Ballarat Highway Patrol have charged a man after he was caught driving his vehicle on its rims which in turn sparked spot fires along the side of the road in Buangor on Sunday.

The driver first came to police attention following calls to Triple Zero (000) that a car was travelling eastbound on the Western Highway on its rims about 6.15pm, Sunday February 25.

The vehicle, with the passenger side rear wheel rim exposed, was also spotted by police working traffic management points in the area due to the bushfires current in the area at the time.

Witnesses reported seeing the wheel rim spark with the road which allegedly led to four separate small fires in grass along the roadway, which were extinguished by fire authorities.

The driver of the green Mitsubishi Magna sedan continued driving erratically into Beaufort, at times reportedly on the wrong side of the road, before a near-miss with a pedestrian.

The car came to a stop in parkland when the driver tried to drive through the area, in the vicinity of Willoby and Beggs street.

The man ran from the dumped car and was pursued by members of the public who caught up to him and held him until police arrived on scene shortly after.

The 27-year-old Sebastopol man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with:

• reckless conduct endangering serious injury (x2)

• drive whilst disqualified

• careless driving

• use unroadworthy motor vehicle

• use unregistered motor vehicle

He was bailed to appear before Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 18 March 2024.

The Daylesford Town Hall will close for essential electrical and roofing works for at least 18 months from September, the Hepburn Shire Council has announced this afternoon. 

Priority works to protect the significant heritage building include extensive repairs to the roof, parapets and chimneys, with electrical upgrades to commence once the roof is replaced. 

Hepburn CEO Bradley Thomas says $1 million has been allocated toward the project in this year’s budget, with $200,000 also allocated for further planning, with the “best estimate” of the overall cost of the project to this point is $1.5 million.

Holding a media conference earlier today to announce the works and temporary closure, the council says it will work with regular users of the building to help identify alternative venues while it is closed.

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, says the council will concurrently assess the feasibility of maximising future use of the significant building.

“We are investigating options to consolidate and upgrade the town hall so it could act as a community hub, similar to what we have in Creswick, Clunes and Trentham,” Cr Hood said.

“This would include whether Daylesford Town Hall could be refurbished to include a library along with multi-purpose community spaces to cater for meetings, functions, performances and events,” he said.

When the council cancelled the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project in November 2021, it resolved to identify possible solutions for staffing accommodation and community facilities for Birch Ward.

The possible relocation of the town’s library and upgrade to the Town Hall space is now being identified by the council as a means to help to achieve those objectives.

Community consultation had highlighted the community’s strong connection to the Daylesford Town Hall.

“There are many steps required before this kind of project would proceed. In order to assess the feasibility of the project we need to obtain architectural advice on the suitability of the site, receive community input and consider feasibility and concept designs,” said Cr Hood.

“Progression of the project will be dependent on securing external funding. A rejuvenated town hall could deliver fit-for-purpose, modern community facilities that maximise the use of this important community building and meet the needs of the community,” he said.

The council will establish a Project Advisory Group (PAG) of eight members in coming months to guide discussions on how the proposal would best meet the community’s needs.

“We will invite expressions of interest for this PAG in April. I encourage anyone interested in community facilities in Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs to put up their hand,” Cr Hood said.

“A PAG has been very effective in the development of The Mechanics Trentham, a council building that is almost complete, which encompasses a new library, kitchen and community spaces,” he said.

Should the town hall project progress beyond the upgrades that have already been identified as required, the council will look to seek additional funding from state and federal governments. In the meantime it has established an online page on its Participate Hepburn site to enable members of the community to engage and find out more.

The roofing and electrical works at Daylesford Town Hall have been identified as necessary to preserve the structural integrity and modernise the ageing electrical system.

The works have been deemed necessary regardless of any changes to the building’s future use.

While the works are underway, the council chambers and council staff who work in the town hall will relocate to leased premises at 24 Vincent Street.

The Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club is feeling fabulous as it gets set to host the ChillOut Tennis Championships on March 9 as part of this year’s ChillOut Festival.

