Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting community members and businesses to help shape the future of local planning by providing feedback on the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme Review.
The council regularly reviews the Planning Scheme to ensure it remains up to date, reflects current state and local planning policy, and provides effective tools to guide planning decisions. Feedback closes on Friday, September 11.
Link: www.yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Planning-Scheme-Review

Jeremy Neal from Wombat Native Plants will guide a one-hour tour to look at the flora of the damp forest gullies in the Wombat Forest on Saturday, September 5 from 9am.
Organised by the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre, walkers can learn to identify a variety of local flora species including the fern species that love these moist, sheltered environments.

Meet at the carpark next to the Garden of St Erth on Simmons Reef Road, Blackwood. Cost is $10. Bookings: www.trenthamnc.org.au

People can turn empty drink containers into meals for those doing it tough with a CDS Vic container drive at the Neerim Crescent, Ballarat North depot to support Foodbank Victoria on Saturday, August 29 from 8am to 4pm.
Foodbank’s Ballarat Community Food Centre provides food relief with dignity and choice through a self-serve Community Supermarket. Ballarat locals and families are referred to the Community Food Centre by charity partners and local schools. In the past 12 months, 7,236 people have accessed the Ballarat CFC supermarket, including 1144 families in the School Referral Program.

Daylesford’s Phoenix Cinema is offering this chance in return for help.
The cinema is inviting people to join its friendly crew to welcome cinema goers while selling tickets, choc tops, drinks and popcorn. Helpers will be paired with an experienced volunteer so they can learn on the job. A free ticket comes with four shifts completed and a second after another three shifts. Call Gina on 0419 504 277.

COSBOA and LPO Group say Australia Post’s retail network should evolve to deliver more value for small businesses and communities, with the Senate inquiry an important opportunity to examine its long-term sustainability, accessibility and role in delivering essential face-to-face services.

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) and LPO Group have each made submissions to the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee inquiry into the management of, and plans for, Australia Post’s retail network.

Licensed Post Offices (LPOs) are themselves independent small businesses, while Australia Post says 88 per cent of its customers are small businesses.

For many communities, particularly in regional, rural, remote and outer metropolitan Australia, the local post office provides access to services that are increasingly difficult to find face-to-face, including banking, identity verification, passport and government services.

COSBOA CEO Skye Cappuccio said the discussion about the future of LPOs needed to consider not only how many outlets remained open, but what people and businesses could actually do when they walked through the door.

“For small businesses, a local post office provides access to services they rely on every day,” Ms Cappuccio said.

“For a small business, having to travel to another town or suburb to do banking, send freight, verify documents or complete an important transaction costs time and money, and takes someone away from running the business.

“We absolutely understand that Australia Post has to change, as the way Australians communicate, shop and send goods changes.

“This isn’t about trying to preserve the past. Rather, we should be asking how we make the most of an extraordinary national network that already exists in communities across Australia – from banking and identity services to government transactions and parcels – while making sure the small business owners operating much of that network have a sustainable business model.”

COSBOA’s submission also raises concerns about the commercial pressures facing LPO operators, including whether remuneration reflects the cost of delivering services and the impact that changes to licence arrangements could have on operators who have invested in their businesses.

Ms Cappuccio said small business operators should not be expected to carry disproportionate commercial risk where they have limited control over key decisions affecting their revenue and costs.

“If these small businesses are going to continue playing such an important role in the national network, the commercial settings have to stack up for the operators delivering those services,” Ms Cappuccio said.

“LPO operators employ people, pay rent, invest in their premises and carry the same rising costs as every other small business. They need fair, transparent commercial arrangements and a genuine voice when decisions are being made that affect the viability and value of their businesses.”

LPO Group Chair Scott Etherington said the inquiry should look beyond headline outlet numbers and examine the services available through the network.

“An outlet can remain on the map while the services available from the counter change significantly. The real measure is not simply presence – it is capability,” Mr Etherington said.

“Banking, identity and government services give people a reason to use their local post office and help sustain the independent small businesses operating them.

“Parcels are an essential part of Australia Post’s future and nobody is suggesting otherwise. But parcels and services should work together.

“We have an established national network, trained people and infrastructure already in place. The opportunity is to make better use of it and give communities more reasons to use their local post office, not fewer.”

Ms Cappuccio said the inquiry was an opportunity to consider how the network could evolve while maintaining access to the face-to-face services small businesses and communities rely on.

“Modernisation shouldn’t mean fewer options for small businesses and communities.

