The state government is boosting the only state-funded public fertility program in Australia.

The Victorian Budget 2026/27 invests $43.4 million so more Victorians can start their own family.

This funding will support:

• Specialist outpatient appointments
• IVF or related treatment cycles including fertility preservation
• Supporting the frontline public fertility workforce
• The operation of Australia’s first public egg and sperm bank.

Victoria’s public fertility service supports those who often face the biggest barriers to accessing private services.

This includes lower-income earners and regional Victorians.

It also supports those undergoing medical treatment impacting fertility, including severe endometriosis and cancer.

As Australia’s only state funded public fertility program and led by the Royal Women’s Hospital, care is delivered in every corner of Victoria through satellite sites – cutting down on unnecessary travel and expenses.

Since beginning in 2022, the service has:

• Welcomed hundreds of babies into the world
• Helped more than 700 women access fertility preservation services for eligible medical reasons
• Supported close to 8,500 patients to begin their fertility journey including almost 1,500 regional Victorians.

More information is available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/public-fertility-care-services.

COSBOA calls for key Budget levers to unlock small business growth and productivity

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is urging the Federal Government to prioritise small business in the upcoming Budget through a set of practical, targeted measures that support immediate viability and long-term growth.

Small businesses contribute around one-third of Australia’s GDP and employ more than 5 million people yet continue to operate under sustained pressure from rising costs, compliance complexity and ongoing economic uncertainty.

COSBOA CEO, Skye Cappuccio, said the Budget must strike the right balance between short-term relief and longer-term policy settings that support business confidence.

“Small businesses are managing a cumulative set of pressures, from fuel and insurance through to compliance and financing costs,” Ms Cappuccio said.

“What they need from this Budget is clear: immediate backing where it’s needed, and policy certainty that allows them to plan ahead, invest and improve productivity.”

At the centre of COSBOA’s priorities is increasing the Instant Asset Write-Off from $20,000 and making it permanent.

“Right now, the threshold simply doesn’t reflect the real cost of doing business or enable significant investment,” Ms Cappuccio said.

“For a tradie, it’s a vehicle or equipment needed to take on more work. For a food producer or manufacturer, it’s machinery that increases production capacity and reduces downtime.

“These aren’t discretionary purchases, they are the tools businesses need to operate efficiently, be innovative and deliver more with the resources they have.”

Reducing regulatory burden remains a critical and immediate opportunity to ease pressure, with COSBOA supporting the joint call from industry for a 25 per cent reduction in red tape, alongside practical reforms that simplify regulatory frameworks and reduce duplication.

Small businesses are currently spending the equivalent of almost a full day each week on compliance and administration – from managing BAS and tax reporting, navigating wage awards and pay requirements, renewing licences and permits, maintaining insurance documentation, and meeting increasing data and privacy requirements.

A recent report estimates regulatory compliance costs the Australian economy around $160 billion annually, with duplication across governments a key driver of unnecessary cost and complexity.

“For many small businesses, red tape isn’t abstract – it’s paperwork, forms, duplicate reporting and time spent dealing with multiple agencies,” she said.

“That’s time taken away from customers, staff and running the business. Reducing duplication and simplifying these processes would immediately ease pressure and lift productivity.”

COSBOA is also calling for targeted support for small businesses facing acute cashflow pressures as a result of the fuel crisis, including a proposed $3,000 incentive voucher for small businesses to access trusted advisers such as bookkeepers and accountants.

“Many small businesses don’t have the capacity to navigate financial pressure alone and delay seeking advice because of cost, even when they need it most,” Ms Cappuccio said.

“A targeted voucher to access a qualified service provider would help certain businesses manage cashflow, make informed decisions and remain viable.

“This is about giving small businesses the tools and advice they need before challenges become crises.”

Continued investment in capability-building programs such as Cyber Wardens, which has already helped thousands of small businesses to build resilience against growing cyber risks, remains important.

Support for initiatives like COSBOA’s Go Local First to drive customer demand to local businesses.

