Police are investigating a collision that happened in the Ballarat suburb of Sebastopol last Tuesday evening, May 13.

It is understood a motorcycle and a car collided on Rubicon Street about 7.10pm.

The male rider, believed to be in his 30’s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The female driver was taken was taken to hospital for observation.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision remained ongoing.

Investigators are keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision, or with dashcam footage.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

A leading senior constable from Western Region has been charged following an internal investigation, police have reported in recent days.

The 65-year-old man has been charged with two counts of false imprisonment and three counts of common law assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident while on-duty in March 2024.

He will appear before a magistrates’ court at a later date.

Ratepayers are being asked to accept a 10 per cent rate rise while receiving  12.5 per cent less service, says Cr Brian Hood.  

Cr Hood, pictured above, was the only councillor who did not support the 2025 draft budget.

He gave a prepared speech to the council meeting but was stopped by Mayor Cr Don Henderson after five minutes.  

Cr Hood sent his piece, focusing on micro, macro and consultation issues, to The  Local in order to explain his position.

The constraints of the Local Goverment Act now require him to stand by the majority decision to release the draft documents.  

His speech has been edited for space but is available in full on his Facebook page.  The council is due to adopt the budget and plans on June 24, with consultation  closing on June 5.  

“Micro level: The 25/26 budget has been prepared under the cloud of a projected  $4m pa cash shortfall. An adjusted underlying deficit of $6.8m will be incurred in  24/25 with a cash neutral result due entirely to the injection of cash from a new  $5.5m loan.  

“As elected representatives we must acknowledge that ratepayers are enduring  challenging financial times with many under mortgage stress and cashflow hardship.  

“This is evidenced by 2420 ratepayers (approximately 30 per cent of all residential  ratepayers) falling into arrears with rate instalment payments.  

“Property tax rates calculated on property CIVs do not necessarily reflect a ratepayer’s capacity to pay (and) in a shire such as Hepburn many of our ratepayers  reside in high value properties. Their capacity to pay is another matter entirely.  

“The draft 25/26 budget allocates $31m to cash operating expenses plus $13m  to capital works. The amount of cash required to complete capital works carried over  from 24/25 into 25/26 won’t be known until after year-end financial statements are  completed.

“Dependent on a wide range of assumptions the 25/26 year is forecast to  essentially break even on the income statement but cash holdings are projected to fall  by a further $1.6m.  

“To achieve that outcome rates will be increased by 10 per cent effective July 1 2025 and operating costs incurred to provide services will be cut by $2.5m.

“Costs  have already been cut by $1.5m in the current financial year. The budget document  discloses the cost savings that will be secured across a range of service areas should the changes be fully implemented as planned.

“Of the $31m allocated to fund services only 2.4 per cent will go to customer services, 1.6 per cent to early and middle years programs, 1.6 per cent to libraries and 0.6 per cent to youth services – all core  functions aimed at supporting families.  

“An amount of $375,000 is allocated to further planning and design works for  the second stage of the Daylesford Town Hall redevelopment (a $15-20m project).  

“While I appreciate the need for long term project planning the timing of incurring  such a substantial cost may be premature when the grant funding is not yet on the  horizon and the critical social license for the project is yet to be widely established.

“Consultation: As it currently stands the budget raises more questions than  it answers. The lack of detail makes it near impossible to describe what many of  the scaled-down service areas would look like should the budget be adopted.

“The  potential release of a much-awaited budget and four-year plan will, quite rightly,  attract higher than usual interest and scrutiny – especially with the confirmed  inclusion of a 10 per cent rate increase. Ratepayers are being asked to accept a 10 per  cent price rise while receiving 12.5 per cent less service.

“Macro level: The need for a 10 per cent rate increase plus a further decrease  of $2.5m in operating costs once again highlights that HSC’s ability to meet its  legislated obligations to provide services in response to community needs is seriously  compromised.  

“In their report the ESC noted that: ‘Even with the higher cap, Hepburn will still  need to do further work to reach and maintain a financially sustainable position that  will enable it to achieve sustainable outcomes in the delivery of services and critical infrastructure in the long-term interests of their communities.’  

“I am not hearing or reading anything on further stages.  

“(With) service reductions and the 10 per cent rate increase council would  still face having no surplus cash to make co-contributions to government grants  until years later; will have no cash to fund emergencies (such as floods, storms and fires – a net cash drain of $3m in recent years); and no cash to invest into the  construction of new assets.

