Now is the time to register your community group or business to participate in Ballarat’s popular Begonia Parade, with entries closing on Sunday 4 February.  

The iconic community event will be held on Labour Day, Monday March 11 from 11am-12pm as part of the Ballarat Begonia Festival.

Held at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the parade will span the route from the South Gardens to the North Gardens precinct at a leisurely pace.  

While there is no set theme for the parade, participants are encouraged to showcase their group or business in creative, vibrant and colourful ways. Previous years have seen custom-built floats, embellished vehicles, large groups marching in unison and even whimsical floating creations.  

This year, awards will be presented in the following categories:  

• Mayor’s Choice Award  
• Best School Entry
• Best Community Entry  
• Best Business Entry  
• Best Musical Entry  

Parade participants must complete an application form, nominate a primary contact on behalf of the group or business, attend a pre-parade briefing session, and maintain public liability insurance.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the popular community event represented the heart and soul of Ballarat.

“Every year it’s fantastic to see the creativity of our city on display through the vibrant floats, costumes and vehicles,” he said.  

“I’d encourage as many community groups and businesses to get involved as possible — the parade is a wonderful opportunity to gather together and commemorate the people, groups and business that make our community a great place to live.”  

More information about the Ballarat Begonia Festival is available through the event’s dedicated website.

The CFA is encouraging the wider Victorian community to get along to today’s annual Open Day at Government House.

CFA members will be at the event to share important fire safety information. There will also be a a CFA mobile education unit and Epping tanker on display to explore.

It’s a chance to discover the beautiful heritage site and meet Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, the 30th Governor of Victoria and Patron of CFA.

Today’s Government House Open Day is a free community event where the house and grounds are open for people to explore, and an opportunity for community organisations to showcase what they have to offer.

There will also be a range of activities and displays on the day, including: 

• free children’s activities 
• self-guided tours of the State Apartments 
• roving entertainment 
• food and beverage vendors 
• sports and community activities.

Gates open at 10.30am and close at 3.30pm. 

Hobson’s Bay Crime Investigation Unit detectives seized more than two tonnes of illicit tobacco and cigarettes during a search warrant in Altona North last week.

Police were called to reports of a burglary at a business on Borrack Square about 4am on Thursday, 18 January.

It is understood offenders forced entry into a warehouse and stole tobacco products.

They fled the scene in a vehicle.

Detectives later executed a search warrant at the premises.

They allegedly uncovered 2,159 kilograms of illicit tobacco, as well as 341,000 loose cigarettes, 75,000 cigarette packages and 160 vapes.

A 43-year-old Altona man and a 48-year-old Point Cook man were interviewed in relation to the alleged sale of illegal tobacco.

They’ve both been released pending further enquiries and the investigation into the burglary remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the burglary, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via the Crime Stoppers website online.

Early site works are set to begin this month to prepare for construction of a new kindergarten and
maternal and child health centre in Lancefield.

A planning permit has been approved for the project at 76A High Street, with the modern three-
room facility to be complemented by accessible and secure entries as well as a dedicated rear
playground area.

Early works will include the installation of temporary fencing, site clearing and levelling works, and
installing building footings and stumps. This will then pave the way for installation of the modular
buildings transported to site, building fit-outs, landscaping and all other required works.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Director Community Maria Weiss said the priority project for the council was expected to be operational by mid-2024.

“This project will provide many benefits for the community including increased kinder places for local
children, local maternal and child health services, and space for community-based and supported
playgroups,” she said.

“We’re grateful to many groups for collaborating with us to make this a reality including the Lancefield
Park Recreation Reserve’s Committee of Management, the neighbouring Men’s Shed and the
Lancefield Playgroup committee.”

“We look forward to seeing the project take shape and will continue to work closely with these key
stakeholders and others – including contractors, the neighbouring primary school, residents and current kinder families – to enable a smooth build and transition once the new centre opens.”

Key features of the current site will be protected and retained, including heritage gate pillars at the
entrance and the mature trees bordering the west and south of the site. The off-site construction of
the modular buildings means a more efficient and less disruptive build.

The project has received $3 million in funding through the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks
Capacity Building Grants stream and will be delivered by the Victorian School Building Authority.

The council has allocated a further $144,000 to ensure the new centre is fully furnished and has improved environmental and sustainable design elements.

One in every 11 jobs in regional Victoria exists because of tourism, and the state government says it aims to bring more regional tourism projects to life through its latest round of tourism funding.