Ms Cappuccio said small businesses play a critical role in supporting communities and the broader economy. “Whether it’s a local café, a tradie, a farmer or a small retailer, these businesses are employing local people, supporting other local businesses and keeping communities connected.

“They are the fabric of local economies, particularly in regional Australia.

“If the Government pulls the right levers, small businesses will do what they’ve always done – invest, employ and drive economic growth,” Ms Cappuccio said.

4 in 5 Victorians agree tax and regulatory settings are discouraging investment in the rental market

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) commissioned independent research (1,000 Victorian adults) and received compelling results showing strong support from the Victorian community for property tax reform. The findings highlight growing concerns from Victorians that current tax policies are placing insurmountable pressure on property investors and constraining rental supply, while also creating a barrier for renters to break into the property market.

• Support for broader reform was overwhelmingly clear with more than four in five Victorians (81%) agreeing current tax and regulatory settings are discouraging investment in the rental market.
• Of note, investor sentiment pointed to potential supply impacts if the status quo on tax and regulatory settings persist. More than half of Victorian rental providers (58%) say they do not feel adequately supported by the Government, while one in two (56%) would consider selling, reducing their portfolio, or shifting investment interstate if current settings remain unchanged.
• Stamp duty was also highlighted as a barrier to home ownership for renters with 86% of renters claiming they would be more likely to buy a home if stamp duty – the Government’s ‘go to tax’ – was removed.

REIV has long advocated for tax reform to make investment in Victorian property more attractive, and Victorian rental providers agreed. One in two rental providers (58%) said they would increase investment if targeted incentives were introduced, while just under half (44%) would respond positively to a freeze on property-based taxes.

The results send a strong message ahead of the State Budget: without policy recalibration, Victoria’s housing challenges are likely to intensify.

Supporting survey data

• Four in five (81%) Victorians agree the current Victorian rental market tax and regulatory settings are serving to discourage investment.
• Five in six renters (86%) agree they’d be more likely to buy a home if stamp duty was removed.
• Over half (56%) of Victorian rental providers would either reduce the size of their property portfolio, sell and change their investment strategy or sell and buy interstate if tax reforms and policies remain as they are. (Nearly a third 27% would sell and change their investment strategy)
• Over half of Victorian rental providers (58%) would increase their investment if a policy offered targeted tax incentives. Just under half (44%) would increase investment if tax and regulatory incentives were frozen.
• More than half of Victorian rental providers (58%) don’t feel adequately supported by the Government.  Those in regional markets more likely to not feel adequately supported. (70% vs Melbourne 56%)

Victoria’s health system is caring for more Victorians than ever before.

The Victorian Budget 2026/27 will open and expand more hospitals in growing outer suburbs and regions.

Only Labor backs our health system so Victorians get the quality, affordable care they need.

Angliss Hospital

The Budget invests $44.8 million to open the new and redeveloped Angliss Hospital later this year.

The new four-storey building will be home to four operating theatres, spaces for outpatient services and an additional 32-beds once fully operational.

It will take pressure off the emergency departments and inpatient wards at hospitals in the east.

Cranbourne Community Hospital

The Budget invests $87.2 million to open, maintain and expand services at community hospitals.

As part of this investment, an Urgent Care Centre will open later this year at Cranbourne Community Hospital – offering an alternative to the nearby Casey Hospital emergency department.

Six new lifesaving dialysis chairs will also open, so locals who need this care can get it close to home.

Craigieburn Community Hospital 

As part of the Budget’s investment into community hospitals, an Urgent Care Centre will also open at Craigieburn Community Hospital.

Its dedicated staff already deliver a range of services including dialysis, public dental services and antenatal care.

Pakenham Community Hospital

As part of the Budget’s investment into community hospitals, Pakenham Community Hospital will open in early 2027.

Once fully operational, it will deliver services including allied health, pathology, public dental and urgent care.

The Budget will also support services at the Mernda Community Hospital.

Werribee Mercy Hospital 

The Budget invests $95 million to open the upgraded Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department this year.

