for many years. I am not going to just walk away, but at some stage I might have to call last drinks after 16 years which is a real shame, but you have to be a realist.”
Lyonville artist, teacher, national martial arts trainer, poet, author and vodka distillery owner Basil Eliades said the store would not affect his business.
“But I am very protective of the shire and town and don’t want Daylesford to turn into the high street of every small town in the UK. As soon as the chain stores got in they took over every store and if we let Dan Murphy’s in, this is simply the beginning of all of the other chain stores. I want to protect our uniqueness.”
Mr Eliades will host a town meeting at the Daylesford Town Hall on Wednesday, August 3 from 6pm to 7pm.
A Dan Murphy’s spokesperson said its stores were committed to being valued members of their local communities. “We employ locals, work with local suppliers and curate store ranges to suit the tastes of locals, and that is our intention with Dan Murphy’s Daylesford.
“Dan Murphy’s Daylesford will be a small format store, which means it’s significantly smaller than a standard Dan Murphy’s. The store will create valuable job opportunities for locals, and we are committed to supporting local wineries, distilleries and breweries with in-store ranging.
“As is the case with each of our developments, we follow all relevant regulations, including compliance with planning requirements, hours of operation and parking. We are committed to continuing to work constructively through the remaining steps in the approval process in order to bring our unique Dan Murphy’s concept to life.”
Objections to the liquor licence can be made within 30 days of the application if granting the application would detract from, or be detrimental to the amenity of the area and/or would be conducive to, or encourage, the misuse or abuse of alcohol.
Daniel Murphy opened his first liquor store in 1952 in Prahran. After growing his business to five stores across Victoria, he sold to Woolworths in 1998. In 2019, Woolworths restructured its alcoholic drinks business to form the Endeavour Group which also owns BWS along with Young & Jackson in Melbourne.

