Malmsbury local and CFA Malmsbury Fire Brigade member Yoko Nakazawa has just won a James Beard Award for her cookbook The Japanese Art of Pickling & Fermenting.

Yoko first joined the CFA two years ago and has become a valued member and already attended many callouts.
She also runs cooking and fermentation workshops in the Malmsbury Town Hall and attends markets at Woodend, Castlemaine and Coburg.
In The Japanese Art of Pickling & Fermenting preserving expert Yoko Nakazawa shares her lifelong passion of pickling and fermenting ingredients using age-old techniques that have been passed down the generations.
Yoko grew up in rural Japan and helped her parents preserve the glut of their vegetable patch every season.
Her mother taught her how to preserve food using ancient Japanese fermenting techniques to make amazuzuke (sweet vinegar pickles), asazuke (quick pickles), kasa zuke (sake lees pickles), misozuke (miso pickles) and nukazuke (rice bran pickles).
When she moved to Australia, Yoko started to grow and preserve her own vegetables and became inspired to share her knowledge and recipes for pickling and fermenting all kinds of produce, including daikon, cucumber, cabbage, carrot, onion, garlic, ginger, umeboshi, even eggs and chrysanthemum leaves.
In her book Yoko explains the difference between these pickles and ferments, and guides us through the preserving process, from salt ratios and chopping techniques to fermenting times and storage.
Along the way, she shares personal stories from her childhood and experiences growing and fermenting vegetables in Australia, making this volume not only a practical guide filled with valuable knowledge, but also a book filled with love.
Often described as the “Oscars of the food world”, the James Beard Awards are among the most prestigious honours in food publishing and media globally.
Not only did Yoko take home the award, her book was also a finalist in the Visual category, placing it among the very best food books published in the United States.

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: © Melanie Aldridge

Every day, 2 million Australians live with diabetes, managing something most people never fully see.
This National Diabetes Week, Central Highlands Rural Health is joining Diabetes Australia to encourage people to know the signs and symptoms of diabetes and seek help early.
Early diagnosis can prevent serious health complications and, in many cases, save lives.
Diabetes affects how the body regulates blood glucose (sugar). While Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are different conditions, both can have serious consequences if left undiagnosed or untreated.
Warning signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing cuts or wounds, and recurring infections.
Some people with Type 2 diabetes experience few or no symptoms at all, making regular health checks even more important.
Central Highlands Rural Health’s Diabetes Education Service supports people living with all types of diabetes, along with their families and carers, across Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford, Kyneton and Trentham.
The service provides personalised education, advice and ongoing support, working alongside GPs and other healthcare providers to help people confidently manage their condition close to home.
This National Diabetes Week, know the signs, have the conversation and don’t delay seeking help.
For information on National Diabetes week, visit www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
You can also learn more about diabetes education services on the Central Highlands Rural Health website: www.chrh.org.au/services/diabetes-education

Now in its 166th year, the Daylesford Hospital has seen many iterations, but one thing has always been a constant – the support from a dedicated community.

While the fundraising landscape has changed over that time, the hospital continues to provide acute, community and aged care thanks in part to a generous community, donors, bequests and our most recent funding source – Community Bank Daylesford District.
Over the past 12 years the hospital, part of the Central Highlands Rural Health network, has shared in close to $60,000 from the local funding pool.
It’s extraordinary to think that in that time, the bank has given away more than one million dollars to local non-profit groups, charities, sports clubs schools and events.
For the hospital, the funding has helped refurbish the palliative care room, supported local fundraising initiatives, contributed to the Daylesford Hospital Masterplan, and most recently provided more than $12,000 towards essential hospital equipment.
The equipment is part of a suite of much-needed medical upgrades that CHRH hope to raise additional money for when it holds its next Daylesford Hospital fundraiser at the Lake House on January 29, 2027.
Director of Nursing Kelly Dart said Central Highlands Rural Health was appreciative of the continued support of the local community bank.
“We are very grateful of community members, local businesses and organisations, particularly the Community Bank Daylesford District, who helps deliver projects and equipment that enhance patient care beyond what is possible through government funding alone,” she said.
“Central Highlands Rural Health extends its sincere thanks to Community Bank Daylesford District and to all donors whose generosity continues to help deliver the best possible care for the community.”
Words & image: Contributed

