Celebrated musicians Dave Graney and Clare Moore play Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel in Creswick this Saturday, evening, May 24.

Dave Graney and Clare Moore released two albums in 2024. The first was ‘(strangely)(emotional)’, an exotic, lyrical album that involved interior journeys of memory of family and time and place.

Journeying through inner and outer worlds with jazz voicings, vibes, keys, guitars and harp. A very much Covid influenced work, including the affectionate blues Poor Covid.

The second was the hot and sprawling ‘I Passed Through Minor Chord In A Morning’ which was an auto harped, cut and pasted, improvised, deep fried, distorted hip hop beaten affair that came with a t-shirt.

When they play, they bring a vast songbook and bring it to life with vibes, keys, guitars, voices and rhythm machines.

More details are available through the venue’s website.

The Victorian state government says it’s getting more renewable energy projects off the ground after accelerating the approval of a project that will help provider cheaper and cleaner energy to households during peak demand.  

ACEnergy’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Little River has been fast-tracked through the state government’s Development Facilitation Program.

The battery will soak up and store cheap renewable energy during the day that can be pumped back into the electricity grid at times of peak demand, helping to deliver cheaper energy bills and reliable electricity to Victorian homes and businesses.

This BESS project will be able to store up to 770MWh of energy during times of high generation and will have the capacity to supply more than 121,000 households at times of peak demand.

The $350 million project is also expected to create 55 jobs during construction as well as five jobs during the project’s operation. 

The decision follows consultation with residents, stakeholders, council, the Country Fire Authority, EnergySafe Victoria and other agencies – with the government extending consultation at the council’s request. 

The government in a media release issued in recent days says it opened up the Development Facilitation Program to include renewable energy projects last year, to get more cleaner and cheaper energy projects off the ground faster.

Prior to this fast-tracked pathway, more than one in five renewable energy project applications ended up stuck in VCAT despite the overwhelming majority of projects being approved eventually – often delaying them by two years.

The state government’s record investments in renewable energy means Victoria has the lowest wholesale power prices in the country – bringing online even more renewable energy will ensure prices stay low into the future.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny: “Renewable energy is the cheapest form of new build energy available – that’s exactly why we’re fast-tracking decisions on projects like this, to provide cheaper and cleaner energy for more Victorians.”

Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio: “This Battery Energy Storage System is another way we’re shoring up energy supply and assisting our transition to 95 percent renewable energy by 2035.”

The Woodend Fire Brigade has welcomed a new medium tanker and rehab unit vehicle to their engine bay, celebrating the official handover with brigade members and local dignitaries this month.

Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas on Friday, May 9 joined Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers and staff in Woodend to officially hand over a new medium tanker and rehabilitation unit while thanking volunteers for their work.

The four-wheel drive Hino GT medium tanker fits up to five crew members in the cabin and replaces the brigade’s existing 25-year-old tanker.

Features include 2,000 litre firefighting water storage and an extra 650 litres for crew and vehicle protection sprays. The suppression system can be operated from inside the cabin – helping ensure brigade members are kept safe.

Woodend Brigade Captain Steve Ritchie has been involved with the brigade for 31 years and says the brigade feels proud to have a modernised firefighting fleet.       

“Our old tanker served us well for 25 years, but this new vehicle provides advanced capabilities and ensures safe transport to and from incident sites,” Steve said.  

“It’s a game changer for us. This tanker is a four-wheel drive and comfortably seats a crew of five, whereas our old tanker was a two-wheel drive and had our crews squished in together or travelling on the back of the truck,” Steve said.  

The new rehab unit will replace their existing one and is better equipped to monitor and maintain firefighter health on the fire ground.

“We’ve replaced our makeshift unit with a purpose-built vehicle that provides enhanced safety and comfort for our team,” Steve said.  

“It comfortably seats four crew members with its twin cabin and is better configured to store health monitoring systems, lighting, cool chairs, water, wash facilities, salt and sugar boosters, and first aid kits.

“It will significantly improve onsite health support for firefighters ensuring our members have a safe space to rest and recover during prolonged incidents.

