May 29th, 2022Bovine fever
| With the wet summer of 2022, this has been the year of insect borne diseases. Initially, reports of cases of Ross River Virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis in horses were received. This was followed by the detection of Japanese Encephalitis across northern Victoria. More recently, from mid to late March a cluster of cases of Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF), also known as ‘three-day sickness’, was observed in cattle on properties in the Tallangatta area. Three-day sickness is a viral disease spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes and midges. Outbreaks regularly occur in Queensland and on the north coast of New South Wales following summer rain. In Victoria, outbreaks are much rarer, with the last being in the summer of 2010, which affected cattle in the upper Murray. Clinically affected cattle develop a fever and become listless and reluctant to stand. These clinical signs typically last for three days before the cattle recover uneventfully, in line with the disease’s colloquial name ‘three-day sickness’. On the properties on which three-day sickness was confirmed, the numbers of clinically affected cattle ranged from only one to up 17 cattle. During their illness the clinical signs were relieved with veterinary administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Previously infected cattle have no ongoing issues. In fact, they develop quite a strong immunity to protect themselves against future infections. The outbreak ceased as quickly as it began, and no further reports were received through April. Interestingly, the nearest confirmed BEF cases this summer were in the Hunter Valley region of NSW, 550km away. For further information regarding three-day sickness please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services. |
May 29th, 2022Cannibas medicinal trials
In 2016, Victoria legalised the use of medicinal cannabis, and since then scientists have improved strains to produce better health products.
Victorian scientists have unlocked the genetic code of medicinal cannabis, creating the world’s most complete DNA sequence.
Agriculture Victoria laboratories have been fitted with the latest technology that can precisely measure and quantify cannabinoids, and are being used by Victorian scientists to quickly and accurately identify the cannabis varieties with the best medicinal properties.
In the biggest study of its kind, the key physiological traits of 121 medicinal cannabis strains have been characterised by scientists, which will help breed plants that are tailored to treat a range of medical conditions.
Head over to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions website ‘The Victorian Connection’ to read the full article.
May 29th, 2022Join benchmarking project
| Agriculture Victoria has positions available for sheep and beef farmers to participate in the 2022 Livestock Farm Monitor benchmarking project. Participation gives you a real insight into your business and provides you with the information to assess your businesses strengthens and weaknesses and compare where your business sits in relation to other similar businesses in Victoria. The report is a trusted and unbiased source of information that can assist farm businesses with conversations with the bank, consultants and industry. Participation is free and all information is treated as highly confidential. For further information about the project, visit the Agriculture Victoria website or email. |
May 29th, 2022Agricultural podcasts
| Season three of the AgVic Talk podcast takes listeners on a virtual bus tour to speak with farmers and agricultural influencers who are looking at different ways to manage climate variability. Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Darryl Pearl said that across the ten podcasts, we hear real examples of how farmers have managed climate change and variability across a range of locations around the state. “Agriculture is undertaken successfully by farmers across a whole range of climates. This podcast series explores some of the ways farmers are managing climate risk on their farms. This can offer valuable insights for how others are setting up to manage climate change and increased variability.” This season includes conversations with livestock producers who are using stock containment areas, agricultural business resilience experts, low and high rainfall zone growers who talk about their coping strategies, and farmers developing new skills through online learning. “In one episode we talk to third-generation Millewa farmer Ian Arney who has experienced a huge amount of change in order to continue farming in a changing climate, arguably none more so than in the last ten years with a move from cereal and grain cropping to focusing mainly on sheep,” Mr Pearl said. “Everyone we talk to during this season has a focus on planning and understanding their business in order to help them through the tough years and make the most of the good ones,” he said. Ten virtual climate bus tour episodes will run as part of season three of the AgVic Talk podcast channel which began as a pilot in August 2020. “Through the podcasts, we’ve been able to deliver knowledge and information in a format that suits the way farmers and agricultural professionals work and live today,” Mr Pearl said. “In the past, we might have delivered this information as part of a roadshow or through workshops, but we’ve realised the value of delivering online and the virtual climate bus tour has saved 1,900 kilometres of vehicle travel, time, and carbon emissions.” He said the new season will continue to deliver trusted, relevant and timely information to Victoria’s agricultural sector, and rural and regional communities through podcasts. You can subscribe and listen to AgVic Talk wherever you get your podcasts: Subscribe to AgVic Talk on Spotify Subscribe to Apple Podcasts More online resources relevant to season three include the Climate Change in Australia website You can also look up your location on the climate analogue website Or for more climate-related information from Agriculture Victoria, visit the climate and weather page on the website This AgVic Talk season is funded by Smarter Safer Farms, a $20 million Victorian Government initiative to keep farmers, workers and farm families safe and well. |
May 28th, 2022Flu shots for kids
With the flu on the rise for the first time in three years, community pharmacists across Victoria can now administer the seasonal flu vaccine to anyone aged 5 years and over – taking pressure off GPs and boosting the number of vaccine providers by 600.