“Australia already has an extensive network of local post offices, operated in large part by small business owners. We should be looking at how we support their long-term viability and make the most of the services and infrastructure already in place,” Ms Cappuccio said.

The film Skeletons, starring Academy Award winner Brie Larson, is in the final stages of production at the former studio of Neighbours in Nunawading. 

The film has created around 635 jobs and injected more than than $21.5 million into Victoria’s economy.

The movie will showcase iconic locations across the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula and Werribee.

The project engaged around 300 local businesses, including accommodation providers, caterers, transport operators, medical facilities and specialist screen businesses.

Post-production and visual effects work will take place in Victoria, with the project establishing the Chroma Film Lab, a new film development laboratory in Brunswick East.

The feature film from producer J.J. Abrams and director JT Mollner, follows a young boy who begins to discover that his parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.

Victorians Paul Currie and Mario Biancacci (Ricky Stanicky, Better Man, I Play Rocky) are also producers on the film.

The film’s international cast includes Kyle Gallner, Daithí Ó hAragáin, John Goodman, Keith Carradine, Ione Skye  and Willa Fitzgerald.

Skeletons joins a slew of recent Victorian film projects, including Fog City, Written in the Stars and Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel and the television series Wentworth: Halfway Home.

As H5 bird flu continues to spread among wild birds, with detections along most of Victoria’s coast, poultry housing requirements in southern parts of the state have been extended for at least another 28 days.
Poultry owners with 50 or more birds in coastal and southern shires are required to confine their birds as an ongoing precautionary measure to reduce contact with wild birds.
“Over the past fortnight we have seen many disease events along Victoria’s coastline. The majority of these have been in birds that tend to stay close to the coast, reinforcing that poultry in southern parts of the state are most at risk,” Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said.
Recognising that there is also occasional inland disease activity, housing of poultry is still recommended in other areas, where possible.
The housing requirement will remain in place for at least a further 28 days and will continue to be reviewed based on current disease activity and the risk it poses to poultry.
The ACCC non-enforcement of free-range labelling applies for up to 90 days while a housing order or a recommendation was put in place.
Strong biosecurity measures remain the best defence against the spread of H5 bird flu.
“Reducing contact between poultry and wild birds is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of disease entering a flock, so we’re reminding poultry producers of the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity practices,” Dr Cooke said.
“It’s important that poultry owners review their biosecurity plans, remain alert for signs of disease and stay updated on the latest advice.”
The effects of H5 bird flu are highly visible in coastal regions, particularly in the southwest of the state.
A series of community meetings and pop-up events have been held across Victoria’s most affected areas, helping authorities better understand local concerns and provide the latest information about the H5 bird flu response.
Bird flu cannot be controlled in the wild and with the upcoming breeding season for wild birds, communities can expect to see more sick or dead birds and wildlife, particularly around beaches, wetlands and waterways where birds gather.
“We are grateful to community members who continue to report observations. This valuable information helps us better understand H5 spread in wildlife within Victoria,” Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd said.
“We know it can be very upsetting to see sick or dead wildlife in places people feel connected to.”
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, report it via the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
To keep up to date with Victoria’s response to H5 bird flu, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

Ballarat will have a new home for local and professional athletes, with a new pavilion at Frank Bourke Oval.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison has joined representatives and athletes to officially open the pavilion.

This was made possible by $5 million from the Council Support Package and over $100,000 from the City of Ballarat.

Ballarat is becoming a major regional sporting hub, with the new pavilion helping more locals get involved in football and cricket while creating greater pathways for talented athletes to reach the elite level.

The pavilion features modern and accessible change rooms for players and umpires, to support greater participation for women and girls.

A new kitchen, canteen and bar will support functions and matches, alongside an improved scorer’s box and a new veranda to shield spectators from the weather.

Tenant clubs, the North Ballarat Football and Netball Club and North Ballarat Cricket Club will also have more storage space for training and match equipment.

The redevelopment is part of the Ballarat Major Events Precinct upgrade, due for completion later this year.

Other works at the precinct include two new Mars Stadium grandstands, with an additional 5,000 permanent seats and improved accessibility, and the new Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre.

The upgraded precinct will boost jobs and businesses through construction and will attract more events and visitors.

The Frank Bourke Oval project supported more than 100 jobs, and is one of 27 projects across Victoria funded by the Council Support Package.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has approved the Melton East Precinct Structure Plan.

It paves the way for nearly 12,000 homes, seven schools and more than five MCGs worth of parks and reserves.

Once complete, Melton East will be home to more than 36,000 residents and support around 1,600 jobs.

The suburb will have everything families need close to home including shopping options and four community hubs.

