As parcel volumes surge ahead of Christmas, Australia Post is urging Australians to be on high alert as this time of year tends to see a spike in porch pirate activity. Porch pirates are thieves who steal unattended deliveries at residential properties.
Opportunistic thieves are taking advantage of online shoppers who are eagerly awaiting arrival of their parcels.
While theft after delivery is a matter for Police, Australia Post’s top parcel theft prevention tips include:
• Use a free 24/7 Parcel Locker: Parcel Lockers are a convenient and secure alternative to home delivery allowing customers to collect a parcel at a time that suits them.
• Download the AusPost app: Receive secure delivery and parcel tracking updates, with notifications when a parcel is delivered.
• Post Office collection: Collect a parcel from the nearest Post Office.
• Request to have a parcel left in a safe place: This can be done through the AusPost app or a MyPost account.
Australia Post General Manager Group Security, Kevin Zuccato said: “If a parcel is stolen after it has been delivered it becomes a matter for Police, however we’re encouraging customers to consider our secure delivery options to reduce the risk of this happening.
“We know customers are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their parcels, especially ahead of Christmas, so please remain vigilant. Anyone who suspects their mail has been stolen should contact their local police or Crime Stoppers,” said Mr Zuccato.
Chief Executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith, said: “We see an increase in parcel theft around Christmas, with opportunistic thieves looking for any chance to strike quickly and quietly.
“Simple steps like choosing secure delivery options and reporting any suspicious behaviour can make a real difference. If you have footage of suspicious activity or information about a theft, share it with Crime Stoppers to help prevent further incidents.”
Customers who capture suspicious activity can upload CCTV or doorbell footage directly to the Crime Stoppers Victoria website at crimestoppersvic.com.au or report it by calling 1800 333 000. Crime Stoppers Victoria also has an online guide to safeguarding deliveries.

Victorians can now access free pads and tampons at train stations thanks to an expansion of the state government’s nation-leading program – supporting commuters when they need it most.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins has announced the launch of the next stage of the statewide vending machine rollout which will give commuters convenient access on-the-go at up to 55 train stations.

Vending machines have been rolled out in many train station bathrooms including Flinders Street, North Melbourne, Melbourne Central, Flagstaff, Werribee, Newport, Footscray and Essendon.

Train stations are among Victoria’s busiest public spaces. People can be caught off guard while they travel, and access to free pads and tampons can make the difference between getting on with the day comfortably or heading home abruptly.

One in five women and girls report that they can’t afford the period products they need every month. Since the launch of the program in November 2024, more than 310,000 packs have been dispensed – saving families hundreds of thousands of dollars.

More than 760 free pad and tampon machines have been installed in public libraries, TAFEs, cultural institutions, sports centres, community facilities and hospitals.

To find an interactive map of pads and tampons vending machines along your commute, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/free-pads-and-tampons.

For a decade, Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) motorcycle paramedics have been weaving through Melbourne’s busiest streets to deliver critical care when every second counts. Born from a vision to beat congestion and reach patients faster, this specialist unit has become a vital part of Victoria’s emergency response network.

Operating primarily in Melbourne’s CBD, these highly skilled paramedics are also deployed to major events and surrounding suburbs, ensuring rapid access to patients in hard-to-reach locations.

Riding BMW GS900 motorcycles equipped with sirens, emergency beacons, and panniers packed with life-saving gear, they bring the capabilities of an ambulance to places where four wheels simply can’t go.

AV Specialist Resources Team Manager Josh Tait said responding on a motorcycle overcomes several challenges routinely faced by paramedics, particularly in the CBD.

“Our motorcycle paramedics can move around traffic congestion far easier than a conventional ambulance and also have greater access to locations such as parklands, cycling tracks or in tunnels,” he explained.

“The bikes carry modified versions of the equipment found on an ambulance, including an automated external defibrillator, medication, airway equipment and trauma management supplies, so are often able to bring life-saving care to patients quicker.”

Motorcycle paramedics are dispatched at the same time as a road ambulance, and when they arrive first, they can request additional resources or cancel vehicles enroute after assessing the patients.

“Sometimes it’s hard for the call takers to get all the information about a patient or incident, so we’re able to send a motorcycle paramedic to the scene quickly to report back and potentially free up other resources if the incident is less serious,” Josh said.

The motorcycle unit is currently comprised of seven experienced paramedics.

Alex Ricco is one of the unit’s newest recruits, joining in July 2024 after starting as an on-road paramedic with AV in 2014.

He said the unit make a big difference in the ambulance response to both high and low acuity cases.

