More than 110 Victorian emergency management personnel have travelled to Queensland to support local emergency services with flood and storm response efforts over recent days.

Ten SES storm trucks and one support vehicle departed from Wodonga on Friday December 29 and were joined by remaining personnel flying from Melbourne Airport on Saturday, 30 December. 

Devastating and dangerous flood and storms impacted parts of south-east Queensland during the peak of the event, from 25-26 December 2023.  

The flood and storms have impacted essential services including power, with more than 900 power lines down, resulting in power cuts to more than 91,000 homes on the Gold Coast. Approximately 40 per cent of homes impacted in south-east Queensland are still without power. 

Earlier this week, Victorian personnel were travelling to Pimpama near the Gold Coast to undertake tree removal and temporary roof repairs with specialised skills in chainsaw operations and safe working at heights.

The Victorian team includes 67 from Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), 41 from Country Fire Authority, two from Forest Fire Management and one person from Emergency Management Victoria.  

An Incident Management Team consisting of an Incident Controller and planning, logistics and operations officers will work closely with local crews.  

Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent:  “My sincere thanks to our volunteers who have made the commitment to support Queensland emergency services and their local communities impacted by the recent devastating and destructive storms, particularly during the holiday period.”  

“It is a representation of the kind of unwavering support that our wonderful emergency management personnel provide and we have within Victoria.”  

VICSES Chief Officer Operations, Tim Wiebusch:  “We would like to thank everyone involved in the deployments to support our colleagues and communities up north, as well as those who remain behind to continue to prepare and protect our communities in Victoria. 

“Our emergency responders work as one, in Victoria and across the nation and we will continue to provide support wherever we can.” 

By Donna Kelly

First of all, Happy New Year! It’s 2024 already – and the years just keep rolling around. My lovely Nan told me once that time goes faster as you get older, and it’s true. But getting older is also a privilege not open to everyone.

So who’s complaining.

This edition came out on January 1 and, as usual, we decided on a retrospective edition with just a few of the stories we wanted to share again, including the sad loss of a couple of wonderful community stalwarts. Vale Harold and Serge.

Of course, you can’t cover everything and some things are best left in the past.

We mostly try to be a good news publication but it’s hard sometimes. You know what I mean. It’s not that we are not thinking about those situations but just not bringing them to the fore. I hope everyone is OK.

And I hope you have enjoyed the past year of editions of The Local – we love putting it all together and have a fantastic crew who do all the hard yards. Thanks to all of them for their work, commitment and, most of all, friendship and support.

Also thanks to our advertisers. I hope that you do support them. It is not because of us, but because of them, that you have a lovely free read each fortnight. Have a look through the pages each edition and if you can thank them by using their services it would be much appreciated.

Now, as I said most of this edition is looking back but we do have new adverts, check them out, and also a bit of a distressing story on the potential closure of the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Or DEECA. Formerly DELWP.

If you check out our story on page 4 by journo Eve Lamb you will read that the departmental threats come after the shelter, that’s been operating for 22 years, has refused to reapply to renew its authorisation (or licence) due to the imposition of conditions which its operators say are “unrealistic, unreasonable and absurd”.

Those operators are Gayle Chappell and Jon Rowdon. Both very experienced and trained wildlife carers who have basically put their lives on hold for those 22 years and dedicated themselves to saving wildlife. Day in, day out, night in, night out, theytake in injured wildlife and nurse them back to health.

There is no funding. They are helped by amazing volunteers who wash and dry bedding, make up formulas, feed animals around the clock, provide compassion, raise funds and collect donations of
sheets and blankets and anything that could possibly help an animal in need.

As far as I know no injured animal has ever been knocked back. They all get the care, and love, that they need in the most stressful time of their lives. I remember seeing Jon in town during the 2009 bushfires and he looked exhausted. Fifteen years ago – and still they continue with their life’s work.

I don’t know what’s going on with the department, but surely the fix is a helping hand not a fist. Maybe some of the department’s cost to change its name could have gone to wildlife shelters. I don’t think an injured joey gives a stuff if the overriding wildlife body is DEECA or DELWP.

Hmmm. Maybe if the shelter is shut down we take any injured wildlife to the nearest DEECA office? And if it’s after five, perhaps we drop them off at a manager’s home for the night. I am sure they wouldn’t mind doing the 2am feed.

This is just bureaucracy gone mad. This is an essential service. You help not hinder. Gee, a thank you might even be nice as well, for 22 years of service to the community. Oh, stop the press, read page 4 about a fundraiser at the Hepburn Golf Club! It’s such a great cause. Just sayin’…

Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested four people following an alleged stabbing in Bacchus Marsh last week.