While Victoria’s flu season usually runs from April to September, more than 6,400 cases of influenza have already been reported this year – with the highest numbers seen in children and young adults aged between 5 and 24.
The number of reported cases is already far more than those recorded in the past two years. In 2020, there were 4,792 reported cases for the whole year, while in 2021 there were just 110 known cases.
Public health experts believe two years of low influenza infection rates coupled with the reopening of international borders and reintroduction of influenza into the community could result in high infection rates this year.
Victoria’s community pharmacists already have significant experience vaccinating young children aged 5 to 11, who became eligible for their first COVID-19 vaccination in January this year.
Authorising pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children aged 5 and over draws on this highly trained, skilled and experienced workforce and is the next logical step in Victoria’s winter preparedness action plan.
The changes will also see Victoria become the first state to allow pharmacists and nurse immunisers to administer the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine to eligible Victorians, which they previously had not been able to. This will increase access and ease pressure on regional GPs in JE virus-affected areas.
With winter approaching, there is no better time to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. Both vaccines can be safely administered at the same time – making it quick and easy to protect yourself and your loved ones.
The cold weather also serves as a timely reminder to make sure children are up to date with their vaccinations.
May 28th, 2022New walk for Victoria
Victoria’s epic new long-distance walk is getting upgraded trailheads and the iconic MacKenzie Falls area will be upgraded with better facilities, enhanced views and trail connections.
MacKenzie Falls is one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Victoria – and the only one in the national park that flows all-year-round.
The $7.76 million upgrade is anotherstep closer with Thompson Berrill Landscape Design being appointed to design the project following a competitive tender process.
The MacKenzie Falls visitor precinct’s revitalization will improve safety and access in the carpark, on trails and at the base of the MacKenzie Falls. The scope for the final project looks to include improved educational and interpretive signage, all-abilities access on some trails and improved parking and congestion management.
Parks Victoria will seek feedback on the designs later this year, with the upgrades to be completed in 2024.
McGregor Coxall Australia Pty Ltd has been appointed to plan and design upgraded trailheads along the 160-kilometre Grampians Peaks Trail.
May 28th, 2022Drink up
The state government’s Drink Victorian program is backing Victorian drink producers across the state to showcase their produce and encourage people to try more locally produced beverages.
The ‘Regional Famils Program’ allowed buyers and sommeliers to get a better understanding of the producers, their stories and the products our state has to offer.
Throughout May, more than 80 industry members toured eight drinks regions including Central Victoria, Geelong and Bellarine, Gippsland, Rutherglen and Beechworth, Yarra Valley, Otways, Grampians and Pyrenees; King and Alpine Valley and the Mornington Peninsula.
The events forged a stronger connection between regional producers and the markets they supply to as they showcased the diversity and range of Victorian beverages. More than 100 producers were involved including winemakers, brewers, distillers and non-alcoholic producers.
Minister for Regional Development and Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said the government was backing Drink Victorian to boost industry knowledge and create more market demand for locally produced drinks, which will help to create jobs.
May 28th, 2022Brew hub
Ballarat is positioning itself as a must-visit craft and small batch drink destination with a new hub for distilling and brewing.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula announced a $450,000 investment from the
state government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund to create the new hub – which will be a tourism drawcard for the region while creating more jobs.