It will also deliver vital infrastructure to help keep people moving including three new arterial roads, 14 intersections and five bridges, along with cycling and pedestrian links.

The plan will be delivered in two stages, ensuring homes are built as infrastructure is built.

This Precinct Structure Plan allows developers to get on with their permit approvals with the full precinct to be developed over the next 20 to 30 years.

Melton projects include:

• works are underway to electrify the Melton line which is now level crossing free
• the Melton Hospital is under construction
• roads across Melton have been upgraded – with more upgrades to come
• schools across Melton have been upgraded.

Consultation is also now open for the draft Merrifield North Precinct Structure Plan – unlocking capacity for more than 4,700 jobs.

The 970-hectare jobs precinct is strategically located in the Northern Growth Corridor and is expected to support jobs in a range of sectors, including warehousing, transport and logistics.

For more information on the Merrifield North Precinct Structure Plan and to have your say, visit engage.vic.gov.au/merrifieldnorth

The passage of new NDIS laws must now be followed by an equally serious effort to build the skilled workforce Australians with disability rely on, the Health Services Union said today.

The HSU welcomes mandatory registration for NDIS providers and stronger whistleblower protections but said national registration of disability support workers should now follow, as well as proper qualifications, training and career pathways to lift standards across the sector.

HSU National Secretary Dustin Halse said the legislation represented significant change and should light the path for further reform to the sector.

“The Government deserves credit for taking on bad providers and strengthening safeguards in a system that desperately needs them,” Mr Halse said.

“We particularly welcome mandatory provider registration and stronger protections for workers who blow the whistle. We fought to ensure workers can go to their union when something is wrong without putting themselves at risk. But if we are serious about quality and safety the next logical step is worker registration.

“Disability support workers perform complex and incredibly important work. They should have recognised qualifications, access to proper training and professional standards that reflect the responsibility they carry every day.

“We would now like to ensure workers who deliver the NDIS and the unions that represent them have a genuine seat at the table during implementation.”

HSU NSW/ACT/QLD Secretary Gerard Hayes said workers were often the first to know when something was going wrong inside a disability service.

“A support worker who sees neglect, unsafe practices or fraud should be able to pick up the phone to their union without fear of losing their job,” Mr Hayes said.

“Good services depend on workers being confident enough to raise problems before they become disasters. Unions have always been an integral part of that safety net and these laws finally recognise it.”

HIA is proudly supporting National Skills Week this year by highlighting the construction industry’s many and diverse career opportunities.

“This year ‘Life Changing’ is the theme of National Skills Week which provides an important focal point to address the severe labour shortages in residential building by raising the profile of Vocational Education and Training,” stated HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.

“It brings stakeholders together to promote apprenticeships, attract school leavers and career changers, and highlight diverse, well-paid trade and professional career pathways.

“To build the homes Australia needs we must elevate the status, value and profile of vocational education and training. Misconceptions about trade and skills-based careers must be challenged and the diverse education pathways showcased. National Skills Week is an opportunity to address industry needs by challenging perceptions, highlighting diversity and empowering individuals.

“This means dispelling outdated myths by showing its relevance, strong earning potential and essential role in the modern economy. It also means highlighting the broad range of career pathways available, from traditional trades to emerging fields such as green energy, modern methods of construction and prefabrication.

“She Builds the Future is a HIA initiative that encourages more women and girls to explore rewarding careers in the residential building industry. Through education, industry engagement, events and training opportunities, the program showcases the diverse career pathways available in construction and inspires the next generation of talent to consider a future in the sector.

“Skills-based learning can be a life-changing pathway that builds confidence, purpose and access to meaningful work. Whether in carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, electrical work or roofing, an apprenticeship provides valuable skills and opens the door to strong career opportunities across the industry.

“Many of the construction industry’s largest and most successful businesses were founded by people who began their careers in a trade.

“Building today’s high-tech, energy-efficient homes relies on skilled teams of designers, drafters, architects, engineers, energy assessors, surveyors, scientists and manufacturers.

“National Skills Week provides a valuable platform for governments and industry bodies to promote apprenticeship incentives, including the $10,000 Key Apprenticeship Program in housing construction, as well as group training schemes that mentor new apprentices and reduce financial risk for small building businesses.

“Throughout National Skills Week and the ‘Life changing’ theme, HIA is encouraging school leavers of 2026 and career changers nationwide to explore the opportunities available in the housing industry,” concluded Ms Martin.

Premier Ben Carroll has opened new classrooms at Bellaire Primary School in Highton.