It is understood the victims were with a group of friends outside a licensed premises on Main Street when a brawl allegedly occurred about 12.30am on Christmas Day, 25 December.

Two people sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

A 48-year-old Melton man has been charged with assault and has been bailed to appear at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on 24 January 2024.

A 20-year-old Melton man has been charged with assault and recklessly cause injury.

He has been bailed to appear at Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on 24 January 2024.

A 25-year-old Melton man has been charged with intentionally cause injury, assault, criminal damage and recklessly cause injury.

He has been bailed to appear at the Bacchus Magistrates’ Court on 24 January 2024.

A 19-year-old Melton man was released pending further enquiries and the investigation was continuing in relation to the other people involved.

Anyone with information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via to the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.

Words: Serena Everill. Images: James Healey

The Sybil Disobedients from Central Vic Climate Action crew took part in the Daylesford New Years Eve parade.

The “ Sybils” were devised by Extinction Rebellion in Central Highlands NSW in response to COVID.

The costumes ensure physical distancing and the slow gliding /spinning choreography draws attention to the slogans on the skirts.

The gentle performers create another opportunity for people to talk, think, and feel about the terrifying ecological and climate issues we face, and imagine how to resist it.

Mathew from the “ Sybils” said he was prepared to give up his New Years Eve party this year to encourage people to take more visible action. He said it was also fun!

Taxiride brings its unique musical blend of retro sensibility with modern style to The Palais, Hepburn this Friday night, January 5.

Crafted over two years in Melbourne and Los Angeles, their debut album ‘Imaginate’ debuted at Number 1 on the Australian Music Charts.

It launched 4 singles including the memorable ‘Get Set’ and ‘Everywhere You Go’ (the most played Australian song on the radio for 2000).

Their second album ‘Garage Mahal’ contained their biggest hit ‘Creepin’ Up Slowly’, the most played song on the radio for 2002 and featured a further two hit singles.

Taxiride achieved Top 30 status in the States and subsequently toured the US, Japan and Europe. A 10 year hiatus saw Taxiride reform in 2015 with a limited run of shows.

Taxiride now returns with new live shows featuring faithful renditions of their hits plus their favourite album tracks – a must for lovers of harmony and infectious pop.

Live music lovers have some cause to rejoice as Ballarat’s Summer Sundays free concert series returns to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens this Sunday January 7.

This first event in the month-long free series of live music Sunday afternoons offers a chance to see Yacht Rock Revival, Chitra, The Pearlies and Roy Darby live on stage from 4pm to 8pm.

In addition to the live music, a selection of Ballarat’s best food and beverage vendors will be onsite, alongside the pop-up garden bar to quench summer thirsts with local wine, craft beer and cider for patrons 18 plus.

Residents and visitors are welcome to bring a rug and picnic for a relaxed afternoon of entertainment.

Summer Sundays is a free event hosted by the City of Ballarat.

As of yesterday, January 1, Greater Bendigo changed from being an off-leash default to an on-leash default municipality with new designated areas where dogs can be exercised off-leash.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the change is happening to help keep public areas safe and enjoyable for everyone and every dog following the adoption of the City’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025.

“Greater Bendigo will join other Victorian municipalities with the same on-leash requirements including Geelong, Ballarat, Mildura and Shepparton” Cr Metcalf said.

“Greater Bendigo has one of the highest levels of companion animal ownership in Victoria with more than one third of households currently owning a cat or a dog.  There are over 15,470 dogs and 5,570 cats registered in Greater Bendigo and in the last financial year the City received more than 4,500 requests for animal services.

“For residents and their dogs that love an off-leash walk, there are still plenty of spaces for dogs to have a run and play off-leash, including four fully fenced dog parks and 17 new designated off-leash areas.

“Residents can exercise their dog off-leash in the new designated areas at any time, except when the spaces have planned bookings for any organised event such as sports or training.  These new areas are not fenced, and residents will need to bring along their own water and dog poo waste bags.”

Greater Bendigo’s four, fully fenced dog parks have water, dog poo waste bags, shaded areas and small dog. It is important to remember that even when using the fully fenced dog parks and designated off-leash areas, dogs must always remain under the control of their owner.

A large fibreglass installation called The Elephant in the Room is now on display at Bendigo’s Galkangu Gov Hub in Lyttleton Terrace to enhance awareness of family violence.

