Construction is starting on the redevelopment of the Bendigo Art Gallery.
The redevelopment will include a second-floor exhibition space, innovative learning centre, theatrette and a home for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural materials. Construction will take two years and create about 260 local jobs. While it is closed the gallery will offer a series of offsite exhibitions including the CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO Bricks exhibition at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre, 7 Railway Place, Bendigo, from March.

The Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre will have another 45 beds when it reopens, to keep the community safe, according to the state government.
More than 100 new youth justice workers will be recruited to staff the expanded facility, with upgrades to infrastructure and security at Malmsbury underway.

Daylesford Macedon Tourism is known as Destination Central Victoria and now represents Hepburn and Macedon Ranges shires along with Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields shires.
The organisation has funding from state and local governments and is dedicated to leading tourism development, promotion, and collaboration across the four local government areas. As part of the transition, a fresh consumer-facing brand identity has been developed to spotlight the region’s key brand pillars and hero destinations, reinforcing its appeal to visitors. The three levels of partnership – Connected, Engaged and Strategic – offer increasing access to marketing tools, business intelligence, and networking opportunities.

Trentham Community Action was formed at a meeting of interested citizens in November 2024. The purpose of the group is “to work to build a stronger and more resilient future for the town and district through active representation, advocacy and collaboration”.
It was decided to form the group after the previous Trentham Forum committee was not able to continue. The community came to several meetings in 2024 to discuss the Draft Structure Plan proposed by the council and a joint submission was made. This added to the impetus to form a new town committee.
It is now time for the first AGM, Monday, March 2 at Trentham Neighbourhood Centre at 7pm, hopefully with a good representation of our membership of over 100. All local residents are welcome.
Our inaugural meeting set priorities for a number of projects, with working groups of interested members reporting to the committee. There has also been the opportunity to make submissions to the council which represent the members. This has been important with the council budget for ’25-’26 and continuing stages of the structure plan.
Projects to date include: Open Space Levy Projects – ongoing negotiations with Hepburn Shire Council; Town website – launched in November 2025; Road Safety – Town Traffic – petition presented to the council; Public meetings: two meetings were held in March and May 2025, re Council Budget 2025-26; significant numbers in attendance; and representation to the council re changes to the Draft Structure Plan October 2025.
The AGM is an opportunity to help chart TCA’s future direction, a group which can connect across community interests and find ways to solve local challenges to benefit our community. As a bonus, we have asked Cr Brian Hood to contribute with observations on Trentham’s future from his perspective.
TCA needs a committee. Current 2025 TCA committee members are Fay Magee, Ian MacBean, David Sanders and John Morrissy. The membership form is available at www.trenthamvic.org.au/contact
Committee nomination forms are available from trenthamca@gmail.com
– Fay Magee, Trentham Community Action

Cooked Initiatives is expanding its hospitality program helping local and vulnerable youth with new vans and menus.

The program, established in 2023, started food van operations as a youth training program offering affordable food in the Hepburn Shire with its base of operations in the front yard of the Daylesford Masonic Hall in Vincent Street.
Established by Pathway Essentials, a Daylesford support organisation that provides services for vulnerable young people, the vans also attend markets and festivals, providing a safe and supportive space for participants to develop their hospitality skills
Director Vladimir Keca, with over 20 years’ experience in teaching, social work and community services working extensively with youth to improve educational outcomes and personal wellbeing, is excited by what’s on offer this year.
“The program has been successful and is growing. We will be relaunching the Cooked Food website in March with our new vans and menu and we are now doing the Daylesford Sunday Market and the Creswick Market every third Saturday.
“It has grown from one van to several, and we also have a music studio. We will also be holding a series of alcohol-free DJ sessions at the masonic hall during the March long weekend.”
These type of programs with their therapeutic approach are vital for young people aged from eight to 25, who may otherwise fall through the cracks within the standard social and educational systems.
Many of the participants have complex support needs, trauma histories, extensive care teams and behavioural issues and are in great need of schemes such as Cooked.
To manage this, Cooked has more than 30 staff in various roles from clinical and outreach support to hospitality trainers. They are also supported within a network of social support bodies such as Berry Street Child and Family Services, Child and Family Services, Youth Justice and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
“I have spent my adult life working in educational and community settings as an outreach teacher, it’s been my calling,” Vlad says. “I have seen what works and what doesn’t and for many of these kids, especially for boys, the education settings didn’t fit them and they just couldn’t succeed in this system.
“The most important part of the training here is to have these kids out in the community. And often community support of the program and the kids involved is simply through basic interaction.”
The success stories, from ongoing employment to confidence building, coming out of this program gives Vlad real satisfaction.
“To know that we have created positive outcomes, that helps me feel, when I wake up in the morning, that I can do this.
“Because it is a relentless task with a lot of complexity. But we care about our people first and foremost and, small steps or big steps, every bit of progress is a success story.”

