A number of Ambulance Victoria paramedic branches that were temporarily relocated for safety reasons during yesterday’s catastrophic fire danger period will return to their locations today, following updated advice from emergency management authorities. During this time, paramedics continued to respond to emergency cases in affected communities where it was safe to do so, following appropriate risk assessments.

The temporary relocation of branches was undertaken as a precautionary safety measure in line with advice from emergency management authorities, which recommended communities leave high risk areas ahead of catastrophic conditions.

Where communities are now being advised it is safe to return, Ambulance Victoria paramedics will also return to those areas where conditions allow, following local risk assessments.

The Red Escalation under Ambulance Victoria’s Emergency Response remains in place and continues to be monitored.

A list of paramedic branches that remain relocated will be updated regularly to ensure the community has access to the most current information.

Insurer Suncorp, whose brands include AAMI, Apia, Shannons and Vero, is on standby to support and respond to customers impacted by intense rainfall in North Queensland and bushfires in Victoria. 

Acting Executive General Manager Home Claims Customers Cath Stewart said Suncorp’s Severe Weather Meteorologist and Forecaster were closely monitoring weather conditions across Australia in the insurer’s Brisbane Disaster Management Centre.

“We are keeping a close eye on the unfolding extreme weather situation and have our five Mobile Disaster Response Hubs, customer support teams, assessors and builders ready to deploy,” Ms Stewart said.

“North Queensland has already received significant rainfall over recent weeks, so we are very alert to the compounding impacts of more weather.

“Bushfires are active in multiple regions across Victoria, and we are expecting further activity over coming days as the state faces the worst fire threat since Black Summer.

“Customers in high-risk areas in Queensland are being sent SMS messages with advice and helpful links to resources. In Victoria, we will be proactively calling bushfire impacted customers to offer support once it is safe for them to return home.

“Our Mobile Disaster Response Hubs are on standby to deploy to both North Queensland and Victoria to give our customers a place to meet face to face with our team and get their claim process started. We can also utilise our Townsville regional office to provide greater insights and communication with local customers and stakeholders.”

With active extreme weather across both states, Ms Stewart said community safety was a priority for the insurer.

“Right now, our immediate focus is safety, and we urge everyone to follow the advice of emergency services and stay informed through official warnings and advice,” she said.

“Impacted customers can easily lodge their claims online for all our brands, and our claims contact centres are available 24/7 to provide support.”

Suncorp Severe Weather Meteorologist Andrew Bufalino said extreme to catastrophic fire dangers were forecast to develop across South East Australia today, while an increased heavy rainfall risk was expected across parts of Queensland through the weekend.

“A tropical low off the Cooktown coast is forecast to move southwest and cross the tropical coast over the weekend, producing heavy to intense rainfall across eastern and central parts of Queensland. While uncertainty remains regarding the system’s exact track, communities are urged to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings,” Mr Bufalino said.

“Very hot, dry and windy conditions, combined with dry thunderstorms, are expected to lead to highly volatile fire weather conditions across South East Australia. These are likely to be some of the worst conditions seen in years, particularly across Victoria.”

The Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen, following advice from the Minister for Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Commissioner, has declared a State of Disaster in 18 fire-affected local government areas and one alpine resort.

This declaration gives the authorities extra powers to confront an emergency of extraordinary scale and danger.

“Tonight, we have reached that level of danger. This does not change specific advice currently in place for anyone in fire-affected areas,” the Premier said.

“But it sends a clear message to those who have been advised to leave: if you can, you must. The declaration allows authorities to order evacuations, control movement through dangerous areas, and act as decisively as possible.

“It ensures that every part of government – every department, every agency, every authority – is focused on one priority: protecting life. It also means that if someone insists on staying in an area where their life is in danger, authorities have the power to force them to leave.

“These fires are widespread, fast-moving and devastating. Taking this step is about one thing: protecting Victorian lives. And it sends one clear message: if you have been told to leave – go.”

The State of Disaster is declared for the following local government areas and alpine resorts:

• Alpine Shire
• Ararat Rural City
• Colac Otway Shire
• Corangamite Shire
• East Gippsland Shire
• Golden Plains Shire
• Greater Bendigo City
• Horsham Rural City
• Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (Unincorporated)
• Mansfield Shire
• Mildura Rural City
• Mitchell Shire
• Moira Shire
• Mount Alexander Shire
• Murrindindi Shire
• Pyrenees Shire
• Strathbogie Shire
• Towong Shire
• Wellington Shire

Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a series of suspicious fires in the Goldfields area over the past couple of months.