“We’re able to bring high quality care directly to patients in locations where paramedics in a conventional ambulance have to park and venture in on in foot. It means for the most serious cases, where every minute matters, we’re able to provide potentially life-saving care sooner,” Alex said.

“We also attend lower acuity patients and assist with triaging them to ensure they get the right care, whether that be a trip to hospital in an ambulance or referring them to non-hospital care pathways.

“As a unit, our focus is working together with other AV crews to bring better and more appropriate outcomes for patients, whether that’s transporting them to hospital or connecting them with other healthcare options.”

Alex was motivated to join the motorcycle unit to combine his passion for motorbike riding with work.

It’s a similar story for Rob Mits, who joined the unit when it began after 20 years as an on-road paramedic.

“To become part of the unit, you have to be a motorbike rider and the more experienced, the better. There’s an initial riding test then annual rider training once you’re part of the unit. I love the job,” he said.

Rob said work as a motorcycle paramedic is busy but rewarding, with the unit sometimes attending around 15 cases per day.

“We typically have a higher caseload than the average paramedic because once we hand over the patients to the road ambulance crews for transport, we’re available to attend the next case,” he said.

“The sooner an ambulance is there – whether it’s a motorcycle or a conventional ambulance vehicle – the sooner the treatment can begin. Especially for the high acuity cases, every minute does count. If we can get there sooner, that leads to, hopefully, a better outcome for the patients.”

AV’s motorcycle unit was officially formed in November 2015 after a trial period.

Twelve months after the bushfires of Summer 2024/25, the Grampians and Wimmera Mallee regions are showing strong signs of renewal, with communities, landscapes and businesses looking forward to a positive summer ahead.
Local operators are once again ready to welcome visitors, offering the exceptional experiences that have long made the region a favourite for summer escapes. Strong support from the Victorian State Government and Visit Victoria has enabled destination marketing activity that has kept the region front of mind for domestic travellers throughout the year. With renewed confidence, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism (GWMT) is hopeful visitation will return to the strong levels experienced during summer 2023/24.
Marc Sleeman, CEO of GWMT, said: “This summer represents a turning point for our region. While we will never forget the challenges of last year, we are proud of the green shoots of renewal all around us in our landscapes, towns and industry. Visitors will see a region that is prepared, resilient and ready to welcome them with open arms.”
GWMT is also asking visitors to show patience and understanding when engaging with local operators, many of whom have navigated a tough year and may still be experiencing moments of reflection. “A little kindness will go a long way in ensuring a memorable and positive experience for all”, said Mr Sleeman.
With their natural beauty, vibrant communities and renewed spirit, the Grampians and Wimmera Mallee are flourishing, ready to offer visitors both the peace of nature and the warmth of regional hospitality.

Mixed farmers are invited to an upcoming workshop series hosted by Agriculture Victoria in Piangil, starting February 2026.
Agriculture Victoria Mixed Farming Development Officer, Roger Harrower said the workshops with Elders Senior Livestock Production Advisor Rob Inglis, would be ideal for any farmer contemplating setting up or restarting a sheep feedlot to improve their management of seasonal, market and business conditions.
‘We’re kicking off this series focusing on the practicalities of designing and building a feedlot and what makes it profitable,’ Mr Harrower said.
‘Farmers will explore why feedlotting sheep might suit their business, key regulations, infrastructure options, feed storage, delivery and cost.
‘The following workshops will dive deeper into specifics; workshop 2 will focus on feedlot nutrition, while workshop 3 will cover animal welfare, marketing options and strategies to scale operations in line with seasonal and business resilience considerations,’ he said.
All workshops will be held at Piangil Community Centre, 8 Beveridge Street, Piangil:
Workshop 1 – Designing and building a profitable feedlot
11 February 2026 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Workshop 2 – Feeding and nutrition feedlot workshop
March 2026, details to follow
Workshop 3 – Beyond the feedlot: welfare, markets and integration
June 2026, details to follow.
Interested farmers are encouraged to register for all 3 workshops at www.trybooking.com/DFOTE or contact Roger directly on 0407 729 024, roger.harrower@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Find more information about available drought support at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

While most Victorians are spending time with family or friends, RSPCA Victoria is asking people to spare a thought for the state’s shelter animals this holiday season, with many yet to find their forever homes.

RSPCA Victoria Senior Animal Care Manager Nadia Peiris said the animals are well cared for in the shelter, but it is no match for a loving home.

“For many people, this time of year is about spending time with your family, friends, and being together, but unfortunately animals in shelters right across the state won’t get to experience that this year,” Ms Peiris said.