Above, Cooked program trainer Rose Foulds with director Vladimir Keca

Words & image: Tony Sawrey

We’ll be at several farm recovery events over the next couple of weeks to support farmers impacted by recent fires across the state.

Our staff will be on hand to talk through your recovery, including feeding livestock, looking after soils and managing farm water.

• Fawcett Hall, Feed budgeting breakfast 2 March, 7:30-8:15 am
• Yarck Hub, 2 March 10 am-12 noon
• Euroa Hub 3 March, 11 am-2 pm
• Lucyvale, Dam Sediment Field Day, 4 March
• Tallangatta, Fire Recovery Fencing Workshop, 5 March, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Creighton’s Creek, Fire Recovery Fencing Workshop, 6 March, 9.30 am- 3:30 pm

For support, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Following a bushfire there is a lot to consider when it comes to caring for livestock and getting your farm back on track.
To assist in making decisions for your on-farm recovery, a range of practical technical information and advice is available on our website.
You can also speak to an Agriculture Recovery team member on 136 186 or by contacting recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au

The Victorian Government is backing Victoria’s freshwater fisheries by giving endangered fish species a massive boost.

Minister Dimopoulos today announced the Macquarie Perch Recovery Centre at the Snobs Creek Hatchery is now complete.

The brand-new $5 million centre will give the endangered fish species a massive boost.

This will increase local capability, safeguard supply, and ensure that recreational fishing continues to thrive across the state.

The project is backed by Labor’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Victoria Plan.

Construction of the centre took over a year to complete and supported 20 local jobs during construction.

The centre is equipped with world-class technology, including a series of recirculating aquaculture systems which carefully control light, water temperature and dissolved oxygen.

This optimises conditions to breed these important and iconic native species.

131,770 Macquarie perch have been released this year to continue the species recovery.

This includes 10,755 into the Broken River, 3,000 into Dartmouth Dam, 32,495 into the Goulburn River, 22,440 into the King River, 40,550 into the Kiewa River and 22,530 into the Ovens River.

The new centre aims to produce up to 500,000 Macquarie perch and 500,000 trout cod every year – which represents a nearly four-fold increase compared to current production capacity.

This is in addition to the Arcadia Fish Hatchery which can produce 6 million Murray cod and golden perch every year.

This centre represents a big milestone in the conservation of endangered fish species in Australia.

Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said:

“This new Recovery Centre is a game-changer for Victoria’s endangered native fish, ensuring our great fishing traditions continue for generations to come.”

“Labor backs fishing because it gives Victorians more ways to get outside, make memories, and connect with their communities.”

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said:

“This centre is a fantastic asset to the region, protecting iconic species like the Macquarie perch and ensuring that recreational fishing can continue to thrive right across the state.”

The independent investigator appointed by Optus to examine last September’s catastrophic triple zero outage has called out the company for its “culture of carelessness”. During today’s Senate inquiry hearing into triple zero outages, Dr Kerry Schott said she was astounded by Optus’s failure to follow basic processes in a crisis.  She criticised a 40-page risk management document which was so convoluted it could not be implemented.The hearing laid bare deeply troubling evidence – not just about systemic failures inside Optus, but systemic problems across the whole triple zero ecosystem. Dr Schott said critical alerts were missed, procedures were ignored, and separate network disruption warnings were effectively written off without proper investigation.She described the culture in the Networks division of Optus as “unforgivable” and one that “must be fixed”. Optus executives admitted their failings and outlined how critical gaps in their response to the outage are being addressed. Yet many questions remain including the adequacy of back-up systems, such as the reliability of camping-on to another carrier when a triple zero call fails to connect.

The evidence today reinforces concerns long raised by the Coalition about accountability, and the consequences of government taking a hands-off approach to the management of an essential service.

While Optus must answer for its failures, this inquiry has also highlighted structural issues right across the triple ecosystem which demand government accountability and action.

Evidence today confirmed the triple zero system was designed around the 3G network – and yet the federalgovernment oversaw the shutdown of 3G without adequately ensuring that triple zero arrangements would remain fit for purpose.

The 3G shutdown, the proliferation of new handsets and fragmentation of software have all introduced new risks which have not been adequately addressed.

Today, NSW Ambulance said a framework of national standards should govern the triple zero emergency service.

