Woodend library is preparing to host a free author’s talk by Dr Lucas Jordan this month.

Dr Jordan (pictured above) will be speaking about his book The Chipilly Six. It tells the compelling story of the brave soldiers – including some from the Woodend and Castlemaine areas – who fought off German soldiers at Chipilly Spur, to save a British Army Corps.

Dr Jordan’s talk at Wodend library will take place on Thursday, November 16 from 2pm-3pm with similar talks also set for the Bendigo library and the Castlemaine library.

In 1918, at Chipilly Spur overlooking the Somme River, a British Army Corps is held up by German machine gunners with more than 2000 men fallen. Assessing the situation, six Australian soldiers, including one from Muckleford near Castlemaine, and another from Woodend, drive the Germans off the spur in an extraordinary feat of bravery.

Military historian Dr Lucas Jordan tells a compelling tale of these soldiers’ lives both during the war and after, ensuring they will not be forgotten.

The free talks will include book sales and signings. Bookings are needed and can be made via the library website.

The state government says it’s investing $186 million to extend the eligibility of Free TAFE through the Victorian Budget 23/24 in the drive to meet the future employment needs of emerging ‘in-demand’ industries.

It says every Victorian is now eligible for government-funded training no matter their existing qualification level and there is no longer a one-course limit on Free TAFE participation within the one priority pathway.

The state government says it’s supporting more Victorians with training opportunities in in-demand industries, while the Victorian Skills Plan outlines the state’s jobs and skills outlook into 2026, with more than 352,000 new jobs expected to be created across 19 key industries over the next three years.

The plan provides a practical plan to ensure the training and skills sector is well positioned for this growth. More than 83,000 jobs will be created in health care and social assistance, while 46,000 people will begin work in the education and training sector.

The professional, scientific and technical services sector will see 35,000 people join the workforce and the hospitality industry will create approximately 32,000 new jobs over the next three years – with 25,000 new jobs created in the manufacturing sector.

Victoria’s transition to a clean economy is expected to create 10,000 new jobs each year from now until 2030 and transform more than 500,000 existing jobs through new skills training.

The plan was prepared by the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) in consultation with industry, employers and unions. First published in 2022, the state’s Victorian Skills Plan identifies more training opportunities for providers and industries to plan for future skills needs, and course plan for Victoria’s nation-leading TAFE system.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “The annual Victorian Skills Plan is a critical body of work. Knowing the skills that will be required in the future and how to access the training available is a valuable resource for Victorians of all ages.”

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney: “The annual Victorian Skills Plan gives us critical insights into our state’s workforce needs across all industries, occupations and regions, helping us to deliver a connected, world-class training and skills system for Victoria.”

Free TAFE has removed the barriers for training for a great new career for more than 153,000 students –saving students more than $394 million since the program began in 2019. More than 80 courses and short courses are available across Victoria as part of Free TAFE.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council says it’s leading the way in reducing waste to landfill by providing resale shops, textile and polystyrene recycling, and free mulch for residents at its resource recovery facilities.
The council has been awarded just over $150,000 through the Victorian Government’s Circular Economy
Councils Fund for an upgrade of the resale shop at the Kyneton resource recovery facility and the
development of a new resale shop in Romsey.
The $5.9 million fund, delivered by Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government’s Recycling
Victoria New Economy policy, provides funding to councils and alpine resort management boards for
projects that reduce waste to landfill and transition towards a circular economy.
The council’s Director Assets and Operations, Shane Walden, welcomed the funding and said resale
shops were a fantastic way to divert usable goods from landfill while giving residents and visitors the
opportunity to buy unique and affordable items.
“We know our community is passionate about recycling and repurposing goods, and trying to reduce
the amount of waste that goes into landfill,” he said. “The resale shops will provide another local
option for residents to donate usable goods and pick up items at bargain prices.”
The upgrade of the Kyneton resale shop is scheduled for completion by Christmas this year, while the
opening of the resale shop at the Romsey resource recovery facility is planned for mid-2024.
The council has also recently expanded its services to include free textile and polystyrene recycling at
resource recovery facilities in another proactive step to reduce waste going into landfill.
Residents can drop their damaged textiles including clothes, shoes, linen and more, at resource
recovery centres where they are then collected for reuse, repair, and recycling. Items that are not
damaged and still in good condition should still go to the nearest op shop.
The textile recycling initiative is delivered in partnership with Upcycle4Better, who turns recycled
textiles into other reusable items such as bags and cleaning cloths.
Clean, white expanded polystyrene can also be recycled for free at resource recovery facilities as
long as it is free from dirt, tape, labels and ink. Recycled polystyrene is turned into items such as
picture frames, skirting boards, decking and other household products.
In keeping with sustainable practices, Council also has free self-loaded mulch available to residents at
all three of its resource recovery facilities, with delivery available within the shire for a fee.
“Spring is the perfect time to apply fresh mulch to your garden to stop topsoil from drying out over
summer, reduce water consumption, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and prevent weeds,” Mr
Walden said.
“We have plenty of mulch available across our three sites, so I encourage you to take advantage of the free offer or the reasonable delivery fee option.”

