Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) engaged with hundreds of people from near and far who visited our stand or attended our presentation at GROUNDED Festival, held 23–24 April at the spectacular Yan Yan Gurt West Farm in the Otways.

Corangamite CMA was proud to be a platinum sponsor of the event, which brought together a vibrant community of landholders, farmers, producers and sustainability enthusiasts from across Australia.

Corangamite CMA CEO, Dr Amber Clarke said, “GROUNDED Festival provided an incredible platform for us to engage with landholders and communities who are passionate about sustainable land management. Events like this help turn ideas into action, and we’re proud to support conversations that strengthen the resilience of our region.”

As part of the program, Corangamite CMA’s Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF), Karen O’Keefe, joined Andrea Montgomery from Upper Barwon Landcare Network, to deliver a presentation highlighting our Small Blocks Big Dreams project—an initiative supporting small landholders to improve land management outcomes and build confidence in sustainable practices. The presentation was well attended and sparked strong interest from festivalgoers keen to learn more about practical approaches to managing smaller properties.

The presentation also included a panel discussion led by Kylie Woodham with Becky McCann (Small Block owner and project participant), Susan Pyke (Small Block owner and project participant) and Andy Gray (Central Otway Landcare Network facilitator) all sharing their learnings and Small Blocks Big Dreams experiences.

Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator Karen O’Keefe said it was encouraging to see strong interest in the Small Blocks Big Dreams project.

“We’re seeing more people take on smaller parcels of land and really want to manage them well. Small Blocks Big Dreams is all about giving landholders the practical tools, confidence and support to make informed decisions that benefit their land and the wider environment.”

“Hearing directly from participants and Landcare facilitators was a highlight—their experiences show just how valuable peer learning and local knowledge are in achieving lasting outcomes on the ground,” Karen said.

Throughout the two-day festival, Corangamite CMA also hosted a stand, connecting with hundreds of attendees on topics including sustainable farming practices, soil health, drought and bushfire recovery, and programs such as Master TreeGrower, Small Blocks Big Dreams and Testing the Waters.

Importantly, Corangamite CMA’s Sustainable Agriculture team were part of the event planning committee, helping to shape a program that delivered a rich mix of workshops, walk-shops, demonstrations and discussions focused on sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Founded by Matthew Evans, GROUNDED Australia is the nation’s only travelling food and farming festival, celebrating a different location each year. The 2026 festival featured around 80 sessions, 70 speakers, 20 workshops and a diverse range of local stalls, alongside outstanding food and live music.

Corangamite CMA was delighted to see such a strong local and visiting contingent come together in the region, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this inspiring event in the Corangamite catchment.

Dr. Clarke says, “We would like to thank the hosts, organisers, speakers, volunteers and attendees who made the festival such a success. The energy and enthusiasm across the two days was truly inspiring, and we look forward to continuing conversations that support sustainable land management across our region.”

The Small Blocks Big Dreams project is funded by the Victorian Government through the Our Catchments, Our Communities program.

Three major recognition events are being marked in the Macedon Ranges this month, each celebrating what makes our community strong, inclusive and connected.
Neighbourhood House Week, running from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May, will celebrate the seven community-led Neighbourhood Houses across the shire, which provide welcoming, inclusive spaces shaped by local needs.
This year’s theme, Your place to connect, highlights the vital role these Houses play in fostering belonging, learning and support, with special activities planned for both regular participants and first-time visitors.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), officially marked on 17 May each year, will be recognised from Wednesday 13 to Wednesday 20 May. Aligning with the theme, At the heart of democracy, the program highlights the importance of ensuring everyone can participate fully, safely and equally in community life.

Council is supporting a series of events delivered in partnership with Omnia Community Health, Goldfields Libraries and Kyneton Community Health, including a Pride Crafternoon, author talk, Country Struts Honky Tonk with Kerryn Fields & Band and DJ Queenie, flag-raising ceremony and community lunch.
National Reconciliation Week, from Wednesday 27 May to Wednesday 3 June, invites all Australians to reflect on key milestones in our shared history, including the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision, and to commit to meaningful action.
This year’s theme, All In, reinforces that reconciliation requires active participation from everyone. Council will mark the week with a special performance by acclaimed First Nations artist Mo’Ju, supported by Wild Gloriosa, on Sunday 31 May from 4-6pm. Tickets are available via Council’s website, with the full national program accessible through Reconciliation Australia’s 2026 calendar.
Mayor Kate Kendall said the May events provided a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together.
“May gives us so many opportunities to gather – to learn, to listen and to celebrate the people and places that make the Macedon Ranges such a connected and welcoming community,” she said.
“These recognition events remind us that inclusion, respect and reconciliation are things we build every day, in big and small ways. I hope our community embraces these events, shows up for one another and continues strengthening the spirit that makes our shire such a special place to live.”
• Neighbourhood House Week
Find your local House: mrsc.vic.gov.au/Neighbourhood-Community-Houses
• IDAHOBIT 2026
To find out more and to register, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/IDAHOBIT
• National Reconciliation Week
Tickets to Mo’Ju supported by Wild Gloriosa can be purchased online at mrsc.vic.gov.au/MoJu-Wild-Gloriosa
To find more National Reconciliation Week events, check out Reconciliation Australia’s 2026 calendar at reconciliation.org.au/calendar