“There would be no surplus cash to cope with any other  emerging or contingent liabilities – for example multi-million dollar remediation  works on transfer station or landfill sites.

“With only 12,000 ratepayers and multiple  service centres across the shire, Hepburn’s financial sustainability must be seriously  questioned.”  

Trentham, and the wider region, are in mourning after community stalwarts Kathleen Brown and her son Craig Brown died in a car accident on the Midland Highway in Eganstown on May 12.  

Both Kathleen and Craig were dedicated members of the Trentham Fire Brigade, which posted on social media “with profound sadness”.   

“Kathleen served our brigade and community with unwavering dedication for 34 years as our beloved communications officer. Her calm voice and steady guidance were a cornerstone of our operations, and her   legacy of service, strength, and kindness will never be forgotten.   

“Craig, a committed member for 35 years, a long-serving lieutenant, brought courage, loyalty, and a quiet   determination to every task.   

“He was a steady presence both on the fire ground and within our brigade family, always ready to lend a  hand and stand by his mates.   

“Together, Kathleen and Craig gave over five decades of selfless service to our community. Their absence leaves   a deep void in our hearts and within the fabric of our brigade.   

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Bill, the extended Brown family, friends, and all who were   privileged to know and serve alongside them.   

“We will honour their memory with every call, every training night, and every moment of service that lies  ahead.”   Kathleen’s grandson Ethan Brown, also a firefighter, told Channel 7 he had lost his “rock and best friend” and that his nan and uncle were “the spirit of what country communities are”.    

The Wastelands Cup, a chance to enjoy mutated cars, zooming around a sand quarry track, and nights of music and fun is over for another year.

Taking place on May 3-4 on private land somewhere in NSW, it attracted a small but enthusiastic array of people trying to win the coveted cup, awarded to the most outrageous team in dress, mechanical acumen and flamboyance.

This year, Space Mex, headed by Tony Whitehead of Wheatsheaf took the prize home.

“We have finally done it – thanks to our fantastic crew,” he said.

Space Mex will be caretakers of the Cup before passing it over to the future winners at next year’s event.

Words: Tony Sawrey | Images: Contributed

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man with murder after the body of a man was located at a residence in the Ballarat suburb of Alfredton on Monday, May 19.

Police were called to the residence on Wensleydale Drive following reports of a disturbance and located a deceased 70-year-old man just before 9am.

A 32-year-old man from Gordon was arrested at the scene. The man remained in custody overnight and was charged the following morning with one count of murder.

He was required to appear before the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon.

Police did not believe the parties were known to each other as at time of the most recent police report issued.

Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

At a Special Council Meeting last week the Hepburn Shire Council endorsed its draft 2025/26 Budget and 10-Year Financial Plan to go out for public exhibition and community feedback.

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that the draft Budget is grounded in improving financial sustainability and a commitment to core services.

“To face the challenges ahead, we must build strong financial foundations. Like many of the 79 councils across Victoria, we are experiencing financial pressures that will inevitably impact how we deliver services,” Cr Henderson said.

“The Budget has strong ties to the Council Plan, ensuring that any strategic objectives set out in the plan can be delivered.

“Input from the adopted Financial Vision, our Deliberative Engagement Panel, Shire-wide survey, and insights from Officers and Councillors has shaped the Council Plan and this associated budget,” Cr Henderson said.

“The 2025/26 Budget reflects our focus on essential services and makes difficult but responsible choices to safeguard both our short and long-term future.”

Key draft Budget outcomes:

• Budgeted an operating surplus and an adjusted underlying surplus for the 2025/2026 year, and forecast a positive unrestricted cash position at June 2026, these are positive trends and improvements on previous financial years. 

• A $13.07 million capital works program is proposed, focused on renewing existing assets and fulfilling previously committed projects with nearly $4 million (30%) in state and federal funding.
• Within the capital budget, $6.59 million is allocated to road upgrades, more than double the five-year average of $3.03 million, enabled by $3.64 million in state and federal funding.
• Operational funding of $11.08 million for roads, facilities, asset maintenance, parks and open spaces, and waste operations.
• Over $1 million invested in strategic planning, including further progressing the Township Structure Plans, the Rural Strategy, and the Integrated Transport Strategy, and including funding to complete the Environmental Effects Statement to oppose the Western Renewable Link.
• No new borrowings.