A small school in the Macedon Ranges has been recognised as a sustainability champion, achieving the highest level of certification through Victoria’s ResourceSmart Schools program.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos in recent days presented teachers and students at Newham Primary School with a 5 Star certificate.

The school joined the ResourceSmart School program in 2014 and are one of the program’s longest standing active schools.

The school has worked tirelessly over the last nine years to actively reduce their waste to landfill and energy consumption. The school has achieved reductions in the energy use by 92,000 kilowatts, reduced emissions by 96 tonnes of carbon emissions, and planted over 1000 trees, boosting biodiversity along the banks of Deep Creek tributary, creating a nature corridor for wildlife that connects with the Cobaw Biolink.

The ResourceSmart Schools program, delivered by Sustainability Victoria, supports Victorian schools to embed sustainability across school facilities, community and curriculum.Since 2008, the ResourceSmart Schools program has assisted more than 1,400 schools to save 1.8 million kilolitres of water, divert 194,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill and abate 118,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Through the program, participating schools have saved a total of $41 million on school operations bills. As part of Sustainability in Schools month, throughout November, schools can participate in a wide range of free activities.

Member for Macedon,Mary-Anne Thomas: “I congratulateNewham Primary School on their 5-star certificate for their amazing achievements on reducing their waste to landfilland energy consumption. Theirsuccess isan example of what can be achievedby working together to combat climate change.”

Wine appreciators have a unique opportunity to discover the cool wines and warm hearts of the Macedon Ranges winemakers at their annual wine festival, Budburst, happening Friday 17 to Sunday 19 November 2023.

Budburst is a once-a-year opportunity to step behind the vines and meet the family-owned and small-batch makers who shape mainland Australia’s coolest wine region.

On Saturday and Sunday, more than 25 Macedon Ranges winemakers, across 18 budburst sites, will be offering wine tasting from 10am to 5pm, along with curated food menus championing local produce, art shows, sculptor walks and live music.

In addition to this, various venues around the region will be offering Budburst specials across the weekend. Options include a bottomless brunchat Cleveland Winery in Lancefield;a winemaker’s dinnerat Miss M’s Lounge in Kyneton; and wine and cheese flights at Daylesford based Winespeake.

While popular drinking venues such as Farmer’s Arms in Daylesford, Animus Distillery and Piper Street Wine Company in Kyneton, Woodend Cellar & Bar and Trentham’s Cosmopolitan Hotel will be pouring Budburst wines all weekend long.

More details areavailable on the Budburst website.

Locals and visitors celebrated the Hepburn region’s strong Swiss Italian heritage over the weekend with a bumper turn-out recorded for the Swiss Italian Festa.

The street parade particularly proved to be a crowd-pleaser complete with traditional effigies and live pipe band music. The Local went along to soak in the festival vibe and capture a bit of the colour and verve of the cultural feast.

The weekend-long celebration attracted many visitors and locals who boast personal Swiss Italian heritage, and featured traditional and artisanal food and wine, live performances, art shows, heritage tours and a bit of bocce to boot.

The Festa celebrates the enduring contribution of Swiss Italian migrants who came to the Hepburn Springs/ Daylesford region during the 1850s gold rushes. These Italian speakers came from the villages and towns on either side of the Swiss Italian border. Into a world of mutton, potatoes and beer, they brought salami, pasta and wine.

The early Swiss Italians recognised the quality of the local mineral springs and lobbied to protect them from the destructive practices of the prospectors. They started building stone houses with cellars and wells. They planted grape vines, olive trees and orchards. Australia’s first pasta factory was built in 1859, and still stands in Hepburn.