Everyone and anyone is invited to join Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ tennis club and VicTennis, for what will be the eighth edition of these always popular oon court clashes.

VicTennis takes over the Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club for an event that generally proves to be just as much a celebration of the queer community as it is a tennis competition.

Singles and doubles events are contested across five grades that cater for all levels. It’s been a sell out every year so thse hping to get along are being advised to get in early to secure their place.

More information is available at www.victennis.com

The VOGA Cycle Club is hosting a special social ride for women at Creswick next month with beginners welcome.

Club members say all women, girls, females and non-indentifying persons are welcome to take part
in the Sunday social ride that happens March 3 and aims to introduce women and girls to the fun and benefits of off road cycling.

Lead by female Voga members, the upcoming ride is also aimed at introducing locals to the club and to some local trails and gravel.

Club members say it will be a sociable ride conducted at a relaxed pace over 90 minutes or so and will be suitable for any off road bicycle – think chunky tires and decent brakes.

They also say that helmets will be mandatory and participants need to make sure their bike is in good working order.

Participants will meet at Creswick’s Hammon Park in the car park near the toilets at 9.30am on Sunday March 3.

All levels of fitness and ability will be welcome and organisers hint that there will be some well deserved snacks on return.

They’re also hoping to make it a regular activity happening every three to four weeks. More information is available by contacting the Voga Cycle Club.

Recent flooding combined with warmer weather has increased the risk of blue-green algal blooms in farm dams, Agriculture Victoria is warning.

The department is urging livestock owners in particular to recognise the signs – blooms typically appear as surface scum that looks like a suspension of green paint, often with an earthy smell.

If a suspicious bloom is noticed, stock should be removed as quickly as possible, and a safe alternative water supply provided

Blue-green algae, also known scientifically as Cyanobacteria, are a group of photosynthetic bacteria. These accumulations are frequently referred to as ‘blooms’.

Blooms are most often blue-green in colour but can also be:

• blue
• green
• reddish-purple
• brown.

Blue-green algae blooms are likely to occur more often when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen. Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can accumulate in thick layers at the surface or water’s edge.

Blue-green algae can cause poisoning and serious illness in livestock or pet animals, and people may also be exposed to these toxins:

• through contact with the skin (for example, when swimming)
• through inhalation of water containing toxins (for example, when close to irrigation sprays, motor boating or water skiing)
• by swallowing contaminated water, or
• by eating fruit, vegetables or leaves with blue-green algae surface contamination.

It’s possible for blue-green algae to cause illness in humans. The symptoms in humans include:

• rashes
• headaches
• fevers
• gastroenteritis
• seizures
• respiratory failure

The draft bill for a new Animal Care and Protection Act has been released for public comment, but you’d better be quick as the opportunity to have input closes early next month.

It is the final opportunity for feedback before the bill for a new Act is finalised. The new Act would replace Victoria’s current Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

A new Act would explicitly recognise animal sentience and set minimum care requirements for animals in Victorian law for the first time.

The approach to cruelty offences would be strengthened, and the legislation would support co-regulation to reduce the regulatory burden on industries.

Activities like farming, pest control, hunting, fishing and racing would be able to continue under the new laws.

Reforming the laws is intended to protect animals from cruelty while supporting Victorians to continue to interact responsibly with them and is also aimed at helping to maintain trust in the state’s animal-based activities and industries.

Regulations setting out requirements for specific species and activities involving animals would support the Act.  A new Act would not come into force for at least wo years to enable development of the new regulations.

The first consultation on the regulations has opened alongside the draft bill consultation.

The consultation is open until 8 March with input able to be lodged via the Engage Victoria website.

People living in parts of Victoria’s north-west and south-west are being warned to prepare for catastrophic fire conditions tomorrow, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid 40s in some areas.

A bushfire that started at Bayindeen, north-west of Ballarat, last week has not yet been brought under control. Authorities have issued warnings for residents of surrounding towns to leave their homes tonight or by midday on Wednesday, and prepare to take their pets and essentials for three days.

