At any particular time there are several orphaned baby wombats being cared for at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. They have lost their mothers through car strike, animal attack and more recently bushfire. Many wombats are killed by cars when they are attempting to cross the road.
It is very important to drive thoughtfully in rural areas, you don’t know what may be around the next corner. If you see a wombat that has been killed and it doesn’t have an X painted on it, this means that no one has checked its pouch for a live joey.
The shelter’s Gayle Chappell tells me that it may be very difficult to remove a joey from a dead wombat’s pouch and it may be better to bring the whole wombat to the shelter rathan than try to remove the joey (especially if you have long fingernails, as these can scratch the baby animal). If you do find a joey, put it in a warm, dark place (in a jumper), don’t pet it as this will frighten it, and contact the wildlife shelter.
The two joeys in the photographs (Granite and Pebble [inset]), were both found in wombats that had been hit by a vehicle and left on the road to die. Luckily for little Pebble, its mother had not been dead for very long before a kind passer-by stopped to check the mother’s pouch and found it.
Unfortunately the other joey, Granite, had been inside its dead mother’s pouch in the middle of the road for at least a day. A dog or fox had tried unsuccessfully to drag the joey from its mother and injured the joey’s leg. Consequently, it was very difficult for the kind passer-by to remove the terrified joey from the pouch, and it was very traumatised when it arrived at the wildlife shelter.
These orphaned joeys have now settled into life at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. They will require feeding and daily care for 12 months. Then they will start to make their way out to explore the forest, whilst coming back to the safety of the shelter for rest and food.
This is the shelter’s soft release program, which means that the animals are not taken and released into another animal’s territory. This method allows the animal to find its own territory whilst exploring from the safety of the wildlife shelter. After a period of three years the little wombats will be grown up and totally wild.
Bare-nosed wombats live in burrows in the ground. They will often have more than one burrow in their territory. The burrows are comprised of tunnels and chambers where nests are created in the breeding season. Tunnels can be up to 30 metres long and the whole burrow can cover a radius up to 150 metres.
Wombats are quite sociable and it is thought that they may sometimes share their burrows with other wombats.
The orphaned wombats at the shelter like to hang out together and like many baby animals they often get together to play chasey!
If you would like to help wombat research, you can record any sightings of live or deceased wombats at WomSat.org.au

Dr Marita McGuirk is a field ecologist and environmental scientist, and a volunteer at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. Marita writes monthly columns about the shelter and the animals it cares for. If you would like to donate or volunteer, or just to find out more information, head to www.hepburnwildlifeshelter.org

Image: Barb Davies

Words by Marita McGuirk

Hepburn Shire Council welcomed new Australian citizens at a ceremony last Friday, January 23 – with Ballarat MP Catherine King also attending.
Meanwhile, the council has announced the opening of its annual Community Awards which recognise local citizens and groups who have made significant contributions to the community.
Nominations for the 2026 Community Awards are open until March 6.
The categories are: Citizen of the Year; Young Citizen of the Year (25 years or younger); Community Event of the Year and Hepburn Together Award.
The Community Awards event will be held on Tuesday, May 19 during National Volunteers Week (May 18-24) at The Warehouse – Clunes.
The Hepburn Together Award debuted in 2025 with the inaugural winner the Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club.

With temperatures ramping up this week Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon has some tips to keeping cool and safe.
“It has been a hot start to 2026, with heatwave conditions forecast again across the Central Highlands over the coming week.
“During periods of extreme heat, demand on the network can increase, making preparation and awareness especially important. Hot weather can cause faults and disruptions affecting our water infrastructure, which may in turn impact services to homes and businesses.
“To help you prepare for the expected extreme temperatures, we’re sharing the following important information.”

How you can prepare
Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water throughout the day, and during extremely hot weather. Remain mindful of minimising heat stress.
Where possible, limit non-essential water use, including lawn and garden watering, car washing, pool and tank filling.
To help you prepare for a potential interruption to your water supply:
• store enough drinking water in your refrigerator
• fill your kettle for use during the day
• store enough water in containers for cooking
• fill several buckets of water to flush the toilet
• fill drinking containers for pets.

