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.

The Moorabool Shire Council has expressed its disappointment at the verdict handed down by the Supreme Court earlier this month relating to the Western Renewables Link (WRL).

The Supreme Court handed down a verdict n 20 December 2023, in a matter brought by the Moorabool Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA) against the Minister for Energy and Resources.

The verdict handed down was in favour of the Minister.

The council in a statement said it understood the community group’s case challenged the validity of key decisions made by the Minister in February and May 2023, which sought to fast-track the proposed Western Renewables Link (WRL) and Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) projects.

The WRL proposes a 190km high voltage overhead transmission line from Sydenham to Bulgana, including 60km directly through Moorabool Shire.

The MCHPA are strong advocates for community members impacted by WRL and VNI West and raised significant funds to have their concerns heard by the Supreme Court.

“This will be difficult news for community members who are affected by the project, especially during the holiday period,” CEO Derek Madden said.

“For the community’s sake, we hope that timing of the Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement is not further delayed and goes on exhibition for public comment in late-2024, as is currently planned.”

An Environment Effects Statement (EES) is not an approval process itself, rather, it enables decision makers to consider whether a project with potentially significant environmental effects should proceed.

The EES is set to be exhibited for public comment for 30 business days via the Engage Victoria website in late-2024, during which time interested people may lodge a submission expressing their views about the proposed project or its environmental effects. It will be a significant milestone for community participation.

Victoria Police, in connection with Parks Victoria and the Game Management Authority, have recently seized 16 firearms in a joint agency operation targeting illegal hunting in the state’s alpine region.

Firearm and hunting exclusions begin in the alpine region from 16 December.

Such activity outside of the authorized times and locations poses a significant risk to public safety especially with increased recreational visitors to the region.

Dogs are also banned from the National Park areas and such compliance formed an additional area of focus throughout the three day operation between 16 and 18 December.

With patrols starting from Myrtleford, Mansfield and Heyfield before deploying into the National Park, this latest compliance operation is a timely reminder for visitors to understand and abide by park regulations.

In addition to the seized firearms, four infringement notices were issued for offences including illegal hunting and bringing a dog into a park.

Further investigations and prosecutions are to be pursued by Parks Victoria against an additional eight alleged offenders for offences including possessing a firearm and hunting in a National Park not open to hunting, and illegal spotlighting.

With campers and hikers expected to continue flocking to the high country for the summer holidays and upcoming New Year celebrations, Victoria Police remains committed to ensuring the safety of those visiting the parks.

The Melbourne Vixens and Netball Victoria are heading west to Ballarat this pre-season, bringing a blockbuster weekend of netball activity to the region from 16-17 March.

Ahead of the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season, the Vixens will host three SSN sides – to be revealed in January – at Ballarat’s Selkirk Stadium on Wadawurrung Country thanks to the support of the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government.

Fans will have plenty of opportunities to see their netball idols in action with two matches on each of Saturday and Sunday; the Vixens are set to hit the court twice and a Victorian Men’s League curtain raiser will showcase the exciting talent in our men’s pathway.

The action will also extend off-court – Netball Victoria will deliver a series of community activities across the weekend to help bring our game to the next generation of Victorian netballers, giving local participants and fans the chance to meet some of their favourite Vixens athletes.

Aspiring and established umpires and coaches in the region will also have the opportunity to engage in development activities across the weekend.

The two pre-season matches will play a key role in the Vixens’ preparation ahead of Round 1, when they’ll take on new neighbours and cross-town rivals the Melbourne Mavericks. The inaugural derby will take place at John Cain Arena on Sunday 14 April.

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman: “We know how passionate our netball community is across regional Victoria, and we’re excited to be partnering with the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government to bring elite netball to Ballarat in 2024.”

“This event will be a great opportunity introduce our new Melbourne Vixens lineup to fans across the state, enable our athletes to engage with our Victorian netball community, and compete against quality opposition in front of a packed Selkirk Stadium.”

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson: “Selkirk Stadium, Ballarat Sports Events Centre is not only a terrific community facility for a range of local indoors sports, it also enables our city to attract a range of events at the highest level which will have a significant impact on our local economy.”

“We are delighted to welcome the Melbourne Vixens and their Suncorp Super Netball rivals in March. Not only will it see thousands of fans flock to Ballarat, benefitting our accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors, but it will give the region’s youngsters the opportunity to meet some of their national netball heroes and provide plenty of inspiration.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos: “Super Netball is the highest level of netball in Australia and the Ballarat Sports Events Centre will provide the ideal venue for locals to cheer on Victoria’s top netballers while showcase players and fans to this beautiful part of our state.”