The bushfire could threaten the towns of Amphitheatre, Beaufort, Clunes, Elmhurst, Learmonth and Lexton.

The State Control Centre has released an impact map of the potential impact zone.

Premier Jacinta Allan said tomorrow would be “incredibly difficult” with predicted wind gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour and dry lightning.

“Tomorrow is likely to be one of the most dangerous fire days Victoria has experienced in recent years,” she said.

“People who live in these high-fire-risk areas need to think about having their plan in place, activating their fire plan and particularly if the emergency services tell you to leave or give you a particular message, please follow that message and heed those warnings.”

About 600 firefighters have been working to suppress the fire in Bayindeen, which has burnt more than 20,000 hectares and destroyed at least six homes since it started on Thursday.

Agriculture Victoria is urging livestock owners to ensure all animals in their care are adequately protected from harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat.

Providing access to shelter can improve animal welfare by reducing the risk of heat stress and production losses as the animal doesn’t have to actively use energy to lower its body temperature.

Agriculture Victoria Animal Health Officer Flick Searle said behavioural signs of heat stress in livestock can include increased respiration rate, panting, increased salivation, listlessness, and lethargy.

“Heat stress can be treated by moving affected livestock into shade and providing clean, cool water. If after a period of time, after providing this treatment the animal doesn’t improve contact a veterinarian immediately or humanely euthanise the animal,” Ms Searle said.

“In high temperatures, the accessible shelter needs to give protection from the sun, reducing solar radiation and also allow air movement.

“Good examples include trees with large canopies, shade cloth structures and sheds with open sides,” she said.

“Farmers need to keep in mind that some livestock have a higher need for shelter, such as very young, old or sick livestock as their ability to regulate their temperature is reduced. Therefore it’s your responsibility to provide care accordingly.”

Ms Searle said when temperatures are high livestock can tend to crowd shelter areas so it’s vital to have sufficient shelter for all livestock present.

“If the shelter is overcrowded, it can have the opposite effect and lead to livestock bunching up and transferring more heat to one another or even result in smothering.

“The most important things you can do for your animals in hot weather is to provide them with shade, water and rest during the hottest parts of the day.”

The Victorian government has strengthened enforcement power and increased penalties to better manage biosecurity incidents and protect Victoria’s valuable agriculture sector for the future.

The Biosecurity Legislation Amendment (Incident Response) Bill 2024, passed in Parliament this month aims to strengthen Victoria’s biosecurity response system to ensure it can effectively respond to all threats from diseases, pests and weeds.

The legislation has set increased penalties for trespassing on agricultural premises, doubling them to up to $23,077 for an individual and $115,386 for an organisation.

Fines will also increase for not following biosecurity and traceability requirements during an emergency response, including for breaching movement restrictions under a Control Order, and for deliberately spreading an exotic disease.

Victoria Police will also be recognised as livestock inspectors to enhance their ability to effectively investigate farm crimes involving livestock theft.

Inspectors will receive additional powers, including allowing them to direct vehicles in emergency animal disease outbreaks.

The legislation has also made it an offence to possess livestock whose identification tags have been illegally removed or replaced – preventing fraudulent practices that undermine Victoria’s livestock traceability and access to export markets.

The administration of compensation for livestock owners and businesses impacted by emergency animal diseases has also been strengthened, ensuring fair payments tied to market value and more streamlined processes for replacement livestock.

Victoria’s agriculture sector is already underpinned by strong biosecurity, but with ongoing and changing threats from diseases, pests and weeds, it’s important the legislative system that protects our farms, animals, crops and plants continues to improve.

Safeguarding Victoria’s agriculture sector from biosecurity threats is critical to its future – that’s why the government has invested $112.7 million in emergency animal disease preparedness this term.

The New York Times called him ‘deliciously addictive’ and said that when you listen to Harry Manx ‘you are listening to an original.’