Emergency services were called to two suspicious fires in McIntyre and Cochranes Creek on 12 and 20 December 2025.

Detectives believe two more fires were deliberately lit near O’Briens Dam and Rheola- Bealiba roads, Wehla about 7.30pm on 4 January.

Fortunately, all fires were quickly extinguishing with no damage or injuries reported.

Investigators believe the fires were deliberately lit and may be connected to the series of suspicious fires lit during December 2024 and January 2025 in the same area.

Detectives are keen to speak to anyone that may have information, CCTV/dashcam footage or anyone that may have seen any suspicious activity in the area at the time.

During the fire season Victoria Police implements Operation Safeguard, so that police are ready to respond to the threat of fire.

Operation Safeguard aims to prevent or reduce the impact of intentional and recklessly lit fires across Victoria, and involves preparedness arrangements and deployment plans for periods of heightened risk during the fire season.

Last bushfire season (year end June 2025), there were 59 offences relating to causing a bushfire, with 23 of these due to reckless behaviour.

Police are warning they will investigate and take action to catch those responsible when a fire is deemed suspicious, whether it was a deliberate or reckless action.

Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad work closely with the 277 Arson and Explosive Liaison Officers (AELOs) across Victoria, all of whom use their local knowledge to prevent, detect and respond to fires.

The community also plays an incredibly important role in the prevention of bushfires and remains key in reporting reckless or suspicious behaviour.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnesses concerning behaviour in relation to fires, or anyone who has been told about this behaviour taking place.

This information could prove crucial in preventing a bushfire.

Further information about bushfire arson and reckless fires is also available on the Victoria Police website: Bushfire arson (police.vic.gov.au)

Learn more about the Victoria Police and Crimestoppers ‘You Light It, You Own It, bushfire campaign: Bushfires – Crime Stoppers Victoria

Anyone who witnesses suspicious or reckless behaviour as it is occurring should call Triple Zero (000) and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

Golden Plains Council is hosting a series of free activities for young people aged 12 to 25 years throughout the upcoming Summer School Holidays, with exciting activities running from Tuesday 13 January to Thursday 22 January 2026.

The free school holiday activities held across the Shire have been designed to support the needs and interests of young people, while also providing opportunities to learn new skills and connect with other young people.

The full list of school holiday activities available are:

Week one:

• Tuesday 13 January, 11am to 1pm – MasterChef “Mexican Feast and Games” (55 Ferrars Street, Rokewood).
• Wednesday 14 January, 1 to 3.30pm – Digital Photography Workshop (Golden Plains Youth Hub, 132A Milton Street, Bannockburn).
• Thursday 15 January, 9.30am to 4pm – Pool Party (Bus departing from Golden Plains Youth Hub, 132A Milton Street, Bannockburn).

Week two:

• Tuesday 20 January, 1 to 3.30pm – Digital Photography Workshop (The Well, Multipurpose Room, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale).
• Thursday 22 January, 10am to 5pm – Scienceworks, Melbourne (Bus departing from Golden Plains Youth Hub, 132A Milton Street, Bannockburn).

Please note – tickets for the Summer Holiday Program will be available from 7pm on Monday 24 November.

To register or find out more information about the Summer School Holiday program, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/holiday-activity-program or contact Council’s Youth Development Team on 5220 7111.

Golden Plains Shire Council is thrilled to announce that Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the 2026 Golden Spaces Winter Exhibition.

Golden Spaces is a free, community-based program offering group art exhibitions across three locations: The Bannockburn Cultural Centre, The Well at Smythesdale and the Golden Plains Civic Centre.

This exciting initiative celebrates and promotes the talent of artists from across the Shire and surrounding regions, increases access to the arts for the community within a local setting, and provides professional development opportunities for both emerging and established artists.

The 2026 Winter Exhibition marks the sixth exhibition in the series. The 2025 Winter Exhibition is currently on display at The Well in Smythesdale and the 2025 Summer Exhibition is now on display at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre.

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey encourages artists from around the Shire and surrounding regions to apply to feature at the 2026 exhibition.

“We’re entering our third year of Golden Spaces which began as a pilot program in 2023, answering a call from our creative community for free and accessible exhibition programs and spaces, Cr Sharkey said.

