A group of CFA firefighters is ready to fight fires in remote areas across the state following seven weeks of intensive training to become arduous firefighters.
The pilot program, a first for CFA, includes 15 arduous firefighters with the capability to attack and suppress fires in terrain that can’t be accessed by a fire truck or aircraft. The crew is made up of volunteer firefighters who respond to different types of scenarios, including lightning strikes, bushfires and preventative works such as backburning operations. They can be deployed to a remote area for up to 24 hours, and are trained to walk up to 45 minutes from a vehicle. They also carry 20-kilogram packs that include a range of mechanical tools such as chainsaws, leaf blowers, hose lay packs and small pumps to help them create fire breaks or directly suppress fires by pumping water from a nearby creek or dam.

Macedon Ranges residents will have the option to dispose of their real Christmas trees for free this January with usual green waste drop-off fees to be temporarily waived for the festive feature.
Aligning with the council’s strong recycling record and waste management priorities, resource recovery facilities at Romsey, Kyneton and Woodend will accept the delivery of pine trees at no cost on weekends in January (including January 31/February 1) during regular hours (10am-4pm).

Open Gardens Victoria will see North Haven, 13 Loren Close, Ballarat North open to the public on Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1.
North Haven is a secluded, design-led family garden created by landscape designer Paddy Milne (The Scape Artist) over nearly a decade. Visitors enter through stone pillars and a bespoke Oregon timber gate into a calm, private sanctuary. The north-facing courtyard offers lush planting, a built-in daybed and a wood-fired pizza oven, while the raised semi-circular lawn at the rear provides space for play and relaxation. With a developing canopy and layered planting throughout, North Haven is a garden where strong structure meets soft, immersive planting – a true suburban retreat. There will be a coffee cart and some of the proceeds from this opening will be donated to WRISC – Family Violence Support. Open 10am-4.30pm.

Paramedics and first responders at Ambulance Victoria’s Daylesford branch have been recognised for going above and beyond to provide best care, named Grampians Team of the Year at AV staff recognition awards held late last year.
The success was backed up by Daylesford local and Clunes Ambulance Community Officer Glenn Webster earning the region’s Outstanding First Responder Award, another of the night’s big honours. Grampians Regional Director Steve Doyle said the paramedics and first responders at the Daylesford branch clearly showed their commitment to clinical excellence and teamwork. “They consistently meet performance expectations while delivering safe, compassionate care to the community.”
From left, Clunes Ambulance Community Officer Glenn Webster, Hepburn Moorabool Acting Senior Team Manager Olivia Glanford and Daylesford Acting Team Manager Benjamin Carty accept the awards

Stay cool in extreme heat
Extreme heat can severely impact your health and is responsible for more deaths in Victoria than all other disasters combined.
If your home becomes too hot, consider:

• visiting a friend or family member who has air conditioning
• heading to your local library during business hours to enjoy a safe, airconditioned space
• connecting with your community to see what local spaces are open and available
• visiting one of our pools or splash park to stay cool.

We are working with neighbourhood houses and community groups to provide more cool spaces during heatwaves. Stay connected to our socials for updates.
For more information on dealing with extreme heat visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat
Pool season
Grab your friends and family and enjoy our pools. Entry is free! Our pools in Daylesford, Clunes and Trentham, and our splash park in Creswick, will be open until Monday 9 March 2026.
For information on our usual weather policy and opening hours visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/pools

Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve Masterplan

Council is preparing a Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve Masterplan to guide future improvements, remediation and new works. The Masterplan primarily considers the grounds, trails and amenities, with the exception of the Hepburn Bathhouse which is managed separately. While there is no funding to implement any of the actions suggested in the Masterplan, it
will allow Council to seek funding from future grant programs.
A copy of the Masterplan map and list of proposed actions is available on Council’s Participate Hepburn website. We would like to hear what you think of the draft and how it brings your ideas from earlier engagement to life.