Words: Donna Kelly

HEPBURN Shire Council will sell The Rex building to the highest bidder despite 66 per cent of survey respondents being against the move.
The decision was made at its July 19 meeting with a council report saying the cost of continuing with the project would “now likely be in excess of $18 million (in addition to the costs already expended)”.
The council bought the Vincent Street, Daylesford former theatre and shopping arcade in 2016 for $6M. It has since spent $3M on the building. The Hub was to include a library, auditorium, council office spaces, community spaces, including a co-working space, and public toilets.
In June 2018, work on The Rex building stopped after it was realised the construction and refurbishment costs would exceed the initial budget of just under $1M, triggering the need for a planning permit.
A number of people spoke to councillors at the July meeting, including Daylesford Community Theatre president Gina Lyons, asking them to reconsider the sale.
Cr Tessa Halliday put forward a motion to hold off any decisions until November to give the community and the council time to work together to find a way to provide community facilities at The Rex including public toilets, the cinema and community spaces. The motion was supported by Mayor Cr Tim Drylie and Cr Jen Bray but was ultimately lost.
The council first decided in November last year not to proceed with the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project and sell the building. Under the Local Government Act this process required community engagement.
Council officers will now start the sale of The Rex and a house at 8 Duke Street, with external agents appointed to assist and prepare a final report for council when a buyer is identified. The council will also now review its land and building holdings and undertake a planning project that will review possible solutions of staffing accommodation and community facilities that were to be included in the Hepburn Hub.
It will set a reserve price for sale based on an independent market valuation and will publicly release the reserve price value after the sale.
At the council meeting, Ms Lyons told councillors The Rex was the cinema’s only hope of survival. “Whenever it has needed to step up and affirm its support for the cinema, the community has done so. In 2017, the overwhelming response from the community led to the council resolving to include the cinema in the Hub at The Rex.
“After the November council meeting 1200 people signed a petition protesting the decision to abandon the project and sell the building, and recently, 369 submissions were received in the community consultation with concern about the cinema expressed by the majority of those people.
“Overall, 66 per cent of respondents were against the sale. Birch Ward accounted for 57 per cent of responses and 75 per cent of people were against the sale. This council was elected on a platform of listening to the community. Making a quick decision tonight to sell the building flies in the face of the community’s wishes.”
Ms Lyons said the Daylesford Community Theatre had explored other potential sites, however, these locations posed their own sets of problems and restrictions and would not work as a cinema.
“The cinema was a vital, vibrant and successful enterprise and it can be so again for the benefit of the community and visitors alike. Clawing back a few million dollars by selling The Rex is not compensation enough for the loss of the site to the community. The Rex has a value to us far in excess of what a developer would be willing to pay.”
Also at the meeting, Cr Jen Bray said she was saddened and disappointed that the council had largely ignored the results of the community engagement survey.
“(It shows) that 66 per cent of the community want to keep this beautiful, historic building as a community asset as an arts and cultural, social and economic hub in the prime location on our main street.”
Cr Bray said she supported holding off on the sale until November but if that did not happen she would have hoped The Rex was sold by expression of interest.
“This would have allowed council to have the final say on who buys this building. We would have had the chance to weigh up different proposals and offers and make a judgment on not just the final price, but on whether it meets the needs of this community. This would mean the best possible outcome both for council’s financial health and for the health and wellbeing of the community.”
Cr Bray said the sale of The Rex now meant CEO Bradley Thomas had the authority to sell to the highest offer once the reserve price was met. “The CEO will not be able to factor in community facilities or other benefits into the decision making. They must only consider price.
“I know that the community have a deep connection to this building and they want to see it restored and revived to provide a dynamic social, cultural and economic hub in the centre of our town. Many want it to be the home for the community cinema and there have been lots of other creative ideas about ways this space could benefit the community. This could have been a win-win story.”
The Local asked real estate agents from around the region what price they thought the council could get for The Rex.
Their answers ranged from $3.5M to $5M with one adding “if they can find anyone at all”. They cited the unfinished building works, bad publicity and potential damage in the building as reasons it would be hard to land a sale.
A council report said possible uses for The Rex were broad and could include, some dependant on permits, accommodation, a child care centre, a cinema, a place of worship, an adult sex product shop, a leisure and recreation facility or a warehouse.
Prohibited uses for the site are animal production, a corrective institution, a major sports and recreation facility or a motor racing track.
The purchase of The Rex building and other matters relating to the project remain under investigation by the Local Government Inspectorate. It is not known when the Inspectorate will release its report.

Words & image: Donna Kelly

All signs:

There are certain times of the year when it feels like the astrology is a little quiet and other times when it feels dynamic, intense, and raucous even, like when the Full moon takes place, and we notice that people seem more “out there” than usual. The end of July and into early August is such a time. There are a few major planetary interactions that most astrologers have their eyes on in 2022 to see how the collective reacts, or at least venture some educated guesses in order to help our clients navigate potentially rough waters, this is one of those.

On August 1^st we see that action-oriented Mars is conjoining with rebellious Uranus, as well as the North Node of the Moon in this mix acting as an amplifier for this volatile energy. If you have been feeling like the world is swirling around in chaos and instability lately, this is looking like peak week. The last time these two planets came together was at the end of January 2021, right around the inauguration of the American President Joe Biden. Not only did we witness the rebellious nature of civilians hoping to disrupt and shake down the new appointee, but there were also some beautiful moments where new leaders emerged such as the glorious and poignant poem by Amanda Gorman. This time offers opportunity to act, have courage, and find our voice and lead but on the shadow side, we might be bullish, aggressive and reckless in our desire for defiance.

The second week of August brings with it Mars making a tense square aspect to structure-loving Saturn. Historically, over the past 2 years difficult aspects between these two planets in fixed signs have ushered in new variants and iterations coming though to do with our old mate the virus that shall not be named. I’m absolutely not trying to fear monger here, but this has been pretty spot on since 2020 and shows a consistently repeating pattern that you could just about set your watch to. My aim is to help people feel better prepared, so buckle up buttercups, that old beast is likely to rear its ugly head once more.

I will also be offering up suggestions to best use Mercury moving into one of its home signs of Virgo and Venus’ entry into the sign of Leo, where it will join the Sun. Read on to see how you might harness the power of these events in the sky, if you know your rising sign, start there first.