Local businesses that are kicking goals and achieving great things in the Macedon Ranges Shire are being encouraged to enter the 2024 Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards.

After taking a break for the Community Choice Awards in 2023, these self-nominated, biennial business awards return with Josh’s Rainbow Eggs as naming sponsor and Bendigo Bank and Workspace Australia as gold sponsors.

Mayor Annette Death said the awards were a great opportunity for businesses in the Macedon Ranges to get the word out about the amazing work they are doing.

“Our local businesses play such a pivotal role in our community, supporting our local economy by providing local products, services and opportunities for employment,” she said.

“These awards are an opportunity for businesses to be recognised for their outstanding service and to acknowledge deserving staff that contribute to their business. If you own a business locally, I encourage you to check out the categories and submit a nomination.”

Businesses have until 15 March 2024 to submit a nomination. Award categories include:

• Excellence in Agribusiness and Food Manufacturing
• Excellence in Manufacturing, Trades, Retail and Innovation
• Excellence in Health, Wellness and Care
• Small and Thriving Award
• Excellence in Professional Services
• Excellence in Tourism and Visitor Experience
• Young Achiever Award
• Champion of Social, Environmental or Sustainability Principles
• Business Resilience and Adaptability
• People’s Choice Award
• Business of the Year

A mentoring session will be held on Wednesday 31 January 2024 at Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House for businesses who would like support and guidance on making their submission.

Two Benalla residents had a lucky escape after a mobility scooter caught fire in recent days.

Four CFA units from Benalla and Baddaginnie were called to a house fire in Benalla just before 7.30am on October 19. 

When they arrived, they discovered an electric mobility scooter outside and on fire, which was damaging the exterior of the house. 

District 23 Commander Daryl Owen said the occupants were alerted to the fire through working smoke alarms and neighbours, who used a garden hose to try and extinguish the blaze. 

“Neighbours were alerted to the fire before the occupants because the fire was outside,” he said. 

“The neighbours called 000 and as they were alerting the occupants, smoke alarms were also going off inside.” 

District 23 Commander Owen praised the neighbours for assisting and said this incident was a further reminder for everybody to ensure their smoke alarms are serviced and working properly. 

“In this case the fire was on the front door of the house and the neighbours could see it as they were getting ready for work and school,” he said. 

The fire destroyed the scooter and caused minor damage to the exterior of the house. 

CFA Fire Investigators and Victoria Police attended and determined the cause was an electrical fault during charging of the wet cell lead batteries (non-lithium batteries). 

District 23 Commander Owen urged the community to only use the original manufacturer battery which adhere to all proper safety regulations. 

“By the occupants charging this mobility scooter outside, this has saved significant damage to the house and quite possibly their lives,” he said. 

The incident was deemed safe at 7.44am.

The CFA is urging Victorians who care for someone in high bushfire risk areas to make a fire plan by using the CFA’s online bushfire planning module in preparation for the looming fire season.

The module, Bushfire Planning: You and the person you care for, was developed in collaboration with Carers Victoria for anyone who provides care or support to someone living with disability, mental illness, chronic health issues or age-related conditions. 

CFA and Carers Victoria are encouraging Victorians who provide unpaid or informal care to use the module to keep everyone safe and prepared this season. 

The module’s main topics include: your role is important, who needs to be prepared, start a conversation, build a plan, people who may choose to stay and resources.  

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it was vital Victorians prioritised their bushfire plan.  

“If you care for someone living in a high-risk bushfire area, this learning module is for you,” he said.  

So far, more than 417 people have enrolled in the course, with 280 completing the online bushfire planning module since it was launched two years ago.  

Chief Officer Heffernan says it is essential people are aware of emergency situations that might arise during the summer season.  

“Vulnerable people don’t always have the luxury of throwing together a last-minute plan if there is a fire emergency, which is why it’s so important to undertake the module,” he said. 

“We appreciate that there are so many day-to-day challenges carers must consider when caring for someone, which can complicate an already stressful emergency situation, so it’s important everyone has a plan.” 

Carers Victoria CEO Judith Abbott noted how important it is that the needs of people in care relationships are actively considered and supported. 

“We are pleased to be part of efforts to better support people in care relationships who live in bushfire prone areas. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to look at the planning resource – it’s a great way to get that all important planning done.” she said. 