The hub was the brainchild of the Hop Temple owners and will showcase the region’s boutique brews and spirits with a tasting area, cellar door, distillery tours and teaching spaces.
The project will support 14 jobs during construction and 32 jobs when complete.
Working closely with Federation University in Ballarat, it will also deliver a range of single to multi-day courses for spirit enthusiasts and up-skilling opportunities for local hospitality staff.
The hub will complement the Australian Craft Beer Centre of Excellence, which opened in April last year, ensuring Ballarat remains firmly on the foodie map for tourists and locals alike.
In 2019, Ballarat attracted 3.4 million domestic and international holidaymakers who stayed at least one night, contributing $613 million to the local economy.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the project would create local jobs, support businesses, and attract more visitors to the Ballarat region. “It will encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more money and explore all that western Victoria has to offer.”
May 27th, 2022Skills competition hosted by Victoria
The state government has secured hosting rights for the nation’s largest trades and skills competition,
reinforcing Victoria’s reputation as the skills and training capital.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney announced Victoria will host the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Melbourne in 2023 – with regional competitions to begin across the state this year.
WorldSkills is the nation’s largest trades and skills competition and gives hundreds of apprentices, trainees and students (including VET in Schools participants) the chance to showcase their talent across more than 50 disciplines including carpentry, hairdressing, cyber security and health services.
There will be a special focus on school-aged participants through the VETiS (VET in Schools) competitions.
From 2023, the new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) – with more VET pathways giving every student the chance to do an apprenticeship or traineeship in an in-demand trade while completing their schooling.
National winners will join the Skillaroos team and represent Australia at the international WorldSkills competition in France in 2024.
WorldSkills Australia National Championships began in 1982 and is held biannually – with Victoria last hosting in 2016.
Link: www.worldskills.org.au.
May 23rd, 2022Celebrating Daylesford Hospital
Daylesford Hospital was officially opened on 22 May 1862 so this May, it is celebrating 160 years of serving the people of Daylesford and the surrounding districts.
Yesterday, directors and executives met with Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Hepburn Shire Council’s Mayor Tim Drylie, Cr Don Henderson, Cr Lesley Hewitt, Cr Brian Hood, the Daylesford Hospital Upgrade Appeal Committee and members of the community to honour the hospital’s history and discuss its future after visiting the ‘Daylesford Hospital 160 Year Celebration and Masterplan Presentation’ exhibition.
Members of the community are invited to visit the exhibition at Daylesford & District Historical Society, open daily from 10am-2pm until May 29.
Daylesford Hospital was built by the people for the people, and has continued to provide essential healthcare for 160 years. The hospital was opened in 1862 but since then a lot has changed, including the addition of a residential aged care facility and community health services, both of which have become increasingly important to our communities. Its facilities now need to be upgraded to be able to continue to meet contemporary standards and community expectations.
Members of the community formed the Daylesford Hospital Upgrade Appeal committee in 2021, to drive a campaign to ensure the future viability of their local health service through the commissioning of a Masterplan to redevelop the Daylesford Hospital precinct. The Masterplan is a vital roadmap, to redevelop the hospital, aged care, and community health services provided by Central Highlands Rural Health.
Committee chair Cr Hewitt said the Daylesford and surrounding residents need access to local health care now, and into the future.
“Access to modern health facilities shouldn’t be determined by postcode, all Victorians should have up-to-date facilities. It is essential that we act today to protect the future of the Daylesford Hospital and thus the health and wellbeing of our family, friends and neighbours. The committee is thrilled to have raised the funds needed for the Masterplan in just 8 weeks with support from the Daylesford District Community Bank. This goes to show that there is strong community support for the redevelopment.”
Due to the generosity of local donors, Central Highlands Rural Health was able to work with an expert team of engineers and architect consultants, led by Blight, Blight & Blight Architecture to develop plans for the future. Central Highlands Rural Health consulted the community and key stakeholders on the health needs of the community and key ideas to create a vision and structured masterplan for the redevelopment of the Daylesford Hospital precinct on its current site. Ideas were conveyed through conversations at the Daylesford Town Hall on 25 November 2021 and via written submissions.