There are several ways to have your say:

• Survey that is open until 6 February 2026 at https://www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/hmsr-masterplan
• Wednesday 28 January – 10-11:30 am at Hepburn Mineral Springs near Soda Spring and the Soundshell
• Saturday 31 January – 11 am – 12:30 pm at Hepburn Mineral Springs near Soda Spring and the Soundshell
• Thursday 5 February – 11 am – 12 pm at the Council Chambers (24 Vincent Street, Daylesford)

Next Council meeting

The first Council meeting for 2026 will be held on Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 6 pm. You can attend in person at Council Chamber (24 Vincent Street, Daylesford) or you can tune in on YouTube.
Council News
Contact us t 5348 2306 e shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au w www.hepburn.vic.gov.au f facebook.com/hepburncouncil

Daylesford’s Phoenix@The Rex community cinema has moved significantly closer to reopening following a donation commitment of up to $40,000 from local residents Lahn, pictured right, and Anton Straney-Kraft.
The couple has made an initial $20,000 donation and are personally matching a further $20,000 from the community dollar-for-dollar. If fully matched, their contribution will total $40,000 and bring the cinema group close to installing the projection and sound equipment needed to begin screening films.

Fresh momentum
Cinema group president Jules McDonald said the donation had provided fresh momentum for the project going into the new year.
“We are delighted and grateful for this generosity and far-sightedness.”
The cinema redevelopment has been driven largely by community fundraising following Hepburn Shire Council’s sale of The Rex building in 2022. Since then, new owners Eddy and Malinka Comelli and artists David Bromley and his wife Yuge have supported the project, with Eddy completing the partially built shell and the Bromleys contributing generously to fundraising efforts.

Volunteer efforts
Over recent months, volunteers have raised funds through raffles, sausage sizzles, a Movie Trivia night at the Daylesford Bowling Club, a Night of Magic and Music at Hotel Frangos, a Feast and Flick series at Radius, an Open Garden day at Musk and a large Indian dinner that raised $20,000.
The cinema group also approached the council seeking a $50,000 contribution from reserves set aside for community facilities that would have been housed in The Rex. When that request was declined, additional private donors stepped in, including $20,000 from a retired senior business executive and his wife, who asked to remain anonymous.

A place to gather
“We used to love going to films at The Rex,” the executive told The Local recalling it as a particularly important place to gather in winter.
“We are disappointed at the council’s lack of interest in a project which has such community value. For us, it’s a really good thing to support Jules and her team, who are doing all they can to make it a success.”
The couple said their support was driven by both personal connection and the role the cinema would play in the town.
“One way or another” they have been coming to Daylesford for 15 years.
“We love the town and the people,” said the executive’s wife. “It gives us great pleasure to give something back to the town. The cinema will come to fruition in the first half of the year.”

Broader support
Lahn and Anton said their decision to donate and offer a matching contribution was shaped by concern that the project could lose momentum without broader support.
“Sometimes bad things can lead to good,” said Lahn. “Without council help there was a sense of hopelessness.”
Lahn is a self-made health-technology entrepreneur with a background in epidemiology and biostatistics. He has worked in global public-health research and continues to work as chief scientific officer in a care-sector focused software delivery and licensing company.
Anton, who grew up in Sweden, is a keen reader and local volunteer. He regularly helps with Meals on Wheels and contributes to community fundraising, including Cliffy’s CFA Christmas event.

Donations
Donations to the cinema are tax deductible and can be made via the Australian Cultural Fund at: www.artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000WGkrLMAT/daylesford-cinema-equipment-projects

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Contributed

While the move to permanent care in an aged care facility can be an emotionally challenging time, Hepburn House’s compassionate staff work closely with residents and their loved ones during the transition period to ensure everyone involved feels supported.
Manager Shelley Simpson said while many people embraced the move for onsite medical support, social interaction and mobility support, others found it harder to leave the home they know for an aged care facility.
“Over many years we have established a truly compassionate and embracing facility – where each resident can enjoy life in safety, in comfort and surrounded by a supportive network of care professionals.
“That’s because our dedicated staff and management understand the need for everyone to live their lives on their own terms, with dignity and with purpose.
“It’s our residents who make Hepburn House a home and our management, staff, volunteers and visitors who help foster an empathetic and vibrant lifestyle.
“With a number of options available, all rooms offer a sense of privacy thanks to carefully appointed rooms across the established Homestead and the more recent additions to Hepburn House.
“I would ask anyone thinking about the move to Hepburn House for themselves or their loved ones to reach out to me because it all starts with a conversation.”

Hepburn House is at 1 Hepburn Road, Daylesford. Email shelley@hepburnhouse.com.au or call 5348 8100.