Victorians can learn more about fire danger rating system changes on the CFA website, where they can also find more information about how to make a bushfire survival plan. 

The e-learning module, Bushfire Planning: You and the person you care for and its supporting resources are available on CFA’s website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/carers. To learn more about Carers Victoria, visit www.carersvictoria.org.au 

Organisers of Clunes Booktown say the festival will be back again next year despite earlier news that “severely reduced funding” will impact the event program.

Creative Clunes CEO Sue Beal said in a report that chairperson Kadir Hussain had “explained that due to severely reduced funding there will need to be a significantly reduced festival program for 2024”.

A public relations spokesperson said Clunes Booktown had a four-year funding agreement with Creative Victoria which ended on December 31.

Creative Clunes Inc manages the annual festival and in a community newsletter earlier this month, the organisation’s CEO Sue Beal gave a report on the Booktown AGM held last month.

“The Board will continue to seek funding for the event so they can deliver as full a program as possible,” Ms Beal said in this month’s community newsletter report.

A public relations contact for Creative Clunes had since told The Local that “Clunes Booktown has a four year funding agreement with Creative Victoria which will be coming to an end on 31 December 2023.

“Creative Clunes are in the process of applying for additional funding for future festivals.

“In the meantime, Clunes Booktown will return to Clunes on 23 & 24 March 2024…The Clunes Booktown program should be out before the end of the year.”

The Fire Danger Period is set to begin from 1am on Monday November 13 for the Campaspe Shire and Loddon Shire municipalities in the CFA’s District 20.

The El Nino weather pattern means Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Survival Plan. 

The latest Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring predicts the fire risk in the coming months to be normal across the state, as well as strong drying patterns in Gippsland’s forested areas. 

CFA District 20 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andrew Dixon said recent rainfall has led to increased growth in grass and crops. 

“This is of particular concern to our firefighters, and we urge all property owners to take appropriate measures to reduce this risk,” he said. 

While CFA’s 52,000 members are poised to respond and support communities this bushfire season, they’re urging people to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires. 

Residents in these areas are asked to take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up their properties. 

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.  

By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately. 

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website. 

There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.   

The CFA has issued the following Fire Danger Period information: 

• A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. It can also be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office.  
• Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can. 
• Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms. 
• More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod. 
• To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit  www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. 

The City of Ballarat is encouraging the wider community to support their favourite shops and businesses in the Bridge Mall in the lead up to Christmas.

With less than nine weeks of retail trade until Christmas, there has never been a better time to check out the progress in construction works for the $18.6 million Bridge Mall redevelopment while supporting local traders.  

All shops are open as normal and the City of Ballarat is encouraging shoppers to continue to visit the great local businesses in the area.  

At the Peel Street end of the mall, the bulk excavation and concreting are almost complete, forging the base for the road alignment and the planned central event space.  

This week, night works began at the front of businesses on the south side of this construction area. Next week, night works will take place at the front of businesses on the north side. All businesses will remain easily accessible for customers during trading hours with works being conducted at night to minimise disruption to businesses.

Works on the Grenville Street section of the redevelopment are also forging ahead with ongoing underground service works, including signals and water lines.

There have been changes to the staging of works in the mall during the busy pre-Christmas period which will provide additional space for shoppers towards the Peel Street end. This new staging better aligns with forecast delivery dates for paving while enabling construction to remain on schedule for completion mid-2024.

Under the new staging, temporary fencing will be removed from most of the new concreted works at the Peel Street end in the next few weeks.

Lower fencing protecting garden beds and some materials storage will remain until paving of the area and installation of the new street furniture, landscaping and kerbing, which will commence early next year.

Excavation works will shortly begin in the mid-section of the Bridge Mall.

In the lead up to Christmas, pedestrian access has been improved and widened from Sturt Street into the mall while the newly concreted area of the mall will be available for traders to use for Christmas promotions and activities.

The City of Ballarat is working with contractor 2Construct, the Bridge Mall Business Association and all traders to minimise the impact of construction as much as possible. However, as with any major development, there will be unavoidable impacts to businesses and community while construction occurs.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson encouraged the community to get behind their favourite businesses in the mall this Christmas.

“I encourage everyone to shop local and support Bridge Mall traders this Christmas,” he said.