“Some of these animals are recovering under veterinary care and need continuous care over the festive season.

“Our teams, just like other shelters, do everything they can to make this a special time of year for the animals in our care.

“We love spending time with them, and we make sure they get to open with a gift on Christmas Day but nothing beats waking up in a loving home.”

While RSPCA Victoria hasn’t been immune to cost-of-living challenges as the cost of caring for animals increasing, it’s easy for people to help.

“2025 has been a tough year for many pets in Victoria, and on average we’re spending over $68 per day per cat or dog in our care,” Ms Peiris said.

“If you’re not able to adopt or foster an animal, simply sponsoring just one of the many dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, horses and other animals in our shelters, helps us continue to provide for them and make their wait for a forever home a little bit nicer.

“By sponsoring one of the animals in our shelters you’ll become their Guardian Angel these holidays, which will make a big impact on the lives and well-being of the animals in our care.”

Those scrambling for a last-minute gift idea can sponsor animal as a gift, simply visit rspcavic.org today.

As thousands of Victorians take to the roads this festive season, the  state government is reminding motorists of a simple but life-saving message – take regular breaks and avoid driving while tired.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) are out in force at Pause Stop sites along major regional routes, providing drivers with safe places to pull over, reset, and recharge.

Each site has complimentary barista-made coffee, comfortable deck chairs for a 15-minute power nap and activities to keep children entertained while parents take a break.

The TAC will also be stationed at 15 Visitor Information Centres across Victoria, providing resources to help motorists plan a safe journey and explore local attractions.

They are urging all road users to exercise extra care, take breaks at least every two hours, share driving duties where possible, and avoid driving at times they would normally be asleep.

To complement this message, VICSES volunteers will operate Driver Reviver sites in partnership with Lions Club, Rotary and RSL volunteers. Located at key rest stops statewide, these sites offer free tea, coffee and snacks, encouraging drivers to stop and enjoy vital rest before continuing their journey.

Driver Reviver has played an important role in road safety for more than 35 years, serving over 50 million motorists in the process.

The call for caution comes as VICSES reports a record year for road crash rescue (RCR) responses, with volunteers attending almost 2,300 incidents in 2025 – more than 100 above last year’s record and nearly 50 per cent higher than 2023 figures.

Units across metropolitan fringe areas such as Pakenham and Craigieburn have been the busiest, while regional units in South Barwon, Bendigo, Kilmore, Morwell and Mildura highlight the widespread risk of road trauma.

VICSES volunteers, accredited to perform complex rescues using hydraulic tools such as the ‘jaws of life’, regularly work alongside Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and fire services to save lives.

Whether you’re heading to the coast, the country or a long-awaited family reunion, remember: one small stop can make one big difference. For Pause Stop locations and maps, visit tac.vic.gov.au/pausestop For Driver Reviver sites, go to driverreviver.com.au/driver-reviver-sites

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has announced Martin Collins as its incoming Director Community from January 2026, following a highly competitive recruitment process.
Martin is an accomplished local government executive with extensive experience in community services. He has successfully overseen diverse portfolios, including early years, aged care, community health, social planning, recreation, communication, and advocacy.
He has most recently been in senior roles with the Victorian Skills Authority, preceded by three years as General Manager Community Wellbeing at nearby Central Goldfields Shire Council. Prior to these appointments Martin has held leadership roles with the Victorian Government and Glasgow City Council.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said: “Martin’s broad experience across local and state government, in Scotland and here, places him in an excellent position to drive meaningful and lasting benefit for our community.”
“I congratulate Martin on his appointment – we are really pleased to be able to welcome him and extend the diversity of our Executive Leadership Team.”
“His experience, authentic leadership style and values will be integral in driving great community outcomes whilst fostering and growing our culture in the Community Directorate and across the organisation.”
“We look forward to welcoming Martin to Council on 27 January 2026.”

The state government is encouraging everyone to embrace the spirit of giving this festive season by rolling up their sleeves to donate blood — the ultimate gift of life.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas is making the call out following the launch of Lifeblood’s Christmas and New Year Appeal at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) today.

It is a timely reminder that the need for blood donations doesn’t slow down over Christmas and New Year – and that many kids at the RCH still need the support of Victorians no matter the time of year.

December and January can be one of the most challenging times for blood supply, as many regular donors take a break, leaving thousands of appointments unfilled and putting pressure on hospitals to meet patient needs.

Blood and blood products are used daily for patients undergoing surgery, people living with blood disorders, cancer treatments, trauma victims and women giving birth – with 33,000 blood and plasma donations needed every week in Australia to meet patient demand.  