Aries:

There might be an emphasis on health and wellness in the coming weeks, with a better ability to get yourself organized with daily routines. Now is the time to reprioritize your health, including mental health, and making sure that you are really taking care of yourself in order to thrive in your daily life. But remember that you don’t need to strive for perfection, if you don’t hit all your goals for the day, it doesn’t mean that you have failed miserably, dust yourself off and go again tomorrow. Happy times can be found within your hobbies, fun times with children and leisurely sporting activities. Issues around finances might feel a little tense around the middle of the month. You might meet someone or come across some information that could shake up your financial picture.

Taurus:

Connective and loving times at home and with your family are highlighted for you. These times might be fun and feisty, get out the board games and host a fun evening if you can. This is a great time to expand your hobbies, you want to engage your brain and stretch yourself over the next few weeks. If you have been curious about trying out something new in your down time, this is your shot to give it a go. Mid-August can also usher in a time when your desire for freedom and autonomy are high, making this an even better time to explore new ideas, hobbies, and activities on your own to allow for maximum growth.

Gemini:

Fun and exciting times with your siblings or neighbours are on the cards for you, if these are people that you connect with. Even if they aren’t this might be a good time to start and put yourself out there. The next few weeks also bring in a period of time when you might be better able to make a real estate deal, if you have been thinking about buying or selling. You will have a keener eye than usual to see a good opportunity or to make a beneficial deal in this arena. If you aren’t looking to climb the property ladder, get your label-maker out and hit the kitchen cupboards. This can be a great time for a pre-spring cleaning and getting your house organized.

Cancer:

This month, try to spend your money in a way that brings you some joy. With the cost of living seemingly forever on the rise, if you can swing it, you might want to buy something flashy or showy that makes you feel like royalty in the second half of the month. You are also in a time when you have the gift of the gab, you might be able to barter down that luxury item you’re thinking of buying. If you have had some bright ideas rattling around, get out your pen and paper and get them down. Great plans often start with an idea that you put into motion, this is a good time to get some of those ideas down and see what is worth pursuing.  

Leo:

So much action going on in your sign this month, once Venus moves into your sign around the middle of the month you are blessed with a little more charm than usual, not that you need it! The start of the month shows a time when your financial picture gets some clarity. If you have been struggling with the increasing cost of being a human, this is a great time to set out a budget, balance the books or create that spreadsheet to keep track of where all your pennies are going. This can be a good time to find clarity on what you value most, what the financial priorities are and where you can cut back if you need to. August might also usher in a time when you meet someone that can help push your career forward.

Virgo:

You are still stuck on the charging station dear Virgo, needing to get that battery back up to 100% in preparation for the spotlight to be firmly on you in just a few weeks. You are quick-witted at the moment, feeling the need to analyse more than you usually do, you might find that your appetite for knowledge and learning is increased this month. If you can take time out to read a book, listen to a podcast or watch some documentaries on a subject that piques your interest, this is a great time to indulge a little. You might find that in your research you come across a new teacher or guru type figure to help you on your journey, especially if your interest in higher learning or spirituality is heightened right now.

Libra:

The monkey mind is in full effect this month for you, with your cogs turning and a state of constant contemplation possibly interrupting your sleep. If you can make the effort to get your thoughts down on paper, you might be able to quiet the noise, or you might find that what comes out of your head is interesting and worth sharing with others. Times with friends and community can be good fun this month too, so it isn’t all bad, just make sure that you are getting your caffeine intake and you’ll be up for all the socialization. If you can gather your friends around for a night of games, competition, and good times you will quickly quiet that monkey mind. Espresso martinis all around!

Scorpio:

A possible new partnership might be on the books for you this month, a business partner or romantic one if you are on the lookout for either. This month also has an emphasis on you career and life direction, maybe you have been setting some goals and thinking about how you can move things in a positive direction. The second half in of the month can help you find some love for what you do if you the passion has dwindled. This is also a good time to network within your community, you are better able to make deals and connections, maybe even with someone that you have considered a friend. Communicating your thoughts and goals can help you get where you want to go, you just never know who in your circle is able to help you.