The travelling installation, brought to Bendigo by Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, was created by women and victims and survivors of family violence.

One side shows words and drawings highlighting the damage caused by family violence, and the other side shows the hope, strength and resilience of women recovering from abuse.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said family violence has traditionally been considered a private issue and an off-limits conversation.

“In Greater Bendigo, between April 2022 and March 2023, the rate of family violence was higher than the State average, ranking 18 out of 79 Victorian Local Government Areas with 78 per cent of reported victim-survivors female,” Cr Metcalf said.

“The statistics are alarming as no form of violence is acceptable. By encouraging conversations and raising awareness, we can all better understand what family violence is, its impacts, where to find support, and how we can work together as a community to stop violence before it starts. 

“Family violence is not limited to physical or sexual violence but includes different types of harmful and controlling behaviours such as financial and emotional abuse. It’s a serious and widespread issue, but it is preventable.

“When people of different genders are valued and viewed differently, and don’t have the same access to power, resources, and opportunities – also known as gender inequality – disrespect, discrimination and violence are more likely to occur. 

“Working towards gender equality will mean we create a community which is safer and free from family violence, violence against women and all forms of gender-based violence.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is committed to promoting gender equality and preventing family violence, violence against women and all forms of gender-based violence.

“We aim to do this by creating safe and respectful workplace, through our service delivery, and through our connections with local businesses, community groups and organisations. 

“The City is also a proud member of the Collective Action for Respect and Equality (CARE) Partnership led by Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence, and Greater Bendigo Coalition for Gender Equity.” 

The Dachshund Dash is back on for 2024 this month at the Geelong Harness Racing Club in Corio.

There will be heats with the first three placings of each heat going through to the final. Limited spots available, so dachshund owners and managers are being encouraged to get their registrations in.

If your dachshund is not up for racing and more of a fashionista type, there is also a ‘Fashions on the Field’ best dressed competition so get that outfit sorted and strut those paws. 

Cost for race and entry into best dressed is $20.

An award-winning Inclusive Community Sports Day is returning to Geelong this month.

People with disability and their families are invited to attend and experience a range of accessible and inclusive sport and recreation activities in a supported community environment.

The free event is hosted by Freedom Solutions and takes place at the Geelong Arena in North Geelong on January 9 from 10am to 11.30am.

Participants can choose whichever sport they wish to try, even if it’s a new sport they have not played before.

There’s no prerequisite knowledge or skill level – we have qualified coaches to teach you the basics to get you started!

The event is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy the day.

Sports on offer:
• Dancing with Cata
• Multi-sports
• Tennis
• Table Tennis

The Morabool Shire Council was disappointed to learn a funding application to the Federal Government for the civic plaza at the recently tendered new Ballan Library and Community Precinct site was unsuccessful.

The council had applied for $851,000 to the Government’s Growing Regions Program to fund the outdoor plaza with courtyard seating and gardens, for the growing Ballan community to sit and connect.

Mayor Cr Ally Munari said the lack of funding could mean this part of the Ballan Library project may be delayed or not proceed as originally envisaged.

“It’s so disappointing the plaza component of the project is in jeopardy,” Cr Munari said.

“The civic plaza is a place for the community to gather and a connection point to the other components of the precinct- the library, Maternal and Child Health Centre, exhibition spaces and community rooms.”

“The Victorian Government has contributed $5 million through two different funding streams for the Ballan Library and Community Hub project”.

“If you look across the shire, we have attracted a lot of State Government funding for our projects and we continue to struggle to secure Federal Government for our major projects.”

“To continue to deliver on much needed infrastructure we will need both levels of government to contribute to allow us to meet the needs of our current and future communities.” 

The City of Greater Geelong has been awarded a coveted 6-Star NABERS waste rating for the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct located in the waterside city’s Mercer Street.

The 6-Star certification makes Wurriki Nyal the second building in Victoria and the first among local governments across Australia to achieve the market leading 6-Star waste management rating.

The NABERS Waste Rating Report for the period of 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023 showed the total weight of all waste going to landfill was 3.09 tonnes and the total of recycled waste that avoided going to landfill was 7.21 tonnes.

NABERS, the National Australian Built Environment Rating System, is a widely recognised and reliable sustainability measurement system for the built environment.

Similar to efficiency star ratings for household appliances, NABERS assigns ratings from one to six stars across key efficiency categories, including Energy, Water, Waste, and Indoor Environment.

This enables building owners to benchmark their performance against comparable buildings, facilitating informed decisions for ongoing improvements and cost savings.

Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken: “The achievement of a 6-Star waste rating for Wurriki Nyal reflects the City’s commitment to environmental responsibility and leadership in sustainable development.

“Geelong is a designated UNESCO City of Design, and we are proud that Wurriki Nyal has established itself as a benchmark in building sustainability and has set a new standard for others to follow.”

One of Geelong’s most loved waterfront features, Poppy Kettle Playground, has re-opened in time for the current school holiday break following the installation of a new slide and completion of maintenance works.

The playground, situated to the west of Cunningham Pier, is packed with children’s play equipment and picnic amenities, while also offering easy access to waterfront cafes, the City’s colourful bollard trail walk and the historic Carousel.

The maintenance work and installation of the new slide followed on from minor repair work last year.

The playground is well known for the interactive Poppy Kettle water fountains and miniature statues, situated among a rock area.

This unique feature was inspired by the children’s book, ‘Voyage of the Poppy Kettle’ written by local author, Robert Ingpen, giving the park a magical quality and proving a source of attraction for many visiting children.

The interactive playground now includes a new tubular slide that winds down the hill, complementing a boat atop the sand pit, bouncers, a dragon emerging from the ground, a timber tower, swing, and a unique pyramid climbing net.

Additional water play elements feature over the summer months, ensuring the site will be a popular place to visit throughout the summer holidays.

Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan: “This space has long been regarded as one of Geelong’s premier playgrounds for locals and visitors alike.

“We appreciate the support of the community in patiently waiting for the re-opening of the Poppy Kettle Playground; it’s clearly very timely.

“As a Council we’re pleased to be able to deliver upgrades and new additions to the space and look forward to families enjoying the facilities throughout summer and in the years to come.”

The Moorabool Shire Council has announced a three-year partnership with Belgravia Leisure in the new Moorabool Aquatic Recreation Centre Indoor Stadium at Maddingley.

With a shared commitment to supporting the local region and community, Belgravia will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the centre’s four indoor highball courts, two multi program spaces and function room with kitchenette.

The $17.55 million stadium was officially opened by the Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle in recent weeks with Moorabool Shire Mayor, Cr Ally Munari, and Councillors Moira Berry and Tonia Dudzik among those present.

“Our aim is that this facility, once fully activated for community use, will improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the community; it’s a facility that can be used for both sport and social interaction,” Cr Munari said at the opening event.

Cr Munari said Belgravia Leisure steps into the position with a wealth of experience in the operations and management of recreation and leisure facilities.

“Council undertook a rigorous tender process and we’re very pleased with the outcome so we can welcome the community to start using this great sporting facility,” Cr Munari said.

It’s anticipated the newly constructed indoor stadium will open to the public from January 2024 with a community family fun day planned for the new year.

“We’re very much looking forward to starting this partnership with Council and bringing the community of Bacchus Marsh and surrounds a much-needed modern sport and recreation space,” Belgravia Leisure CEO Nick Cox said.

“We are also eager to get started on building a positive relationship with the community so that we are able to deliver services and programs that are tailored to the area, ensuring a focus on individual and community priorities and preferences whilst ensuring we include and welcome all.”

Work on the indoor stadium facility (stage one) began in 2022 thanks to $1.9 million from the Victorian Government and $15 million from Moorabool Shire Council.

The stadium features:

• Four indoor highball courts
• 340 seat stadium with stand-alone change rooms
• Entry, reception, kiosk, office and administration areas
• Public toilet facilities
• 2 Multi-purpose / program spaces
• A function room with kitchenette
• First aid room and referees room
• Changeroom facilities
• Storage and plant room
• Car parking with 118 spaces

The Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) is a three-stage development that consists of:

• Stage 1: indoor sports stadium (complete – funded by the Victorian Government and Council)
• Stage 2: regional bowls and community hub (funded – Victorian Government and Council)
• Stage 3: indoor pool complex (Victorian Government and Council funding committed. Advocacy for funding from the Australian Government is ongoing).

Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a burglary in Kangaroo Flat earlier this month.

It is understood two men gained entry into a property on Alpina Place about 5.30pm on Sunday, 17 December.

Police were told the offenders ransacked each room in the house, stealing cash and jewellery before fleeing the scene.

Investigators have released CCTV footage and images of two men they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

One of the men is described as being approximately 30-40 years old. He was wearing a grey long-sleeved top with a black and orange fluorescent one over the top, shorts and blue cap.

The other man is perceived to be of Asian appearance and in his early 30s. He was wearing a black and orange fluorescent short-sleeved top and a blue bucket hat.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.