The CFA has issued a media release in recent days celebrating the contribution of rural women to mark International Day of Rural Women.

Observed on 15 October each year, International Day of Rural Women, is a global reminder to recognise and celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in rural areas.

Women are often the backbone of rural communities playing critical multifaceted roles as farmers, caregivers, entrepreneurs, volunteers and community leaders. Their dedication to cultivating the land, preserving traditions, and fostering volunteerism is a testament to their vital role in shaping the fabric of rural societies.   

One fifth of all women who live in rural Australia volunteer and CFA is one of many volunteer organisations who benefit from their contribution. 

Ross Sullivan, Deputy Chief Officer North East Region, is championing the importance of International Day of Rural Women by supporting it in his role as CFA executive sponsor.  

“While International Day of Rural Women highlights the accomplishments of women in rural settings, it is important to recognise that the struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of women transcend geographical boundaries,” Ross said. “Women, regardless of their location, face similar challenges and opportunities, and each one contributes to the socio-economic and cultural fabric of their respective communities.”  

Christine Bittner, 1st Lieutenant at Mossi-Tambo Fire Brigade, is one of many CFA rural women. She manages the day-to-day operations of the family farm where she lives – a 100-acre property in East Gippsland breeding Murray Grey cattle. Growing up, Christine spent a lot of time at the farm with her grandparents and brother and can’t see herself living anywhere else.  

“I never want to move away. Nothing else feels like home,” she said.  

When asked about what she enjoyed most about the farm, Christine said it’s the animal husbandry aspects of farming. 

A recent conversation with another Murray Grey breeder in NSW about ear tagging implements led her to the realisation that the challenges associated with rural farming and firefighting for women in CFA are similar.  

“It’s not always one size fits all or one way of doing things, and often you need to adjust so that things work more easily and safely due to your circumstances. And sometimes that change you made can be for the better.” 

Christine has worn many hats over the 25 years she’s been with CFA. Starting as a junior member, she’s held the title of youngest captain of Mossi-Tambo brigade as well as its first female captain. She’s currently the Deputy Group Officer of the Tambo Group and is on the lookout for new members. 

“If you live in the Mossiface, Tambo Upper, Sarsfield area, we can definitely use you. Like many other brigades we need more daytime responders. I’m one of a handful of the brigade’s usual volunteers who turn out to a fire call. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, I urge you to contact your local brigade to find out more.” 

The fire season has already begun for Christine as she helped coordinate resources and crews as part of the firefighting effort for the Wattle Point and Briagolong fires earlier this month. 

International Day of Rural Women is an excellent opportunity to amplify the voices of women at CFA. It is a day to acknowledge the rich diversity of experiences, talents, and perspectives that women bring to the table, whether they live in bustling regional centres or remote rural landscapes.  

A working smoke alarm helped save the lives of two Benalla residents after a house fire last week.

Seven CFA units, with help from FRV, were called to a house fire on Four Mile Rd in Benalla at 11.42pm last Sunday night, October 15.

District 23 Commander Daryl Owen said the occupants were alerted to the fire through working smoke alarms.

He said the occupants also closed two internal doors in the home, which reduced the fire spread. 

“There’s no doubt the smoke alarm contributed to saving their lives. And limiting the damage to the house,” Commander Owen said.

“They’re really grateful the smoke alarms worked and alerted them both to the fire.” Both occupants were uninjured.

The incident was under control at 12.18am and safe at 1.26am. CFA crews attended from Benalla, Baddaginnie, Glenrowan and Wangaratta.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, but not being treated as suspicious.

Firefighters had to work hard overnight to contain a grassfire at Berringa last week.

The CFA was called to a private burn-off out of control at 4.42pm last Wednesday (11 Oct) on Donald McLeans Road.

Strike teams and two water aircraft were called in to assist due to the spread of the fire which burnt around 40 hectares of land.

FFMVic was also brought in with dozers to establish a containment line.

An Advice message was issued at 5.22pm which escalated to a Watch and Act at 6.55pm for residents in Berringa and Cape Clear.

The fire was heading in a southerly direction from McLeans Road towards Derwent Jacks Road.

The fire was contained at 7.35am last Thursday (12 Oct) and the Watch and Act has been downgraded to an Advice message.

District 15 Commander Steve Poulter said crews did great work overnight to control the fire.

“Weather conditions are favourable today with rain currently over the fireground and low wind speeds expected throughout the day,” he said last Thursday.

“We’re not in fire restrictions in this area yet but a reminder to people to be mindful of weather conditions before conducting private burn-offs.”

City of Ballarat residents are being invited to provide feedback on how the community can work to achieve zero recoverable waste going to landfill by 2040.