Sagittarius:

You might be craving freedom from the mundane aspects of life and seeking an adventure. If you can’t get out of dodge, try shaking up your daily routine if possible. You might even find that arts and music can offer you some escape and immersion into a new culture, not quite the European holiday that you are lusting after, but better than nothing. You might also find that your communication skills at work are much improved this month, you might have plenty of bright ideas that are well conceived. This can be a good time to set some goals and think about where you would like your future to take you.

Capricorn:

Partnerships can feel particularly supportive and encouraging from the middle of the month, you might find that any favours you seek are met with a resounding yes at this time. There might be some good news that comes your way regarding your taxes, debts, or insurance policies. This is a good time to re-assess these areas, you might find that you are able to get a better deal and save some money. August might also offer the opportunity to expand your world, if your desire to learn a new skill or take one of your hobbies to the next level, you might find that a new teacher or coach is at the ready to help you.

Aquarius:

Relationships have been in the spotlight and will continue to be until the end of the month, the good news is that Venus will offer a helping hand from the second week of August. This is a serious boost to your love life, offering the opportunity to deepen your closest relationship and bring loving and connective times. If you’re out there looking for that special someone, Venus can lend a helping hand and you might find that the right person shows up at this time. On a more practical note, August offers up a time when you are able to look closely at your investments, taxes and insurance policies, with a keen eye to get a better deal.

Pisces:

Daily routines, your general health and wellbeing are highlighted until the third week of August, try to find some balance and ensure that you are looking after yourself. Eating well and getting enough rest are always important and this might be a time when you are more interested and likely to achieve the balance between looking after others and taking care of yourself. Communications with loved ones are strengthen this month, you might be able to get on the same page with your partner if it has felt like you are reading from different books. If you are out there looking for love, conversation is the order the day, deepening your connection with any prospects.

The state government has hit the halfway milestone in its Big Housing Build, delivering more social and affordable homes to those who need it most right across the state.
More than 6,300 homes have been completed or are underway, with more than $2.8 billion of investment funds already poured into new and secure homes under the program. This is the largest single investment in social and affordable housing by any state or territory government in Australia’s history.
Minister for Housing Danny Pearson has announced that the government is on track to deliver at least 16,000 social and affordable homes for Victorians by 2026.
A range of additional investments have been added to or will complement the Big Housing Build since the landmark $5.3 billion program was launched. These include the innovative Ground Lease Model, which will deliver more than 2500 homes across seven sites, and the Building New Homes to Fight Homelessness program.
Since the Big Housing Build was announced in November 2020, more than 1400 households have either moved or are getting ready to move into brand new homes.
The construction boom has resulted in more than 20,000 jobs across Victoria, creating a much-needed boost to the economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In regional Victoria at least $1.25 billion is being invested to ensure the benefits of the Big Housing Build are spread right across the state. Large-scale developments are already underway including 150 homes being delivered in Ballarat, 120 dwellings in Bendigo and 54 in East Geelong.

The state government is ensuring Ballarat locals experiencing the devastating impacts of gambling harm can get tailored treatment and support services with an innovative new program being piloted in the region.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne, Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison launched the pilot, which equips allied health professions with a new way of screening patients to determine the best treatments to get them back on track.
It will increase access to, and training for, practitioners who operate within the mental health, alcohol and other drugs sectors and are treating people vulnerable to gambling harm.
Following feedback from Gambler’s Help service funded through the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, the program has been developed to improve pathways for people seeking treatment for co-existing conditions, such as a mental health issue in addition to gambling harm.
It starts with a simple question by a health practitioner to their client about whether they gamble and progresses through the appropriate pathway for each person from there.
The pilot program will increase awareness of gambling harm among healthcare professions and remove barriers faced by people seeking help – such as stigma.
The trial uses the latest evidence to improve outcomes for the Ballarat community, with the lessons to inform future programs across the state.
The training will be led by clinical consultant Dr Jane Oakes and the Foundation’s Principal Clinical Advisor, Tony Clarkson and provided to practitioners at Ballarat Community Health, Child and Family Services and the Salvation Army Health Services.
For more information on the Foundation’s Gambler’s Help services, visit www.gamblershelp.com.au

Ballarat Library is being expanded and refurbished.

Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne celebrated national Library and Information Week recently by visiting the Ballarat Library with Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle.
The City of Ballarat has recently opened the Ballarat Library refurbishment to tender with submissions open until August 11.
The first major redevelopment and expansion since 1993 will see the creation of a new main library entrance integrated with the Ballarat GovHub, Civic Hall and CBD.
There will also be a new second level added to the building to include a teaching space for hands-on activities like art and cooking.
The investment will expand the children’s section and create a discovery and play area, while there will also be a designated performance space and lounge area in the youth section.
Projects like this ensure that communities have improved access to digital technology and resources, literacy support services, traditional collections, event spaces and workstations.
More information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program is available at: localgovernment.vic.gov.au.

A powerful stage drama based on a true event and set in a farmhouse in rural Victoria, is now in rehearsal at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway Theatre.
Castlemaine actors Kate Stones, Rebecca Barnett and Stephen Mitchell are performing in the drama, written and directed by award-winning local playwright Sandy Fairthorne.
Gibbo tackles the challenging subject of drug rape, and revolves around a likeable and popular farming couple, Gibbo and Claire, whose world is tipped upside down when a woman walks into their home 24 years after a party where she believes she was drug raped.
“She has only one request to make of this man,” says Sandy, “but it requires that he admits he committed the offence. Therein lies the challenge.”
The playwright wants to get more people talking about the subject, following her own personal experience over three decades ago.
“It’s always bothered me – how to write about this subject. Then one day I thought, ‘What if..?’ and the spark for the play was started.”
Kate Stones plays the outsider who visits the farmhouse, and says she is relishing the role. “The challenge of representing a woman who has experienced trauma, when that trauma has occurred while she was unconscious, has been fascinating. Sandy has been very supportive and her brave candour has helped me enormously.”
Lee Edmonds, of the Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria, says this is an important issue that needs to be talked about. “The play Gibbo explores themes that people seek support from CASACV about – how the use of alcohol and drugs can be utilised to facilitate non-consensual sexual activity.”
Sandy says Gibbo is a dark but fascinating journey, “exploring our innate longing for truths to be exposed, no matter how long it takes – but there are also moments of genuine tenderness and humour, and the ending is both cathartic and positive”.
CASACV will make available resources and support contacts.
Tour details: Castlemaine – July 29 and 30, Prahran – August 5 and 6, Bendigo – August 12 and 13, Kyneton – August 19 and 20.
Tickets and details: www.suckerpunchtheatre.com
Link: Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria – www.casacv.org.au

Construction is underway on a new fire station in Mount Macedon, which will deliver a significant boost to fire services in the Macedon region.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas visited the site to mark the beginning of the build and to turn the first sod. The new $3.1 million facility will be built on the same main road at 595 Mount Macedon Road – and will provide a modern facility for the local volunteers.
When fully operational, the station will provide more room for the brigade’s appliances to move around and continue to support the growing population of Mount Macedon and surrounds.
The new station will include three motor-room bays, a multipurpose room with kitchen, separate turn out facilities for men and women, accessible amenities, a brigade office, workshop and communications room.
In addition, the large premises will also contain training yard and on-site parking for volunteers. The Mount Macedon Fire Brigade has 29 registered members and has served the community for about 60 years – having operated out of the existing site for about 55 years – and responds to about 40 callouts a year.
The brigade also supports surrounding emergency services agencies for a range of incidents including motor vehicle accidents, grassland, residential and industrial fires and emergency medical response.

Agriculture Victoria is implementing more biosecurity measures to ensure a safe almond pollination and keep Victoria free from Varroa mite.