“Responding to more than 230 call outs over the past two years, the streamlined configuration of both vehicles will significantly help with our crew’s communication and teamwork when responding to incidents.”

CFA District 2 Commander Hugh Kelly congratulated the brigade on their new additions.  

“These vehicles are a testament to the dedication of the Woodend Fire Brigade and the community that supports them,” Hugh said.  

“Both additions will be valuable assets to help keep the local community safe, while also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of brigade members. 

“The new medium tanker and rehab unit were made possible through the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) and significant brigade contributions from community and business donations.”  

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “The Woodend Fire Brigade is an integral part of the Mount Macedon region. It’s a pleasure to officially handover the new medium tanker and rehabilitation unit to our hardworking volunteers.”

Words: Supplied. Images: CFA

Hepburn Shire residents are being invited to register to attend a free Emergency Services Panel and Morning tea event being hosted by the Hepburn Shire Council in Creswick next month.

Free to attend, the panel will take place in the Creswick Town Hall from 9.45am on Thursday, June 16 and offers a chance to hear about the high level arrangements that are in place for Victoria, followed by panel members from the likes of CFA, Police and SES.

In Australia, the risks that we face are becoming more frequent and complex. Whilst the Hepburn community is strong and resilient, there is more that can be done to prepare for, respond to, and recover well from disasters. ​

Experience shows that communities that are well connected, and have done work to prepare for disaster are able to cope better and recover faster from the impacts.

This upcoming Emergency Services Panel event will provide attendees with an understanding of the arrangements in place in Victoria, as they hear representatives from a range of different agencies that have legislated roles and responsibilities as part of the Emergency Management framework in Victoria.

Each will be asked the same two questions about their agency and given up to four minutes to present to the community including:

What are the roles and responsibilities their agency during and immediately after an emergency? (ie. what does your agency do?)
What can the community expect from their agency during an emergency?

Bookings to the free event are available through Eventbrite online.

The Victorian state government says it aims to protect more Victorians from mpox, making free vaccines widely available at four new vaccination sites across Melbourne and more pharmacies statewide.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas in recent days has announced that the mpox Community Pharmacy Initiative will be available until 30 June – adding to the 50,000 doses already administered in Victoria since a resurgence of cases in 2024.

The program is providing more local options and removing any associated financial barriers, including the cost of an appointment with their GP or any cost to receive the vaccine in a pharmacy setting – often around $20. 

Four free vaccination sites are now operating at Northcote, Abbotsford, Carlton and Footscray to ensure people have the opportunity to access a free dose of vaccine – with bookings or walk-ins are available during weekday or weekend clinic hours. 

The mpox vaccine continues to be available to eligible people through Sexual Health Clinics, general practitioners, Aboriginal Health Services, public hospitals, and some local councils. 

The vaccine is most effective with two doses administered 28 days apart to provide optimal protection. 

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease that typically causes a rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes and is mostly spread through prolonged physical or intimate (skin-to-skin) contact with someone who has mpox, especially with skin rashes, lesions, sores or scabs.

People may be infectious up to four days before they develop their first symptoms (which can develop up to 21 days after contact with an infected person) until all lesions have healed, and other symptoms have resolved.

Most people have a mild illness and recover within a few weeks, but some people may develop severe disease and require hospitalisation.

Mpox is not seasonal and there is a risk of continued spread in the community, which is why the Labor Government is continuing to encourage individuals who at higher risk of exposure to get vaccinated.   

For more information, please visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mpox-immunisation-providers.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas: “With the free mpox vaccination now more widely available across the state, we are encouraging eligible and at-risk Victorians to get their full course to keep themselves and others safe from this preventable virus.”

“Vaccination is a simple and effective way to avoid the spread of mpox – if anyone does develop symptoms, we encourage them to immediately seek medical care.”

The Hepburn Shire Council is preparing to celebrate the contribution of local volunteers with two special free community dinners.

National Volunteers Week (19-25 May) is fast approaching and to celebrate the contributions of local volunteers and community groups, the council is inviting residents to join one of the volunteer week dinners as a thank you for the difference volunteers make to the wider community.