Faults and emergencies
If you have a water or wastewater emergency, the CHW team can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 061 514. Please be mindful that wait times may be longer than normal if we’re experiencing high demand.
During extreme weather we prioritise essential and emergency works. Non-essential works are postponed for the safety of our team members and contractors.
Bushfires and your water supply
During a bushfire emergency, we may not be able to provide consistent water pressure or an uninterrupted water supply. Fire, power outages and increased water demand can disrupt or damage our systems, affecting supply. If your bushfire plan includes using water, we strongly recommend arranging an independent water source.

How we prepare
Extended periods of high temperatures can put increased demand on our water supply networks, especially during peak times. Our team closely monitor the weather forecast and carefully plan for extreme temperature shifts and heatwave conditions.
During these times, we ensure storage tanks and basins are as full as possible and plan for potential power interruptions. We also increase our readiness to respond to any impacts on our service delivery. If our water supply services are interrupted, we notify our customers wherever possible. The best way to stay informed is to visit our website and update your mobile number to receive SMS notifications when there is an interruption in your area.

Hepburn Shire Council
The council last year partnered with the Grampians Public Health Unit, Central Highlands Rural Health and 14 other agencies to pilot the Heatwave HEAT project in the region.
H = home and environment. You might need to make changes during extreme heat to stay cool, and if you can’t make changes, your vulnerability to heat is increased.
E = environment, including people living alone, working outdoors, or where people are isolated because they don’t have access to internet and alerts.
A = age and underlying conditions. If your body must work a little harder to function, then during extreme heat, your body will have to work harder again.
T = taking certain medications. We know that many common medications can prevent your body from cooling down naturally, so ask your doctor or pharmacist if that applies to you.

Fore more information on dealing with extreme heat visit the Better Health Channel website at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Hepburn Shire Council is not celebrating Australia Day, January 26.
In a media release, the council said the Dja Dja Wurrung and First Nations people were strong, resilient, and vibrant peoples.
“We acknowledge the profound disruption of Australia’s colonisation, and its continuing impact on First Nation Country and Culture.
“Hepburn Shire Council stands with DJAARA’s (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) decision to not celebrate Australia Day, therefore will not host events and celebrations on 26 January.
“Hepburn Shire Council is an inclusive council and understands individual community groups may wish to host their own events and celebrations of 26 January.”
The council has scaled back its events on and around January 26 in recent years and its citizenship ceremonies occur throughout the year with the annual Community Awards now taking place during National Volunteer Week in May.
Cr Brian Hood said he would be joining the Trentham community, as he has done for the past five years, and make an address.
“I have been invited to speak by the Trentham Lions Club, who each year do a wonderful job hosting a celebration event with entertainment, speakers, food and a flag-raising ceremony.
“What Australia Day means to each of us depends on who we are, where we come from, and how we came to be Australian. But it is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate.
“Australia Day is a day to reflect on, and pay respect to, the cultures, stories, histories and people from all walks of life who make up Australia. From the First Australians to convicts to free settlers and those whose families emigrated here in more recent times.
“Australians have much of which we can be proud – our democracy, our shared values, the strength, diversity and generosity of our people, arguably the world’s best example of multiculturism and of course our beautiful natural environment.
“Our individual identities and stories weave together into a modern, diverse nation of people. That in itself is worth celebrating.
So, on Australia Day there is much to celebrate…as well as to reflect and respect.”

A call-out on social media found varied responses to the council decision.

“While noble that they say they stand with DJAARA and are committed to ‘the Reconciliation journey.’ I note that other councils have more proactive events such as Woodend’s ‘Survival Day Reflection’ and Ballarat’s ‘Survival Day Dawn Ceremony’. Their and similar events are promoted by VACCA as respectful ways to acknowledge Survival Day. In the Hepburn Shire Council’s statement there is an absence of any proactive events or actions to support reconciliation or Survival Day or change the date initiatives. A cynic may say this is a convenient way of doing nothing and perhaps saving money.”

“As usual council’s approach is ham-fisted. No broader consultation. A bold, confronting, unnecessary statement that was bound to inflame. Perhaps symbolic of its don’t-really-care attitude generally.”

“I’m so glad that they’re not. And impressed that they made the decision even knowing they would cop some flack.”

“Discrimination at its best. Our council representatives should be ashamed of themselves.”

“Outstanding that FINALLY a whole council is taking a stand. Imagine having a BBQ and fireworks on 9/11 to celebrate the towers collapsing.”

“Very glad they aren’t. Why would we celebrate our wonderful nation on a day that holds so much grief for so many. Changing the date to a day we can all celebrate shouldn’t be asking too much.”