The expansion is doubling the ED’s capacity, and once fully operational will feature:

• 67 treatment spaces – double the current number
• six spaces for treating issues related to mental health, alcohol and other drugs
• separate but co-located paediatric and acute and short stay zones

It will mean local nurses and doctors can treat an additional 25,000 patients each year once fully operational.

University Hospital Geelong

The Budget invests $20.3 million to expand services at the paediatric emergency department at the University Hospital Geelong.

This improves access to specialist emergency care for families in Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast.

Hospital can be a daunting place for kids, and this ED is specially designed to support children when they need it.

Shepparton Hospital

The Budget invests $7.1 million to operationalise a new PET scanner at Shepparton Hospital.

Travelling to Melbourne can be a hassle for people living in regional communities.

This investment improves access to advanced diagnostics, including for cancer – reducing patient travel times and keeping care closer to home.

Melton Hospital

The Budget invests $2 million in early planning and operational readiness for the New Melton Hospital, so it’s prepared for day one.

Structural works have started on the new Melton Hospital.

It will provide care close to home for people in Caroline Springs, Gisborne, Rockbank, Melton and Bacchus Marsh and treat 130,000 patients every year.

Premier Jacinta Allan said:

“From Cranbourne to Werribee to Geelong, we are delivering better care for families in fast growing communities.”

“Labor is investing in great local public hospitals – do the Liberals support it, or will they cut it?”

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Harriet Shing

“Labor is opening and expanding services where they’re needed most, in our growing suburbs and regions.”

“Where the Liberals cut and close, these new and upgraded services will give more Victorians the care they need, closer to home.” 

Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne said:

“Our health infrastructure investments are improving care for more Victorians right across the state.” 

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has acknowledged the work performed by Mark Irving KC and his decision to step away from the administration of the CFMEU, reiterating the importance of maintaining momentum on meaningful, long‑term cultural reforms across the building and construction sector,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.

“HIA recognises the role the administrator has played in highlighting serious impropriety and governance problems within unionised parts of the industry.

“What matters now is ensuring those issues are addressed through durable, system‑wide reform that improves behaviour, productivity and trust.

“HIA emphasises the importance of urgently progressing the National Construction Industry Forum (NCIF) Blueprint for Reform. This Blueprint provides a practical and balanced roadmap through its tripartite membership, which includes HIA, to address poor workplace culture, strengthen compliance and lift standards across the sector.

“HIA also welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth, of a consultation process on establishing a new Building and Construction Industry Standard, describing it as a significant opportunity to reset expectations across the industry – if implemented carefully and pragmatically.

“It is critical that any new industry standard supports lawful behaviour, cultural improvement and accountability, without imposing unnecessary barriers on legitimate businesses – particularly small and medium residential builders and contractors.

“It is particularly important that access to Commonwealth‑funded work is not contingent on employers being covered by enterprise agreements. The housing sector relies heavily on small businesses and subcontractors and reforms must not recreate settings that exclude capable employers or distort competition on Commonwealth‑funded projects.

“The proposed areas of focus for the new Industry Standard – including removing veto power over subcontractor choice, permanently excluding proven bad actors through fit and proper person tests, improving coordination between regulators, addressing the influence of unlawful intermediaries, strengthening whistleblower protections and improving dispute resolution – have the potential to drive genuine cultural change if implemented equitably and consistently and appropriately enforced.

“HIA strongly supports measures that stamp out unlawful conduct such as coercion, bribery or misuse of power and return the ‘rule of law’ to construction sites.

“Conversely, any reform must not unnecessarily burden compliant businesses doing the right thing, by inadvertently imposing requirements that are not fit for purpose and intended to target systemic bad behaviours.

“The consultation process must be genuine, transparent and nationally consistent, with a strong focus on practical outcomes that improve industry culture while supporting productivity and workforce participation.

“Reform of this scale cannot be symbolic. Getting the next phase of the CFMEU’s administration and implementation of the NCIF Blueprint and industry standard right is essential to restoring confidence, supporting housing supply and ensuring the construction sector remains an attractive place to work and invest,” concluded Ms Martin.