Extensive staged consultation workshops were undertaken with the existing health service departments, to align governments and local health requirements and standards, to develop a brief that conveys what is required in the delivery of health services. This consultation process defined a facility which was not just more efficient and generous, but a facility which was more open and better connected to the community.
Maree Cuddihy, CEO of Central Highlands Rural Health said the organisation was very grateful to all those who contributed their ideas and feedback during the community consultation process.
“We are also extremely thankful for the $100,000 that has been raised by the local community to fund the roadmap for the future. The masterplan includes a physical assessment of the condition of the existing buildings and engineering infrastructure, a review of the services we have been providing, and those that might be important in the future.”
The importance of respecting the history of the site was a central theme which came out of the consultation process, with a clearer definition of community needs and the potential to connect these services within a new facility.
It was defined that this history was also a broad history, not only covering the recent past, but also to respect the traditional owners of the land. As well as understanding the past, the consultation process defined a vision of health services of the future, with an increase in community services and delivery of health services in a more open, higher amenity facility with greater connection to landscape, natural light and ventilation.
The consultation process defined the needs of the Daylesford community and laid out a set of requirements which would need to be met to deliver the best standard of care for that community.
Following this process, the consultant team then began an equally extensive Masterplan design process. The masterplan process involved the development of multiple options which were assessed against the values and practicalities set out through the consultation process.
These options were developed and reviewed by the consultant team in collaboration with members of the Daylesford Hospital working group until a preferred design option was developed. This option was then reviewed and further developed with the Victorian Health Building Authority who aided in refining the preferred design. Following the design and review process, a preferred master plan was accepted by Central Highlands Rural Health’s board.
Board chair Peter Matthews said the board was proud to present the masterplan and its aspirational design for the redevelopment of Daylesford Hospital in its 160th year and looked forward to working with stakeholders to realise the project.
The Masterplan sets out a structured and staged vision to maintain current services and allow for future expansion of health services based on community needs, as defined by the Department of Health. The planning process has been lengthy, but the level of investigation and resolution has created a plan which is both practical and visionary in the short and long term. It sets out a long-term vision for the site, which will provide a roadmap for the community to ensure that critical health services are maintained for the community within the community.
For more information about Central Highlands Rural Health’s redevelopment projects visit: www.chrh.org.au/redevelopment
Link: www.chrh.org.au/donate
May 22nd, 2022Spa Quilters on show
THE Spa Quilters hold an biannual show to showcase the work of its members and raise funds to make charity quilts.
The next Quilt Show is on Queens Birthday long weekend, Saturday, June 11 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, June 12, from 10am to 4pm, at the Daylesford Primary School’s gym. The theme is Australiana.
Member Yvette Reading said as well as the lovely quilts made by members there would be a challenge project displayed related to the quilt show theme, a quilt shop traders’ and a members’ boutique and an exhibition from historical Australian quilts.
A bush scene quilt, (pictured above with Yvette), will be raffled. Tickets are on sale outside Daylesford Newsagency on Saturday, May 28 and Saturday, June 4 from 10am to 2pm as well as on show days.
May 22nd, 2022Skeeta’s new home
SKEETA, the lovely 11-year-old foxy cross featured recently in The Local, has found her new forever home with Pam from Traralgon.
Yvette Reading in Glenlyon cared for Skeeta when her owner went into care. Sadly, her owner passed away but Skeeta has settled in beautifully with Pam.
“I was nervous at the start as I haven’t had a pet for many years but she is such a beautiful dog and a wonderful companion. I can’t believe how quickly she has settled in. I’m so grateful that Donna and Kyle helped Yvette find a home for Skeeta and delighted that home is with me.”
Ed’s note: We are really happy that Skeeta has found a new home with Pam and would like to thank her daughter, a wonderful local who made the connection. Skeeta is such a cheery little dog and I am sure Pam and Skeeta will have lots of adventures!
May 22nd, 2022And the winner is…
Catherine King has won the seat of Ballarat.
The seat has 110,704 eligible voters and saw a turnout of 72.56 per cent with informal votes accounting for 5.07 per cent.