“Very supportive of council’s decision.”

“I guess this is the beginning of slashing expenses deemed unnecessary now that the perilous state of council funds is becoming clear. I’m expecting more and more cuts in future. This may see the rise of volunteer groups to retake roles within the community.”

“It’s a absolute disgrace. Erasing more history.”
“I’m one of those old unwoke bastards that recognises the past but loves this country and it pisses me off how all the goodie two shoes want to put people like me down to make themselves feel better. You are the typical noisy annoying minority once again according to what I’ve read/heard on the news. Your persistent lefty pissing and moaning doesn’t change a thing. It just divides us more. So I’ll be buying extra Aussie flags and flying them year round to make up for the slack jaws that call it invasion day. Every country in the world has been invaded at some point over the last several thousand years so get over it. The past is the past and we can’t change it but we can celebrate what we do have so all you flogs that hate AUSTRALIA DAY hate it can eat a big bag of em’ inc our useless council.”

“The council’s job should be to service the community who pay the rates that pay their wages. How is this decision doing any of that? I expect our council to be inclusive as they claim to be. Not divisive. That includes all of us who have contributed to making this country great, from all nationalities & cultures. A very poor politically driven decision. Shame on the council leaders for such an out of touch stance. You can’t attempt to rewrite history. You have simply turned the tables & ostracised most of your resident ratepayers. You are not governing Australia and you are not a political party – you should be serving us. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, you surprise & disappoint – again. Respect & embrace all of our cultures & all our versions of Australia.

“Finally council have made a fiscally responsible and morally correct decision. Where do people think council would get funds from to throw AustDay celebrations. Surely if people want to celebrate the day, they can throw open their doors and invite their friends over. Easy. We don’t always have to have big parades and fireworks. Look at council’s budget – it’s almost non-existent. I’m certainly happy they’ve taken this decision and congratulate them.”

“It’s poor. Australia Day is important to most people and should be adhered to.”

“It’s mainly about process: who decided what, when and why, and why wasn’t it a motion at a council meeting? Communication, basically lack of it, is the highest rated failure of our council. Also need to find out how much money was involved or was the council simply the conduit?”

“Those who wish to celebrate should be allowed to celebrate regardless of race or creed. That includes Australians.”

“I’m very happy to celebrate Australia Day BUT not that day. They are my values and that’s what I live by, but others will have their own opinions and values.”

“Once upon a time council decisions reflected the wishes of the majority of residents, on this, and a lot of occasions, this doesn’t happen in this shire, time for most of the senior administration and many of the councillors to go. Voters, keep this in mind.”

“I think council not paying for celebrations that day it is a good thing, Holding a celebration on the day white people first arrived in Australia is very divisive. People can still celebrate if they want to but they can pay for it themselves, we need to cut costs anyway (I can barely afford my rates). It has only been a nationwide public holiday with so much focus since 1994, although was named in 1935. Traditions change, if people really want a nationwide day of celebration, choosing another date is a nice idea.”

Words: Donna Kelly

Landholders next to Kerang’s Ramsar-listed wetlands will again have access to a buy-one-get-one-free rabbit bait program this year.

February is Rabbit Buster Month across Victoria, and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is marking it by helping landholders around key northern wetlands control the introduced pests.

“We’re offering locals with an Agriculture Chemical Users Permit a deal on a range of bait products such as 1080 oats and carrots, to help them keep on top of their rabbit control,” North Central CMA Project Officer Darcy Williams said.

“Pindone oats will also be available, which doesn’t require an ACUP.

“It’s basically buy one, get one free on us. The deal ends on 19 February or when stocks run out, so landholders should get in quick.”

Ms Williams said the Kerang Lakes included a number of internationally significant wetlands.

“Pest management is a key part of protecting these wetlands. We partner with land managers such as Parks Victoria and Goulburn-Murray Water and assist local farmers with rabbit control programs to protect the wetlands and their sensitive cultural sites,” she said.

“There’s never been a more important time to do that, with climate change impacting our communities, our farms, and our wetlands.

“A drying climate means rabbits will be more attracted to crops and to the areas we revegetate around the wetlands.”

To order from a selection of bait products, contact the North Central CMA on 03 5448 7124 or email darcy.williams@nccma.vic.gov.au

Victim-survivors of family violence in the Barwon South West region will have greater access to justice and support services with the opening of a Specialist Family Violence Court based out of the Geelong Magistrates’ Court – backed with funding by the state government. 