By Liz Hancock, District Veterinary Officer, Warrnambool

In April 2025, Agriculture Victoria investigated the sudden deaths of ducks in a backyard setup in south west Victoria.

While the deaths were caused by avocado (persin) toxicity, this case study provides a working example of how reports like this are urgently assessed to rule out an Emergency Animal Disease (EAD).

It all began when the Agriculture Victoria duty veterinarian received a call via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline from a backyard poultry farmer reporting that 7 of their 18 ducks had died that day, all within minutes of each other.

The duty veterinarian asked the owner to carefully double bag all deceased animals and store them in a secure area, and keep all remaining live poultry isolated from wild birds until an investigation was done.

These initial steps help reduce the risk of disease spread while an investigation is underway.

The Agriculture Victoria on-call District Veterinary Officer (DVO) was notified, who went to the property to conduct a post mortem, collect information and samples to rule in or out Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and determine the actual cause of the deaths.

When the DVO arrived at the property, the owner of the poultry explained that 7 ducks had died in the past 24 hours. The ducks were co-housed with 10 chickens and 11 ducks, most of whom appeared clinically normal. There had been no prior illness in any poultry on the farm, and no dead wild birds had been seen.

Discussion with the owner uncovered that the last feed, approximately 6 to 7 hours prior to the deaths had included six whole avocados.

At this stage, a suspected diagnosis of avocado toxicity was made, and swabs and samples were collected and sent to Agriculture Victoria’s Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory at AgriBio for analysis.

Our pathologists at AgriBio performed a number of tests, including one to rule out HPAI.

Avocados are known to contain persin which is toxic to mammals and birds. Birds which have ingested it often show lethargy, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, swelling around their neck and chest and sudden death.

Diagnosis is made by history of access to avocado and clinical signs in the duck. However, it can also be supported by tissue examination and testing, as this case was. Treatment involves supportive care only and is often unsuccessful and/or cost prohibitive.

This case shows how important it is to report sudden or unusual animal deaths promptly, even if the cause turns out not to be an emergency animal disease.

The community is encouraged to report any unusual signs or suspected cases of emergency animal disease immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Find out more about Agriculture Victoria’s emergency animal disease preparedness at Emergency animal diseases.

The state government says Melbourne continues to lead the nation as the build-to-rent capital, with hundreds more rental homes approved.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has approved almost 800 new Build-to-Rent homes in Docklands and Fitzroy – close to great public transport, jobs, shops and services:

• 554 homes on La Trobe Street, Docklands
• 243 homes at 159–167 Johnston Street, Fitzroy

The Docklands project will deliver a mix of studio to three-bedroom apartments next to Marvel Stadium, within walking distance of the CBD and well connected to public transport.

The Fitzroy development will deliver a mix of studio to three-bedroom apartments, next to Johnston Street’s iconic strip of shops, close to trams, buses, and services.

Eligible build-to-rent developments completed and operational from January 2022 until December 2031 receive a 50 per cent land tax concession for up to 30 years and a full exemption from Absentee Owner Surcharge.

Projects can also be fast-tracked through the Development Facilitation Program, helping get homes built sooner.

As a result, more than 70 per cent of build-to-rent homes completed in Australia last year were in Victoria.

Important road upgrades are now complete on the Bellarine Peninsula, improving safety for the thousands of motorists who travel through the area every day.

The project installed additional safety barriers along the Bellarine Highway and other safety measures at three key intersections at Swan Bay Road in Wallington, Greenside Grove in Moolap and Resort Boulevard in Moolap.

The Australian and Victorian governments each committed $4.29 million towards the $8.58 million works under the Road Safety Program.

Since construction began in 2025, crews have installed seven kilometres of safety barriers in Wallington and Moolap.

Additional safety measures included replacing the right-turn movements onto the Bellarine Highway at Swan Bay Road in Wallington and at Resort Boulevard in Moolap with U-turns.