Organisational changes and service delivery:

• Council has conducted an intensive internal review to identify $2.54 million in operational savings, including a reduction in executive and management roles.
• The $2.54 million (7.2%) is in addition to the $1.5 million in permanent savings in 2024/25, meaning the organisation is investing $4.04 million or 11.4% less in operational costs than two years ago as we continue our financial position recovery. 
• All service areas have had a form of budget reduction.

“We are focusing resources on delivering core services and streamlining our organisation to be more efficient,” Cr Henderson said.

Revenue and rates:

• Council expects to collect $43.9 million from rates, charges, grants, and other sources.
• Council has secured $11.42 million in grants and external funding.
• Rates will increase by 10%, including the State Government’s 3 per cent rate cap, with an additional 7 per cent one-off uplift approved by the Essential Services Commission to support long-term financial viability. This will generate an additional $1.36 million.
• Annual waste service charges and kerbside collections have no increase to cost for ratepayers, and residents using food and garden organics services, who will see a $40 annual reduction. 

“The ability to hold kerbside collection rates at no increase and provide a reduction for FOGO is a great example of delivering better value for money where possible,” Cr Henderson said.

“We know not every decision in this budget will be popular, but they are necessary. We have a legal and moral duty to ensure Council’s long-term viability and to act in the best interest of our community, now and in the years to come.”

Community feedback on the draft Budget and 10-year Financial Plan is open until Thursday 5 June.

Those keen to view the documents and provide input are being invited to visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/hepburn-together-2025-2029.

Hard copy surveys will be available in libraries and customer service hubs throughout the shire.

Ballarat residents are being encouraged to transition their homes off gas and upgrade to energy efficient, electric appliances with support of a rebate program from the City of Ballarat. 

With cost-of-living a major concern for much of the community, switching to electric appliances, tapping into renewable energy and making homes energy efficient can save homeowners thousands of dollars in energy bills over the course of a year. 

The City of Ballarat’s new program means residents can claim rebates on the purchase of solar panels, home batteries, heating and cooling systems, induction cook tops, hot water heat pumps, draught proofing, home insulation, shading devices, home energy audits and more.   

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves is encouraging Ballarat residents to make the most of the program ahead of the cooler months. 

“We all know our energy bills spike when days get colder and darker, and we want to make sure our residents can live comfortably and cost effectively,” Cr Hargreaves said.  

“By acting now, Ballarat residents can reduce their bills as soon as this coming winter.” 

A study by Rewiring Australia found the average gas and petrol home costs $5,517 to run per year. An average electrified home costs only $559 to run per year, saving an average saving of $4,958. 

“This is a great opportunity for residents to switch and save, with rebates to help them save now and upgrades that will have them saving well into the future,” Cr Hargreaves said. 

Information about the rebates and the benefits of making the switch to electric can be found at www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/sustainability.  

Any purchases and installations need to have occurred after 16 March 2025 to be eligible.

Residents have until 16 September 2025 to claim their rebate however, as it is a pilot program, rebates will be available until the allocation is exhausted. Residents are being advised to process their application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

They’re a bit crumpled but they can play…

A wonderful evening of charm and rhythm awaits as The Crumpled Gypsies prepare to bring their irresistible blend of Gypsy swing, Latin, Calypso, and more to Daylesford’s Bar Bamford this Saturday evening.

This fabulous trio—featuring Jim Brannon on vocals and clarinet, Simon Wigney on guitar, and Denis Toner on double bass—was born from a shared love of music and fashion.

Together, they create a sound that’s playful, stylish, and timeless and they’re bringing their sound to Bar Bamfordat the Daylesford Hotel this Saturday evening May 24 from 8.30pm.

Entry is free and the Crumpled Gypsies are promising an intimate night of toe-tapping tunes, vintage vibes, and smooth melodies in the cozy surrounds of Bar Bamford.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is hosting a special event for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Sunday June 15.

The council says it’ll be bringing the community together to raise awareness about the challenges faced by older people.  

In collaboration with the local Kindness to Elders initiative, the Kyneton Mechanics Institute will play host to the annual event that will commence at 12pm with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a  sausage sizzle run by local scout groups; food and coffee vans; and feature a range of relevant information about support services for seniors including financial help and fraud prevention.  