We heard that Google’s Pixel handset can send an emergency message via satellite when the user has no mobile connectivity – but why can’t all Australians access this service?

When it comes to triple zero, near enough is not good enough. Australians deserve a system which is resilient, properly regulated, and treated with the seriousness that a life-saving service demands.

It has been a very busy month at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter, with five orphaned joeys arriving in one day.
The joeys’ mothers had all been hit by cars in different locations near Daylesford, which shows the need to be aware when driving along country roads. Extra vigilance is required especially from dusk to dawn, as this is when wildlife feed.

Of course, there is nothing you can do to avoid hitting an animal that jumps out directly in front of your car, but you can minimise the damage by driving slower. If you are driving at night and see kangaroos and wallabies grazing by the roadside, it is good practice to slow down and dim your headlights.
If the animals start to move across the road, drive slowly or pull right off the road and turn your lights off, so they can see where they are going. Bright lights blind the animals causing them to panic, all they see is the light.
Imagine what it would be like, if you didn’t know that those bright lights coming down the road were attached to something that could hurt or kill you. They don’t know that it is a road for cars and frightened animals will take the easiest route away from danger and that may often be down the road.
If you do hit an animal with your car, the first thing to do is park your car safely. Then from a safe distance, see if the animal is still alive. If the animal is dead, drag it off the road.
If it is alive call Wildlife Victoria (03) 8400 7300 or Warrior for Wildlife 1300 352 923 or Hepburn Wildlife Shelter 0428 540 000.
From a safe distance look for a joey, it may be on the road or nearby. If you can reach the joey without frightening it, wrap it in something warm and cover its head. Don’t speak to it or pat it, wild animals do not recognise these actions as comforting and will become more frightened.
If the joey and injured mother move off into the bush, record the direction and location where they left the road. This will enable a wildlife rescuer to find them. If the injured animal cannot move, and you cannot get in touch with Wildlife Victoria, call the police to assist.

Above, one of the orphaned joeys at Hepburn Wildlife Shelter
Image: Barb Davies

Words: Dr Marita McGuirk

Hepburn’s Connie Conlon is closing down her iconic Portal 108 store – but she is not going anywhere.
In fact, she will probably be even more of a presence, with a new career starting in real estate. Connie has joined the team at Belle Property in Daylesford – leaving Portal 108 after 22 happy years. She says it was time for a change.
“I still absolutely love retail but I just felt like I wanted to do something different. Before I moved here I was in conveyancing, and I have always been interested in real estate and doing my own renovations – my dad was a builder.
“So it’s always been something that I’ve enjoyed, in a private sense. And I felt after 22 years it was time for a change.
“Also, the landscape of retail has changed a lot as well with so much now online and social media advertising, costs and things like that.
“Closing Portal 108 was a very difficult decision to make because it’s been my heart and soul for the whole time I’ve lived here. So the decision didn’t come lightly and was a long time in the making but once I made the decision, it felt good.”
The final day of trading was last Friday, February 20.
“My last day in the shop was Sunday (February 15) and it was really quiet in the afternoon and I just reflected on everything, the beautiful members of the community, so many customers who had become friends.”
But Connie said her first two weeks at Belle had been fantastic.
“I just couldn’t have landed in a better place, to be honest. I have great people to work with and I have been friends with (Belle Daylesford owners) Will and Pete since they moved here. And I have had Annette (Leary) for training and she’s been a friend for years as well, so it feels like the perfect transition.
“I have really enjoyed doing something completely different, thinking with a different part of my brain, and I can still be creative, just in another arena.”
Connie said she was not one to move houses very often so understood buying and selling a house was a big deal for many people. “I know what it’s like to be really house proud and love where you live, but moving for whatever reason. Your kids might have left home, or you are moving interstate for work. It’s a stressful time as well and I hope I can make the move easier.” Words: Donna Kelly

Hepburn Shire Council is hosting its annual International Women’s Day event on Wednesday, March 4 to honour the achievements of women in the shire.
Mayor Cr Tony Clark said the IWD Heather Mutimer Women’s Honour Roll event celebrated the accomplishments of local women whose contributions had led to significant social change in our region.
“The Honour Roll was established in 2005 and provides a forum to acknowledge women who have made a difference in our shire. By acknowledging these women, past and present, they become role models for generations to come,” said Cr Clark.

IWD is celebrated across the world on March 8 each year and this year’s theme, ‘Balance the Scales’, highlights the urgent need to ensure fair, inclusive, and accessible justice for every woman and girl.
The event will feature Katrina Baraquiel, director of The Ballarat Foundation, and a gender equality, accessibility, and multicultural affairs advocate.