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny has officially opened the new court, which has been designed to support the wellbeing of people affected by family violence and promote greater accountability for perpetrators. 

It will hear a variety of matters including bail applications, pleas in criminal cases and family law parenting matters. 

The government provided more than $77 million to establish the facilities. Separate entry and exit points will minimise interactions between court users with four separate zones for the public, staff, judiciary and those in custody. 

Safe waiting areas, remote witness facilities and private interview rooms have been included at the Geelong Law Courts as well as child friendly spaces for victim-survivors and their loved ones as they navigate the court system. 

There has been a high demand for specialised family violence facilities in the Barwon South West region, with the Geelong Magistrates’ Court hearing more than 15,000 cases last year including 3,478 family violence intervention orders. 

Specialist courts have been established in 13 locations including Shepparton, Ballarat, Moorabbin, Heidelberg and Frankston Magistrates’ Courts, with the most recent facility opening at Wyndham in November. 

The delivery of SFVCs across Victoria responds to a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence. 

Victoria continues to lead the nation in strengthening the prevention and response to family violence – the government has invested more than $4 billion and implemented all 227 recommendations from Royal Commission.

This investment includes supporting family violence victim survivors through the rollout of the statewide Orange Door Network to more than 60 locations, which have helped more than half a million Victorians, including more than 200,000 children.

A further $172 million was invested in the last Budget to help keep women and children safe, hold perpetrators to account and support victim survivors, including through improved access to legal services, case management and therapeutic support.

Australians for Mental Health is calling on state and local governments to sharpen their focus on urban greening infrastructure, as more hot weather hits areas with less green space especially hard.

Hot weather is forecast for parts of the country over the coming days, and places like Western Sydney which has fewer green spaces and tree canopy than other areas, are known to get hotter partly due to the urban heat island effect.

It comes as new data from Australians for Mental Health suggests there is overwhelming majority support for greening communities, with the organisation’s Mental Health Compass research finding 71% of Australians agreed taking care of the environment and making sure people had access to green space was important. Only 5% disagreed with the statement.

“Physical health is not the only thing at risk during heatwaves. Heat waves are dangerous for human health overall, especially for vulnerable people. But doctors report that hot weather impacts mood and can exacerbate mental health conditions,” Chris Gambian said.

“Improving people’s homes, especially for renters and people on low incomes, is a critical step. But an overlooked part of the solution is to dramatically increase the tree canopy and green spaces in our hottest areas.

“Research cited on the NSW Government’s Planning website states that if we reach a greening target of at least 30% in a community, psychological distress could be lowered by 31%, loneliness could be reduced by 24% and dementia by 16%. Greening is not just good for reducing heat impacts, it’s excellent for mental health,” Chris Gambian said.

Australians for Mental Health is urging for action to improve the nation’s mental health, ranging from investing in communities and connection to dismantling work culture that is damaging to wellbeing, to recognising nature as being central to human wellbeing.

“It’s not an abstract idea that nature is good for us. There is overwhelming evidence that having access to green space is good for us. It lowers stress levels, improves our long term resilience and bolsters connection.

“We can’t treat our way out of Australia’s mental health crisis. Psychologists and doctors will always be a part of the solution, but we need to look at community level approaches which can help. Making spaces greener is one way to do that,” Chris Gambian said.

Most Australians have never heard of one of the most effective forms of financial support available to them — and The Salvation Army says that needs to change.

As new research reveals that more than 9.7 million Australians (44%) will start 2026 in debt and almost nine in ten (89%) feel the same or more stressed about their finances than last year, The Salvos are urging the nation to uncover a resource that could transform their financial wellbeing: Moneycare, the organisation’s free and confidential financial counselling service.

Moneycare has been described as “one of Australia’s best‑kept secrets”, despite providing more than 48,000 sessions of care last financial year alone. The service supports people to get on top of debt, create realistic budgets, navigate financial stress and build long‑term stability — all at no cost.

Kristen Hartnett, The Salvation Army’s Head of Moneycare, says the research shows Australians are carrying heavy financial burdens, often in silence.

“This Moneycare Week, we want people across the country to do a financial reset. The New Year is the perfect moment to take control of your financial situation, and Moneycare is here to help you do that. Financial counselling is free, confidential and incredibly effective — but many people don’t realise it exists.”