Pictured, nurse Lilian and Bullarto resident Graham Orr, now back home

Hepburn Shire communities are better prepared to stay safe during extreme heat following a two-year collaboration between health, emergency management and community organisations across the Grampians region, led by Grampians Public Health Unit.
With the Bureau of Meteorology declaring an El Niño weather pattern and forecasts indicating an increased likelihood of hotter and drier conditions, Hepburn Shire Council is encouraging residents to plan ahead, and make use of the knowledge, networks and resources developed through the Heatwave HELP (Health Emergency Local People) project which finished on June 30 this year.
The project sparked a range of locally led initiatives that will continue to support community safety during future heat events including: engagement and HeatSAFE training with community groups across the shire; development of a new municipal Heat Health Plan; extended opening hours at council swimming pools during heatwaves; creation of a map identifying cool spaces across the shire; co-design of the HeatSAFE Guide for neighbourhood houses; community-led cool spaces established in Clunes and Trentham; production of 250 cooling neckties for vulnerable residents across Hepburn Shire; and production of a further 100 cooling neckties distributed to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
One of the project’s most visible successes was the establishment of community-led cool spaces, including the Clunes Cool Space, which has evolved from a simple heat refuge into a broader community resilience initiative.
The project’s legacy, captured in the recently released ‘Heat and Sparks’ film, will continue beyond the project period through the revised Hepburn Shire Heat Health Plan, strengthened community networks and the integration of heat-safe practices into everyday community activities and services.
For more information about heat safety and local resources, search Heatwaves on the council website.
Meanwhile, two community groups have been successful in obtaining funding through Hepburn Shire Council’s 2025/26 Sustainable Hepburn Grants Program – the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre and the Clunes Neighbourhood House both received $10,000 to support their involvement and advocacy of the HeatSAFE campaign.

Words: Kyle Barnes

Agriculture Victoria is seeking expressions of interest from beef producers in the Leslie Manor area to join a new BetterBeef group. BetterBeef groups bring farmers together to learn from each other, share experiences and tackle the challenges of running a beef enterprise in today’s conditions.

BetterBeef groups and the topics covered in each session are producer-driven and practical. Members decide the topics, host each other on-farm, compare what’s working (and what’s not), and combine their experience with evidence-based information to test ideas and build confidence to make better decisions. Trusted advisors are brought in when needed to cover more technical content required on a topic, like drench resistance or ruminant nutrition.

Sessions often focus on preparing for and recovering from drought, fire and floods, managing tough seasonal conditions, and building more resilient and profitable farming systems.

Just as importantly, it’s a chance to connect with other local producers, have a good discussion, pick up ideas you can actually use, and enjoy the process along the way.

If you’re interested in being part of the group or want to learn more, contact Hannah Manning on 0400 532 595 or email hannah.manning@agriculture.vic.gov.au

H5 bird flu has not been detected in Victoria, but community reports play an important role in helping us monitor for signs of disease.
Each report DEECA receives is reviewed and assessed using information such as the species, number of birds affected, location and disease risk.
Not all reports will lead to an investigation, collection or testing. Where further action is needed, we may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing.
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, avoid contact, record its exact location and report it online or call 1800 675 888.
You can also view reports on our online map and follow surveillance activity across the state.

A state government media release from Premier Jacinta Allan says it is completely unacceptable that so many Victorians were stuck without an essential service for so long.

“V/Line trains stopped because the Telstra outage knocked out both the train radio system and interfered with the backup system.

“Trains are now returning to service here and across Australia, and Triple Zero is continuing its welfare checks.

“But this can’t be the end of it. Telstra should compensate Victorians and help make sure it never happens again.

“To start with, V/Line will reimburse regional rail passengers who incurred extra costs.

“In addition, my Government will fund two days’ free travel on V/Line – more detail on all this to come.

“But Victoria expects more than just compensation from Telstra. What we really want is change.

“Australians have endured too many major outages – and it’s always country people who bear the brunt. The telcos must lift their game.