At 2pm, the movie Thelma will be shown, telling the story of 93-year-old Thelma Post who sets off  across Los Angeles to retrieve $10,000 she lost in a phone scam – a reminder of the financial risks faced by older people.

Mayor Dom Bonanno said the event is an important chance for the community to come together and  support our growing older population.  

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is all about protecting the rights, dignity, and independence of our elderly,” he said.  

“It’s not a day just for seniors though – it’s for everyone. By having important conversations in a relaxed and friendly setting, we can raise awareness and help prevent elder abuse before it happens.”  

Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial, emotional, physical, sexual, and social. It can happen once or happen many times, and it is often carried out by someone the older person knows and trusts, like a family member or friend.  

Nearly 15% of Australians aged 65 years and over, have experienced elder abuse in some form, over the past year and this number is expected to rise as our population ages.

The council is encouraging everyone to bring along their parents, grandparents and loved ones to the event  to show their support for our older members of the community.    

The City of Ballarat is progressing efforts to identify the risk of flood around 11 waterways within the municipality.

The Ballarat 11 Waterways Community Engagement Report provides the community with an overview of the consultation conducted on updated flood modelling in 2024 and includes common themes raised by residents and how the City of Ballarat has addressed them.  

The City of Ballarat is obliged by State Government policy to develop integrated long-term plans for the sustainable development and wellbeing of communities, as well as ensure policies and controls for land use remain current in the Ballarat Planning Scheme.

Submissions to the Community Engagement Report will help inform the final Ballarat 11 Waterways flood study, which is a joint project between the City of Ballarat and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, and will be released for further community comment prior to consideration by the council.

The Ballarat 11 Waterways Flood Study includes proposed flood overlay maps and updated flood modelling that identifies areas at risk of flooding around the following waterways:

• Yarrowee River
• Gnarr Creek
• Canadian Creek and tributaries
• Bonshaw Creek
• Redan Creek
• Kensington Creek
• Chase Waterway
• Little Bendigo Creek
• Hit or Miss Gully
• Warrenheip Creek
• Ryans Drain

In response to submissions, the flood models for Redan Creek and Canadian Creek and Tributaries are currently being refined.

If endorsed by the council, the flood study — which has been peer reviewed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and several external contractors — will be included in the Ballarat Planning Scheme as flood overlays later in the year.

Flood overlays in the Ballarat Planning Scheme will allow the updated modelling to inform land use and development decisions in flood-prone areas.

The flood study will also be used by emergency services (VICSES and City of Ballarat), to plan for flood events and by the City of Ballarat to identify areas where flood mitigation and infrastructure works are required.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves encouraged community members to read the Community Engagement Report to understand how the updated flood modelling may impact their property.  

“Ensuring we have current information in the Ballarat Planning Scheme regarding flood modelling allows the City of Ballarat and Council to make informed decisions about land use, development and flood mitigation works,” Cr Hargreaves said.  

“Protecting our community from flood risk is at the heart of this process, and I am pleased to see progress towards including the new flood modelling data into the Ballarat Planning Scheme.”  

For further information about the Ballarat 11 Waterways Community Engagement Report, visit the MySay page.

The Creswick Brass band is bringing the sound of history back to Ballarat once again this Sunday as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival.

The Happy Band from the Central Highlands is bringing the old tune beats to Ballarat’s CBD during Ballarat Heritage Festival. They’ll be playing at the Ballarat Train Station this Sunday, May 25 from 12 noon to 1pm as part of the wider festival program.

The Creswick Brass Brand plays regularly around Creswick and district at community events such as ANZAC Day, Australia Day and other functions and parades.

Currently playing in C Grade, Creswick has previously been State and National Champions in D Grade. Due to the growing number of members a second band was established in 2020, Jubilee Brass Band, who currently play in D Grade.

The Band has members ranging in age from eight to eighty, playing a wide range of music from traditional to modern.

Members say the band has a strong and growing Learners Program, and teaches music and brass technique to anyone who wants to learn, providing instruments for those that wish to take up banding.

Community members are being invited to contribute to the development of a new framework for the conservation and management of Ballarat’s rich heritage. 

The project will review and update local heritage policies and create comprehensive new Heritage Design Guidelines, forming part of the City of Ballarat’s wider program of strategic heritage work, known as the Heritage Gaps Review Program.