“Fast forward to now, we’re entering our sixth exhibition which is a huge testament to the enormous talent we have in our region. On average, Golden Spaces showcases over 40 artists and 60 artworks per year which is fantastic, he said.

:I strongly encourage all local artists and crafters to apply to display their artworks at the 2026 Winter Exhibition. In addition to the exhibition, there are also a number of professional development opportunities to grasp, so make sure you get your applications in.”

EOIs are open now until 5pm, Friday 27 February 2026. To submit an EOI, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/golden-spaces.

At the conclusion of the EOI period, successful artists will be notified, and the 2026 Winter Exhibition will be launched in June 2026. The exhibition will be on display for 12 months rotating between the Bannockburn Cultural Centre, The Well at Smythesdale and the Golden Plains Civic Centre.

For further information, contact Council’s Arts, Culture & Heritage team at golden.spaces@gplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7111.

Australia Day community events for Hepburn Shire in 2026

Clunes

Mt Beckworth Reserve (meet at the Dam)

5:45 am – Sunrise walk and flag raising ceremony

Pancake breakfast to follow.

Trentham

Town Square

10–11:15 am – Entertainment

11:30 am – Formalities

12:00 pm – BBQ lunch

Friday 9 January 2026 has been declared an Extreme Fire Danger Day and Total Fire Ban Day by the Country Fire Authority.

Residents should monitor VicEmergency and CFA website in case that changes.

Stay informed

Reminder: Macedon Ranges Council is not the source of the latest fire advice and warnings. We will share information on the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Facebook page where we can but it is important that you follow official VicEmergency warnings and advice on the website or by using the app, call the hotline (1800 226 226) and tune into your local ABC emergency broadcaster.

Services and facility closures

For the safety of the community and employees, some of our services and facilities will not operate on days of an Extreme Fire Danger Rating.

• All resource recovery facilities = closed
• Hanging Rock = closed
• Woodend and Kyneton visitor information centres = closed
• Kyneton Museum = closed
• Casual Hoops session at Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct has been cancelled
• Local libraries: check Goldfields Libraries website for any changes to hours
• Bin collections will start early, so please put bins out tonight if your collection day is tomorrow.

For any enquires, call our customer service team on (03) 5422 0333.

Where should you go? Leave early.

Leaving high risk areas tonight (Thursday 8 Jan) is the safest option.

The CFA recommends people stay with family or friends in a low-risk area where possible. During the day, shopping centres or other air conditioned public places are also good options.

In the event of an emergency such as fire, Council will look to open a relief centre.

It provides people with a temporary gathering place to get information and basic support services such as food and accommodation.

A relief centre provides only very basic amenities and should be considered an option only if going to family, neighbours or friends is not feasible. Pets and animals are also welcome at relief centres if they are contained (e.g. in horse floats, animal cages or on a leash). Animals are not allowed inside an Emergency Relief Centre.

The location of an emergency relief centre will depend on where the bushfire and/or emergency threat is at the time.

For safety reasons, we do not publish relief centre locations in advance. A centre listed too early could end up being in the path of the fire, or unsafe to access; and we don’t want people travelling to a location that may not be open.

When a relief centre is activated, the location will be announced through official emergency channels, on the Vic Emergency App or by listening to the official emergency broadcasters on the radio.

Maintaining a bedroom temperature of 24°C at night while sleeping reduces stress responses in older adults, according to new Griffith University research.

Dr Fergus O’Connor from Griffith’s School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work assessed the effect of increasing nighttime bedroom temperatures on heart rate and stress responses in older adults.

“For individuals aged 65 years and over, maintaining overnight bedroom temperatures at 24°C reduced the likelihood of experiencing heightened stress responses during sleep,” Dr O’Connor said.

“When the human body is exposed to heat, its normal physiological response is to increase the heart rate.

“The heart is working harder to try and circulate blood to the skin surface for cooling.

“However, when the heart works harder and for longer, it creates stress and limits our capacity to recover from the previous day’s heat exposure.”

Study participants wore fitness activity trackers on their non-dominant wrist, and the bedroom temperature was monitored via installed temperature sensors throughout the Australian summer-long data collection period.

The data from the study provided the first real-world evidence of the effect of increasing bedroom temperature had on heart rate and stress responses.