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is urging the Federal Government to prioritise small business in the upcoming Budget through a set of practical, targeted measures that support immediate viability and long-term growth.

Small businesses contribute around one-third of Australia’s GDP and employ more than 5 million people yet continue to operate under sustained pressure from rising costs, compliance complexity and ongoing economic uncertainty.

COSBOA CEO, Skye Cappuccio, said the Budget must strike the right balance between short-term relief and longer-term policy settings that support business confidence.

“Small businesses are managing a cumulative set of pressures, from fuel and insurance through to compliance and financing costs,” Ms Cappuccio said.

“What they need from this Budget is clear: immediate backing where it’s needed, and policy certainty that allows them to plan ahead, invest and improve productivity.”

At the centre of COSBOA’s priorities is increasing the Instant Asset Write-Off from $20,000 and making it permanent.

“Right now, the threshold simply doesn’t reflect the real cost of doing business or enable significant investment,” Ms Cappuccio said.

“For a tradie, it’s a vehicle or equipment needed to take on more work. For a food producer or manufacturer, it’s machinery that increases production capacity and reduces downtime.

“These aren’t discretionary purchases, they are the tools businesses need to operate efficiently, be innovative and deliver more with the resources they have.”

Reducing regulatory burden remains a critical and immediate opportunity to ease pressure, with COSBOA supporting the joint call from industry for a 25 per cent reduction in red tape, alongside practical reforms that simplify regulatory frameworks and reduce duplication.

Small businesses are currently spending the equivalent of almost a full day each week on compliance and administration – from managing BAS and tax reporting, navigating wage awards and pay requirements, renewing licences and permits, maintaining insurance documentation, and meeting increasing data and privacy requirements.

A recent report estimates regulatory compliance costs the Australian economy around $160 billion annually, with duplication across governments a key driver of unnecessary cost and complexity.

“For many small businesses, red tape isn’t abstract – it’s paperwork, forms, duplicate reporting and time spent dealing with multiple agencies,” she said.

“That’s time taken away from customers, staff and running the business. Reducing duplication and simplifying these processes would immediately ease pressure and lift productivity.”

COSBOA is also calling for targeted support for small businesses facing acute cashflow pressures as a result of the fuel crisis, including a proposed $3,000 incentive voucher for small businesses to access trusted advisers such as bookkeepers and accountants.

“Many small businesses don’t have the capacity to navigate financial pressure alone and delay seeking advice because of cost, even when they need it most,” Ms Cappuccio said.

“A targeted voucher to access a qualified service provider would help certain businesses manage cashflow, make informed decisions and remain viable.

“This is about giving small businesses the tools and advice they need before challenges become crises.”

Continued investment in capability-building programs such as Cyber Wardens, which has already helped thousands of small businesses to build resilience against growing cyber risks, remains important.

Support for initiatives like COSBOA’s Go Local First to drive customer demand to local businesses.

Ms Cappuccio said small businesses play a critical role in supporting communities and the broader economy. “Whether it’s a local café, a tradie, a farmer or a small retailer, these businesses are employing local people, supporting other local businesses and keeping communities connected.

“They are the fabric of local economies, particularly in regional Australia.

“If the Government pulls the right levers, small businesses will do what they’ve always done – invest, employ and drive economic growth,” Ms Cappuccio said.

Victorian farmers are being encouraged to access free one-on-one consultations to help take stock and develop a tailored drought management plan for their farm business.

Delivered by a panel of technical specialists, this program builds farmers’ capacity to manage drought conditions now and into the future.

Over 1200 farmers from across Victoria have accessed the Farm Advisory Service, giving the program an average satisfaction rating of 9.5 out of 10.

Director Agriculture Services Kate Linden said farmers can choose the focus of the consultation session and nominate their preferred consultant from a list of specialists from across the state.

‘All farm businesses are different and require personalised and tailored support, which is why we have made sure that our technical experts cover a wide range of drought management topics.

‘Specialists include farm business and financial advisers, livestock nutritionists, soil, water and pasture specialists and veterinarians.’

