The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) welcomes the announcement by Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler that 20,000 home care packages will be released immediately.

OPAN has previously called for the release of a minimum 20,000 additional home care packages to reduce the current 87,000 people waiting up to 11 months to receive the appropriate level of home care.

OPAN Director of Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy Samantha Edmonds said the announcement is a positive step, but more work must be done to protect and safeguard the interest of older people.

“This is good news especially in advance of the new Aged Care Act commencing on 1 November,” Ms Edmonds said.

“Inadequate in-home care support can push older people into hospital and prematurely into residential aged care, which is unfair and avoidable.

“Once an older person has been approved for the appropriate level of in-home support, they typically wait another 12 months to receive it. Untenable delays such as these put older people at significant risk of adverse outcomes. Older people should not have to wait more than 30 days for in home support

“These delays have an adverse impact on a person’s dignity and wellbeing. We have a shared responsibility to alleviate this challenge.

“Australia has an ageing population, and it is crucial that our policies and laws are fit-for-purpose in 2025 and beyond. Living independently is a top priority for many older people and the government must deliver this.”

A flow down the Campaspe River in mid-September will be the key ingredient to helping the waterway’s important platypus population avoid a housing crisis of sorts.

Rivers in central and northern Victoria have historically had their highest flows in spring, and animals that rely on these rivers to survive and thrive have evolved accordingly.

That means they rely on natural triggers to set up for breeding season. However, river regulation, historic farming practices, and climate change are making those triggers a bit trickier to understand.

That’s where water for the environment comes in.

North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Environmental Flows Project Manager Darren White said a Campaspe River flow in mid-September is aimed at triggering those cues for platypus and native fish.

“Native fish have responded really well to the repair work we have done since the 2022 floods, and this flow will tell them the time is right to start looking for a mate,” he said.

“The increase in flows over a few days will help native fish move up and down the river and find new breeding partners and feeding grounds.”

Mr White said the flow is also important for platypuses as they begin their breeding cycles.

“By raising water levels a little bit, we are giving platypuses the signals they need to build their burrow,” he said.

“They will note the level this flow gets to and build their homes a little higher up the banks, helping avoid burrow inundation if flows naturally increase later in the season.

“It’s the best indication we can give them of potential higher water levels over the next few months.”

September is platypus month in Victoria, coinciding with the monotreme’s breeding season.

“Pregnant and lactating platypuses can consume 100 per cent or more of their bodyweight daily, which is why this flow is also important,” Mr White said.

“Increasing the health of the river’s aquatic vegetation, as well as encouraging slime growth on rocks and sticks, increases the amount of water bugs, which means more platypus food.

“The Campaspe River platypus population is really important regionally, as there aren’t too many populations in the Murray River downstream of Echuca.”

Up to 1400ML a day will flow from Lake Eppalock down the Campaspe for three days, from 9 September. Water levels will stay well within the banks.

The flow is authorised by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan.

The Plan is available for download from www.vewh.vic.gov.au, with regular watering updates posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au.

The flow complements activities undertaken over the past decade including delivering stock fencing, off-stream watering, weed control and revegetation incentives to restore high quality riparian vegetation corridors that are resistant to flood-related channel change such as river bed and bank erosion and creation of new flow paths.

The Multicultural Business Precinct Revitalisation Program and the Good Practice Guide will help local councils to unlock the potential of multicultural business precincts across the state.

The guide will include practical ideas, from promotional campaigns and pop-up activations to cultural festivals and infrastructure improvements, to help to attract visitors and deliver more benefits for businesses, the broader community and the economy.

Local councils are encouraged to apply for grants through the $4 million Multicultural Business Precinct Revitalisation Program.

Up to $250,000 is available per precinct, for projects such as improved visitor spaces, public infrastructure, signage, public art installations and improved shopfront exteriors.

Multicultural business precincts are the cornerstone of local economies and communities, providing unique places where people gather, shop, work and build cultural connections and friendships.