These measures are being introduced after consultation with the industry to ensure apiarists and almond growers are supported. Agriculture Victoria has established its presence at Irymple by setting up a Local Control Centre and deploying The State Quarantine Response Team (SQRT).

This builds on the extra biosecurity measures in place including the requirement for permits to allow entry. Victoria’s Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Rosa Crnov said Agriculture Victoria’s strong presence in the region was an effective way to support apiarists and almond growers.

“Initially we will have over 40 staff based at our Irymple site, conducting surveillance for Varroa mite at the almond pollination and ensuring compliance with permit requirements for the Sunraysia region,” Dr Crnov said. “Victoria remains free of Varroa mite and we are doing everything we can to keep it that way while enabling the almond pollination to proceed.

“No permits will be granted for movements by NSW beekeepers at this time. The situation in NSW is being monitored and will be reassessed if needed. “We have also added extra conditions to permits granted to QLD beekeepers, so they can travel through NSW.
“They will need to avoid high-risk zones, take the shortest route that is appropriate, keep stops to a minimum at agreed locations, and there will also be requirements for beekeepers to cover their loads.”
Agriculture Victoria will be repatriating some Victorian registered hives that have been stuck just over the NSW border and are considered low risk.

To be considered eligible to return to Victoria these hives will still need to meet all permit requirements and undergo pre and post-arrival testing for varroa. Return of these hives will need to be completed by 11.59 pm Friday, 29 July 2022.

Trained members of Victoria’s beekeeping industry will play a key role in Agriculture Victoria’s surveillance activities at almond pollination. Dr Crnov said initially there will be eight Victorian beekeepers who are trained and ready to help as part of Agriculture Victoria’s Beekeeper SQRT, which will be supporting activities in Sunraysia.
“The beekeepers work alongside authorised biosecurity officers in field teams to conduct in-hive surveillance, providing a crucial link between government and industry,” she said. Beekeepers are reminded if they detect anything suspicious, they must report it immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. To stay informed about all permit additions and conditions please visit the Agriculture Victoria website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa

The state government is banning private power networks to deliver more choice for consumers and drive down household energy bills.
Embedded networks are private electricity networks that serve multiple customer premises in a building or self-contained site – preventing households from being able to source a potentially fairer deal. They are commonly used to supply power to consumers in apartment blocks, retirement villages, social housing, and caravan parks.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio has announced embedded networks will be banned in new residential apartment buildings and existing networks will be reformed to ensure Victorians can access more competitive deals and save on their energy bills.
An expert panel heard from hundreds of frustrated Victorians feeling ‘trapped’ in embedded
networks.
The ban on embedded networks in new residential apartment buildings begins in January 2023, with limited exemptions for buildings that run on 100 per cent renewable energy to the benefit of their residents.
A second phase of the review process, which will involve further consultation with industry and consumer groups, will determine the details of a licensing regime that is intended to ensure greater choice and protections.
The reforms will mean the more than 140,000 Victorians living in residential embedded networks will benefit from increased consumer protections and greater access to competitive retail offers.
Victorians on embedded networks can already access the government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus, which has provided immediate bill relief to over one million households since 1 July.
For more information visit engage.vic.gov.au/embedded-networks-review

Tens of thousands of Victorians are taking up the home-based care programs across the state – easing pressure on the health system – with nearly 56,000 people receiving care from the comfort of their home since Better at Home started last year.
Better at Home allows Victorians to access experienced nurses, clinicians and allied health professionals at home, surrounded by their loved ones, as part of a more convenient and tailored experience for patients.
The program also worksto free up much-needed capacity across our hospital network, with an extra 200 beds freed up across Victoria since the program started in July last year.
Since the program began, regional health services have also delivered more than 71,000 daysthat would have been spent in hospital at home for almost 10,000 patients across 25 regional health services in Barwon, Gippsland, Loddon Mallee, Hume and the Grampians.
St Vincent’s has expanded its Hospital in the Home (HITH), Rehab@Home and GEM@Home programs after receiving more than $8.1 million in funding from the Andrews Labor Government through Better at Home in 2021/22.
Since July last year, around 1,600 people have accessed the St Vincent’s HITH program, which sees patients receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own home during visits and checkups from healthcare staff.
Around 200 Victorians have been supported through the St Vincent’s Rehab@Home program since Better at Home started, while more than 330 patients have accessed geriatric services through its admitted GEM@Home program.
A $162 million package was also announced last week to double Northern Health’s Virtual ED, deploy specialist staff across 12 major hospitals to improve patient flow and make innovative changes to better balance the load across the system.