‘Any farm business, anywhere in the state, can access 2 consultations, up to 3 hours each (face-to-face or online), followed by a check-in phone call’, Ms Linden said.

Regional news publishers have welcomed the release of draft News Bargaining Incentive legislation and urged all Members of Parliament, regardless of party, to support its passage.
Damian Morgan, President of Country Press Australia, which represents more than 240 regional and community news publications and their digital news services across the country, said the proposed legislation was an important step toward restoring fairness between Australian news publishers and major global digital platforms.
Country Press Australia recognised the work of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Communications Anika Wells and Assistant Treasurer Dr Daniel Mulino in progressing the draft legislation and acknowledged the constructive engagement that has occurred with the regional news sector through the policy development process.
“This is fundamentally about fairness, but it is also about truth, facts and the future of informed communities,” Mr Morgan said.
“Professional journalism costs money to produce. Large digital platforms derive value from that journalism, but they do not employ the local reporters, editors and photographers who create it. The News Bargaining Incentive is designed to encourage fair commercial agreements so Australian journalism can remain sustainable.”
In simple terms, the NBI would require large digital platforms, including Meta, TikTok and Google, to pay a charge unless they have reached commercial agreements that fairly compensate eligible Australian news organisations.
Country Press Australia said the proposed legislation builds on the News Media Bargaining Code introduced by the former Coalition Government, which established the important principle that powerful global technology platforms should contribute to the cost of the news content from which they benefit.
Australia has led the world in confronting this challenge. That leadership has been bipartisan, and Country Press Australia is calling for that same spirit of cross-party support to continue.
“Local news is not a Labor issue, a Liberal issue, a National Party issue or a Greens issue. It is an Australian issue,” Mr Morgan said.
“Every community deserves access to reliable, professionally produced information. Every community deserves journalists who are prepared to ask questions, check facts, attend meetings, report decisions and give local people a voice.”
Country Press Australia acknowledged the genuine contribution technology companies have made to modern life, including connectivity, commerce, search, social connection and access to information.
It also recognised that Google has continued to engage constructively with Australian news publishers and has shown that commercial agreements between global technology companies and Australian media businesses are possible.
“We acknowledge Google’s constructive engagement with the news industry,” Mr Morgan said.
“But the responsibility cannot fall on one company alone. All major digital platforms that derive value from Australian journalism must accept their responsibility. No company should be able to benefit from the credibility, relevance and public value of professional news while avoiding a fair contribution to the cost of producing it.”
Country Press Australia said it was important the final legislation encourages genuine commercial deals and does not create an incentive for platforms to reduce, remove or downgrade access to Australian news.
“Reliable news must remain visible and accessible to Australians,” Mr Morgan said.
“The answer cannot be for platforms to avoid responsibility by making trusted news harder to find. At a time of rising misinformation, Australians need more access to facts, not less.”
Country Press Australia said the issue was especially important for regional, rural and local Australia, where local news media is often the only professional source of verified local information.
Together, Country Press Australia members form the largest regional digital news publishing network in the country. They reach millions of Australians across digital and print each day, and publish more than 1,000 news stories online every day, produced by local journalists who live in, understand and are accountable to the communities they serve.
Country Press Australia members cover councils, courts, emergency services, schools, sport, agriculture, local business, community groups and the decisions that affect people’s everyday lives.
In many communities, if they are not there to record, question, explain and publish, often no one else is.
“That matters deeply,” Mr Morgan said.
“Without local news media, communities lose more than a publication or a website. They lose a trusted public record. They lose scrutiny of local decision making. They lose a place where facts are checked, rumours are challenged and local stories are told with care and accountability.”
“At a time when misinformation can spread quickly and loudly, the work of professional local journalists has never been more important. Country Press Australia members do not deal in anonymous claims, conspiracy theories or algorithm driven outrage. They stand behind what they publish.”
Country Press Australia said the consultation process must ensure regional and community publishers are properly recognised in any future commercial arrangements, not left behind while only the largest metropolitan media companies benefit.
“Regional Australians must not be treated as an afterthought,” Mr Morgan said.
“Our members are often the only professional news media voice in their communities. They are the ones making sure regional people are seen, heard and understood.”
“The choice is not simply between local news and no local news. It is between trusted journalism and an information vacuum. It is between facts and unchecked misinformation. It is between communities with a voice and communities left out of the national conversation.”
Country Press Australia urged Parliament to pass legislation that delivers fair, practical and lasting outcomes for eligible Australian news publishers of all sizes.
“This reform is about keeping facts in front of Australians,” Mr Morgan said.
“It is about protecting local journalism, strengthening democracy and ensuring regional communities continue to have a voice.”