Seven time Maple Blues Award Winner, Folk Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and recipient of six Juno nominations, Harry Manx is headed to The Palais, Hepburn next months so locals will soon get the chance to see what the New York Times was talking about.

Manx has spent years fusing eastern musical traditions with the blues, switching effortlessly between conventional guitars, harmonica, and banjo and the decidedly different Mohan veena, a 20-stringed instrument invented by Manx’ Indian mentor Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.

Manx is often referred to as the “Mysticssippi” Blues Man because musically Harry lives where the depth of Indian music meets the deep groove of the Blues.

Blend Indian folk melodies with slide guitar blues, add a sprinkle of gospel and some compelling grooves and you’ll get Manx’s unique “mysticssippi” flavour. It’s hard to resist and keeps audiences coming back for more.

He will play at the Palais Friday evening, March 15.

The Daylesford Football Netball Club may just be kicking and shooting more goals in the near future after receiving state funding for a lighting upgrade at its home base.

The Member for Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas announced in recent days that Victoria Park in Daylesford is among 12 facilities across Victoria to share in more than $2.5 million from the latest round of the Country Football and Netball Program.

All up for Daylesford, $250,000 will now go to the installation of 200 lux LED lighting on the netball court, and 100 lux LED lighting on the oval at the popular local venue.

Also in the electorate of Macedon, The Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve has received $200,000 under the same program, to install 100 lux LED lighting on its oval.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Footy, netball and cricket clubs are the heart and soul of Macedon.

“This boost will go a long way to helping the mighty Riddell Bombers and the Daylesford Bulldogs cater for the growing number of people keen to get involved in grassroots sport, providing more opportunities for locals to get active and play the sport they love.”

The Moorabool Shire council is taking a pro-active approach to beautifying the shire and creating healthy habitats by giving away free native plants throughout autumn.

Residents within the shire can get up to ten plants per household, while stocks last.

Residents can choose from a variety of plant species that are adapted to Moorabool Shire’s climate and soil conditions and require less water and maintenance than exotic plants.

Mayor Cr Ally Munari said this fantastic initiative would help local gardens attract local wildlife and improve garden aesthetic.

“Planting native flora can provide food and shelter for birds, insects and other animals, improve garden structure and aesthetic value, and add a burst of colour to your outdoor space,” Cr Munari said. 

“If you are interested in creating a habitat for birds, bees, or butterflies, or just enjoy the beauty of nature, native plants are the way to go, so I fully encourage residents to take advantage of this amazing initiative put together by our environment team.” 

To snap up their free plants, locals will be able to visit shire staff at one of the following locations and dates: 

• Sunday March 3 – Egans Reserve, Greendale 
• Sunday March 17 – the environment team stall at the Ballan Autumn Festival
• Sunday March 24 -Lal Lal Soldiers Memorial Hall
• Saturday April 13 – Gordon Recreation Reserve (lines up with Gordon v Dunnstown football match – there is a $10 admittance fee to the recreation reserve)
• Sunday May 5 – Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh 

Each event will run from 10am – 12pm.

Residents will require ID as proof of Moorabool residency and a bag or box to carry your new plants.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to beautify your garden and support our local environment. We hope to see you at one of the locations,” Cr Munari said. 

Happening at The Palais, Hepburn next month, the Freeza Youth Pride Ball is a free event for LGBTIQA+ and allied young people to come together and celebrate in a safe, discrimination free environment, embracing pride, diversity, and inclusion for all.

Featuring plenty of live music and a dance competition, the Pride Formal 2024 ball is locked in for Saturday evening, March 2.

Presented by FREEZA and the Hepburn Shire Council this dance party is aimed at the 12-17 age group LGBTIQA+ and allied young people to come together, dance their socks off and celebrate in a safe, discrimination free environment.

It will also feature tasty bar food – think burgers, fries, pizzas, fish & chips – with the entire evening will be hosted by the one and only Elektra-lite (pictured above).

Organisers say it will be an “unforgettable evening filled with love, acceptance, and fabulousness” and a prime opportunity to dance the night away to amazing music from artists Memphis LK.