“It’s time they caught up with how critical their networks have become to our essential services.”

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced a new alliance with Zest Insurance to provide Victorian businesses with practical tools, expert insights and education to better manage risk and build resilience. 

As part of the alliance, Zest Insurance will become a partner of the Victorian Chamber’s THRIVE program and an Advance member of the Committee for Melbourne, supporting initiatives that help businesses navigate in an increasingly complex operating environment.

Through THRIVE, businesses will have access to expert-led webinars, practical resources, educational content, in-person events and tools designed to simplify insurance and risk management while supporting long-term growth.

The alliance will launch with an educational webinar, on 11 August 2026, with further events and resources to be delivered throughout the year.

For more information, visit the Victorian Chamber’s Events page at victorianchamber.com.au/events or follow the link: The hidden insurance gaps driving unexpected business costs | Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The SEC’s fourth project, SEC Energy Works near Morwell is a 143-hectare site that will host multiple renewable energy technologies.

These technologies will stabilise the grid and help lower power bills for Victorians.

The first project is the SEC Compressed Air Battery (SEC CAB), a 20-megawatt closed-loop, compressed CO2 battery.

This Australian first technology will be able to hold three times the electricity of a large-scale lithium-ion battery.

It will store cheap renewable electricity generated during the day, and release it back into the grid overnight, putting downward pressure on energy prices.

This battery will be delivered by Energy Dome and will support up to 66 jobs and the region’s transition from coal.

The SEC will continue to add projects to the site, expanding renewable energy and storage in the Latrobe Valley.

Minister Ingrid Stitt today officially opened the new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre in Geelong.

The free service will deliver specialist, around-the-clock care for up to 200 young people aged 16 to 25 annually.

The voluntary, referral-based centre is designed to feel like a home away from home – enabling young people to access the mental health care they need, while maintaining connection to their community.

YPARCs provide early intervention and clinical care in a safe and welcoming environment – stepping in before crisis escalates and reducing the need for hospital admission.

The Geelong YPARC includes:

10 private rooms

shared kitchen and dining facilities

outdoor gardens

dedicated spaces for visits from loved ones.

Young people can continue to attend work or school, while receiving personalised treatment and support.

The service is delivered by a dedicated team of clinicians and peer-support workers who will also guide group and confidence building activities.

Around 75 per cent of mental ill health emerges before the age of 25 – early access to support can make a significant difference to a young person’s recovery and long-term wellbeing.

YPARCs also provide care for young people in the early stages of recovery who need a short period of extra support.

Tap and go technology coming to every train station across Victoria.

Whether you’re catching the train from Bairnsdale, Wangaratta, Albury, Shepparton, Echuca, Swan Hill, Maryborough, Ararat or Warrnambool, you’ll soon be able to tap on with your bank card, phone or smartwatch.

Works are underway to install 108 new myki readers across 37 V/Line stations that currently require a paper ticket or eTicket.

The readers will be switched on later this year, allowing passengers to tap and go at every train station in the state.

Passengers travelling on V/Line services will still be able to reserve a seat where reservations are available.

Passengers who have not reserved a seat can purchase an unreserved fare at their station with tap and go.

Anyone travelling who would prefer to use a physical myki card will be able to do so.

Concession passengers, seniors and those under 18 should continue using their concession or Youth myki.

Victorians have already embraced tap and go, with more than one million trips made using a bank card or smart device since it launched last month across the myki-enabled rail network and on trams.

More Victorians are leaving the wallet at home, with four in five of those trips made using a phone or smartwatch.

The rollout will continue later this month, with tap and go expanding across myki-enabled buses.

Hepburn Shire Council has confirmed Mayor, Cr Tony Clark has been served with alleged criminal charges initiated by a private individual.

This matter is proceeding as a private prosecution. It has not involved an investigation, fact‑finding process, or assessment by Victoria Police or any public prosecutorial authority.

Council is taking this matter seriously and is acting in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Integrity Policy.

As required by the Local Government Act 2020, Cr Tony Clark is automatically stood down while this matter is managed through the appropriate processes.

Deputy Mayor Cr Shirley Cornish will step into the role of mayor.