The upcoming dinners are set for Daylesford on Monday 19 May, and Creswick on Wednesday 21 May.

It’s a chance to attend, connect with others and celebrate with free tickets here: https://hepburn.eventbrite.com.au.

This event is alos being made possible with the support of the Victorian state government.

The successful youth mental health awareness program, Live4Life this month had its local launch at Daylesford College with some spots still available to join community mental health training sessions taking place as part of the wider program.

On Friday 9 May, Hepburn Shire Council mayor, Cr Don Henderson, deputy mayor, Cr Leslie Hewitt, Cr Tony Clark and Cr Pat Hockey and a number of council officers attended the Live4Life launch at Daylesford College

The program, which also operates more widely, including in the neighbouring City of Ballarat Shire, supports youth mental health awareness and focuses on providing peer support, training and advocacy for young residents.

The council plays a key role is raising community awareness, building connections outside the school and offering community training.

There are still spots available in upcoming mental health training sessions:

Monday 23 June in Creswick

Monday 7 July in Trentham

Book your spot via Google Forms https://ow.ly/aIEy50VRtaX

The Hepburn Shire Council said was was proud to partner with the Live4Life program.

The state government says more serious and repeat alleged offenders are going to jail, not getting bail after it introduced Australia’s toughest bail laws to protect the community from the risk of serious crime.

• There are 465 more people on remand in Victorian prisons this month compared to April last year, an increase of 22 per cent.
• There are 39 more young people on remand in Youth Justice this month compared to April last year, an increase of 71 per cent.

In the wake of the findings, the state government now says the Victorian Budget 2025/26 will invest $727 million to ramp up capacity in Victoria’s prisons and youth justice centres, bringing more prison beds online to deal with the increasing number of alleged offenders being denied bail.

The Budget expands the capacity of the youth justice and adult corrections systems and supports the opening of the new Western Plains Correctional Centre, which ramps up operations mid-year. 

In total, almost 1,000 additional adult prison beds will open across the system, and a further 88 beds will open at youth justice facilities at Cherry Creek and Parkville.

Thanks to a successful recruitment drive, more than 640 prison officers and more than 170 youth justice officers have joined the corrections system in the past year. 

The Budget will continue this recruitment, with funding for a further 320 new roles in youth justice and 400 new roles in adult corrections. 

The sign-on bonus of $8,000 announced at the start of the year for new recruits at Western Plains or Hopkins Correctional Centre has also now been extended to all other adult prisons.

As part of supporting people in custody to use their time to rehabilitate, the Budget will also expand healthcare, rehabilitation and support services across the adult and youth systems – helping drive down recidivism. 

The new Western Plains facility has been designed with state-of-the-art security features, including the use of artificial intelligence and an integrated prisoner movement system to make it easier and safer for staff to monitor and move prisoners throughout the facility.

Additionally, the state government during the week introduced amendments to the Corrections Act to crack down on prisoners who assault and injure custodial staff. 

This makes it crystal clear that any prisoner convicted of assaulting and injuring a Corrections worker can expect additional time added on top of their existing sentence. 

Premier Jacinta Allan: “In Victoria, community safety comes first, and there are consequences for breaking the law.”

“Our tough new bail laws mean more people charged with serious offences are going to jail – that’s why we need to open more prison beds, now.”

The state government says it’s funding a public transport blitz to deliver more train services across regional Victoria.

In a media release issued during the week the state government said the Victorian Budget 2025/26 invests $52 million to deliver services every 40 minutes along the Traralgon line, plus additional peak services for the Seymour line and longer trains on more weekend services on the Bendigo line.

On the Bendigo line, six car trains will run on weekend services. These additional cars will be targeted to already busy services, with development underway to confirm the new timetable.

The Seymour Line will have an additional peak service in the morning and afternoon – giving passengers more options when going to work or coming home. Detailed planning will come to confirm the timing of these services.

The additional services on the Traralgon line are made possible by the Gippsland Line Upgrade which is nearing completion later this year.

Due to Gippsland Line Upgrade works – along with Victoria’s Big Build works impacting the metropolitan section of the network – coaches will replace trains on the Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines for part or all of the journey between Saturday, 14 June and Wednesday, 13 August. 