The Heritage Gaps Review Program is an ongoing program to identify and conserve places of heritage significance missing from the Ballarat Planning Scheme and to enhance the conservation and management of existing heritage places and precincts.

The project to update local heritage policies and develop new Heritage Design Guidelines will aim to provide a consistent approach to heritage assessment, which will help deliver the broader Heritage Gaps Review Program.

Heritage Policy Review 
This project will seek to review and update several key heritage policies within the planning scheme, which are essential for identifying and conserving heritage places within the city.

Updating these policies will aim to ensure there is clear, consistent guidance in place for the development and conservation of the city’s heritage places.  

Heritage Design Guidelines 
The Heritage Design Guidelines will provide designers, property owners, developers and the community with clear, easy-to-understand guidelines regarding how to conserve and manage heritage places.

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the Heritage Policy Review and preparation of new Heritage Design Guidelines would play an important role in ensuring Ballarat can continue to grow while conserving the city’s rich heritage.  

“Having a standard approach for the conservation and development of heritage places will ensure that we can apply best-practice to the conservation and development of Ballarat’s heritage places.”  

To participate in the consultation or learn more, visit the City of Ballarat’s MySay page.

Victoria’s Public and Active Transport minister Gabrielle Williams this month announced reforms will be introduced to make it easier for passengers to report driver misconduct.

The reforms will also mandate increased reporting of incidents by taxi companies, introduce harsher penalties for non-compliance and require enhanced driver accreditation and training.

The first reforms to be introduced will be mandatory QR codes in taxis and ride-share vehicles linking passengers through to information on their rights and if needed, how to report a complaint.

The changes will make it easier for passengers to report incidents and raise concerns, while also supporting drivers and providers in the industry who are doing the right thing.

Later this year, the state government will amend legislation to introduce a ‘two strikes and you’re out rule’ for drivers with multiple complaints made against them.

This will give Safe Transport Victoria greater powers to suspend or cancel accreditations for drivers who have two fare-related convictions recorded against them.

The taxi and ride-share industry plays an important role in supporting some of our most vulnerable Victorians, ensuring they can access services and stay connected with their communities.

Updates to camera rules will give carers the option to access live, in-vehicle camera vision, if this is offered by the taxi or rideshare company. The reforms will also require that cameras in rank or hailed taxis must record audio in addition to vision and will also make it easier for operators to access footage so they can investigate complaints.

Safe Transport Victoria will also increase the training requirements for drivers of wheelchair-accessible vehicles to protect passengers and ensure everyone gets the service they deserve.

The reforms build on the state’s program of reforms to increase passenger rights and safety in Commercial Passenger Vehicles. 

In 2023, the government updated the regulations so that drivers can no longer negotiate a price with customers above the regulated maximum fare and must use their meters for trips from ranks or when hailed on the streets.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams: “These reforms will deliver significant improvements for the taxi and ride-share industry by strengthening compliance and enforcement, while giving passengers more ways to report illegal behaviour.”

“While most drivers are doing the right thing, these changes are about making trips are safer and more reliable for Victorians.”

The Ballarat Heritage festival offers a rare chance to be inspired by literature over lunchtime on Lydiard Street with The Ballarat Poetess.

Performing as part of the festival’s diverse program of live entertainment and events, The Ballarat Poetess (aka Megan J Riedl) will be taking to the Lydiard Street soapbox on 24 & 25 May at 11:30am and again at 1:30pm to regale her audiences with … spoken word poetry with a historic twist.

In an impossible collaboration spanning 175 years, Megan J Riedl steps into her power – and onto her soapbox – as the voice of the city.

Award-winning spoken word poet Megan J Riedl will showcase how impactful moments of social change can be marked by the carefully crafted voice of The Ballarat Poetess.

The performance will feature the embodiment of her predecessor Ellen Young’s written poems about gold-rush era Ballarat and original spoken word poetry by Megan J Riedl.

Writing at the heart of the political upheaval in Ballarat in the 1880s, Ellen Young’s works were “controversial, political, feminist and questioning the status quo”.

Megan’s writing combines the personal with the political, and she leads by example in standing up, showing up and speaking up, sharing the messy, human experiences that often go unspoken.

A professional wordsmith, prolific creative, super solo mum and autistic woman, Megan J Riedl is an award-winning spoken word poet and feels out loud in a range of mediums including collage, zines, theatre and podcasting.