“The lead up to Christmas is a critical time for all of our retailers, especially here in the Bridge Mall this year.

“While the works are ongoing, it is exciting to see concreting almost finished at the Peel Street end of the mall and the redevelopment beginning to take shape.

“Once completed, the Bridge Mall revitilisation project will bring renewed heart and soul to this historic retail precinct in the centre of Ballarat.”

Bridge Mall Business Association President Wendy McLachlan said it is exciting to see the progress of the redevelopment and the commencement of works at Norwich Plaza, all in the lead up to Christmas.

“Christmas in the mall will be bigger than ever with all our events planned as usual, Santa will be arriving early December, and our markets will continue in the new space available as well as at Bakery Hill,” she said.

“We will be holding our Christmas festival as usual in the new space, as well as our Secret Santa gift voucher giveaway, which will be bigger than ever this year.

“All businesses will be full of stock for Christmas and easily accessible from all entrances. Support local while enjoying the festive season.”

The Bridge Mall redevelopment will feature a landscaped entry into the mall, a shared streetscape with one-way, low speed vehicle access and a dynamic new play space.

The redevelopment also includes a portal to the Yarrowee River flowing beneath the mall, smart street lighting and projections, limited parking and better access for people of all abilities.  

Set amongst the picturesque surroundings of Daylesford, with glorious vistas
of the surrounding countryside from almost every window, Hepburn House
is serene and welcoming, the perfect place to spend quality years.
Hepburn House is a Commonwealth Government-funded aged care facility that
can provide customised advanced services to accommodate the needs of all residents
as they change over time.
There is a registered nurse on duty 24 hours a day, a physiotherapist on site,
wonderful care, hospitality, and lifestyle staff. The staff are professional and friendly.
With lots of activities and outings and nutritious, fresh meals cooked in-house and
the residents are happy and engaging.
Hepburn House has maintained rainbow tick accreditation since 2018, validating
it as a facility that is not only safe and friendly for LGBTIQA+ people, but also has
the knowledge and skills to deal with the particular needs of the community.
Hepburn House is inclusive and affirming to all people who choose to live here
and has strong policies devoted to privacy and freedom of choice.
Daylesford is a hub for many LGBTIQA+ residents, businesses and events, which
makes Hepburn House an ideal place for elder LGBTQIA+ people to live and be
close to community and activities.
The new wing adjacent to the facility is currently being built with completion
expected in November this year. This will feature 31 high-quality rooms – THE
VILLAGE. Another 15-bed wing is being purpose-built to support people living with
dementia – MEMORY LANE.
Hepburn House has built a culture of safety and respect so that the entire facility
is equally inclusive for LGBTIQA+ people. There is no segregation between the wings
at Hepburn House. All residents will be encouraged to enjoy the new communal
spaces in THE VILLAGE and MEMORY LANE. These include lounges, dining
rooms and external balconies with views.
Hepburn House offers a range of private rooms to suit different needs and
budgets. The new high-quality rooms in THE VILLAGE will be available to all
prospective residents. However the cost of the new build means that rooms in THE
VILLAGE may not be affordable for some.
Rooms in the original wing, aptly named THE HOMESTEAD, offer a
more homely environment which may be the choice for some. Rooms in THE
HOMESTEAD can accommodate prospective residents who are “fully or partially
supported” by aged care funding but rooms in THE VILLAGE cannot. There are
facilities for couples in both THE VILLAGE and THE HOMESTEAD.
MEMORY LANE, the 15-room wing purpose-built to support people living with
dementia features large communal areas, courtyards with private dining areas, private
lounges, and a garden area with raised garden beds all with magnificent views.
A nostalgic kitchen will enable residents to cook with staff supervision (volunteers
welcome). This will be an area of the facility that will be very attractive to all residents
to spend time there ensuring those living with dementia are not isolated. MEMORY
LANE will also be able to accommodate some fully supported residents who require
this specialised care.
It is hoped that the expansion of Hepburn House, with its vast communal spaces
and multiple purposes rooms, gardens, courtyard, workshed, cooking facilities and
theatre will promote community engagement. This extension aims to bring the
community in to ensure our residents are a part of and not separate to the rest of the
community.
The transition into aged care is often fraught with fear and anxiety for many
elderly. Hepburn House with the opening of the new wing will offer respite services
where elderly members of the community with current aged care respite approval can
enjoy a two-week respite before deciding on a permanent move.
The cost of respite is affordable to all and always indexed at 85 per cent of the
old-age pension. It is hoped offering this service will make the transition into aged
care easier – and we will do all we can to make you feel welcome and comfortable.
This significant expansion means Hepburn House urgently requires more staff
and we are putting out the call to all qualified people.
Anyone who has ever thought about a tree-change, now is your opportunity.
Relocate from the sepia haze of Melbourne to the calendar-picture perfection of
Daylesford with its lush greenery and glass-surfaced lakes.
If that is not incentive enough Hepburn House is also offering one month’s free
accommodation in a fully furnished one or two bedroom apartment, with a further
two months at $220-$350 per week for new full-time workers who need to relocate.