The construction blitz will complete and commission the line’s new signalling system, so trains can run more often and more reliably. 

To complete the new signalling system, crews will carry out various works along the line including installing cabling and trackside signalling equipment between Drouin and Traralgon.

Works will also include testing of new infrastructure along the 70 kilometre stretch of rail line and enable trains to safely operate next to the new platforms at Morwell and Traralgon stations.

This is part of the Victorian and Australian Governments’ investment in the Gippsland Line Upgrade, which has upgraded stations, duplicated track to make services more reliable, delivered a new bridge over the Avon River in Stratford and enabled modern and accessible VLocity trains to travel to Bairnsdale. 

The Department of Transport and Planning is developing a new timetable for the Gippsland Line, with further information on timing for the new services to come.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams: “The Allan Labor Government is reducing congestion by investing in public transport. The Liberals will cancel projects and make congestion worse, because they don’t believe in public transport.”

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan: “We’re putting longer trains on the Bendigo line so more people can visit our beautiful city and enjoy everything it has to offer.”

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards: “Longer trains on the Bendigo line will mean families can enjoy better services when they’re heading into the city.”

Significant lighting upgrades at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve are now completed, ready to enhance the facility’s usability and safety for after-dark activities.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council mayor Cr Dom Bonanno, State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas MP and user group representatives were among those at the reserve last Friday evening to officially mark the project’s completion, which saw three new 30-metre light towers built – and an existing mobile phone tower utilised for a lighting add-on – across a three-month construction period.

This project was made possible through a collaborative funding effort including a $200,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program, a $10,000 contribution from the Riddells Creek Football Netball Club, a $40,000 contribution from the site’s mobile phone tower lease funds, and the council’s own $158,892 allocation.

“The upgraded lighting at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve is a fantastic outcome for our community. It not only enhances the experience for local sporting clubs but also provides a safer and more accessible space for evening and night events and activities,” Cr Bonanno said.

“We thank the Victorian Government and the user groups for their collaboration and support in bringing this project to fruition. The upgraded lighting is now operational and in use by all reserve patrons.”

The new LED lighting meets current standards, providing improved visibility for evening training sessions, night matches, and community events. The upgrade benefits multiple user groups including the Riddells Creek Football Netball Club, Riddells Creek Junior Football Netball Club, and Riddell Cricket Club.

The state government says it’s making Macedon’s tiniest towns better places to live, work, stay and play, by investing in new community-building projects through the Tiny Towns Fund.  

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas last week announced eleven new projects across Macedon are being delivered through round 2 of the fund for towns with populations of  fewer than 5,000 people.

From walking track upgrades to community centre renovations, the grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 will help local communities across Victoria flourish, and in many cases, support local workers during project development.  

• Moorabool Shire Council will receive $50,000 for the Dales Creek Community  Reserve Upgrade  

• Moorabool Shire Council will receive $37,500 for the Blackwood Hiking Hub  Feasibility Study  

• Eastern Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Association will receive $10,800 for  the Town Centre Action Plan Implementation: Riddells Creek Station Street  Enhancement Stage 1  

• The Jubilee Hall Committee of Management will receive $50,000 for landscaping at Jubilee Hall  

• Lancefield Mechanics Institute Committee of Management will receive $6,266 to  replace the annex space floor covering  

• Mount Alexander Shire Council will receive $50,000 for Barfold Community Hall Upgrades  

• Woodend Men’s Shed will receive$7,660 for the refurbishment of Seating at  Memorial Cross Reserve  

• Bolinda Hall Walking Track will receive $6,680 to develop a walking track located near the Bolinda Hall with the intent of building community connections through exercise.  

• Mount Alexander Shire Council will receive $49,400 for the Metcalfe Recreation Reserve Upgrades

• The Central Highlands Tourist Railway will receive $42,525 for completion of Bullarto Railway Station  

• Korweinguboora Recreation Reserve Committee will receive $24,000 for the  Korweinguboora Recreation Reserve Uplift  

Almost 350 projects are now being supported through round 1 and round 2 of the Tiny Towns Fund across more than 300 towns.  