“Climate change is increasing the frequency of hot nights, which may independently contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by impairing sleep and autonomic recovery,” Dr O’Connor said.

“While there are guidelines for maximum daytime indoor temperature, 26°C, there are no equivalent recommendations for nighttime conditions.”

The paper ‘Effect of nighttime bedroom temperature on heart rate variability in older adults: an observational study’ has been published in BMC Medicine.

Ambulance Victoria has declared a Red Escalation across Victoria from 7am on Friday 9 January 2026, in response to the catastrophic fire danger declaration for the South West, Wimmera, North Central and North Country regions and in consultation with our emergency service partners.

For their safety, paramedics and first responders are being relocated from branches within declared regions of catastrophic fire danger risk and where those branches have been identified as high-risk due to their proximity to bushland and limited road access.

Crews will only be redeployed into these zones in the case of serious or life-threatening illness and only after a thorough risk assessment to consider the safety of our people.

Victorians are asked to follow the direction on VicEmergency and relocate now for their own safety and the safety of emergency services personnel.

We remind the community to please access alternative care services including:

• The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department online 24/7 via www.vved.org.au
• NURSE-ON-CALL by calling 1300 60 60 24, 24 hours a day, seven days a week

In other areas of the state, the community can also seek non-urgent medical support via:

• Local Urgent Care Clinics, or
• visiting their GP or local pharmacist.

A Red Escalation is the highest level of Ambulance Victoria’s response framework and is declared when an incident is, or has the potential to, cause severe impact to normal operations. It enables Ambulance Victoria to activate its Emergency Response Plan and take additional actions beyond normal business operations to maintain community and paramedic safety and patient care.

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.

Corio Fire Brigade volunteer and Remote Arduous Firefighting Team Leader Bradley Coulter has been part of the pilot program for a year. He helped identify what equipment was needed and helps coordinate the response.

“My role is to ensure we have the skills the team requires to successfully complete the task given,” Bradley said.

“Over the course of the training, we’ve not only benefited from the new skills we’ve learnt, but we’ve also become an incredible team and we consider each other family.

“In my coordination role, safely undertaking the task is my number one priority, then making sure we have the right balance of skills in the right roles.

“The team is incredibly fit and has the specialist skills and the endorsement to operate in remote areas where we don’t have a dedicated vehicle to support us.

“Our aim is to be rapidly inserted somewhere to get on top of small events before they become big events.

“It’s been an intense journey but I’m exceptionally proud of the team and the camaraderie we’ve created.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said around 60 per cent of Victoria is privately owned land and a large portion of that is bushland so it was important for us to increase our capability to help further protect lives and property.

“These arduous firefighters give CFA a complementary service alongside our partner agency, Forest Fire Management Victoria to work together to protect communities across the state,” Jason said.

“The crew will not only be a great asset for Victoria, but they can also be deployed to support the suppression of interstate fires.

“This team has worked incredibly hard over several months and should be proud of what they’ve achieved.

“Thanks to the NSW Rural Fire Service delivering the specialised training, our arduous firefighting team is ready to respond.”

CFA will evaluate the use and effectiveness of the arduous crew at the end of this fire season with the hope to extend the program further in 2026.

“It would be great to see this program extended, with those in metropolitan Melbourne also encouraged to join,” Jason said.

Golden Plains Council has developed a pedestrian safety improvement project for the Bannockburn-Shelford Road in Teesdale. This project has been approved by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).

Improving pedestrian safety is a priority project in the Teesdale Community Plan, and the primary goal of the project is to improve pedestrian safety while accessing the businesses in the township.

The Bannockburn-Shelford Road is an arterial road under DTP management, and Council has worked with DTP to identify the most effective solution for this location. DTP advised a pedestrian refuge was the most appropriate improvement for this location.

Key safety and access improvements in the design include:

• Pedestrian refuge with mountable kerbs adjacent to the businesses (General Store and Pharmacy).
• A reconfigured car park opposite the General Store to improve access and allow for larger vehicle parking, as well as improved circulation.
• Right-turn lane for access to the car park for vehicles approaching from the east, improving safety.
• New pedestrian access path from the car park to pedestrian crossing point.

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said Council was committed to improving road safety for pedestrians and other road users in Teesdale.

“We have listened to the community and worked with the Department of Transport and Planning to identify a solution that will improve pedestrian safety while also improving access to Teesdale’s main shopping precinct,” Cr Sharkey said.