“We’re proud to support this pre-season festival as it joins the blockbuster events calendar in Ballarat, boosting visitors and local businesses across the region.”

The Ballarat Blitz event schedule and ticket sale details will be announced in January.

Victoria’s aerial firefighting fleet of helicopters, air tankers and planes are ready to take to the skies and protect Victorians this fire season, with new additions to the fleet.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes and Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent joined aerial crews and firefighting staff at Melbourne Avalon Airport earlier this month to unveil and inspect the fleet. 

A total of 51 firefighting aircraft makes up the fleet – more than last year’s contingent. The fleet includes a mix of firebombing aircraft, air attack supervision and airborne information gathering aircraft. 

The new addition to Victoria’s base fleet is a second Aircrane, a high-capacity Type 1 helicopter with the capacity to carry 10,000 litres of water and pick up seawater.  

Two Large Air Tankers return to Victoria, which can operate from smaller regional airports as they require less room for take-off and landing, making them more agile to move around the state as the fire risk changes. 

A Super Puma firebombing helicopter with a capacity of 2,500 litres leads the night operations program, with its ability to fight fires into the night.  

Victoria also has a surge capacity of up to 100 aircraft that can supplement the core fleet and can be called upon when needed. 

The aircraft are an important support service for the tens of thousands of dedicated emergency services workers from the CFA, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria, VICSES and many other agencies. 

It complements the thousands of hardworking volunteers and trucks on the ground who are ready to turn out to fires this summer, protecting their communities. 

The first new ferns have been planted at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Fernery.

The three metre high Cyathea australis, also known as Rough Tree Ferns, frame the exterior of the fernery which, once landscaping is completed, will showcase a gallery of Australian ferns.

About 400 mostly exotic plants, including shrubs, perennials and Cordylines have also been planted around the outside of the fernery.

A further 400 ferns will be planted inside the fernery in the coming months with the final landscaping completed in time for the fernery to open to the public at the 2024 Ballarat Begonia Festival.

The re-alignment of the footpath on Wendouree Parade is also underway. The works will create an additional new entrance to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, with the introduction of a fernery forecourt designed around the Claxton Monument.

AQL Landscape Design is delivering the landscaping at the fernery, which is one of only a few examples in the state of a grand Victorian plant house. The steel framed replica of the original 1884 Gothic-inspired fernery entrance was completed in 2021.

The design and landscape delivery of the fernery project is being funded by the City of Ballarat ($340,000) together with funding of $150,000 from Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens Grant Program, the Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens ($200,000) and Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation ($50,000).

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the fernery landscaping will provide another spectacular drawcard for the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

“The fernery landscaping will provide an incredible experience for residents and visitors to our beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing these transformational landscaping works completed as we gather to celebrate the 72nd Ballarat Begonia Festival.”

AQL Landscape Design Principal Wayne De Klijn said the garden build has progressed with the site grading, drainage, pavement, irrigation, raised steel feature planters, edging and garden preparation all completed.

“The beautiful advanced Cyathea australis tree ferns really help set the scene,” he said.

New year works will include paving patterned in the shape of fern fronds, which will lead from the Wendouree Parade entrance to the fernery.

The landscaping will also feature two waterfall timber slate seats with bookend stonework, designed to match the existing stonework in the Gardens, final planting and hanging of the Elk Horn ferns and plant chandeliers.

Further works will also take place at the rear of the structure to connect the fernery with the rest of the gardens.

Landscaping works began in August this year. The landscape designs were completed by Andrea Proctor Landscapes. 

The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre has proudly unveiled the installation of a new piece of equipment that could prove to be a game-changer in accessibility for individuals with significant physical disabilities in the community.

The newly installed PAL2 Aquatic Hoist provides unparalleled benefits for those who require additional postural support and positioning for safe entry into pools. 

While the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC) already offers aquatic wheelchairs and an aquatic chair lift, there was an identified need for a solution to cater for individuals with specific requirements.

The PAL2 Aquatic Hoist was delivered in late November and underwent rigorous testing earlier this month.

In recognition of the influential role played by Lucas, a local man with cerebral palsy, who highlighted the need for such a hoist during a tour of the centre, he was the first patron to utilise the equipment alongside Pinarc Disability Support physiotherapist Isaac Hanneysee.

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Peter Eddy said the upgraded equipment was supportive of the ongoing commitment of BALC to be inclusive and accessible to all. 

“Council is thrilled to see the PAL2 Aquatic Hoist breaking down barriers and enabling individuals living with disabilities to access the wonderful pool facilities at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre,” he said.

“In speaking with the team at BALC, early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with significant interest expressed by agencies and carers who have witnessed the hoist in action.”