The fund is a part of the state government’s record $45 billion investment over the past decade in projects and programs that support regional and rural Victoria.  

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:  “The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small communities to thrive, ensuring projects that locals  are passionate about can become a reality.

“I’m looking forward to the tiny towns across the  Macedon electorate stepping forward with great ideas for projects that celebrate community connection and ensure they continue to shine brightly as welcoming destinations  for visitors.”

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes: “Rural and Regional Victoria has so much to offer, which is why we’re continuing to support  projects that enhance our tiniest towns, strengthen community connections and encourage  more visitors to all corners of the state.”  

“The Tiny Towns Fund is refreshing community halls, creating new walking tracks, upgrading  local sporting facilities and boosting the regional art scene, making our smallest towns are  great places to live, work, stay and play.”  

The Hepburn Shire Council has this week received confirmation from the Essential Services Commission that its application for a 7 per cent rate cap variation has been approved. 

On average, the one off 7 per cent rate increase equates to an extra $2.20 per property per week for ratepayers.

The increase reflects an uplift adjustment in rates, resulting in a total rate rise of 10 per cent for the 2025/26 period, which includes the 3 per cent set by the Victorian Government. The council intends to increase rates in line with the Governments rate cap in future financial years. 

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that this decision will enable the council to generate an additional $1.36 million in revenue, which will be invested directly into necessary services and infrastructure. 

“Combined with $2.53 million in operational savings identified through Council’s work on the 2025/26 draft Budget, this revenue will support the delivery of core services for our community. Without this approval, additional service cuts would have been required.” said Cr Don Henderson.

“Maintaining financial sustainability is challenging for most councils, especially rural councils like ours. Our current financial position has been impacted by a range of factors including very limited alternative revenue streams to rates, a relatively small and dispersed population and responding to natural disasters.

“We are a low rates council compared to Victorian averages and have sustained a rate cap well below cost increases and CPI,” said Cr Don Henderson.

“We understand that no one likes paying rates or taxes, however this outcome supports our commitment to maintaining the services and infrastructure our community needs, while ensuring our financial sustainability,” said Cr Henderson.

The council carried out community consultation on a proposed rate cap variation during the development of the Financial Vision in September 2024 before submitting the variation request.  

“The application to the Essential Services Commission was not made lightly, and Council has carefully considered all financial levers available, including operational efficiencies, asset rationalisation, and revenue diversification,” said Cr Don Henderson.

With the successful application, the council will double the current additional Hepburn Shire rebate on rate charges for pensioners who qualify under the State Government’s Pensioner Rate Remission Scheme. This initiative will increase Council’s rebate from $21 to $42 to assist pensioners in their rate payments.  

The draft Budget, Council Plan and other strategic documents were considered for community consultation at a Special Council Meeting of the council on Tuesday 13 May.

The new rates will be reflected in the 2025/26 budget and rates notices issued for the upcoming financial year, due for release in July.

The Essential Services Commission stated in its decision:

“Hepburn’s decision to apply for a higher cap of 10 per cent for the 2025–26 financial year is consistent with its long-term planning outlined in its Financial Vision. 

“By developing its Financial Vision ahead of the planning cycle currently underway, Hepburn has been transparent with its community about its financial situation and been able to have important conversations to ensure the next tranche of plans is principally concerned with financial sustainability, and focuses on the services that are most important to the community.”

The Hepburn Shire Council is calling for suitably qualified or experienced community members to join the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Advisory Committee. 

The aim of the Committee is to provide the council with advice on the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Honour Roll (the Honour Roll). 

The council says it’s looking for individuals who have:  

• an interest, knowledge and understanding of relevant practices that advance women’s rights. 
• direct links to local community groups and/or organisations. 
• experience and/or understanding of the role of an advisory committee. 

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that Council is looking forward to welcoming new committee members and continuing this International Women’s Day tradition. 

“We are looking for diverse and experienced individuals to join the Committee that oversees the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Honour Roll,” said Cr Henderson.  