Victoria is proudly home to more than 718,000 small businesses. Around 56 per cent of all small businesses are owned by people with at least one parent born overseas. Multicultural businesses are vital to Victoria’s economy, enhancing global connections, creating local jobs and enriching the state’s cultural diversity.

To learn more about the Multicultural Business Precinct Revitalisation Program, or to download the Good Practice Guide, visit business.vic.gov.au

Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman said the state’s multicultural businesses power the economy, creating jobs, trade and opportunities for generations to come.

“With this investment, we’re ensuring that the multicultural precincts Victorians love today will continue to flourish.”

Applications are open for the 2025-26 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF), which creates better places to play, train and compete across Victoria.

The fund has three streams including community facilities, community sports lighting, and planning with councils being able to apply for between $40,000 and $500,000 for projects

Potential projects include new or improved sports courts, lights, change rooms, playgrounds and skate parks, to benefit local clubs and communities.

All Victorian councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria are eligible to apply in partnership with their local sport and recreation clubs, sport associations and leagues with a focus on projects that will support local communities and groups to increase participation including amongst women and girls.

Successful projects funded through a previous round include $250,000 towards a new family recreation space at Dandenong’s Greaves Reserve featuring a multi-use court for basketball and soccer, a tennis half-court with rebound wall, and connecting pathways.

Fawkner’s popular Charles Mutton Reserve also received $200,000 to deliver a 150 lux LED lighting upgrade on both sports ovals – providing the Northern Saints Football Club with more playing and training time on their ovals to meet growing demand.

At Frankston Park, $250,000 is delivering bigger and better home and away change rooms for teams from the Frankston Football Club and Frankston Dolphins Reclink Football Team to help them host games.

For more information about the fund and to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au. Applications close on December 2.

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia’s method for identifying and tracking of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats for disease control, food safety and market access purposes.
It uses an electronic ear tag or device, marking each animal with its own, individual identification number.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Traceability Manager Ben Fahy said all cattle, sheep, goats and pigs must be tagged with an NLIS accredited tag, device or tattoo before leaving a property.
‘While Agriculture Victoria is the lead agency in relation to livestock traceability related offences and issues, we work closely with Victoria Police when investigating traceability issues that may involve stock theft or possible deception or fraud issues,’ Mr Fahy said.
Agriculture Victoria and Victoria Police staff are authorised under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 as well as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Mr Fahy said Victoria Police have defined Farm Crime Liaison officers who offer expertise and interest in agriculture matters and on farm crime, including stock theft issues.
‘Officers of both agencies undertake regular joint training in relation to the National Livestock Identification System and the use of the database which provides excellent data when there are alleged theft cases or fraud and deception cases involving livestock.
‘Agriculture Victoria and Victoria Police (VicPol) regularly share information in relation to traceability and movements in the livestock sector and work closely in the field where required for current investigations.
‘In the last 12-18 months, working alongside VicPol we have completed some high-profile prosecutions where charges were set under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 and the Crimes Act 1958.
‘Because of industries and governments commitment to the NLIS, Australia is able to provide assurance that livestock selected specific markets are traceable throughout their life. Our access to valuable export markets relies on our trading partners having confidence the livestock they are importing are backed by a robust traceability system and are healthy, disease-free and residue-free,’ he said.
All livestock owners or businesses trading in livestock have these obligations under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 and Livestock Disease Control Regulations 2017. False or misleading information about the movement of livestock affects both the industry and government’s ability to trace livestock in an emergency disease or food safety incident, or to provide good evidence to trading partners that the origin and ultimately the safety of the livestock product are verifiable.

Agriculture Victoria is continuing its crackdown on the illegal network trading in exotic pest animals, with a series of investigations across the state.

A man seeking to breed chameleons has been convicted of 2 counts of keeping a controlled pest animal.

The south-east Melbourne man was found to be seeking to purchase a male chameleon to breed with his female chameleon.

On 3 December 2024, officers executed a search warrant at his residence. Officers identified and seized one green iguana and a mobile phone. As a result of the evidence gathered he was convicted and fined $10,000.

Should either a chameleon or an iguana escape or be released into the wild, they pose significant threats to the Australian ecosystem. Breeding either of these species would increase that threat.