Glen Heyne is the eldest fourth-generation member of Adelaide’s leading nursery, where he worked until his two younger brothers finished school.
He then entered the world of journalism writing for gardening columns for newspapers including The Chronicle, South Australia’s Weekly Times counterpart
He then moved into PR and was promotions manager for the South Australian Festival of the Arts for some time.
Melbourne beckoned and Glen became the promotions manager of the Jam Factory Shopping Centre, where he met his future wife, Peta.
They made the perfect team and when he finally left the centre, both Glen and Peta ran the Prahran Festival for a few years.
The couple also wrote a number of gardening books together with Glen, and his smooth voice, always moonlighting with radio gigs – in SA and Victoria – about all things gardening.
Victorian stations included 3AW, 3DB and 3UZ – with the latter he drove into Melbourne every Sunday for a five-hour stint on a lifestyle program, covering anything from legal matters, finance, pets and motoring.
When 3UZ moved to a sports format, Glen was given then midnight to dawn shift doing talk-back radio chatting with people who loved his friendly manner and gentle advice.
Meanwhile, he and Peta had made the move to Daylesford in 1986 and bought The Coach House, a craft shop, tea room and nursery.
They then bought Daylesford Cottage Directory, an accommodation business, in 1995. After a year, Glen left radio and joined Peta full-time.
Glen, always keen to be a part of the community, also put his hand up and was voted onto council for a year for the then Shire of Daylesford and Glenlyon.
He was also involved in the Daylesford Cinema doing all of the programs and projection for about five years. And both Peta and Glen were on the steering committee of the Daylesford District Bendigo Bank.
The pair finally retired in 2015 and headed overseas travelling around Asia and Europe – with plenty of river cruises.
Peta said Glen started having some health issues last year and moved into Hepburn House in July for some respite care. When those issues failed to resolve, the care became permanent in September.
And Glen has already joined the aged care facility’s cinema group, and happily took on the role of Crocodile Dundee in its annual calendar.
Peta said Hepburn House was wonderful.
“The staff are great, meals are all cooked in-house, which is great, and Glen has found friendship and takes part in all the activities. There are also outings like lunch at Trentham or a trip to Ballarat or the Chocolate Mill. And I take him out most weeks. They really encourage everyone to be active.
“He does his exercises in the morning and then takes part in activities and loves a chat. After he finishes his meals he always joins the ladies’ table for a chat.
“Shelley’s (manager Shelley Simpson) door is always open, and the staff and nurses are wonderful.
“I couldn’t fault Hepburn House. And at the end of the day, he’s still my Glen.”

Words: Donna Kelly
Image: contributed

Thirty houses and 40 sheds have been lost in the fire at Harcourt. At the time of going to press (Sunday, January 11, 2pm) 80 per cent of the fire was contained.
Around Victoria more than 300 structures have been lost including those at Harcourt, 150 in the Longwood fire and a house and 12 sheds in the Mt Mercer fire.
Also at the time of press, there were still 32 active bushfires and 15 warnings in place advising people to leave their communities. About 350,000 hectares have been burnt out around the state.
The federal and state governments will provide a $19.5 million package to provide support to impacted communities. It will include $10 million to help get fodder to farmers, $1.5 million for emergency accommodation and $1 million for mental health support.
Those from the most-impacted communities may be eligible for an immediate payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for children.

Members of Striketeam 1545, including Hepburn, Porcupine Ridge, Trentham and Leonards Hill from the Glenlyon Group, filling up the tanker at Barkers Creek Reservoir on Saturday, January 10 at 2.30am.

Cobram Crime Investigation Unit detectives have been left dumbfounded after a CFA automated fire danger sign was cut down in Koonoomoo last week.

It is believed unknown offenders have cut down the automated sign on the corner of Goulburn Valley Hwy and Greens Lane between 8am and 1pm on Wednesday, 7 January.

The thieves have stolen the solar battery from the sign before leaving the damage behind.

The sign has an estimated value of $60,000, and more importantly, alerts the community to the fire safety danger ratings in the area.

The region’s fire safety rating was set to high in Koonoomoo and surrounds, with total fire bans in other areas enforced across the state.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time, with dash cam or any other information to come forward.

Ambulance Victoria has downgraded the statewide Red Escalation to an Orange level for the active bushfires from 7pm on Saturday 10 January 2026, following improved conditions across much of the state and in consultation with our emergency service partners.