Her niche interests include the drivers of migration, having lived in the Philippines, Spain and Germany prior to studying in Australia.
Katrina, pictured, advocates for women and gender-diverse people in the Grampians region, drawing on lived experience and evidence-based research to address intersectional barriers to access.
Having completed the Future Shapers Program in 2024, she is committed to shaping cultures and environments that benefit everyone.
“We look forward to welcoming our community at this important event to celebrate this year’s inductees onto the Honour Roll,” Cr Clark said.
The event will be held at the Creswick Town Hall, 70 Albert Street on Wednesday, March 4 from 6pm to 8.30pm (70 Albert Street, Creswick).
The event is free and people can register their attendance via TryBooking or calling 5348 2306.

After last week’s edition of The Local and the big Murray River red gum on our front page, a call came through from Trentham.
Resident Paul Marson reckoned there was a bigger tree in Blue Mount Road near Manna Lane.
Botanist and tree expert John Beetham was put on the case and headed out with photo journalist Kyle Barnes.
And yes, it was bigger. Much bigger.

John measured the manna gum (eucalyptus viminalis) and soon discovered it is the third largest manna gum in Australia – so far. It has a height of 28m, an east/west canopy spread of 30m and a girth of 11.15m, giving it a diameter of breast height (DBH) of 3.55m.
To put this into perspective, the National Trust Victoria’s database has three of the largest manna gums recorded. They are: the Bonang (East Gippsland) tree – 4.6m (DBH), the Healesville tree – 4.1m and the Lyonville tree – 2.7m.
The Trust Trees Australia database, which includes significant trees growing all around Australia, has these trees also listed as those with the largest recorded DBHs. “So you see the Trentham tree is quite competitive,” John said.
Paul, pictured right with John, left, said he and wife Helen, both teachers, moved to Kyneton from Queensland in 2005. They moved to Trentham about six years ago.
They found the tree during the start of the pandemic when they were driving around looking at developments around the region.
“It was when we were all told not to go anywhere so we all went somewhere. We went driving, walking is for younger people” he said.
“We found this tree. When I saw your paper I thought ‘mine’s bigger’ – and a much better looking tree than the one you had. And it’s a proper tree, it’s tall, it’s respectable.”
Pictured, inset, Clunes’ Earle Kent thought his Murray River red gum was pretty big at 15 metres high. Sorry Earle.
Image & words: Kyle Barnes
Know a bigger tree? news@tlnews.com.au

Victorians deserve to feel safe and not be ripped off when they book a taxi or ride-share.

That’s why the state government is cracking down on dodgy drivers and strengthening protections for passengers.

From Sunday, 1 March 2026, new reforms will make it easier for Victorians to report misconduct and tougher for the wrong people to stay in the industry.

A new ‘two strikes and you’re out’ rule will mean drivers who commit fare-related offences twice within 10 years can lose their accreditation.

Drivers will also be banned from displaying branding unless they are genuinely affiliated with that provider – so passengers can book with confidence and know exactly who is picking them up.

Mandatory QR codes will be rolled out in all taxi and ride-share vehicles, giving passengers quick access to information about their rights and how to make a complaint.

These changes will make it easier to speak up when something goes wrong – and back the vast majority of drivers who are doing the right thing.

The reforms build on tougher penalties the government introduced on 1 January 2026 for drivers who fail to use the meter properly.

More changes are coming later this year, including better training for wheelchair-accessible vehicle drivers, stronger use of security cameras and audio recording in taxis, and a public register of disciplinary actions.

Safe Transport Victoria will be out in force at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix to inform passengers and drivers about the new rules.

The state government is celebrating the achievements and contributions of women throughout Victoria’s history. 

The Minister for Women, Mary-Anne Thomas, has revealed the latest work completed as part of the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program – a powerful new mural dedicated to Aunty Margaret Tucker MBE.

A survivor of the Stolen Generations, Aunty Marge was a trailblazing advocate for First Nations rights, health and women’s wellbeing.

She was also instrumental in founding the Australian Aborigines’ League, was the first woman appointed to the Victorian Aboriginal Welfare Board and created the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service.

Backed by a $1.2 million investment, the Women’s Public Art Program ensures the stories of diverse Victorian women are permanently recognised in public places across the state.

The series of permanent works are being delivered to tell a more accurate and inclusive story of Victoria.

To read the full list of projects visit, vic.gov.au/victorian-womens-public-art-program.

Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas said the government was making decisive steps towards a fairer, more inclusive Victoria.

“Aunty Margaret Tucker was an extraordinary woman who made Victoria a better place.”