On 2 July 2025, DEECA officers executed a search warrant on a residential property in Delahey, Melbourne where they seized a 12 kg, 84 cm long female common snapping turtle. Common snapping turtles are native in the south-east of the United States of America. They have a powerful bite that can inflict serious injury if they are threatened or provoked.

The person keeping the snapping turtle was fined $1,628, with the source of the snapping turtle part of another ongoing investigation.

Operation DJANGO Project Manager Adam Kay said that while convictions like this help protect Victoria’s biosecurity system, they also are an essential deterrence for future would-be offenders.

‘Operation DJANGO is about ensuring the public is aware of the risks created by illegal animal traders,’ Mr Kay said.

‘We remain committed to working closely across government to identify and address illegal animal trade, ensuring appropriate action is taken where necessary.’

Operation DJANGO is a joint operation between Agriculture Victoria and the Conservation Regulator, and supported by Crime Stoppers Victoria.

Wildlife trafficking is the fourth-largest organised crime globally, worth over $450 billion a year, according to the Wildlife Crime Research Hub.

If you have information about the illegal trade of native wildlife or exotic pests, contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Westpac has revealed the postcodes with the highest number of scam reports over the past year in an effort to raise awareness and help more customers spot a scam.

The data, based on customer reports to Westpac, shows that scammers are having the biggest impact in high-density and rapidly growing areas, with Sydney’s CBD topping the national list. Other postcodes across the country most impacted by scams include the Western Sydney suburb of Liverpool, and the outer Melbourne suburbs of Tarneit, Werribee and Craigieburn.

Postcodes with the highest reported scam cases:  

• Australia-wide: 2000 (Sydney, NSW), 2170 (Liverpool, NSW), 3029 (Tarneit, VIC), 3030 (Werribee, VIC), 3064 (Craigieburn, VIC)
• New South Wales: 2000 (Sydney), 2170 (Liverpool), 2250 (Gosford), 2560 (Campbelltown), 2145 (Greystanes)
• Victoria: 3029 (Tarneit), 3030 (Werribee), 3064 (Craigieburn), 3000 (Melbourne), 3977 (Cranbourne)
• Queensland: 4870 (Cairns), 4670 (Bundaberg), 4350 (Toowoomba), 4211 (Nerang), 4510 (Caboolture)
• Western Australia: 6112 (Armadale), 6210 (Mandurah), 6065 (Landsdale), 6110 (Gosnells), 6155 (Canning Vale)
• South Australia: 5162 (Morphett Vale), 5108 (Salisbury), 5118 (Gawler), 5253 (Murray Bridge), 5169 (Seaford)

• Australian Capital Territory: 2615 (MacGregor), 2617 (Belconnen), 2614 (Macquarie), 2914 (Harrison), 2913 (Ngunnawal)

While scam numbers are naturally higher in states with larger populations, the rate of scams is highest in Western Australia and Queensland respectively.

Westpac Head of Fraud Prevention, Ben Young, says this is the second time the bank has lifted the lid on the country’s scam hotspots and it’s clear scammers continue to cast a wide net.

“From fake investment opportunities to irresistible online deals, scams are reaching Australians in every corner of the country. Scammers are constantly adapting and using emotional triggers and digital platforms to exploit Australians,” said Young.

“While fast-growing areas have traditionally been hotspots, this year’s data shows a noticeable rise in scam activity across inner-city postcodes, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.

“The spike in reports from Sydney and Melbourne CBDs is partly driven by a rise in invoice or business email compromise scams targeting businesses. We know scammers are opportunistic and going after businesses may seem like an easy money-making opportunity.”

While losses to scams continued to decline in the past 12 months, the data shows the scam types driving the largest losses are investment scams, followed by business email compromise, impersonation, romance and threat & penalty scams.

“It’s encouraging to see overall scam losses continue to come down, but we know the impact on individuals and businesses can be devastating,” Young said.