A dedicated lane to slow down has also been installed 200 metres east of Swan Bay Road and 200 metres west of Resort Boulevard to improve safety.

The Bellarine Highway is a key route, with approximately 34,000 vehicles a day travelling along the highway through Moolap, while about 22,000 vehicles pass through Wallington.

Over the past seven years, there has been one fatal collision and several serious crashes along these sections of the highway.

Construction on these major safety upgrades began in July 2025 and were delivered by Fulton Hogan in partnership with Big Build Roads on behalf of Transport Victoria.

Victorian teenagers will soon be protected from the rare but life-threatening disease, meningococcal B.

Minister for Health Harriet Shing has announced the free vaccine will be made available to year 10 students from 1 January next year.
While the vaccine is already available privately through GP’s, it comes at a cost of more than $250 out of pocket.
It will be available through existing school immunisation programs via GPs, pharmacies, local council immunisation services and Aboriginal health services.
Year 10 students (or age equivalent) have been found to be one of the highest risk groups of contracting the disease.
It also aligns with the timing of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine given to Year 10’s under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule.
The state-funded meningococcal B vaccination program will help lift immunisation coverage.
Victoria continues to advocate to the Commonwealth Government to add a full listing of the vaccine on the NIP.
Meningococcal B can make people critically unwell very quickly and can tragically lead to long-term disability or death.

Fuel prices remain high and it’s putting pressure on the freight industry so the state government is backing a global agreement to transition to zero-emission freight vehicles.

This will help businesses save more money and become less reliant on fuel.

The signed global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will focus on cutting freight fuel use and drive sustainability in the sector.

The MoU brings together 43 countries and more than 295 subnational governments, manufacturers, finance institutions, fleet owners and operators, and utility and infrastructure providers working to decarbonise the freight sector and reduce transport emissions.

Under the MoU, signatories are working towards 100 per cent zero-emission new truck and bus sales by 2040, with an interim target of 30 per cent of new sales being zero-emission by 2030.

This includes a national plan for high-capacity freight charging and supporting the Sydney to Melbourne “Hume Zero” corridor.

It will also target small and medium operators – while delivering new policies to strengthen market certainty.

Victoria now joins more than 40 countries working towards net zero by 2050.

The MoU is a key step towards decarbonising the freight industry and shifting freight from road to rail.

Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne, above, said freight demand would more than double by 2050. “So we must act now by shifting to rail and backing cleaner transport.”

“This endorsement links Victoria to a global push to cut emissions and halve them by 2030.”

Agriculture Victoria is supporting farmers through drought with practical events, both in-person and online.

Agriculture Victoria Program Manager Aimee McCutcheon said having access to specialists and sharing challenges and approaches with other farmers at a workshop, field day or farm walk is incredibly valuable.
‘Every farm is different, and we have a range of events to deliver the professional business and technical advice our farmers need right now.
‘The events give producers the chance to discuss topical drought management and fire recovery issues and opportunities and connect with like-minded farmers.
‘Events are being held across the state covering topics like succession planning, seasonal outlooks, farm finances, irrigation and red meat marketing and selling.
‘It’s important that farmers know that support is available to help with the complex and difficult decisions,’ Ms McCutcheon said.
Events coming up include:
• 12 May: Succession Planning Roadshow – Leongatha
• 12 May: Upskilling agribusinesses for the future: Bank applications and reviews – Warrnambool
• 12 May: Refresh and Reset Farmer Dinner – Skipton
• 12 May: Profitable and Resilient Farms Workshop – Mortlake
• 13 May: Understanding your farm finances – Wangaratta
• 13 May: Autumn break to winter feed: building a profitable feed wedge – Ensay
• 13 May: Smart decisions: strategic & tactical farm planning and decision-making – Hamilton
• 14 May: Understanding your farm finances – Seymour
• 14 May: Smart decisions: strategic & tactical farm planning and decision-making – Harrow
• 14 May: Seasonal update and outlook for Victoria: What are the latest climate signals telling us? – online
• 15 May: Planning for the seasons ahead – Wonthaggi
• 18 May: Maximising profit from your sheep – Serpentine
• 19 May: Decisions that drive success: Proven techniques for effective on-farm decision-making – Shepparton
• 19 May: Maximising profit from your sheep – St Arnaud
• 19 May: Profitable and Resilient Farms Workshop – Euroa
• 20 May: Build Better Soils – Bairnsdale- 20 May: Succession planning roadshow – Trafalgar
To find events in your region, visit the Events page on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Find more information about available drought support by visiting www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Macedon Ranges Council is partnering with Share the Dignity to deliver new period education kits to school across the shire, supporting students with access to practical, up-to-date and inclusive learning resources.