The launch of the appeal also provides the opportunity to thank the Victorians who joined thousands of fellow Australians who donated blood and plasma following the tragic Bondi terrorist attack last week.

Victorians already top the list of frequent donors nationwide with more than 167,000 active donors – making more than 477,200 individual blood and plasma donations in 2024/25.

Victorians looking to give the gift of life by donating blood this holiday season can schedule an appointment by calling 13 14 95 or at lifeblood.com.au.

The state government is making exploring Omeo’s historic gold mining legacy, epic mountain bike trails and scenic surroundings easier, safer and more enjoyable revitalising the main street for locals and visitors.

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes has announced works to refresh Omeo’s heritage lined main street were now complete, thanks to a $200,000 investment from the Labor Government.

Upgrades to Day Avenue mean better accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and cars, and have transformed the 250-metre-long section between Short Street and Sebastapol Hill Road, with 10 local jobs created during construction.

New and improved footpaths have been delivered along each side of the street, with decorative pavements at intersections and near heritage buildings and upgrades to more than 500 metres of kerbs and channel.

A new, raised pedestrian crossing will improve safety and accessibility, while designated parking will make it easier for people with mobility challenges to navigate the town centre.

Trees and new plants have been planted to provide shade and bring a vibrant look and feel to the heart of the town, and are complemented by new street furniture, including seating and picnic tables, offering more opportunities for people to rest, relax, connect and explore.  

New parking spaces for cyclists on the main street have been installed for locals, as well as visitors exploring Omeo’s world-class trails, including 114 kilometres of cross-country and gravity trails, delivered by a $4.1 million government investment, that cater for novice riders to experienced mountain biking enthusiasts.

Designed to boost economic activity and visitor numbers for Omeo and the surrounding area, the streetscape works have taken place alongside the construction of new worker housing near Omeo’s hospital delivered through the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, which is set to boost services provided by Omeo District Health.

Following multiple reports of the native armyworms across Victoria, farmers are encouraged to learn how to correctly identify them.
Agriculture Victoria Horticulture Program Coordinator for Gippsland, Scott Botten said often, native armyworms can be mistaken for Fall armyworm (FAW).
‘FAW are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas but have quickly spread across the world, including to Australia after being found in every state.
‘The Fall armyworm, also known as Spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly invasive and destructive caterpillar that poses a significant threat to plant species.
‘They are known to feed on more than 350 plant species, including maize, cotton, rice, sorghum, sugarcane, wheat and other vegetable and fruit crops.’ Mr Botten said.
He said when identifying FAW, there are a number of key signs to look out for:
• eggs are laid on the underside of leaves in masses of 100-300 usually with a protective cover of fine bristles
• newly hatched larvae (caterpillars) are 1mm long, pale greenish with a black head
• mature caterpillars are smooth bodied and grow up to 40mm in length
• they range in colour from dark yellow to green, brown and black with prominent lighter stripes running the length of the body
• males have two distinct white marks on each of the forewings.
Mr Botten said while having a similar appearance to other armyworm species commonly found in Victoria, FAW can be distinguished by the inverted Y shape on the head.
‘Correctly identifying FAW is especially vital during the late summer and early autumn months, with the larvae being most active around this time.
‘If you think you have identified a FAW and aren’t sure of next steps, contact your local agronomist for advice, he said.
Further information on Fall armyworm including monitoring and how to identify it can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website and on the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) website here.

The state government is reminding Victorians that staying safe and healthy at work is the greatest gift they can give family and friends this holiday season.

Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll announced two WorkSafe campaigns underway this festive season to keep workers safe – the new HomeSafe campaign and re-launch of the Don’t Cross The Line campaign.

HomeSafe encourages workplaces to resist the temptation to cut corners on safety at a time when getting home to be with family and friends is so important. Running online and across social media, digital screens and regional press, HomeSafe focuses on employers and workers in construction, manufacturing, transport and retail – industries that typically face additional pressure and workloads as the end of the year approaches.

Retail workers are also at increased risk of aggressive behaviour this time of the year, which is why WorkSafe’s Don’t Cross The Line campaign will return to screens, asking the community to treat workers with respect during the holiday period and consider the toll on workers who may experience yelling, swearing and hostility at their workplace.

Victorian employers also have a responsibility to protect workers from hazards by managing workloads, lengths of shifts and breaks, and helping to prevent aggression and violence. It’s also critical to ensure any new and young workers in a workplace who may be more vulnerable to health and safety risks are provided with the proper training and supervision needed to stay safe.

For more information visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/home-safe and worksafe.vic.gov.au/dontcrosstheline.