As this matter, and related proceedings involving other Council representatives, are the subject of ongoing legal processes, Council is constrained in what it can publicly comment on. It would be inappropriate to discuss the substance of the allegations, respond to legal arguments being advanced through those processes, or comment on matters that may ultimately be determined by the Court. Council will continue to act on legal advice and in accordance with its statutory obligations and established governance processes.

It is unfortunate that Cr Clark is forced to stand down while unfounded and untested allegations keep him from performing duties he was elected to do, and the impact that similar untested claims and proceedings have had on Don Henderson and Council’s CEO Bradley Thomas – who has recently resigned. Council has welcomed proposed amendments by the Victorian Government that would mean in similar circumstances the automatic standdown process would not apply to councillors.

Council supports a fair process and will uphold any decisions of the Court. Council also hopes that these matters can be determined as promptly as possible to provide certainty for the individuals involved and for the community, they were elected to serve. Council also hopes that these matters can be determined as promptly as possible to provide certainty for the individuals involved and for the community.

Council will work cooperatively with relevant authorities and remains committed to maintaining strong governance, transparency and continuity of service to the Hepburn Shire community.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network has welcomed the federal government’s commitment to reform and simplify its aged care Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), which has been subject to hundreds of complaints from older people, their families and support network including independent advocates since its introduction.

The IAT has received significant criticism from older people by replacing human clinical assessors with a digital algorithm when making decisions around aged care funding levels.

OPAN also acknowledged the cross-party work from several MPs and Senators in raising these concerns including a bill to restore human override of the IAT now tabled in the Senate.

OPAN CEO Craig Gear welcomed the move in principle, but said the changes must be built around an agile process that includes independent aged care advocates as part of that process.

“We welcome this sensible approach from the Government. OPAN has been raising concerns and exposing challenges with this algorithm since it was introduced and it is encouraging that the Government is listening,” Mr Gear said.

“The IAT algorithm has been an ongoing challenge and concern for older people, especially since it determines a person’s level of aged care funding and impacts their livelihood and wellbeing.

“While the new Aged Care Act is well intentioned, this algorithm has caused widespread confusion and uncertainty and needs reform.

“These assessments have a real impact on an older person’s life, so it is crucial that a human remains part of the decision making and outcomes.

“Giving older people and independent aged care advocates the ability to have a decision escalated is a step in the right direction. Our advocates work on the front line and have deep insight into the personalised nature of these assessments.

“Several details, including pathways to appeal a decision, need clarification and consultation. The changes must cater for an older person’s changing circumstances, given the complex needs of older people.

“We look forward to working with Government to get these policy settings right and ensure that an older person’s dignity and independence remain at the core.”

Melbourne’s Inner West is getting a new activity space for young people.

Minister Spence opened the Zone Youth Space at Paisley Park, with a new pump track and basketball half court.

With more families moving into the area, the state government is delivering the growing demand for outdoor recreation facilities for young people.

The new space comes complete with an asphalt pump track, basketball court, hang out space with seating and lighting.

Designed in consultation with young residents, it provides a welcoming area for people to get together.

The space was made possible by a $250,000 investment from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and partnership with Hobson Bay City Council.

Investments like these are all about creating jobs and building the sporting facilities that communities deserve.

From skate parks to playgrounds upgrades, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available visit sport.vic.gov.au.

The state government is reviewing Victoria’s dog breeding laws to ensure sure they continue to protect animal welfare.

Victorians love their pets and expect them to come from responsible breeders.

That’s why the government is reviewing the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to make sure our laws continue to reflect public expectations and uphold high standards of animal care.

The review will focus on commercial dog breeders.

It will consider whether the current limit of 50 fertile female dogs per breeder continues to meet modern animal welfare standards.

It will also consider whether the laws reflect community expectations about how dogs are bred and cared for.

Currently, breeders with 11 to 50 fertile female dogs must first register with their local council as a breeding business and then receive approval from the Minister for Agriculture to operate as a commercial dog breeder.

Victoria was the first state to introduce stronger laws to stop puppy farming and improve animal welfare – leading the way for other jurisdictions to do the same.

Those reforms introduced limits on breeder numbers and strengthened regulation of dog breeding and pet sales.