“Celebrating the achievements of our local women is just one way we can ensure we are combatting gender inequality,” said Cr Henderson.  

The Honour Roll was launched in 2005 and each year, as part of the week of International Women’s Day, up to five women are added to the Honour Roll. 

The Honour Roll celebrates and recognises women who: 

• advance gender equity 
• exhibit leadership qualities 
• share their skills and knowledge 
• create an environment that strives towards long-term and sustainable change
• contribute creative, unique and innovative ideas or initiatives.  

Expressions of interest are now open and close Friday 30 May 2025 with more details available from the council’s website.

Author of The Buried Life, Andrea Goldsmith joins Clunes writer Tess Brady in conversation on June 8 as part of the Clunes Booktown Sunday series.

In The Buried Life three people form an unlikely but spirited connection. Adrian is a renowned scholar, an expert on death in the modern age whose life has stalled.

Kezi, a young and passionate artist, has been rejected by her family. She hurtles through her days with defiance and regret. Laura is a successful town planner submerged in a seemingly perfect marriage.

In the book, Andrea Goldsmith dissects the conflicts and complexities of contemporary life in a story of love and friendship, faith and fundamentalism, subtly underscored by the power of poetry and music.

Andrea Goldsmith’s acclaimed novels include Gracious Living, Modern Interiors, Facing the Music, Under the Knife, Reunion, The Prosperous Thief (shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award), Invented Lives and The Memory Trap, which was awarded the 2015 Melbourne Prize for Literature.

Her essays have appeared in Meanjin, Australian Book Review, Best Australian Essays, The Monthly, and numerous anthologies. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.

The upcoming conversation takes place at 1.30pm at the Clunes Booktown venue at the historic railway station building with more details at https://creativeclunes.tidyhq.com/public/schedule/events

The Hepburn Shire Council recently announced the launch of the Domestic Violence (DV) Safe Phone Program, an initiative that provides safe mobile phones to domestic violence victim-survivors.  

Community members and businesses will be able to drop off their unwanted mobile phones at the following locations: 

• The Warehouse Clunes – 36 Fraser Street, Clunes
•  Creswick Hub – 68 Albert Street, Creswick
• Creswick Transfer Station – Ring Road, Creswick
• Daylesford Library – Cnr Bridport & Albert Street, Daylesford
• Duke Street Office – Cnr Duke & Albert Street, Daylesford
• Daylesford Transfer Station – 16 Ajax Road, Daylesford
• The Mechanics Trentham – 66 High Street, Trentham
• Trentham Transfer Station – 145 Blackwood Road, Trentham 

Mobile phones can be donated at any time throughout the year. DV Safe Phone ensures that phones are erased but you can follow instructions on their website to prepare your phone for donating. 

The council will be donating all mobile phones that have reached their end of life to the program, ensuring that valuable devices are repurposed to support those in need. 

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that the program provides a practical and valuable solution for the community’s and the council’s mobile phones that are no longer suitable for the council purposes. 

“We are pleased to join the DV Safe Phone Program and offer a sustainable and philanthropic option for recycling unused or unwanted mobile phones,” said Cr Henderson.  

The DV Safe Phone Program’s biannual phone drives occur in May and October and the council will participate in these efforts to raise awareness and encourage the community to donate their unwanted mobile phones.  

“Not only does this program support individuals experiencing domestic violence, but champions sustainability and diverts waste from landfill,” said Cr Henderson. 

Donated phones that cannot be used in the program will be forwarded to Mobile Muster where they will be recycled. 

Established in 2020, the DV Safe Phone Program has proven to be a vital resource, providing safe mobile phones to domestic violence victim-survivors. This initiative offers a lifeline to those in need, helping them stay connected with loved ones and essential services during critical times. 

Over the past four years, the program has donated over 11,000 life-saving devices and partnered with more than 400 registered domestic violence agencies, police stations, safe houses, and hospitals across the country.  

The program has enabled these organisations to offer their services to victim-survivors free of charge, providing an invaluable resource during moments of crisis. 

The council says it’s dedicated to promoting the DV Safe Phone Program as part of its ongoing commitment to the prevention of all forms of violence.