The owners of three Hawkesdale farming properties have been found guilty and fined a combined $13,500, as well as being disqualified from owning any farm animals for three years in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court this week.
Christopher and Robyn Nelson were charged after an animal welfare complaint was lodged and Agriculture Victoria inspectors attended their 3 properties several times since early 2024. Mr Nelson was fined $8,500 with conviction, due to prior offences relating to similar incidents of cruelty. Mrs Nelson was fined $5,000 without conviction.
Agriculture Victoria Program Manager Daniel Bode, said during a March 2024 visit officers saw approximately 200 black angus cattle who were underweight and mooing loudly and repetitively.
‘Repeated mooing typically means the animal isn’t content, and can indicate hunger and unfortunately, we found many with a low body score of just 1,’ he said.
‘Some had a Score of 0 and were lactating, which means they have even greater nutritional needs to help them feed their calves.’
Mr Bode said officers returned in late May and interviewed both owners, who explained they jointly owned the livestock and their daily management.
‘Mr Nelson was asked whether he sought advice around feeding, to which he said no, while Mrs Nelson was asked about the condition of one injured cow and said some of the animals in poor condition pointed out by officers had ‘got a lot worse recently’.
Further visits over 2025 also noticed sheep in poor condition without access to proper or sufficient food, many with a high worm load. Some of the animals, while alive, were unable to move and had been attacked by others.
The Magistrate commented on the ‘distressing’ circumstances saying, ‘it’s about attention to the vulnerability of animals that can’t care for themselves’ and that ‘you let yourselves down and you let those animals down.’
Mr Bode said the result sends a very clear message to livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or our community.
‘Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers.’
Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint in regard to livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au

St Augustine’s Primary School Creswick is celebrating the opening of brand-new facilities that bring contemporary learning spaces, student wellbeing and community connection together in one welcoming, light-filled environment.

Designed to feel calm and inviting from Prep to Grade 6, the upgraded buildings are filled with beautiful natural light throughout – an architectural approach that helps the school feel connected to the outdoors, as though the outside is coming in.

At the front of the school, distinctive design structures naturally guide visitors towards the entrance, while the patterned brickwork on the building’s façade is shaped to represent the sign of the cross—an intentional expression of St Augustine’s Catholic identity and its commitment to an inclusive community that educates the whole person: spiritually, psychologically, socially and emotionally, physically, and academically.

Outside, the new landscaping has enhanced the play spaces, while indoors students are already making the most of the design features, using the small tables and benches as break-out and hang-out spaces during play and between lessons.

New facilities for students and staff

• New entry and administration area that improves accessibility and the welcome into the school.

• Modern general learning areas, including specialist learning opportunities such as science, art and the school’s Japanese language program.

• Refurbished learning spaces that create a calm presence for students across all year levels.

• Upgraded student amenities designed for comfort, safety and everyday practicality.

• New staff areas, including dedicated spaces where staff can step away, reset and enjoy break times.

Principal Michael Heenan said the new facilities reflect St Augustine’s commitment to creating environments where every child can thrive.

“This is an exciting new chapter for St Augustine’s. The new spaces are calm, welcoming and full of light, and they’re already changing the way our students learn and play – moving easily from the classroom to the outdoor areas and back again,” Mr Heenan said.

The project included new construction and refurbishment works across the campus, delivering contemporary learning areas, administration and staff facilities and improved amenities.