The Salvos’ national survey of 2,005 people found:

• 45% feel pressure to spend more than they can afford. Of those, 43% say embarrassment about their financial situation drives that pressure and 31% cite cultural or societal expectations
• 24% find it difficult to create a budget
• 20% struggle to prepare a tax return
• Among those starting 2026 in debt, 52% have credit card debt and 26% have Buy Now, Pay Later debt
• 23% never speak to family or friends about their financial situation
• 32% feel uncomfortable discussing money at all with their family or friends

One community member supported by Moneycare said the service changed their life:

“The help you’ve given me has given me a reason to get out of bed and get moving. The financial side of things is no longer in the forefront of my mind and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

Hartnett says this is exactly why Moneycare exists.

“Whether you need help creating a budget, support getting out of debt, or someone to talk to about realistic money plans, Moneycare is here for you. You are not alone, and there is no shame in reaching out.”

If you or someone you know needs support from The Salvation Army’s Moneycare, please visit salvationarmy.org.au/moneycare or call 1800 722 363.

The state government is getting on with delivering safer and more reliable journeys in Wyndham Vale, with major works now underway on the Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams announced construction has commenced this week, with the existing congested roundabout at Ballan Road, Greens Road and McGrath Road north set to be replaced with a new traffic light intersection and new lanes as part of the upgrade.

The upgrade to the intersection of Ballan, McGrath and Greens roads in Wyndham Vale will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and deliver safer outcomes for drivers, public transport users, pedestrians and cyclists.

Crews will begin major works by demolishing the existing roundabout and installing concrete safety barriers to safely separate traffic from the work zone. A temporary roundabout and pavement will be installed to keep traffic moving while construction continues behind the barriers.

As construction moves into the more significant stage 1 and 2 works, McGrath Road (North) will be closed at Ballan Road until late 2026. Signed detours via Ballan and Bolton roads will be in place, with drivers advised to allow an extra 20 minutes of travel time.

Access to local shops will remain open throughout construction, although traffic movements will change as works progress. From early February, right turns from Ballan Road into the shop precincts north and south of Ballan Road will be removed to support safety and traffic flow.

A temporary signalised pedestrian crossing will be installed on Ballan Road near the medical centre from Monday, 2 February. For safety, the existing school crossing on Ballan Road north of the roundabout will also be relocated further away from the construction area.

Bus route 190 will have two stops closed for the duration of works, with passengers encouraged to use alternative stops on Ballan Road near Buckingham Drive or Bolton Road.

Construction will continue behind barriers on the northern side of Ballan Road through to late 2026, before shifting to the southern side of the intersection later in the year.

For more information, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/ballan-road-intersection-upgrade

The state government is calling on thousands of Victorian basketballers – from grassroots juniors to elite stars to step up as road safety ambassadors this month, as Basketball Victoria partners with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to deliver the sport’s first-ever Road Safety Round.

From now until 1 February, players, coaches and supporters across the state will don the recognisable ‘Band Together’ armbands to honour lives lost on Victorian roads and show their commitment to safer driving. 

The campaign forms part of a new partnership between the TAC and Basketball Victoria, designed to empower Victorian teams, clubs and associations to share critical road safety messages within their communities, working together to build a stronger road safety culture.

This year’s focus is on the dangers of speed, where clubs will spread the message – ‘Be the Difference’ and ‘Make the right choice. Slow down on the road’.

The initiative is part of a new broader sports engagement program launched by the TAC, including Road Safety Rounds and a Club Participation Program with Cricket Victoria and Football Victoria, as well as Basketball Victoria. 

The multi-code campaign will strengthen road safety advocacy among more than 1,700 clubs statewide and offer community clubs the opportunity to receive merchandise and vouchers worth $40,000 per sport by demonstrating their commitment to promoting road safety.

Elite teams are also throwing their support behind Basketball Road Safety Round, with NBL’s Melbourne United and Brisbane Bullets playing a Road Safety Round game in Bendigo on Wednesday, while WNBL’s Bendigo Spirit will host the UC Capitals in the name of road safety on Friday.

For more information on the TAC Club Participation Program, visit tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/current-sponsorships/sports-program.

Victorians are a step closer to tapping on and travelling with their credit card, smartphone or watch, with the state government moving into the next stage of contactless payment testing on the myki network.