To help more Australians recognise and avoid a scam this Scams Awareness Week (25 – 29 August), Westpac hosted an online scam webinar for customers. The bank continues to invest in scam prevention and detection, including tools like Westpac Verify with Confirmation of Payee which alerts customers when the account name doesn’t match the account number and BSB. A new in-app feature makes it easier for customers to report a scam digitally, and the upcoming launch of SafeBlock will allow customers to instantly block their accounts to prevent further loss if they suspect they’re being scammed.

“Regardless of where our customers live, we’re continuing to invest in new ways to detect and prevent scams and support our customers with education and awareness,” Young said.

“We’re stopping millions of dollars in scam attempts every month but this is not a fight we can win alone. The telcos and digital platforms can play a huge role in stopping scams at the source, protecting more people from these ruthless criminals.

“Our message is simple, if something feels off, take a moment to check before you click, pay or share your details. A few extra seconds could save you thousands of dollars.”

 Tips to help protect yourself from scammers:

• Never give out your personal or financial information to anyone you don’t know or trust.
• Don’t click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media messages.
• Do your research before buying anything online and check the seller’s reputation and reviews.
• Always phone a company on a trusted number to check the payment details are correct before paying an invoice.
• Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true.
• Don’t send money or gift cards to someone you’ve never met in person, no matter how convincing their story is.
• Phone a family member or friend if you’re unsure about anything.

For more information, tips and the latest scams, please visit: https://www.westpac.com.au/security/

More than 200 additional schools across Victoria are now serving free, healthy breakfasts thanks to the expansion of School Breakfast Clubs Program – giving busy families across more than 1200 participating schools one less thing to worry about as they start the day.

The program provides free healthy breakfasts, lunches, snacks and take-home food packs to students across all year levels. Families can save on meal costs while ensuring their children receive proper nutrition delivered in partnership with Foodbank Victoria.

By supporting students who may otherwise go without breakfast, the School Breakfast Club Program is helping students achieve their best at school and beyond.

The School Breakfast Club Program has transformed learning for students who arrive at school hungry, ensuring they have the energy and focus needed to engage with their education and reach their full potential.

More than 200 schools joined the program during the 2024 and 2025 school years as part of the expansion, with menu options including cereals, fresh fruit, soups and rice dishes that are healthy and prioritise fresh, locally produced foods.

The School Breakfast Club Program also supports cooking classes for families from 166 Victorian Government schools, with a focus on the preparation of healthy, affordable meals at home.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said hunger had a big impact on children’s learning.

“That is why we’re helping families by expanding School Breakfast Clubs to every government school. We know how tough it is for families right now. That’s why we’re helping busy families with the cost of living and the cost of learning.”

Central Highlands Water is celebrating 100 years of one of the city’s most important pieces of essential infrastructure, the Ballarat South Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This year marks a major milestone in the centennial celebration of Ballarat’s first wastewater facility. To recognise the plant’s decades of service to the Ballarat community, Central Highlands Water will be hosting tours of the plant later in the year to honour the critical role of the facility in serving the community for a century.

Ever wonder what life in our region was like 100 years ago?
While 1925 was not marked by a single defining moment in Ballarat’s history, it was a year of transition, modernisation, and post-war prosperity. Australia was experiencing economic growth and increasing urbanisation, and Ballarat reflected these trends.

The effects of World War I were still being felt, but the country was also entering an era of significant social, economic, and cultural change.

Ballarat in 1925 was a vibrant regional city in Victoria, still shaped by its gold rush heritage but evolving into a more diversified economy and modern society. The city had become a hub for manufacturing, with industries such as textiles, engineering, and brewing playing key roles in the local economy.

Ballarat’s electric tram network, which had been running since 1905, was a major mode of public transport. Trams connected key areas of the city, including the railway station, Lake Wendouree, and Ballarat East. The Ballarat railway station was also a key transport hub, linking to Melbourne and other regional centers.
Roads were improving, but automobiles were still not widespread, and many people still used horse-drawn transport or bicycles.

The Roaring Twenties influence was evident, embracing new fashion trends and music. The Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Lake Wendouree were popular social and recreational spots. Her Majesty’s Theatre hosted live performances and the Regent Theatre showed silent films.