Funding

The facilities were supported by $3,300,000 in Australian Government Capital Funding, along with a local contribution of over $360,000, bringing the total cost of the project to over $3.6m.

About St Augustine’s Primary School Creswick

St Augustine’s is a Catholic co-educational primary school within the Diocese of Ballarat, located in the historical township of Creswick. Guided by its vision – ‘Every person, every opportunity’ – the school supports students from Foundation to Year 6 to be curious, optimistic and compassionate, striving to contribute positively to the world.

Construction is now underway at the SEC Delburn Wind Farm near the Latrobe Valley.

Around 40 workers are already on site as early works begin, with jobs to grow to 300 at the peak of construction bringing total statewide SEC jobs created to nearly 2000 since the SEC was established.

Minister Lily D’Ambrosio met with workers building Victoria’s first publicly owned wind farm, with nine local trainees and apprentices already working onsite.

SEC is working alongside delivery partners OSMI Australia, Vestas and Delta Group, a local business founded in Traralgon, supporting local workers and local businesses.

Construction is focused on site establishment, construction of compounds and facilities, access road development, plantation tree clearing and mulching, and early‑stage earthworks.

Early works also included the installation of five 130,000‑litre firefighting water tanks.

Once operational in 2028, the 33‑turbine wind farm will generate up to 205 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power more than 130,000 homes.  It will provide more than $22 million in neighbour and community benefits over its lifetime.

This will support the SEC to supply 100 percent renewable electricity to power Victoria’s public services, schools, hospitals, police stations, trains and more – including local sites like Sale College, the Morwell Police Station, the CFA, Latrobe Regional Health and more

“Western Australia retained its status as Australia’s strongest home building market, even extending its lead, atop HIA’s latest Housing Scorecard,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

HIA’s Housing Scorecard benchmarks contemporary levels of activity in each state and territory against long term averages across indicators of home building and renovations activity, lending data and population flows.

“Western Australia’s home building recovery has produced the strongest detached housing sector in the nation, the equal strongest renovations sector, and the equal second strongest multi-units market,” added Mr Devitt.

“Activity has been supported by the most impressive migration dynamics in the nation, with tens of thousands of arrivals each year from both overseas and interstate.

“Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia filled out the top three spots of the Housing Scorecard, comfortably ahead of the other jurisdictions, leading the national recovery across most individual indicators of housing and renovations activity.

“New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory sat in the middle of the pack in this Housing Scorecard. All three jurisdictions are still seeing relatively weak volumes of new home building entering the pipeline.

“Nonetheless, underlying demand for housing in these jurisdictions is being supported by the continued inflow of overseas migrants. Moreover, signs of strengthening activity in these markets are expected to continue through 2026 and beyond.

“Rounding out the Housing Scorecard are the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania, both struggling to get off the bottom of the list for a number of years now.

“Both jurisdictions underperformed on a number of indicators of detached housing, multi-unit and renovations activity. Local residents continue to leave for other states and territories, while Tasmania is also the only jurisdiction receiving fewer net overseas migrant arrivals than their decade average.

“It is arguably too soon to see sustained evidence of recovery in Tasmania’s approvals or building activity data, and only early signs in the Australian Capital Territory,” concluded Mr Devitt.

Doctors For Nutrition (DFN) has joined Vegan Australia and the Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand in supporting a letter to Woolworths calling for the retailer to maintain or increase its plant-based product range. It says the move is important for public health because it encourages people to move away from animal-based foods and towards whole food plant-based diets.

Doctors For Nutrition is concerned by reports that vegan product lines are being reduced in response to short-term sales fluctuations. We believe this is a missed opportunity for Woolworths and for public health, because reducing the visibility and availability of plant-based foods makes it harder for consumers to choose healthier options and slows the shift towards more sustainable eating patterns. Rather than scaling back, supermarkets should help normalise plant-based choices and make them easier for shoppers to access every day.

Retailers shape food choices

DFN says supermarkets do more than meet demand: they shape it through product placement, visibility and availability. Our organisation argues that keeping plant-based foods integrated across mainstream categories makes healthier choices easier for customers and supports more normalised everyday purchasing patterns.