IN LATE May, Australians exercised their democratic right in the 2022 federal election. Whether deciding based on policies or personalities, voters chose to remove from power the conservative Liberal-National Coalition led by Scott Morrison, in favour of the more progressive Labor Party and its partners, led by Anthony Albanese.
As the votes were tallied and the outcome became clear, Morrison conceded defeat, saying that he’d “always believed in Australians and their judgment”, and that he’d “always been prepared to accept their verdict”, according to a New York Times report.
Now, this shouldn’t be news to anyone, but to an observer in the United States of America it is noteworthy. An election was called, Australians turned out and cast their ballots – and maybe chomped on a sizzled sausage or two – the votes were counted, the winners basked in the thrill of victory and losers put their hands in their pockets and trudged off home. Simple, right?
Well, maybe for some democratic countries governed by the rule of law, but not so easy for others. Remember back in November 2020, the US held an election in which one of the jobs up for grabs was president? The far-right Republican incumbent, Donald Trump, was soundly beaten by centrist Democrat Joe Biden, by about 7 million votes.
Even before vote counting began, Trump revealed his “Big Lie” campaign, claiming that the election had been rigged and that he was still rightfully president. In the past two years, all of Trump’s claims have been thoroughly debunked and exposed as lies and fantasies.
It’s become the stuff of legend, right? A democratic country such as the US, a world leader and all that, will tighten up its bootlaces and move on, right?
OK, well, maybe not. A few weeks ago, on the weekend of June 20, at a convention in Houston, Texas, the state’s Republican Party passed a resolution saying that President Biden’s victory in the 2020 election was “illegitimate”, says a report in the National Review.
“We reject the certified results of the 2020 Presidential election, and we hold that acting President Joseph Robinette Biden jnr was not legitimately elected by the people of the United States,” Texas Republicans declared.
Not being content with trying to subvert US democracy, the Texas Republicans also heaped scorn and condemnation upon one of their own, Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn, because he’d participated in recent bipartisan negotiations on gun control legislation.
Remember that it was only about a month ago that an 18-year-old armed with high-powered assault rifles murdered 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Because he was 18, the killer was able to legally buy the weapons and ammunition.
Meanwhile, back at the Texas Republican convention, members added a third plank to their party’s platform, declaring homosexuality to be “abnormal”, says the National Review.
“Homosexuality is an abnormal lifestyle choice,” the Texas Republicans ruled. “No one should be granted special legal status based on their LGBTQ+ identification.” They also stated their opposition to “all efforts to validate transgender identity”.
Now, this is all happening in Texas, which is just one of 50 states comprising the Unites States of America. But it’s worth noting that it is the second biggest state, behind Alaska.
It is also second in population, at about 30 million people, trailing only California’s 39 million, which gives Texas 38 votes in the deeply flawed Electoral College system, and which gives it significant power in choosing the US president, second only to California’s 55.
Australians, regardless of their political persuasions, are to be congratulated for their steadfast adherence to democratic ideals. But will the US look abroad as it struggles to continue as a democratic country under the rule of law? Doubtful.
Of more concern is the possibility that far-right Republican Texas-style political sickness will continue to infect other nations.
According to a report in the Crikey online news service, Australian billionaire Clive Palmer narrowly managed to secure a senate seat in Victoria for his candidate Ralph “Deej” Babet.
Crikey says Palmer’s United Australia Party had been following the Trump template and complained that the 2022 election had been rigged. Other news services report that Babet has shown an unbecoming fondness for conspiracy theories and far-fetched political positions.
Babet reportedly has been employed in “the real estate sector”, according to the ABC. Do we need to be reminded that the don, the Donald, the godfather of far-right crackpot populist politics, had his start in the real estate game? No, we do not.