The project delivered a new junior learning centre, a new half basketball court, upgraded classrooms and better landscaping.

These world-class facilities mean a better learning environment for students, and a better working environment for staff.

The federal and state governments are continuing to support communities recovering from the January 2026 bushfires. 

A total of $1.15 million will be shared between the Murrindindi and Strathbogie Shire Councils to boost their Community Recovery Officer and Recovery Hub programs until June 2028.

This is part of the $15 million joint investment through the Commonwealth‑State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, supporting CROs and Recovery Hubs across 15 councils.

Community Recovery Officers work directly with councils to identify local needs, deliver tailored recovery programs and connect residents with the support they need.

Recovery Hubs provide a local one-stop shop for information, advice, trauma-informed support and recovery programs.

It is based on a simple principle: local communities know their recovery needs best.

More than $420 million in bushfire recovery support has been jointly funded through the DRFA to support bushfire-affected Victorians.

Anyone needing assistance is encouraged to contact the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 to be connected with the support they need.

Ballarat residents can turn empty drink containers into meals for those doing it tough this winter with a CDS Vic container drive at the Ballarat North depot to support Foodbank Victoria on Saturday 29 August.
Until mid-October, CDS Vic and Foodbank Victoria have partnered to encourage people to donate their refunds to food relief. Every five eligible drink containers can help create one meal for those experiencing food insecurity.
Foodbank’s Ballarat Community Food Centre provides food relief with dignity and choice through a self-serve Community Supermarket. Ballarat locals and families are referred to the Community Food Centre by charity partners and local schools. In the past 12 months, 7,236 people have accessed the Ballarat CFC supermarket, including 1,144 families in the School Referral Program.
The centre has distributed 28% more kilograms of food in the past six months compared to the same time last year, with cost-of-living pressures continuing to impact many households. Across the state, Foodbank feeds 76,000 people every day and provides more than 70 per cent of Victoria’s food relief.
Rhiannon Williams, CEO of McCallum Disability Services Inc which operates the Ballarat North CDS Vic depot, said the Foodbank and CDS Vic container drive provides Ballarat locals a meaningful way to support those who need it most. “The campaign encourages Victorians to donate container refunds to help Foodbank Victoria provide meals, groceries and emergency relief through the colder months,” she said.
Matt Davis, CEO of scheme coordinator VicReturn said: “We’re halfway through the 3-month container drive, where Victorians have donated almost $18,000 to Foodbank Victoria in just a few weeks.”
Foodbank Victoria CEO, Dave McNamara added: “With demand for food relief at a record high, simple actions like donating your 10-cent containers can create real change for the 76,000 Victorians who rely on Foodbank every single day”.
To support Foodbank’s supply of food to the Ballarat Community Centre, return and donate your eligible containers at CDS Vic Depot Ballarat North (operated by McCallum) at 6 Neerim Crescent, Mitchell Park, on Saturday 29 August, 8am-4pm. Free coffee from the Golden Opportunities coffee van from 9am until 12 midday.
The CDS Vic Foodbank container campaign runs until mid-October, so 10-cent container refunds can be donated at any CDS Vic refund point. Donations can be made by selecting Foodbank Victoria on the screen at a CDS Vic reverse vending machine, choosing the charity as a payout option in the CDS Vic app, or requesting that refunds be donated at over-the-counter refund points and depots.
The partnership builds on the success of CDS Vic, which has given more than 113.5 million containers a second life across the City of Ballarat, returning more than $10.5 million back in pockets of locals

More Victorians will have a place to call home sooner, with more than 350 modular homes set to be delivered by mid-2028.

During a visit to the Modularity by Rendine factory in Geelong, Minister for Housing, Building and Precincts Nick Staikos announced the delivery of 48 accessible, energy-efficient homes.

The homes can be transported to communities across Victoria where housing is needed most.

More than 70 modular social homes have already been delivered across Greater Geelong, Ararat, Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, Wellington, Hindmarsh, Gippsland, Gannawarra, Campaspe and Central Goldfields

Another 136 are under construction.

Homes will be built faster, easily shipped and quickly installed on vacant land in high-demand areas.

Meanwhile, the $36 million Ormond Road development in East Geelong is now complete, with residents moving into 54 new, accessible homes.

Myers St is also complete with residents moving into 117 beautiful, modern new homes.

Investment in social and affordable housing across Geelong has exceeded $431 million, delivering 1,033 homes, with 772 already completed.

In Greater Geelong, the Big Housing Build has committed more than $330 million, well above the Minimum Investment Guarantee target of $180 million.