The local member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas in recent days has launched the latest round of funding available through the Enabling Tourism Fund, which helps exciting regional tourism ideas get off the ground and ready for investment.

The new round of funding, announced last Friday, will make available up to $8 million to create a pipeline of more tourism infrastructure and more jobs.

Grants between $20,000 and $500,000 are open to tourism businesses, not-for-profit and Traditional
Owner organisations, and more.

The grants will be delivered in two streams: the first providing support to test the concept of a large
new infrastructure project like a feasibility study or masterplan.

The second stream funds detailed design packages, funding strategies or community engagement
plans. Both are vital to attracting greater investment and getting projects off paper.

The fund is guided by five priorities of experiences that Victoria does best – First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink, and nature.

Applications for the Enabling Tourism Fund are open until Friday, 28 March 2024 with more
information on the grants and the new guide available through the tourism.vic.gov.au website.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “From iconic Hanging Rock to spas and retreats in Daylesford and Hepburn, we know how amazing our local towns are for tourist visitors. These grants are an important step in welcoming more tourists, and supporting our local economy as we share our fantastic region with the world.”

A man has had to “Lego of his prized toy collection” say police after they recently seized more than $600,000 worth of 1,4-Butanediol– a chemical that mirrors the drug GHB when ingested.

Police from Fawkner’s Divisional Response Unit – who had been building a case for more than four months – in recent days have executed five simultaneous search warrants in Morwell, Essendon North, Brunswick and South Melbourne (x2).

Police report that they arrested a 45-year-old man in Morwell and that during the searches they “brick by brick” located and seized:

• 180kg of 1,4-Butanediol worth approximately $600,000

• 34kg of Iodine – a precursor to methylamphetamine

• 32kg of Hypophosphorus Acid – a precursor to methylamphetamine

• Illegal steroids

• Methylamphetamine

• A handgun

• An extendable baton

• Ammunition

• Three digital devices

Mixed with other ingredients, that amount of Iodine and Hypophosphorus Acid has the potential to make around 20kg of methylamphetamine or around $2 million worth.

While piecing the case together last Thursday January 18, police also uncovered 74 boxes of Lego, one Rolex watch and four Breitling watches.

Investigators will allege these products are the proceeds of crime.

The Morwell man was in the afternoon charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence, three counts of committing an indictable offence on bail, two counts of deal with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime, prohibited person possessing a firearm, two counts of possessing a prescribed precursor chemical and trafficking methylamphetamine.

He had been remanded overnight to appear before Latrobe Magistrates’ Court.

Fawkner Divisional Response Unit Detective Acting Sergeant Brad Hobbs: “Often offenders import this drug as an industrial product then sell it at enormous profit but also with enormous community harm.

“Overwhelmingly what users believe is GHB is actually 1,4-Butanediol. The drug can be unpredictable and the difference between survival and a fatal overdose can be very small.

“There is absolutely no safe amount to ingest. That’s why we’re committed to removing it from unintended hands.”

The Geelong and Great Ocean Road region is gearing up for a big weekend featuring two major world-class events — the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the historic Festival of Sails.

More than 100,000 people are expected to attend both the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and Festival of Sails, providing a massive boost to the region’s economy over this Australia Day long weekend.

The 2023 cycling event pumped $10.7 million into the wider City of Greater Geelong local economy and the sailing festival provided $11.6 million.

A fireworks display will be staged on Corio Bay directly in front of Eastern Beach Reserve as part of Festival of Sails tomorrow night, Friday at 9:30pm.

To ensure the safety of the participants and the community, there will be both rolling and fixed road closures in place across Saturday and Sunday.

Delays of 15-20 minutes are expected on the Surf Coast/Bellarine Loop when the race passes by once each day and there will be local access only on the Geelong Circuit.

Drivers are also encouraged to be extra careful during the recreational TAC People’s Ride on Saturday as thousands of riders will take to the road, predominantly under normal traffic conditions.

Mayor Trent Sullivan: “The City is currently seeking public feedback on how to further position Geelong as a premier destination for major events, festivals, and cultural gatherings and encouraged people to have their say on the new Major Events Strategy.

“Major events like the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Festival of Sails play a huge role in our visitor economy.

“Community input is vital in helping us to identify new opportunities and securing a wide range of exciting events for our region.”

Police have called for witnesses following the fatal crash that happened at Denver on the Daylesford-Malmsbury Road early last Thursday morning.

It is understood a vehicle was travelling along Daylesford-Malmsbury Road, before it lost control, crashed into a tree and caught fire about 12.05am.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, who at last police report had yet to identified, died at the scene.