“We encourage you to have a look at the proposed plan on Council’s website and provide feedback on this important safety project.”

Council is seeking community feedback to finalise the plan which is available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations. Feedback can be provided by emailing communityengagement@gplains.vic.gov.au and closes at 5pm on Friday 6 February 2026.

Council will also be holding an information session at the Teesdale Public Hall on Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 6pm. At this session, Council will also update and present on the findings from the Teesdale Bus Stop Safety Audit. To register to attend the information session, provide your name and contact details via email to communityengagement@gplains.vic.gov.au.

RSPCA Victoria is calling on all pet owners to protect their animals during this week’s scorching weather, with 20 reports made to the RSPCA Inspectorate before midday today from concerned community members about pets allegedly left without access to shelter or water.

RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said restricting an animal’s access to water and shelter is potentially deadly.

“High temperatures can be deadly to pets who are vulnerable, but extreme temperatures like this week are dangerous for all animals,” Chief Inspector Green said.

“Before midday today, we had already received 20 heat related reports including for animals allegedly without access to water or shelter in 40C temperatures which is a potential death sentence to these pets and completely unacceptable.

“Heat stroke is a cruel and extended form of suffering and should never be taken lightly, and all pet owners must understand their responsibilities to their animals and take appropriate steps to protect their welfare throughout summer.

“There is no excuse for neglecting your animal in these dangerous conditions and we will be investigating these reports.

“Please never leave your animal in a car on a day like today, even just a couple of minutes can be fatal – call the police on 000 for an urgent response to these situations.”

Heatwaves, hot cars, and burning footpaths, are just some of the things to watch out for in these conditions

RSPCA Victoria Director of Veterinary Services Dr Melissa Meehan said the hot weather on pets poses a serious risk.

“Hot and extreme weather conditions this week will pose a serious risk to animal health,” Dr Meehan said.

“Heat stroke can develop rapidly and may be life-threatening, with common warning signs including excessive panting, vomiting or diarrhoea, and unusually bright or very pale gums.

“If you notice these symptoms in your pet or are concerned about their immediate wellbeing, seek veterinary advice immediately.

“Even after the sun goes down and temperatures drop, pets can still be at risk, as heat retained in footpaths and concrete can create hazardous ground-level temperatures.

“All of your animals must have continuous access to shade, fresh drinking water and adequate ventilation to help cool themselves.

“We also recommend bringing any young, senior, unwell, and small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds indoors during periods of extreme heat.

“Hot surfaces can also cause burns to paw pads, so make sure you check the temperature of footpaths with the back of your hand as a simple precaution – If it feels too hot for you, it is too hot for them.”

RSPCA Victoria’s guide to a Pet-Safe Summer is available online with helpful tips and pointers to ensure pet safety this summer.

Macedon Ranges residents will have the option to dispose of their real Christmas trees for free this month only, with usual green waste drop-off fees to be temporarily waived for the festive feature.
Aligning with 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 31 January/1 February) during regular hours (10am-4pm).
Conditions applying to this offer include that trees must be natural (not artificial); be free from any decorations; and have a diameter no larger than 250mm (current large branch criteria for mulching). Charges may still apply for any other applicable waste being disposed of.
Mayor Kate Kendall said the simple gesture was another sensible addition to Council’s extensive suite of sustainable and accessible recycling options.
“Some households may have already safely dismantled and disposed of their trees through the green-lidded kerbside FOGO bin, but for those who haven’t or for those with slightly larger trees, we’re pleased to be able to offer this initiative for the first time to help with Christmas clean-ups,” she said.
Council’s resource recovery facilities already accept the disposal of a range of items for free – such as e-waste, polystyrene, textiles, and soft plastics – in support of community-driven efforts to divert as much waste as possible away from landfill.
While green waste drop-off charges have applied in the Macedon Ranges since July 2024, following direction from the Victorian Government to move certain costs away from the waste charge in annual rates, Council has endeavoured to support property clean-ups through strategically timed free green waste disposal weeks, and financial year-tied vouchers in mail-delivered ShireLife newsletters.
Resource recovery facilities have varying opening hours and are closed on certain public holidays, on days when the Fire Danger Rating for the Central district is Extreme or Catastrophic, or on days of Total Fire Ban.
For more information on Council’s resource recovery facilities, including green waste drop-off, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/RRF