DFN’s support for the letter reflects its mission to reduce preventable disease by improving access to healthier alternatives to animal products. The organisation says Woolworths has an opportunity to support both consumer choice and better long-term health outcomes by keeping plant-based foods prominent and easy to find.

Spokesperson quote

“Doctors For Nutrition is proud to stand alongside our fellow signatories in supporting this letter to Woolworths,” said Rebecca Stonor, Chief Executive Officer of Doctors For Nutrition. “We want to see more people supported to move away from animal-based foods and transition towards plant-rich diets, which can play an important role in preventing disease and improving public health.”

Letter asks Woolworths to act

The letter asks Woolworths to maintain and expand viable plant-based product lines, ensure equal visibility and integrated placement across relevant categories, and publicly commit to increasing the proportion and prominence of animal-free foods as part of its sustainability and corporate responsibility strategy.

Key items considered and endorsed at the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Meeting held on 22 April 2026 included:
198 Mount Gisborne Road, Gisborne – Council endorsed an alternative motion to refuse to extend an existing planning permit for the development of a telecommunications facility at 198 Mount Gisborne Road, Gisborne.
Council formed the position that sufficient time had elapsed for the development of the land to commence, and that the applicant had failed to provide good reasons or sufficient evidence as to why the extension should be granted.
Anzac Day Commemorative Services Grant Guidelines – Council adopted updated guidelines for the Anzac Day Commemorative Services Support Fund.
The revised guidelines will allow all groups that support Anzac Day commemorative services to access funding for required traffic management, specifically noting an alteration relating to the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, helping ensure Anzac Day events can continue safely and consistently across the shire.
Proposal to rename Clarke Street footbridge, Mount Macedon: Council considered community feedback on renaming the Clarke Street footbridge in honour of the late Christine Walker, former Councillor, and resolved to proceed with submitting the proposed name – ‘Christine Walker Footbridge’ – to the Registrar of Geographic Names.
Budget 2026/27 – Community Engagement: Council endorsed the release of consultation materials for the Draft Budget 2026-27, and community consultation for a 4-week period (including through Council’s Your Say platform: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/ideas-action-2026-27-budget).
The Budget 2026-27 aims to provide a high level of works and services to our community, focusing on renewal and reinvesting in existing infrastructure and assets, while keeping rates as low as possible and within the rate cap. Feedback received during this period will be presented to Council, together with the Draft Budget 2026-27, for consideration at the June 2026 Council Meeting.
Three Chain Road, Newham – Intersection Update: Council endorsed an amended officer recommendation, which noted an update on safety improvements and recent progress at the Three Chain Road intersection as tabled in the meeting agenda, but updated one point to reflect that the Department of Transport and Planning had supported Council’s submission and approved a speed limit reduction from 100 km/h to 80km/h along the section of Three Chain Road surrounding the intersection (noted in an update on Council’s Latest News section of the website).

Hepburn Shire Council is partnering with local business Greywoods Consulting to deliver two free online webinars aimed at helping local businesses expand their reach, strengthen their presence, and grow sustainably across the region.

Designed specifically for tradespeople and home-based business operators, the sessions will provide practical, easy-to-apply strategies to move beyond reliance on local networks and build a stronger regional footprint.

‘From local tradie to regional brand’, held on Wednesday 6 May 2026 (6:30–8 pm), is tailored for tradespeople looking to transition from word-of-mouth work to a more established regional brand. Participants will gain practical strategies to improve visibility, attract new clients, and position their business for long-term growth across a wider catchment.

‘From home office to regional lead magnet’, held Monday 18 May 2026 (6:30– 8 pm), is designed for home-based and small service businesses. This session focuses on creating consistent lead generation beyond the local area. It will explore practical and accessible marketing approaches to attract, capture and convert regional clients.

Both webinars are free to attend and form part of Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses to build capability, resilience and long-term growth.

Business owners and operators are encouraged to register early to secure their place.