BALC Manager Aquatic and Leisure Services, Gerald Dixon said the hoist was another example of the centre’s commitment to cater for everyone in the Ballarat community.

“There are plans for a redevelopment of our disabled change rooms to ensure they are Changing Places compliant spaces, including a direct-to-pool rail for hoist access,” he said.

“As we explore funding options to kickstart this project, we were made aware of the immediate need for a portable option by local support agency Pinarc. 

“This prompted us, in consultation with the City of Ballarat’s Disability Advisory Committee, to invest in the PAL2 Aquatic Hoist – a great addition to the centre.”

A 20-year-old woman from Dallas will be $913.70 worse off after she was caught speeding in Campbellfield last weekend.

Fawkner Highway Patrol officers detected a Honda Civic travelling at 156km/h in a 70km/h section of Sydney Road about 10.45pm last Saturday, December 23.

The car was intercepted and the 20-year-old was spoken to by police.

The ‘P’ plate driver had her car impounded and is expected to be summonsed to appear at court to face traffic charges.

This intercept forms part of Operation Roadwise, a statewide road policing operation conducted over the Christmas and New Year period.

Police are targeting impaired driving, speed, distraction, and fatigue in high-risk areas throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, in an effort to reduce road trauma.

The operation commenced at 12:01am on Friday 15 December and runs until 11:59pm on Monday 1 January.

The Hepburn Shire Council has awarded several major contracts at its December meeting held last week.  

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the works are a significant investment in local infrastructure and services for the benefit of the community. 

“We made decisions last night committing funds to improve the Central Springs Reserve, road infrastructure in Campbelltown and to continue our ongoing contract for kerbside bin collection, including our planned 2024 food and garden organics roll out,” said Cr Hood. 

Naturform Pty Ltd was awarded a $878,158 contract for stage one of construction works at Central Springs Reserve as part of a $1.47 million dollar project.

The work will aim to improve the picnic and shelter area, connect the new mineral spring bore to a redesigned pump area and include landscaping.

The project is being part-funded by the Australian Federal Government, with $350,000 towards to the project.  

“A masterplan for the Central Springs Reserve was adopted by council in September, this work delivers on stage one of that plan,” mayor Cr Brian Hood said.

“This picturesque area is a popular destination and these works will further improve functionality and appeal.

“The remaining elements of the masterplan will be delivered in future stages, as funding allows,” he said. 

Berne Fleming Civil Pty Ltd was awarded a $363,749 contract for the reconstruction of a portion of Smeaton Road in Campbelltown.   

“After some damage from storms, Smeaton Road was identified as a priority project for this financial year.  The road reconstruction will include rebuilding or upgrading approximately 700 metres of the road,” said Cr Hood.   

Veolia Recycling and Recovery Pty Ltd was awarded a contract extension for the delivery of kerbside services to townships, including the supply and cartage of our kerbside bins.  

“We are pleased to have locked in this contract which will ensure the continuity of an essential service for our community,” said Cr Hood.  

“In 2024, we will start weekly kerbside collections of food and garden organics for township residents. This will divert tonnes of material that would have been destined for landfill,” he said. 

“The food and organics will be collected and transported to Creswick Transfer Station where it will be transformed into compost to be used locally to improve gardens, soil and farmland.

“This will considerably reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with the requirements of the state government to separate food and garden organics from landfill.” 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson joined Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison MP last week to officially open a new sensory friendly play zone at the city’s Victoria Park Inclusive Play Space.  

The new play zone consists of play equipment and landscaping to complement the existing inclusive play space equipment, and provides a place to connect with natural elements, enjoy the shade from tree canopies, take a break, be alone or meet with others.  

New play equipment includes shops and other shelters for children to play in and around, a small stage, and a range of 3D hills. There is also a children’s table with seating, and a fairy-tale throne that can be used as a reading area with seats facing it.  

With accessible pathways throughout, the zone also features new park benches, soft fall, a ‘Sheoak Forest with large and small trees, and many shrubs. There is also opportunity for nature play with rocks, natural wooden posts and range of plantings to explore.

The project is funded with a grant of $186,900 from the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and a further contribution of $124,600 from the City of Ballarat.

The Local Sports Infrastructure Fund helps communities by supporting shovel-ready projects across five funding streams including Indoor Stadiums/Aquatic Facilities, Female Friendly Facilities, Community Sports Lighting, Community Facilities, and Planning.

Cr Hudson said the new Sensory Friendly Stay and Play Zone would be loved by local families and visitors of all ages.