The downgrade reflects a reduction in forecast fire danger, while recognising that active bushfires and ongoing heat conditions continue to present risks in some areas. The Orange Escalation will remain in place to support readiness and response for the bushfires incidents, including paramedic and patient safety.

Some Ambulance Victoria crews were temporarily relocated from branches in high-risk areas in line with advice from emergency management authorities for communities to leave ahead of catastrophic fire danger conditions. As conditions began to ease today, Ambulance Victoria commenced the staged return of crews to their branches where it is safe to do so, following local risk assessments and in consultation with emergency service partners.

Victorians are urged to remain vigilant, continue to monitor conditions, and follow advice on the VicEmergency app and website. Communities in affected areas should be prepared to act quickly if conditions deteriorate.

To help keep ambulances available for life threatening emergencies, the community is encouraged to consider alternative care options for non urgent health concerns, including the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, NURSE ON CALL, local Urgent Care Clinics, GPs and pharmacists.

Ambulance Victoria thanks the community for their cooperation during the Red Escalation period and acknowledges the ongoing efforts of emergency services and partner agencies responding to bushfires across Victoria.

A list of Ambulance Victoria branches that remain relocated is available on the Ambulance Victoria website

The state and federal  governments are standing with Victorians who have been affected by the devastating fires that have torn through so much of the state.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan visited emergency services on the ground in Central Victoria today to announce an initial $19.5 million support package for bushfire affected Victorians – jointly funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The governments will establish a $10 million emergency support program to help distribute fodder to those farmers who need it.

The governments will also provide $1.5 million to coordinate emergency accommodation options for people who have nowhere else to go and have had to seek shelter in hotels, serviced apartments and other temporary places.

And to address and reduce the trauma that so many have been through with these fires, $1 million will fund experts in disaster recovery mental health support to provide group counselling sessions so communities can better support one another and navigate their recovery together.

A further $2 million will establish a recovery hotline, providing access to general information and help to navigate recovery services like the emergency accommodation.

The package builds on the Personal Hardship Assistance Program payments which have been activated for those who’ve had to evacuate their homes and need immediate things like food and medicine. Assistance under the program includes a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child, up to a maximum of $2,380 per eligible family.

More support will come as further impact assessments are done when it is safe to do so. For more information on relief and recovery visit the VicEmergency website.

Victoria’s screen industry is already in full swing for 2026 – with Gerard Butler’s new action blockbuster transforming the streets of Melbourne and building on a stellar line-up of local and international productions filmed across the state – thanks to support from the state government.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks recently visited the set of Empire City to meet Butler and co-star Hayley Atwell (Mission Impossible, Captain America) along with the film’s Victorian producer Paul Currie (Hacksaw Ridge, Better Man).

Empire City started production in November across Melbourne including at Docklands Studios Melbourne, Abbotsford, Brooklyn, Fitzroy, Melbourne Town Hall and the Royal Exhibition Building.

The 10-week shoot is creating 1,225 jobs including 510 roles for local crew and more than 700 jobs for Victorian actors and extras. The production is engaging 600 local businesses and is expected to inject more than $35 million into the Victorian economy.

Empire City is produced by Marc Butan (Plane, The Trial of the Chicago 7), Alan Siegel (Den of Thieves, Paris Has Fallen) and Currie, and is directed by Michael Matthews (Love and Monsters) from a script by Brian Tucker (Secret Invasion), and S. Craig Zahler (Bone Tomahawk).

Last year was a huge year of screen production in Victoria, including the Liam Neeson action feature The Mongoose, horror movie Insidious 6, TV drama The Dispatcher, football biopic The Untitled John Tuggle Project and World War II thriller Play Dead.

Local productions thrived too – including children’s series Knee High Spies, and TV productions Goolagong, Dog Park and High Country season 2 which commenced in late 2025 and will return to filming later this month.

Collectively these Victorian-based screen productions injected more than $150 million into the economy across the year.

Empire City was attracted to the state by the government through VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Incentive and also received support from the Australian Government’s Location Offset.

Elevating Victoria’s position as a global screen destination is a focus of the Government’s recently released creative industries strategy Creative State 2028, with continued investment in VicScreen to deliver a strong pipeline of local and international productions that create jobs, generate revenue and strengthen our screen culture.