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash were yet to be determined and investigations remained ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stppers website online.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council will welcome 35 new citizens and present the shire’s 2024 Community Awards at the Kyneton Town Hall, tomorrow, Thursday 25 January.

The council will acknowledge courageous and inspiring members of the community through the presentation of community awards in the following categories:

Connecting Communities Award

Healthy People and Environment Award

Business and Tourism Award

Citizen of the Year

The shire’s new citizens this year originate from New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Thailand, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Philippines, Samoa, Vietnam, and the Netherlands.

At the ceremony each new adult citizen will receive a certificate of Australian citizenship, an Australian lapel pin, and Australian native plant. The council will also present each new child citizen with a small gift.

The Kyneton Municipal Band will provide entertainment at the event which will be attended by dignitaries including Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan, Mayor Councillor Annette Death, Councillors Jennifer Anderson, Rob Guthrie, Geoff Neil, Bill West, Christine Walker, and Mark Ridgeway, Cr Dominic Bonanno (TBC) and Member of Parliament: Mary-Anne Thomas MP (State Member for Macedon).

Australia’s longest running Amy Winehouse Show, Back to Black, returns to the Palais-Hepburn this Saturday January 27th.

Singing sensation Atlanta May Coogan (The Black Sorrows, Bjorn Again, Merril Bainbridge) will be performing Amy’s hits such as Rehab, Valerie and Carole King covers as iconic as ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’.

With a rejigged show and showcasing Amy Winehouse’s iconic look Atlanta will be starring after a long run of sold out performances including Adelaide Fringe and Memo St Kilda.

Winehouse, known for her deep contralto vocals and mixing of genres – including R&B, soul and jazz – died in 2011.

Coogan’s homage to the singer with her Amy Winehouse Show is notching up its 13th year of success recalling the British songstress’ life and talents.

Ballarat’s fifth annual Survival Day Dawn Ceremony this Friday, January 26 will be complemented by the addition of a Community Reflection and Healing Day activities program extending into the afternoon.

In what is becoming one of the most meaningful events on the regional city’s calendar, the Koorie Engagement Action Group is inviting everyone to the ceremony to be held from 5.30am at View Point, Lake Wendouree.

KEAG is an advisory committee that provides the City of Ballarat with expertise in local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters.

KEAG co-chair and City of Ballarat Councillor Belinda Coates said the community was warmly invited to join in solidarity for truth-telling, healing and learning.  

“The annual event recognises and pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultures, Country, and histories,” she said.

“Come along and be part of a meaningful, healing and respectful journey.”

The first Survival Day Dawn Ceremony on Wadawurrung lands was held in Ballarat in 2020. The ceremony, initiated by the KEAG has grown in attendance steadily since its inception and in 2024, the fifth iteration will see special guests include Uncle Andrew Jackomos PSM, Uncle Alan Harris, Mel Peters and MC Belinda Duarte.

This year the Dawn Ceremony will feature a ceremonial circle, local community dancers and a Wadawurrung Smoking Ceremony. The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will run until 6.40am.  

KEAG will extend the day’s offerings by hosting a Community Reflection and Healing Day from 9am to 2pm at View Point, Lake Wendouree.

Some of the activities on the day will include:  

• A Wadawurrung poetry workshop,
• Ochre education sessions and cultural activities,
• Yidaki/Didgeridoo lessons for men and boys,
• A Welcome Weaving Hub and Craft Stations led by Aboriginal artists as part of City of Ballarat’s celebration as a UNESCO City of Craft.
• An author talk with Black & Write Festival director Jane Harrison on her book, The Visitors
• Local Musicians including deborahN and Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley
• a 1.30pm Wadawurrung cleansing ceremony for one and all to start the year together with a focus on reconciliation and celebrating deep histories and cultures.  

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Peter Eddy said the Survival Day Dawn Ceremony and the inaugural Community Reflection and Healing Day is an inclusive event for all.  

“These events are a recognition of the continuity and survival of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures,” he said.

“We fully acknowledge that 26 January is an incredibly difficult day for many people, and it is absolutely crucial we never forget that. These events are about cultural strengthening and creating safer places for First Nations people.

“Our community has been excellent in supporting this event since its inception and this year the extended program allows those who attend the opportunity to experience the cultures of our country’s First Nations Peoples.”

Uncle Alan Harris, a respected local figure and Noongar Elder from the Bibbulman clan of the Noongar Nation and the Ngaanyatjarra people of the Western Desert, shared what Survival Day meant to him.