The ALP’s Ms King received 34,183 votes followed by the Liberal’s Ben Green with 20,810 votes. Next up was the Greens’ John Barnes with 11,011 followed by the United Australia Party’s Terri Pryse-Smith with 3033, the Liberal Democrat’s Julia McGrath with 2586 and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation’s Rosalie Taxis with 2573.
Independent Alex Graham received 1510 votes followed by the Australia Federation Party’s Kerryn Sedgman with 549.
Ms King thanked Ballarat saying being the local representative was “the honour of a lifetime – I will never take it for granted”.
“Thank you for trusting me once again to stand up for our community.”
May 22nd, 2022Horoscopes May 23rd to June 6th
The planets are all making some big moves in this fortnight window. We see driven and determined Mars moving into its home sign of Aries on May 25th giving extra oomph and energy to the Aries part of your chart. Harmonious Venus also moves into a place of rulership in the sign of Taurus on the 29th and the Sun shifts into the sign of Gemini on May 22nd signalling birthday time for our Gemini friends!
The other big piece is Mars conjoining Jupiter, giving us all a little extra swagger for the next few weeks. This might also make us all a little more impatient and spontaneous but happy to tackle things head on. Challenge accepted!
Mercury retrograde is still happening until June 5th meaning that the opportunities to revise, revisit, refresh and reconnect are still strong. Not the best time for buying a new phone or computer but fabulous for getting ready for tax time. Read on to see how you might harness the power of the planets. If you know your rising sign, start there first.
Aries:
You might find that you have more energy with Mars moving into your sign for the next six weeks. There might be people in your life who are likely to test your patience at this time too. Jupiter can help you to create your own luck until the end of this year, it can also help you to have a good time and enjoy life a little more than usual. You might also be feeling a little flush with cash now, spending it on something luxurious or beautiful might be the order of the day. It doesn’t need to cost the world for you to appreciate and enjoy it.
Taurus:
Diplomacy and charm are gracing you with their gifts right now. A good time to ask for a favour that you might have been too shy to come out and ask for in the past. This is also the time for return favours, that book you borrowed ages ago, might be time to give it back. Mars is asking you to fight your demons and be brave this month, but to also pat yourself on the back for it. Do your best to avoid self-deprecating habits and throwing yourself a pity party though.
Gemini:
Happy Gemini Season! This month is a great time for tackling challenges, nurturing yourself, do your best to carve out just a little bit of time to pamper yourself daily. You might be getting pulled in a few different directions with friends and group commitments but even devoting 15 minutes a day to doing something that makes you smile is important. This is also a great time to make new friends or even get involved with committee work, a fabulous time to start a new long-term project.
Cancer:
Social gatherings can be lovely right now, with friends and loved ones or for net-working purposes. You might be thrown a challenge to take on at work, something to really sink your teeth into. With opportunities to receive accolades and recognition right now, my advice is to get into it! These planets only shine a spotlight on your career once every twelve years, so you have the next few months to pull out all the stops. Start planting seeds and think about where you want to be in your career in another twelve years.
Leo:
Embracing friendships or cultivating new ones can be fabulous right now. This is also an excellent time to embark on some form of higher education, even just a little course on your weekend. This might link into helping you achieve more success at work. An inspired drive for travel and adventure might be on your mind right now too. If you can’t get out of dodge, immersing yourself into a book might help to fill your cup and restore a little balance in your life.
Virgo:
This could be a time when you are more likely to make a big-ticket purchase, maybe something that you have been putting off buying for a while. Ambitions around your career trajectory might be high right now, you’re keen to take on more. If working in partnership with someone else, be sure to put your tolerance cap on as tempers might flare over creative differences. Try not to steam roll others out of the way, you might find that you can gain a lot more ground working together than going it alone.
Libra:
If you need to ask someone for a favour, now’s the time. If you are after a loan or a grant, you have a better chance of success right now. Make sure that all your paperwork is in order around taxes and insurances. This is also a time of year that you might enjoy stretching out of your comfort zone and experiencing unfamiliar territory, whether it be ideas, sights, sounds, or tastes (you get the idea). Happiness can be found just the other side of where you feel most comfortable.