They strongly that those who planning to be there should “put on your most dazzling outfit, because this is the perfect opportunity to show off your style and express yourself freely” with prizes up for grabbed for best dressed.

“Our goal is to create a safe space where everyone can be their authentic selves, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation,” organisers say.

“Whether you identify as LGBTIQA+ or simply want to support and celebrate diversity, the Pride Formal 2024 welcomes everyone with open arms.

“It’s a chance to meet new friends, make lasting memories, and be part of a movement that promotes equality and love.”

The big Bendigo sign in the city’s Rosalind Park piazza has been zhooshed up by local artists as part of the Women of Gold project to celebrate International Women’s Day coming up March 8. 

Women of Gold is an immersive exhibition showcasing the works of local female artists and featuring diverse stories from the Greater Bendigo community to give visibility to the untold stories of women.

The project includes free public art displays, short film showings and events to recognise International Women’s Day 2024.

Creative artists involved in the project include Yorta Yorta artist Annie Brigdale, Ginny Jeong, Rhayven Jane, Sara McQueenie, Lauren Starr, Julie Andrews, and collaborators Aimee Chapman (music), Louise Fisher (Design Pond) and Mitch Nivalis (filmmaker). 

The Women of Gold project explores the hidden stories that women carry and gives visibility to these experiences. It explores concepts of inclusion, othering, the imposter syndrome, miscarriage, resilience, body positivity and racial stereotypes.

It sets a powerful example for equalling the narrative, fostering positive change and emphasising the community’s collective role in advancing gender equity. 

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf says the City is pleased to support the Women of Gold Project by sponsoring the decorating of the Bendigo sign.

“The letters all feature elements of the artwork of the upcoming Women of Gold exhibition which will take place in Pennyweight Lane from March 1, 2024,” Cr Metcalf said.

The Bendigo sign is a very popular spot for both locals and visitors, and we hope everyone is encouraged to celebrate International Women’s Day this year.

“Gender equality benefits all of us and requires a commitment from all of us.”

Creative force behind the Women of Gold project Megan Champion said the Bendigo sign is an asset to our community and an iconic symbol that contributes to our sense of place and belonging. 

“I am thrilled that the City and Bendigo Tourism is taking the lead by honoring and celebrating the stories of women in such a public place,” Ms Champion said.

“It’s a strong commitment to embedding the stories and perspectives of women in our community, culture, and history.”

In addition to the Bendigo Sign, there will also be the full artworks in Pennyweight Walk Exhibit B, Fountain Court from March 1 2024, an accompanying short film to be shown on screens across Bendigo listening to the stories of the artists as they create their artworks and a Women of Gold International Women’s Day Live Event at 11am Friday March 8 at  Emporium Creative Hub. 
 

The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting local artists and creatives to submit expressions of interest for a new program called Cafe Galleries.

The program will provide opportunities for local creatives to exhibit their art in one of several local cafes in Greater Bendigo, including Hoo-gah, Beechworth Bakery, and PepperGreen Farm. 

The Café Galleries program will be launched during the Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 – 1925 exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery (which opens on Saturday March 16).

Local selected artists will be required to include a signature piece that relates to one of three themes: City of Love and Light, Bon Appetit and La Boutique, alongside other original works.

Successful applicants will have artworks on exhibition in local cafes from Friday March 29 to Monday May 14, 2024.

Installation, sales enquiries, and insurance on artworks will be the responsibility of the artist. 

City of Greater Bendigo Creative Industries Officer Mandy Field says the program was a great opportunity for artists and creatives.

“By displaying artworks in public settings, artists and creatives can raise their profile and promote their work in the community, to tourists and within the creative community sector,” Ms Field said.

“The program is a great way to support local creatives and artists with an opportunity to sell displayed artworks and attract potential commissions.

“As Bendigo is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in Australia, the Cafe Galleries program also aligns with the City of Gastronomy brand.”