More than 900 family violence perpetrators have been tracked down in a major police operation that wrapped up in recent days.

Operation Enforceable – an initiative of Victoria Police’s Family Violence Command – saw specialist units from across the force unite to proactively target and apprehend family violence perpetrators known to actively avoid police detection.

Those with outstanding warrants or unserved family violence intervention orders (IVO) were also targeted to ensure the safety of victim-survivors.

The statewide operation, which was a first of its kind, resulted in around 460 arrests.

Police also interviewed 317 offenders wanted over family violence-related matters, served more than 450 family violence intervention orders and executed 480 outstanding warrants.

The operation took place over six days from Monday 16 October to Wednesday 18 October and between Wednesday 9 August to Friday 11 August.

Frontline police, family violence investigation units and the Family Violence Taskforce led the operation, with support from the Public Order Response Team, VIPER Taskforce and Intelligence and Covert Support Command Proactive Targeting Teams.

Arrests included:

• A 33-year-old man for family violence offending including viciously assaulting his pregnant partner and making threats with a knife, as well as evading police following an attempted arrest earlier this month. The man was arrested and remanded in custody.

• A 33-year-old man with four warrants and two whereabouts. One of the warrants included a family violence-related aggravated burglary, where the man forced entry into a unit occupied by his former partner and her five-year-old son. The man had been avoiding police for five months and was arrested and remanded in custody.

• A 34-year-old man wanted by police for 967 days for an outstanding warrant relating to family violence assaults on multiple female victims, breaching community correction orders, burglary and criminal damage. The man was arrested and remanded in custody.

• A 33-year-old man with eight warrants for family violence assaults, theft, a driving offence, contravening a community correction order and driving while disqualified. The man was arrested and remanded in custody.

• A 47-year-old man for using a mobile phone to harass and stalk an aggrieved family member who had been wanted by police for 112 days. The man was arrested and interviewed.

• A 21-year-old man with a 192-day outstanding warrant for contravening a community correction order and persistently breaching intervention orders against a female victim. The man was arrested and bailed.

Operation Enforceable forms part of Victoria Police’s ongoing commitment in responding to family violence and holding perpetrators to account.

If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence please seek help from police or a support service.

Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by phoning 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au

In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you. Victoria Police is here to support you.

Family Violence Command Acting Superintendent Holly Dalrymple: “Across Victoria our frontline police attend more than 93,000 family violence incidents a year. That’s roughly one every six minutes.

“When we’re talking about family violence, we’re predominantly talking about men committing acts of violence and abuse against women and children. But it’s important to acknowledge family violence doesn’t discriminate. It impacts all people of all backgrounds in all communities.

“This operation shows just how serious we are in holding family violence offenders to account and ensuring the safety of victim-survivors.

“We are sending a strong message to family violence perpetrators that these violent crimes will not be tolerated.

“The message we want to get out there to victim-survivors is when you’re ready, please speak to us or to one of the amazing support services available. Know that at Victoria Police we will believe you and we will take action to protect you and your loved ones.”

Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested four teenagers following a series of alleged vehicle thefts and break-ins across Castlemaine and Bendigo earlier this month

It is alleged the group stole eight unlocked vehicles between 1 October to 11 October.

They also allegedly broke into at least 17 unlocked cars, stealing cash and property from inside the vehicles.

A 16-year-old Jackass Flat boy, a 15-year-old Long Gully boy, a 15-year-old California Gully and a 14-year-old Long Gully boy were all interviewed and cautioned.

Police are continuing to encourage residents to ensure their vehicles are locked without any valuables stored inside.