Scorpio:
You might be feeling a little stuck in the mud right now, but this can be an opportune time to replace some toxic habits with healthier ones. Make a little room for some passion projects, whether they are productive or not, it can help you get free of that mud. Some renewed energy around your health routine is available to you, if it’s been on the to-do list, now is the time to get implementing a plan. Romantic times are also on the cards, if your single some new prospects might show up, swipe right! If you’re committed to someone, make time for date night and enjoy their company.
Sagittarius:
Creativity, romance, and leisure activities are in the spotlight for you, if all you have been doing is working hard, now is the time to play hard. Take up a new hobby, have yourself a little creative adventure. If you play local sport, you might have that competitive edge right now, a little more prowess on the field than you typically possess. If you have kids, they might more of a handful, activities that allow them to blow off some steam could be a godsent.
Capricorn:
Any projects around the house that you’ve been procrastinating over, you’re more likely to tackle them in the next month. A little bit of creative energy is also kicking around for you, perhaps you could get adventurous with the paint colour choice for that reno you’ve finally started. Try to make some time to have fun amongst all the home sprucing and do your best not to get bogged down in the drudgery of daily tasks. Family gatherings can bring you joy at this time.
Aquarius:
This is a time to mind your manners, you are more likely to be blunt in your conversations with others right now and that’s ok, there’ll be time to charm them later. You might be feeling very passionate about your ideas and get easily frustrated if people don’t get on board with you quickly. But it’s not all rough edges and scratchy conversations, lovely times at home are also on the horizon. Beautifying your space can help bring a little calm to your busy mind, if your home feels tranquil and pleasant, it will have a similar effect on your mood.
Pisces:
Your ability to earn more cash is getting a boost in the arm for the rest of this year. Currently, there might be more competition for those opportunities but if you are able to get your nose out in front, you are sure to be the winner. You’re able to charm your way to the front of the line, might be a good time to ask for that raise. Mindfulness around impulse buying is a key factor for you over the next four weeks. While money might be flowing in, it can just as easily flow back out of your bank account if you aren’t paying close enough attention to it.
May 21st, 2022Water webinars
Irrigators and service providers interested in finding out more about key factors influencing water availability in the connected southern basin, including water allocation processes, water trade, policy, and events, are encouraged to participate in Agriculture Victoria’s irrigation webinar sub-series.
The sub-series consists of three webinars titled ‘Who got the irrigation water this season and why? How connected southern basin water is shared’.
Agriculture Victoria Senior Irrigation Extension Officer Rob O’Connor said webinar participants will gain a better understanding of the factors that influence irrigation supplies in the connected southern basin and how irrigation availability in one region can impact on other regions.
“Our aim is for participants to be better equipped to make earlier and more informed decisions in future seasons to better deal with variable water supplies,” Mr O’Connor said.
The first webinar will run on Thursday 26 May, 1 – 2 pm. This webinar will provide an overview of the southern Murray-Darling Basin (sMDB), how water in key storages is shared between states and regions, and the characteristics of the different sMDB water entitlements.
The second webinar will run on Thursday 9 June, 1 – 2 pm. This webinar will discuss sMDB allocation processes, and the impact of carryover water, dam spills and unregulated flows on irrigation supplies.
The final webinar will run on Friday 24 June, 1 – 2 pm. This webinar will cover sMDB water trade, water trade limits, Environmental Water Allowance payback and the irrigation situation and outlook for 2022-23.
The expert speaker will be Garry Smith from DG Consulting. Garry has over 30 years of experience in the rural water sector and has led projects in water management, water policy and planning, water trading, and water knowledge building, across the Murray-Darling Basin.
To register in advance for these webinars, go to https://bit.ly/AgVicWMW10
After registering remember to save the confirmation email containing important information about joining the webinar, including a password.
For more information please call Rob O’Connor on 0408 515 652. To view previous webinars in this AgVic irrigation webinar series go to https://extensionaus.com.au/irrigatingag/irrigation-webinar-series-recordings/
This webinar is brought to you by the Sustainable Irrigation Program, a partnership between Agriculture Victoria, DELWP, catchment management authorities and rural water corporations.