Sport was a huge part of community life, with AFL, cricket, rowing, and horse racing being especially popular.
Ballarat High School and St Patrick’s College were key educational institutions. The Ballarat School of Mines (now part of Federation University) continued to provide technical education, particularly in engineering and mining.

Electricity was increasingly common in homes and businesses, though some areas still relied on gas lighting. The radio era was emerging, with the first local broadcasts beginning in Melbourne in 1924. The Ballarat Courier was the primary source of news.

100 Years of Wastewater Innovation: The Legacy of Ballarat South Wastewater Treatment Plant
Imagine a time before modern plumbing, when ‘night soil men’ collected waste from outhouses, transporting it in cans to the city’s first wastewater treatment facility. That facility – now known as the Ballarat South Wastewater Treatment Plant has been serving the community for a century.

A Look Back: How It All Began
In 1922, construction began on Ballarat’s first sewage treatment plant, transforming public health in the growing city. By 1 July 1925, the Ballarat Sewerage Authority officially opened the plant, introducing an advanced system for treating wastewater.

Before the plant’s construction, waste disposal was a slow and messy process. Though properties were gradually being connected to the sewer system, manual collection and disposal were still necessary in the early years. But thanks to the efforts of miners-turned-pipelayers and labourers returning from World War I, Ballarat’s sewerage infrastructure took shape – laying the groundwork for the system we rely on today.

Decades of Growth and Innovation
From its humble beginnings, the facility has continuously evolved:

• 1949: Night soil waste was fed directly into the sewer system.
• 1953: Industrial wastewater from abattoirs, mills, and factories was added to the treatment process.
• 1960s-1980s: The plant expanded significantly with new sedimentation tanks, polishing lagoons, and sludge digesters to improve water quality.
• 986-1988: Upgrades introduced clarifiers, trickling filters, and lime dosing to enhance treatment efficiency.
• 1998: The facility became Australia’s first full-scale BNR (Bacteria Nutrient Removal) plant, pioneering a chemical-free phosphorus removal process.
• 2000s-Present: The plant underwent major refurbishments, lagoon expansions, and sustainability initiatives, including solar energy integration.

Today, BSWWTP treats wastewater from a population of over 85,000 people, using advanced processes to protect public health and the environment.

What’s Next? A Future of Sustainability
While the plant may be 100 years old, it remains at the forefront of innovation. We continue to invest in energy efficiencies, and climate resilience to meet the region’s growing needs. Plans are already in motion for the next major upgrade, ensuring that Ballarat’s wastewater infrastructure remains world-class well into the future.

“This plant is proof of CHW’s commitment to public health and the environment. While it has a long history, continuous upgrades have made it one of the most innovative wastewater treatment plants in Victoria”

History of the Ballarat South Wastewater Treatment Plant
The 1918 Ballaarat City Council’s Report on Sewerage Scheme for Ballaarat City suggested a site of 22 acres below the Mount Pleasant bridge for what is now the 300 acre Ballarat South Wastewater Treatment Plant. The report stated the site was ‘of sufficient area and suitable contour as facilitates reasonably cheap construction’. The plant has grown to become Australia’s first full-scale bacteria nutrient removal (BNR) plant. The ‘disposal works’, as it was originally known, received wastewater from Ballarat’s first 1800 house connections. It consisted of two pre-sedimentation tanks, four open air digestion tanks and an oxidation bed complete with standing sprinklers to disperse the settled effluent. Today, the plant treats over 5500 ML from domestic and business connections.

Victoria’s best apprentices and trainees are one step closer to taking their turn on the global stage, following the announcement of Australia’s national training squad for the world’s largest trades and skills competition.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney said 12 talented young Victorians will make up nearly one-third of the new WorldSkills Australia national training squad.

Over the coming year, the squad will undertake an intensive training program to prepare for the opportunity to represent Australia at the 48^th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in September 2026.

Victoria’s national training squad members represent a wide range of vocational skills including carpentry, web technologies, electrical installations, floristry, cooking, restaurant service and additive manufacturing.