After many happy years living in Victoria and working at The Age, former Wheatsheaf resident Jeff Glorfeld, and his wife Carol, went back to California, the land of his birth, where in the past four years he has survived bushfires, snowstorms and drought. And Trump. And Covid. The cicadas and locusts didn’t arrive. Well, not yet.

Victorian women now have the chance to build specialist skills to thrive in leadership roles in the sport and recreation sector.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has announced applications for the new Change Our Game
Professional Development Scholarships Program are now open.
Offered through the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, the Program provides grants of $5,000 and $10,000 for professional development opportunities for women working in the sector, so they can obtain and flourish in leadership roles.
There’s also the opportunity to receive personal career coaching to help women map their career paths and identify the skills they may need to reach senior leadership roles.
Successful applicants also have the chance to attend the world conference of the International Working Group on Woman & Sport, being held in New Zealand in November 2022, as part of a Change Our Game Delegation.
The group is the world’s largest network dedicated to advancing gender equity and equality in sport, physical education and physical activity.
The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Change Our Game campaign is working to level the playing field for women and girls in sport and active recreation.
This work also includes community events, research studies and sports broadcasting programs aimed at increasing the number of women and girls participating in sport and in leadership roles.
Applications for the Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program close on 22 August 2022.
For more information, visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence: “This new program will support women’s careers in sport and recreation, from clarifying their goals and building their skills, to empowering them with the confidence to prosper in leadership positions. We’re creating more pathways and facilities for women and girls to get involved in sport on and off the field.”

Barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is a blood sucking roundworm of sheep and goats, with minor crossover into cattle.
The worm gets its name from the ‘Barber-pole’ colouration of the female worm as its blood-filled intestine and uterus intertwine.
Typically, Barber’s pole worms favour warm, humid conditions.
Its lifecycle is like other roundworms. The eggs are passed in an animal’s faeces, they hatch, develop to an infectious stage, are eaten by a susceptible animal and develop into an adult worm in the animal’s fourth stomach.
Signs of Barber’s pole worm include anaemia due to blood loss and lethargy.
Affected animals may flop down when mustered briskly and have extremely pale inner eyelids and gums.
All body condition types can be affected and in more chronic cases you may see ‘bottle-jaw’ due to loss of blood protein.
Two to three centimetre long adult female worms can be easily seen on a fresh post-mortem in the stomach contents of an affected sheep.
Worm burdens caused by Barber’s pole worm can build up relatively quickly in affected sheep due to the fact they have a relatively short life cycle and produce many eggs compared with other roundworms.
For example, a sheep affected with roundworm will have an egg count in the 1000s compared with one affected by scour worms with an egg count in the 100s.
Barber’s pole worm can be managed and treated with much the same approach used for other roundworms.
An internal parasite control drench, administered by either injectable, pour-on or orally are most effective
Affected stock should be moved onto a clean paddock so worm egg counts can be monitored.
For further advice please contact your local veterinarian, Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services or visit WormBoss at https://www.paraboss.com.au/wormboss.php .

More kids in Hepburn Shire are getting active and fostering the talents of Victoria’s future sports stars, with more support for schools to offer exciting sports programs and encourage physical activity.

Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford said Creswick North Primary School was among 96 schools to receive an Active Schools grant this year.

The state government has also announced more than $641,000 for new ‘innovative behaviour’ trials in some Victorian government schools, which will test the most effective ways to encourage adolescents to do more physical activity and maintain healthy habits for life.

Regional Arts Victoria is one of four organisations to successfully secure a grant across three key areas – quality school sport, active travel, and active recreation – to help address declining physical activity rates among secondary school students through its Circus Active program.

Other sporting and community organisations who will be supported to do this research include Victorian YMCA Community Programming (Quality School Sport), Cancer Council Victoria (Active Travel) and GippSport Inc (Active Recreation).

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