The Victorian Government has reappointed Peter Tuohey as Rural Assistance Commissioner to continue vital work supporting rural and regional communities.
Mr Tuohey provides valuable advice and expertise to Government through his engagement with farmers and rural communities. He will continue his role overseeing and supporting the design and delivery of financial and recovery support programs for Victorian farmers and rural communities across drought, flood and biosecurity.
A fifth-generation farmer from near Pyramid Hill in the state’s north, Mr Tuohey’s advice reflects his lived experience navigating seasonal conditions and compounding pressures from global economic shocks, biosecurity threats and a changing climate.
Agriculture Victoria Chief Executive Beth Jones said Mr Tuohey’s reappointment ensures that Victorian farmers continue to have dedicated support and benefitting from Mr Tuohey’s experience-based insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
“The Rural Assistance Commissioner is essential to ensuring that Victorian farmers can access consistent and responsive support, particularly during challenging times.”
“Mr Tuohey brings seasoned leadership and a deep understanding of farm businesses to provide meaningful advice that’s trusted by farmers and the broader agriculture sector,” Ms Jones said.
Mr Tuohey said he was looking forward to continuing in the role.
“I am pleased to continue my work travelling across Victoria, assessing seasonal conditions firsthand and hearing from farmers and regional communities about what government can do to support agriculture to thrive,” he said.
The reappointment strengthens Victoria’s ability to safeguard agricultural productivity and sector stability, reinforcing the foundations of the state’s economy and long-term food security.
Mr Tuohey’s term will run until 30 June 2027.

Travel is easier for all passengers this festive season with two days of free travel across Victoria and more ways to travel to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the Boxing Day Test.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams today announced there will be extra services over the weekend to get travellers to the Test and public transport will be free on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve across all metro and regional trains, trams and buses.

There will be 48 additional services operating each day, making it easier to get to and from the MCG and try out the Metro Tunnel as part of the Summer Start timetable.

Victorians are already benefiting from free public transport on weekends ahead of the Big Switch on 1 February which will fully integrate the Metro Tunnel into the network

All public transport is set to be free for everyone on 25 and 31 December to help farewell 2025.

On Christmas Day, public transport will be free from 3:00am Thursday, 25 December until 3:00am on Boxing Day and run to a regular Sunday timetable with some changes for V/Line coach services.

V/Line passengers on long-distance train and scheduled coach services still need to book their Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve travel and will be issued a ticket free of charge. No ticket is required for regional town bus travel.

Hopping on a train, tram or bus is the easiest way to get around Victoria to bring in the New Year, with free travel available from 6:00pm on Wednesday, 31 December and V/Line long-distance passengers arriving in Melbourne after 6:00pm will also travel free.

Victorians can celebrate well into the night, with extra services to operate and free travel until 6:00am on New Year’s Day. On New Year’s Eve, all City Loop stations will operate until 3:00am to provide more options to get passengers where they need to go.

For V/Line passengers, the first service from Melbourne to all regional destinations on New Year’s Day will also be free, regardless of whether it departs before or after 6:00am.

From Thursday, 1 January all passengers under 18 will be eligible for free travel with a youth myki anywhere and anytime, while Seniors, Carers and Disability Support Pensioners will be able to enjoy free travel on public transport on weekends anywhere in Victoria.

For information and to plan your journey visit transport.vic.gov.au/journey.

A new Transport Accident Commission (TAC) campaign will see Victoria’s grassroots and elite sportspeople spread the critical road safety messages across Victoria – beyond the field.

Representatives from Cricket Victoria, Basketball Victoria and Football Victoria last week joined the TAC to launch the new campaign at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, announcing new partnerships across the three sporting codes to strengthen road safety advocacy among more than 1,700 clubs statewide.

The TAC Club Participation Program that will see Road Safety Rounds take place across the three sports, with cricket taking place last weekend, basketball in January and soccer in April – where players and officials are wearing blue armbands to ‘Band Together’ for road safety awareness.

Community clubs will be eligible to receive merchandise and vouchers worth $40,000 per sport by demonstrating their commitment to promoting road safety.

Across the summer, the pilot program will focus on the dangers of speed, with clubs equipped to spread the campaign messages – ‘Be the Difference’ and ‘Make the right choice. Slow down on the road’.

This serves as a powerful reminder to our communities that road safety is a shared responsibility every time we travel.

Professional clubs including Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, basketball’s Melbourne United and Bendigo Spirit, and football’s Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, will amplify the messages throughout their seasons to fans and members.

This campaign comes as 285 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads this year, with speeding a major contributing factor.

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