The initiative will see schools in the Macedon Ranges receive a reusable period education kit, designed to assist teachers in delivering accurate and age-appropriate education, while helping to reduce stigma and improve student wellbeing.
Mayor Kate Kendall said the initiative reflects Council’s commitment to supporting health, inclusion and sustainability across the shire.
“Access to quality period education is important and essential for young people’s confidence, health and participation in school life,” she said.
“These kits provide practical tools for the classrooms, while also encouraging conversations that normalise menstruation and support all students.”
Each kit includes a range of educational materials and products, such as a teacher’s guide, posters and classroom resources, alongside both reusable and disposable period products. Items include reusable pads, period underwear menstrual cups, and swimwear, as well as tampons and pads ensuring the kits carer to diverse needs and preferences.
In a boost for local business, the reusable products included in the kits have been sourced from Romsey-based Darlings Downunder, supporting our local economy whilst promoting sustainable alternatives.
Share the Dignity is a national leader in menstrual equity and education and will provide continued support through its online learning hub, accessible to schools via QR codes included in the kits.
“Menstrual equity means ensuring that access to period products is not a barrier to education, work or sport, and that everyone is educated about menstruation. Without this combination, we cannot dismantle the shame and stigma that have existed for generations,” says Rochelle Courtenay, Founder and Managing Director of Share the Dignity.
The rollout of the education kits aligns Council’s broader waste reduction efforts, including the annual Reusable Rebate program, which is open until 30 April 2026. The program encourages residents to switch to reusable products, delivering financial, environmental and health benefits.
While the kits have a strong focus on reusables, they also include disposable items to ensure accessibility for all students.
Council encourages schools, families and the broader community to learn more about reusable options and the support available.
Further information on the program can be obtained from the council’s website at mrsc.vic.gov.au/period-boxes

An evening of jazz vocals and guitar with Michelle Nicolle – Australia’s finest jazz singer – accompanied by Hugh Stuckey, a musician not be missed, at the Bullarto Hall on Saturday, May 16.

Local support act this time around is The Dusty Millers.

The bar will be open and the heaters will be on!

Doors 6:30
The Dusty Millers 7:00
Michelle Nicolle & Hugh Stuckey 7:30

Tickets at trybooking.com or on the door

$40/$30

Widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading jazz vocalists, Michelle Nicolle has won multiple awards including the National Jazz Award, Bell Award, and several Mo Awards, and has been nominated three times for ARIA Awards for Best Jazz Album. Known for her expressive interpretations and improvisational skill, Nicolle has performed at major international jazz festivals and collaborated with artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Kurt Elling.

Hugh Stuckey is an Australian jazz guitarist and composer known for his lyrical playing style and long-standing contribution to Melbourne’s jazz scene. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, he has performed extensively across Australia and internationally, collaborating with leading jazz musicians in ensembles ranging from small groups to big bands.

The new entity created by Victoria’s first Treaty – Gellung Warl – is now operating.

The body will lead the strengthened relationship between First Peoples and the state.

They will work with the Victorian Government to action reforms and practical outcomes set out in the Statewide Treaty.

Gellung Warl comprises three main parts:

• The First Peoples’ Assembly – consisting of democratically elected members to inform Parliament on matters that affect First Peoples.
• Nginma Ngainga Wara – to implement the commitment under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
• Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna  – to establish truth-telling in local communities about history and supporting ongoing education, healing and reconciliation.

The establishment of Gellung Warl follows the successful election of the new First Peoples’ Assembly of Gellung Warl.

This includes the election of new co-chairs Djaran Murray-Jackson and Meriki Onus.

Djaran is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung man who has served as reserved seat holder for DJAARA since 2023 and is currently deputy chairperson on the DJAARA Board.

Meriki is a Gunnai and Gunditjmara person and has over a decade of experience organising First Peoples and allies for justice, including participation in treaty negotiations as head of policy at First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

It comprises 21 general members from five regions across Victoria, and 13 seats reserved for members of Traditional Owner groups.

Minister for First Peoples Ros Spence said treaty is about delivering a stronger and fairer state, working to close the gap and ensuring all Victorians have access to the same opportunities and a better future.

“When we listen to people directly affected by policies, we get better outcomes.”

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the news that the 2026/27 Federal Budget will invest an additional $2 billion over four years to fund critical infrastructure, which will support the construction of up to 65,000 new homes.

“One of the key challenges facing the residential construction industry is the cost of enabling infrastructure, which invariably lands on the new home buyer,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.

“A substantial number of housing projects across Australia are near ready for construction, but stalled due to a lack of funding for enabling (‘last mile’) infrastructure.