“It’s absolutely crucial for every Australian to courageously take strides in forging unity within this, our nation, and relentlessly work towards constructing a robust and interconnected community,” he said.

“Together, let us declare our unwavering allegiance to diversity, transforming it into the rallying anthem that echoes fiercely through the very heart of our country. This is my Survival Day Message.”

Sarah Jane Hall, KEAG Co-Chair and proud Narungga woman, said the event aims to create a space for reflection, healing, and unity among all Australians.

“The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony is an inclusive event that acknowledges and commemorates the resilience and strength of Indigenous Australians despite the historical and ongoing traumas they have faced,” she said. 

The Age newspaper once described David Cosma as having the “full-bodied croon pairing the silken wryness of Elvis Costello and the gravel of Bob Dylan” while Street Press wrote “a thinking person’s songwriter that speaks volumes to what a terrific talent we have in our midst”.

If you haven’t already heard him sing live, then those accolades give plenty of reason to go check out the talent of Cosma when he plays at The Palias, Hepburn on Friday February 2.

Inspiring lyrics accompanied by sumptuous melodies and harmonies, together with his unique method of playing the guitar (upside down) pretty much guarantees an impassioned live performance.

Sonically, his music is rich and luminous and boasts a world class production quality that is often overlooked in the world of independent artists, but it is lyrically where Cosma stands apart, with a knack for examining commonplace and even trite circumstance and then magnifies their significance with a wry and at times ironic tone.

Religion, pop culture and nostalgic nuances, punctuate and ultimately, accentuate his writing, triggering instant attention from audience and listeners.

You can catch him with his long time band mate Nick Carrafa on percussion at the Palais on Friday February 2nd.

The Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting the wider community to come together for a free family-friendly event to celebrate Australia Day – Survival Day this Friday January 26.

The event will be held at Castlemaine’s Victory Park from 10.00 am, and will include a Welcome to Country by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson, a citizenship ceremony and the presentation of local Australia Day Awards.

The event will also include a Survival Day concert, programmed and hosted by Uncle Rick Nelson. The line-up includes performers Bart Willoughby, Allara & Olenka, Kinja, and others.

“Council and the Dja Dja Wurrung community have a long history of working together towards reconciliation,” said Mayor Matthew Driscoll.  

“The Survival Day concert on 26 January is one example of that reconciliation in action.

“Last year’s Survival Day concert was fantastic, with performances from The Rattlers, Darcy Spiller, Yung Warriors, Tjimba Possum Burns and more.

“We had some really positive feedback about the event, and I’m looking forward to being able to do it all again.   

“Bart Willoughby is an icon in the music scene, and has played with some incredible bands like No Fixed Address, Goanna, and also The Black Arm Band.

“It’s great to be able to have him perform here in the shire for the Survival Day concert.

“We’ve got more artists that we’ll be announcing soon, so come along to Victory Park on the day and enjoy the concert,” said Mayor Driscoll.  

In 2018, under the leadership of Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, the council decided to formally dual name events held on 26 January as Australia Day – Survival Day.

The renaming of the day recognises how celebrations on this day impact the First Nations community. It is also one of the actions the council says it’s taking towards reconciliation.

Event details:

What: Australia Day – Survival Day community event
When: Friday 26 January, 10.00am – 2.00pm
Where: Victory Park – 30 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine
Cost: Free

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in Campbells Creek last Tuesday.

Emergency services were called to a residence on Stephens Street, after the man was located in the dam just after 12.20pm.

Sadly, the 76-year-old Campbells Creek man died at the scene.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Works to upgrade a section of Sheedy Road in Gisborne are now complete.

Beginning in September 2023 and completed in ecent weeks, works between the Howey Street intersection and Willowbank Road include road pavement and surface upgrades, installation of a new roundabout at the intersection of Fersfield and Sheedy Road, extension of a shared path and drainage improvements.

The upgrade cost about $2.4 million, including close to $2.2 million provided through Phase 3 of the Australian Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.

The Macedon Ranges Shire’s Acting CEO Shane Walden said that the project was one of many infrastructure upgrades across the shire already completed or planned for delivery in the 2023/24 financial year.

“Sheedy Road services an area of Gisborne that experienced recent development, and this upgrade ensures Council’s infrastructure meets community needs,” he said.

“I want to thank residents for their patience during the construction works, and thank the Australian Government for the funding support to help us prioritise upgrades like these.”