The Victorian apprentices and trainees were selected following their success at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show, held in Brisbane in June. These rising stars will now vie for a coveted spot on Team Australia – also known as the Skillaroos.

The Skillaroos will put their skills to the test and compete against more than 1400 peers from over 60 countries in the prestigious WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai.

WorldSkills is an international trades and skills competition staged every two years that gives young apprentices, trainees and vocational students the chance to showcase their technical talents to the world.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney said this was a wonderful opportunity for these Victorians to take their training to the next level and showcase their world-class vocational skills.

“Our investments in Free TAFE and our world-class training system are focused on creating pathways to real opportunities and meaningful careers.”

Link: www.worldskills.org.au

Victorians are able to collect firewood for domestic use now collection areas have reopened for spring.

Firewood collection is only allowed during the firewood seasons from designated firewood collection areas in state forests and some forest parks.

Forest Fire Management Victoria Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Michael Condon encouraged people to get their wood now ready for winter 2026.

“Spring is an ideal time to collect your firewood,” he said.

“Depending on the species and level of dryness when cut, most wood takes longer than 12 months to dry.

“Ideally people should plan their firewood needs two years in advance.”

Mr Condon urged Victorians reliant on firewood for heating and cooking to plan their needs early.

“Maps are now online, so it’s a good time to organise your collection,” he said.

“If you are unable to collect firewood for domestic use, you can nominate someone to collect firewood on your behalf.”

He reminded people to only collect a limit of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.

“Most people do the right thing, collect wood that is already on the ground, take only what they need and stick to limits and rules,” he said.

Mr Condon encouraged collectors to have a safe day out.

“Check the weather and conditions before you go, always be aware of your surroundings and take care when using your chainsaws.”

The spring firewood collection season ends on Sunday, 30 November.

Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support

Maps are now live. An interactive map includes details about vehicle access, while pdf maps include safety and other practical information.

Find your local collection area and information about collecting firewood here: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region

Machetes are banned in Victoria – keeping more Victorians safe from these weapons.

During the amnesty period from 1 September to 30 November 2025, people can surrender machetes safely and anonymously at safe disposal bins located outside more than 40 designated 24/7 police stations across the state.

From September 1, owning, carrying, using, buying or selling a machete without a valid exemption or approval is an offence, with penalties including up to two years imprisonment or a fine of more than $47,000.

Exemptions apply for specific use, including for agricultural workers who use machetes as part of their job and for machetes that have a genuine traditional, historical, or cultural significance.

To choke the supply of machetes, the state government ordered them off shelves with an interim sales ban announced in May. This led to several retailers removing them from sale across the country.

Since then, Consumer Affairs’ Machete Taskforce has completed 573 in-store and online inspections, as well as 2,400 market stall inspections. The Taskforce found very high rates of compliance – drying up the supply ahead of the ban tomorrow.

The machete ban builds on the government’s tough new laws to crack down on repeat serious offenders and knife crime.

This includes strengthening the bail test for knife offences and increased stop-and-search powers for Victoria Police – helping them seize a record number of weapons off our streets.

This month new post and boast laws came into effect and further bail changes passed Parliament that will make it nearly impossible for serious repeat offenders to get bail.

Further details on exemptions and the locations of the disposal are available at vic.gov.au/machete-amnesty.

It’s time to celebrate Save the Koala Month 2025, and there’s so much to look forward to! Over the next 30 days, you can take part in fun, creative, and caring activities to help our beloved Koalas thrive — from planting trees to Koala-themed fundraisers, and more.

Special Treats for Koala Lovers
To make it even easier to support Koalas, the Save the Koala Shop is offering free shipping on all orders over $150 throughout Save the Koala Month. Stock up on your favourite Koala merchandise while helping protect their habitats!

Music and Excitement
Adding to the celebration, AKF ambassador Andy Penkow will release a brand-new single on Save the Koala Day, Friday 26 September. Recording is complete, and filming for the official music video will follow shortly. Fans can stay tuned for this exciting release — a perfect way to celebrate and raise awareness this Save The Koala Day and show support for Australia’s iconic wildlife and music superstars!