After successfully installing nearly 3000 new ticket readers at more than 280 myki-enabled train stations, a small number of controlled, closed-group trials will begin early next month.

The upgrade remains on track to deliver modern contactless technology across the rail network over the coming months, giving passengers faster, simpler and more flexible ways to travel.

This next phase will involve a closed-group technical testing in a laboratory environment with Department of Transport and Planning staff across three days, allowing the system to be tested across a wide range of bank cards and smart devices.

Further tests will take place at a small number of selected train stations, designed to ensure the new system performs reliably in real-world conditions, ahead of tap and go payments being switched on early this year.

The trial will test key customer functions, including refunds, customer support and contact centre processes, to ensure the system works smoothly with minimal impact to passengers and no impact on services.

Public trials will begin over the coming months, allowing passengers at selected stations to take part and provide feedback ahead of contactless payments being switched on for full fare paying passengers on myki enabled train lines soon after.

More information on how passengers can participate in public trials will be announced soon.

Installation of new readers across the train network was completed late last year, with buses and trams due for completion early this year.

Once testing is finalised, full fare paying passengers will be able to touch on using credit and debit cards, smartphones and smartwatches, starting on trains, followed by buses and trams.

In the meantime, passengers are reminded that the new readers currently accept myki only and passengers should keep using their myki card or Mobile myki for now.

More information can be found at transport.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/projects/myki-upgrade.

A multifaith vigil to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack will be held at 11.15am on Thursday, 22 January at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral.

The Premier Jacinta Allan announced the Victorian State Vigil (the Vigil) is as part of the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi Terrorist Attack – a day for all Australians to come together and honour the victims and all those impacted by the attack.

In a gathering of unity and remembrance the Premier will join political and multifaith leaders from across Victoria including from the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faith communities at the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral.

Victorians are heartbroken and grieving this antisemitic act of evil. The Vigil will be an opportunity for them to pause, to remember, and light a candle in honour of those who lost their lives – and to encourage peace, and an end to hatred.

In recognition of the National Day of Mourning, flags will be flown at half-mast at all Commonwealth and Victorian Government buildings and from dusk, landmark buildings across Victoria will also be lit up in white as a symbol of light as we move forward as a nation.

At 7.01pm, Australians are also invited to observe a minute of silence to remember the 15 innocent people whose lives and futures were cruelly stolen on 14 December 2025.

Victorians are also encouraged to:

• come together, share a meal and spend time with family and friends of all faiths and backgrounds
• leave a candle on your doorstep or window as a symbol of remembrance, mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community
• undertake one or more of the 15 suggested Mitzvah for Bondi.

The Victorian State Vigil will be open to the public and live streamed online.

Most Australians have never heard of one of the most effective forms of financial support available to them — and The Salvation Army says that needs to change.

As new research reveals that more than 9.7 million Australians (44%) will start 2026 in debt and almost nine in ten (89%) feel the same or more stressed about their finances than last year,* The Salvos are urging the nation to uncover a resource that could transform their financial wellbeing: Moneycare, the organisation’s free and confidential financial counselling service.

Moneycare has been described as “one of Australia’s best‑kept secrets”, despite providing more than 48,000 sessions of care last financial year alone. The service supports people to get on top of debt, create realistic budgets, navigate financial stress and build long‑term stability — all at no cost.

Kristen Hartnett, The Salvation Army’s Head of Moneycare, says the research shows Australians are carrying heavy financial burdens, often in silence.

“This Moneycare Week, we want people across the country to do a financial reset. The New Year is the perfect moment to take control of your financial situation, and Moneycare is here to help you do that. Financial counselling is free, confidential and incredibly effective — but many people don’t realise it exists.”

The Salvos’ national survey of 2,005 people found:

• 45% feel pressure to spend more than they can afford. Of those, 43% say embarrassment about their financial situation drives that pressure and 31% cite cultural or societal expectations
• 24% find it difficult to create a budget
• 20% struggle to prepare a tax return
• Among those starting 2026 in debt, 52% have credit card debt and 26% have Buy Now, Pay Later debt
• 23% never speak to family or friends about their financial situation
• 32% feel uncomfortable discussing money at all with their family or friends

One community member supported by Moneycare said the service changed their life:

“The help you’ve given me has given me a reason to get out of bed and get moving. The financial side of things is no longer in the forefront of my mind and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

Hartnett says this is exactly why Moneycare exists.