“It is a pleasure to open this new Sensory Friendly Play Zone, which will ensure the Victoria Park Inclusive Play Space caters to people of all abilities and sensory needs,” he said.  

“It’s great to see the hard work and strong advocacy from the City of Ballarat’s Disability Advisory Committee culminate in such a wonderful addition to the Victoria Park Inclusive Play Space.”  

The Hepburn Shire Council has adopted new policies governing the way it manages leases, licences and the disposal and acquisition of land. 

The council adopted the Leases and Licences Policy and Disposal and Acquisition of Land Policy in recent days, at its last scheduled meeting for 2023

The Leases and Licences Policy applies to leases and licences for all council property assets.

This includes land and facilities on crown and freehold land, occupied by community groups, not-for-profit organisations, private individuals and commercial entities.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the council manages an extensive property portfolio and it is important to do so in a responsible and transparent way. 

“Council owned and managed land is a valuable community asset. It’s essential that we manage it carefully to maximise the social, environmental and economic benefits to our community,” said Cr Hood.  

“At the core of both policies is the intention to maximise the community benefit and public value from the management of council’s property portfolio with a consistent, equitable and transparent approach to decision-making,” he said. 

Both policies have been designed to exceed minimum standards of the Local Government Act and take into account recommendations from past audits and reviews.  

“The Leases and Licences Policy governs our approach when considering, negotiating and finalising all occupancy agreements for the use of public land.” 

“The policy ensures that the use of council owned or managed land is formalised through binding agreements,” he said. 

The Disposal and Acquisition of Land Policy provides a framework to guide decision making in relation to the sale and acquisition of land and applies to all council freehold land or land vested in council.  

“Council may buy or sell property in response to community or organisational needs. From time-to-time we may sell surplus land or strategically acquire additional properties,” Cr Hood said.

“The policy outlines council’s principles and is intended as a framework to assist us in making these important decisions,” said Cr Hood. The policy also sets out mandatory processes for council to follow. 

The policies are available on the council’s website.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives were attending the scene of a collision in Geelong’s CBD last weekend after a woman was critically injured.

Emergency services were called following reports of the two car and small truck collision, at the intersection of Eastern Beach Road and Bellarine Street, about 11am, Saturday December 23.

A female passenger from one of the cars, believed aged in her 80s, had to be cut from the vehicle before she was taken to hospital with suspected life-threatening injuries.

The male driver of the same car was also injured and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver of both the other car and small truck weren’t injured.

Police had cordoned off the area while detectives from the Major Collison Investigation Unit processed the scene and investigated the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Detectives were following up reports one of the vehicles may have driven through a red light just prior to the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with dashcam footage or information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Victoria Police Crime Stoppers website.

A pivotal next step in developing a state-of-the-art Regional Animal Facility at Ballarat has been reached to close out 2023.

Architecture Matters was awarded the design contract at a regular City of Ballarat Contracts Committee meeting on Wednesday 20 December 2023.  

Work will commence in the new year to finalise the designs for the new facility in Mitchell Park.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the existing animal shelter is an old re-purposed abattoir building and not fit for purpose.  

“Appointing Architecture Matters as the architect to design the new facility is a key milestone in this project and we look forward to seeing the facility’s vision take shape,” he said.  

“It will be exciting to share the designs with the community in the near future.”  

A new Regional Animal Facility will enhance the quality of life and care delivered to thousands of animals from around the region that pass through the shelter each year.

It will improve the living situation for the animals, with integrated outdoor and indoor facilities, and more space for animals to rest and play.  

The new facility will also improve infection control, allow for safer quarantine measures and improved boarding facilities, not only for surrendered animals, but also crisis situations such as family violence and emergencies.  

The new facility would not be possible without the contribution of $11.5 million from the Victorian Government and $3 million from the City of Ballarat.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said the welfare of Victoria’s animals is a priority for the State Government.  

“This much needed facility will ensure more animals will be able to get the care they need and that our wonderful vets and volunteers have new state of the art facilities to work in,” she said.

The designs are expected to be finalised in mid-2024, with tenders calling for construction anticipated to be released following, in late 2024.  

Australia’s best male junior cricketers will call Ballarat home for a week in January 2024.

The City of Ballarat has secured the rights to host the Cricket Australia National Under 17 Male Championships – a week-long carnival of cricket featuring 30 matches between states and territories from around Australia.

The event is expected to attract about 450 people for the week and contribute more than $550,000 to the local economy. 

It will be held from 4-11 January, with all of the 50-over matches to be held on City of Ballarat facilities.

The new addition to the sports events calendar follows the recent announcement of Ballarat hosting the Bowls Victoria 2024 Regions Sides Championships on 13 and 14 January.