“In many growth areas, state and local governments face increasing difficulty financing the trunk infrastructure required to unlock new housing supply.

“The cost of infrastructure provision, and the mechanisms used to recover those costs, have a direct influence on land prices, development feasibility and housing affordability.

“Poorly sequenced or excessively front-loaded charges raise project costs and delay delivery, whereas timely and efficiently financed infrastructure can expand supply and moderate price pressures.

“It is particularly pleasing to see that $500 million is reserved just for regional Australia.

“It can be a challenge to fund infrastructure in regional growth areas, where the population does not yet support more investment in services, but the population can’t grow without it. This helps break that ‘chicken and egg’ cycle.

“Timely provision of enabling infrastructure is critical to making projects shovel ready. It is not traditionally an Australian government responsibility, so this is an important commitment that will help accelerate housing delivery,” concluded Ms Martin.

Planning for level access tram stops will commence along Sydney Road, Brunswick and Coburg and Keilor Road, Niddrie.

State government funding will also build a new substation at Wattle Park, Surrey Hills.

The new substation will have the energy to power larger trams along Route 70 – boosting capacity by more than 70 per cent.

The first 50 of Melbourne’s new G Class trams will progressively roll out on routes 57, 59 and 82 – delivering more comfortable and accessible journeys.

Additional G Class routes have now been confirmed, with the next 50 new trams set to take passengers on routes 12, 48 and 58.

As part of a $7.6 million package in public and active transport improvements, the Victorian Budget 2026/27 will also invest to deliver accessibility and safety upgrades to:

• Clifton Hill Station
• Northcote Station
• Eaglemont Station
• Donnybrook Station
• Broadmeadows Station.

Clifton Hill, Northcote and Eaglemont stations will receive tactile ground surface indicators to boost safety for passengers with vision impairment.

Donnybrook Station will receive pedestrian safety upgrades and bicycle parking facilities – making it easier for people to get around.

Broadmeadows Station will also receive funding for amenity and safety upgrades.

Works on the massive $535 million expansion of the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton are now underway.

The project will deliver a new seven-storey medical tower above the newly expanded emergency department.

Once complete, the tower will include:

• expanded maternity services – supporting around 2,400 births annually
• operating theatres – providing capacity for 7,500 more surgeries each year
• a new intensive care unit with modern technology to support the hospital’s sickest patients
• a new medical equipment Central Sterile Services Department – helping deliver more surgeries, sooner.

As one of Victoria’s busiest hospitals, the project will futureproof care in the south east for generations to come.

The project is expected to create more than 1,500 construction jobs and support additional medical jobs once open.

Construction is expected to be complete in 2029.

Farmers statewide are encouraged to subscribe to Agriculture Victoria’s Soil Moisture Monitoring Cropping Report e-newsletter for real-time soil water data in their region.
The report summarises data from underground probes at 20 monitoring sites across Victorian cropping regions as part of Agriculture Victoria’s Soil Moisture Monitoring (SMM) project.
Agriculture Victoria Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Boyd said the newsletter aims to be both informative and educational about seasonal rain events and how far they have soaked down into the soil profile.
‘The newsletter describes what is happening at each reference point and provides resources to help you learn more about understanding the deep soil moisture probe graphs,’ Mr Boyd said.
‘If you invest some time in learning how to interpret moisture probe graphs, you can really reap some benefits.’
‘For example, after the large volume of rain in March, you could ask “what was the deepest sensor to react to the rain?”’
Where feasible Mr Boyd validates the sensor findings in the paddock with coring tubes and says it’s promising to see moisture still evident in the profile.
The sites record soil water content at one source point from 30 centimetres (cm) down to 1 metre as a reference point for a paddock.
Some key findings noted in the current report include:
• Summer weed control remains critical to conserving soil moisture
• Cropping regions north of the divide are showing improvement due to March rainfall increasing stored soil water.
• Several grain growing areas still have deep soil moisture deficits following a dry summer.
• Regions with decile 9 March rainfall are showing strong recovery and soil profiles that are at least half full receiving more than 100mm of rain during March.
• Districts that received rainfall greater than 150mm (decile 10 or highest on record) are more than 75% full and many have deep moisture that is 100%
• Overall, soil water app data is showing mixed trends with notable increases at Ouyen (88%) and Coonooer Bridge (88%) while other areas remain low in the south west around Hamilton (12%) and Lake Bolac (29%).
Read the latest copy of the Soil Moisture Monitor e-newsletter on the Agriculture Victoria website at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/newsletters/soil-moisture-monitoring-in-cropping-regions
For drought support, including grants, technical advice and mental health services, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.