“Whether you need help creating a budget, support getting out of debt, or someone to talk to about realistic money plans, Moneycare is here for you. You are not alone, and there is no shame in reaching out.”

If you or someone you know needs support from The Salvation Army’s Moneycare, please visit salvationarmy.org.au/moneycare or call 1800 722 363.

Child and Family Services Ballarat (Cafs) is pleased to announce a new suite of free parenting programs commencing in February 2026, designed to support parents, carers, and dads across the Central Highlands region.

Led by Cafs’ Early Help Team, the programs focus on strengthening family relationships, improving communication, building emotional understanding, and creating safe, nurturing environments for children of all ages.

Taite McNamara, Team Leader Early Help at Cafs, said the programs are an important investment in local families.

“Parenting can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be incredibly tough. These programs give parents and carers a safe, supportive space to learn new skills, connect with others, and better understand their children’s emotional needs,” she said.

“We’re especially pleased to offer programs tailored specifically for dads/carers, acknowledging the critical role they play in their children’s lives.”

Programs for Dads

Dad’s Toolkit

8‑week program – starting 11 February 2026

A practical, strengths-based program supporting dads/carers in building confidence, communication skills, and positive connections with their children.

 Dad’s Tuning into Kids

7‑week program – starting 19 February 2026

Free program for dads and male carers

This evidence‑based program helps dads/carers understand their children’s emotional needs while strengthening trust and connection.

Parenting Programs

Tuning into Teens

6‑week program – starting 9 February 2026

A free program supporting parents and carers to better understand and respond to the emotional needs of their teenagers.

Circle of Security

8‑week program – starting 11 February 2026

Delivered in partnership with Grampians Health, CatholicCare and The Salvation Army.

A free program helping parents and carers understand their children’s need for a safe and secure attachment.

Tuning into Kids

6‑week program – starting 11 February 2026

Delivered in partnership with The Salvation Army.

A free, emotion‑focused program helping parents and carers build strong, trusting relationships with their young children.

Tuning into Toddlers (TINTO)

6‑week program – starting 16 February 2026

A free program helping parents and carers understand their toddlers’ big emotions and growing independence.

To find out more about these programs, please visit https://cafs.org.au/our-services/family-parenting-support/early-help-groups

How to get involved

Parents, carers, and dads interested in joining any of these free programs are encouraged to contact Cafs Early Help Team for more information and to register. To register your interest, please fill in the following form https://cafs.org.au/our-services/family-parenting-support/early-help-groups#form or contact us directly on 1800 692 237.

The state government is delivering real cost-of-living relief to families and making the first day of school extra special with Preps at every government school to receive a free bundle of books and resources.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll visited Gold Street Children’s Centre – Keele Street Campus in Collingwood to present Prep Bags to some of the 52,400 children about to start at government primary, P-12, specialist and language schools.

The 2026 Prep Bags feature five free books selected by a panel of experts to spark a lifelong love of reading and lift every student’s literacy and learning outcomes. Each Prep student will receive:

• Chooks in Dinner Suits – written by Diane Jackson Hill and illustrated by Craig Smith
• Frank’s Red Hat – written and illustrated by Sean E Avery
• Sharing – written by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson and illustrated by Leanne Mulgo Watson
• The Bin Monster – written and illustrated by Annabelle Hale
• The Concrete Garden – written and illustrated by Bob Graham.

Inside their bags, Preps will also find a free holder for the new Youth myki to make accessing the Labor Government’s free public transport for kids under 18 even easier for families.

The bags will contain a free jigsaw puzzle, an inclusive education poster with a colouring activity and activities from AFL Schools and Cricket Victoria. Each bag will contain a “welcome to school” message from Minister Carroll, an interactive toothbrushing chart from Oral Health Victoria and literacy and numeracy activities from VicHealth.

Students who are blind will receive the books in Braille, with tactile illustrations provided by the Statewide Vision Resource Centre, to make sure everyone can follow the stories.

The Prep Bags also contain resources help families access cost-of-living supports including free travel with the Youth myki and free health screening for Prep students. They also promote reading and learning through phonics, tips for creating healthy school lunchboxes and respectful behaviours in the school community.

Since 2019, the government’s Books in Prep Bags initiative has provided more than 2.2 million books to Prep students and their families – making accessing high-quality books affordable for young Victorians.