30 Days, 30 Ways to Help Koalas
Throughout September, AKF will share a full calendar of events and activities — one for every day of the month! From Koala Karaoke and trivia nights to cake stalls, school presentations, tree planting, and adopting a Koala, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.

Download the Guide Online
To help you plan your month of Koala kindness, the 30 Days, 30 Ways Guide is available to download online. Every small act counts towards creating a safer, happier future for these iconic animals.

Why Save the Koala?
Koalas face threats from habitat loss, climate change, disease, and human activity, with fewer than 70,000 left in the wild. Save the Koala Month is your chance to take action and help protect this iconic species for generations to come.

Get Involved

Download the 30 Days, 30 Ways Guide online

Share AKF’s educational resources about Koalas and their habitats

Take part in fundraising and awareness activities

Support Koalas through the Save the Koala Shop (and enjoy free shipping on orders over $150)

Let’s make September 2025 the snuggliest, most Koala-tastic month ever — full of love, laughter, and leafy good deeds for our favourite tree-huggers!

For more information and to download your guide, visit: Australian Koala Foundation – Save the Koala Month

A new booking system for registry wedding ceremonies at the Old Treasury Building is making it quicker, easier and less stressful for Victorians planning their big day.

The improved system on the Service Victoria website has an added layer of security, prevents double bookings, keeps all related documents linked, and simplifies rescheduling and cancellations.

Victorians will also receive email reminders for outstanding documents and have updates instantly reflected in their booking information, through their accounts.

The Department of Government Services has delivered the new system as part of its work to make it easier for Victorians to engage with government.

The department’s marriage registry is the largest provider of wedding ceremonies in Victoria, having married more than 3600 couples in 2024 at the Old Treasury Building on Spring Street.

The registry offers two different wedding packages, with options to personalise parts of the ceremony, or keep things simple with a ’no frills, no fuss’ wedding service. The launch of the new system will have no impact on existing bookings.

For more information on the Victorian Marriage Registry, or to book your ceremony at the Old Treasury Building, visit bdm.vic.gov.au/marry

Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins said the government was making it easier for people to prepare for their big day with a new and improved system to lock in your wedding ceremony with the Victorian Marriage Registry.

“Weddings are a beautiful time in a person’s life, and we want to take away some of the stress so Victorians can focus on more important matters of their special day.”

Renowned cherry farmer Mike Casey has discussed the benefits of going fully electric with other growers and producers at the Farmers for Climate conference in Canberra.

Mike Casey, who is the chief executive of Rewiring Aotearoa, runs the world’s first fully electric cherry farm in New Zealand.

Casey shared his insights with farmers about what he’s gained from going fully electric, which involved investing in solar and battery, electric tractors and electric  frost fans, saving tens of thousands annually.

“Replacing our diesel machines with electric ones certainly wasn’t cheap. The upfront costs were significant, but it made economic sense because we’d save more money in the long run,” Mr Casey said.

The forward thinking farmer said any help people could get to make the switch was a step in the right direction.

“New Zealand is obviously different to Australia in many ways but I would say any help to make it easier for farmers to harness renewables is a good thing,” he said.

It comes as the Federal Government announced a $1 billion boost to the Regional Investment Corporation’s loan funding capacity.

The money can be burrowed by farmers facing difficulty, including drought-affected producers, to improve the resilience and profitability of their farms.

The Federal Government also announced it was expanding the Regional Investment Corporation’s scope to help farmers improve their climate resilience, and ensuring the agriculture sector was a part of Australia’s transition to net zero.

Rewiring Australia CEO Francis Vierboom said the broadening of the scope would allow farmers to invest in electric technology being harnessed by farmers like Mike Casey.

“Farmers have a lot to gain by harnessing renewable energy. By switching to electric, they can slash fuel bills, and reduce running costs by generating and storing their own power,” Mr Vierboom said.

“We welcome the expansion of the RIC loans to include climate resilience. It will help farmers learning from experts like Mike Casey take that real-world knowledge back to their own farms, and save money and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time,” he said.