The City of Ballarat has been encouraging local residents to provide feedback at a range of community forums and online via the City of Ballarat’s mySay website.

The consultation will inform future strategies which will cover the City of Ballarat’s non-kerbside services, such as hard waste collection, litter and illegal dumping, waste education and will also seek to identify local waste reduction and diversion targets.

Questions in the consultation include:

• How should we remove waste, for example hard waste, that doesn’t go into your bins, from residential dwellings?
• What opportunities are there to change the way we reuse, repair, and recycle? These could include clothing swaps, considered purchasing and repair opportunities.
• What type of waste and resource recovery services do commercial and industrial businesses want from the City of Ballarat?
• How do we effectively manage waste and recycling from our public spaces?    

Those eager to get involved still have time to visit mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au to provide feedback. The survey and consultation will close at 5pm on Friday 10 November.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson encouraged the community to get involved in the future of how the city reuses, repairs and recycles and to also provide effective waste removal solutions.

“Waste and recycling is something that impacts every household and the commercial and industry sectors,” he said.

“The City of Ballarat is committed to reducing waste going to landfill and creating a circular economy. The community’s input is a vital step to mapping our future direction in resource recovery and waste management.” 

A man has been charged following a house fire in the Ballarat suburb of Wendouree last week.

Emergency services were called to reports of a large amount of smoke from a house on Park Street about 4.15pm last Thursday October 12.

The owner of the property, a 28-year-old Sunshine West man was present at the time of the fire but was not injured.

The house sustained significant damage before being extinguished by fire authorities.

Officers arrested a 34-year-old man of no fixed address at the scene shortly afterwards.

He had since been charged with criminal damage by fire and was listed to face Ballarat Magistrates’ Court last Friday.

The exact cause of the fire was being investigated with an arson chemist attending the property.

It is being treated as suspicious at this stage.

Anyone with information or CCTV/dashcam footage was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

The jewel in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens’ crown, the Robert Clark Conservatory, is set to receive a facelift.

The conservatory is now temporarily closed to the public as of Monday, October 16 through to early December to undergo a number of renovations including resealing 400 square meters of floor space, replacing all blinds and undertaking roof vent maintenance.

The $75,000 project, funded through the City of Ballarat’s Asset Renewal budget, will be the first major renovation on the 28-year-old facility.

Opened in 1995, the Robert Clark Conservatory was built as part of a significant bequest of Bob Clark in honour of his grandfather Robert Clark – co-founder of The Courier newspaper.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the essential work would ensure the conservatory remained the centrepiece for events such as the Ballarat Begonia Festival and its iconic season floral displays for decades to come.

“This is one of my favourite buildings in Ballarat and while it is still incredibly beautiful, it is starting to show its age in certain areas and needs a little work,” he said.

“This restoration is again another example of delivering a better Ballarat for the hundreds of thousands of people that flock to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens every year.

“I can’t wait to see the Robert Clark Conservatory in December looking even more beautiful and filled to the brim with a Summer display of Hydrangeas, Fuchsias and Pelargoniums.”

The restoration work on the Robert Clark Conservatory comes at a busy time for the Ballarat Botanical Gardens with significant landscaping taking place around the Fernery.

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).

The landscaping work is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2024 Ballarat Begonia Festival. 

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson has issued a public statement following The Voice to Parliament federal referendum outcome.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson: “We acknowledge the outcome of The Voice to Parliament referendum and first and foremost our thoughts go toward our community in Ballarat and I ask that everyone remains respectful of each other.

“We have seen in the lead up to the result of this vote the impact on individuals and communities and it is very important that we are considerate of one another. We are especially mindful of First Nations people in our community and the need to extend respect and kindness both now and in the weeks ahead.

“The City of Ballarat recognises and values the work and teachings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities across this region, and we remain committed to working together and emphasise ways to improve quality of life for all of our residents.

“Our focus as a Council continues to be at a local level, including supporting the work of our Koori Engagement Action Group, finalising our fourth Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-2025, which outlines the organisation’s commitment to supporting the reconciliation process and continuing to mark significant dates on our annual calendar such as NAIDOC Week and National Sorry Day, which educates the community and celebrates the contributions of our First Nations people.”

The rollout of keenly anticipated soccer facility upgrades in Ballarat has taken another big step forward.

The upgraded Pleasant Street Reserve was officially opened in recent days, the culmination of a collaboration with the City of Ballarat and the State Government.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson and Chief Executive Officer, Evan King were joined by Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP and Ballarat Soccer Club president Lucy Brennan to officially open the new facilities.

The project included a complete resurfacing of the two pitches and the club’s training area, upgrades to drainage and irrigation, installation of new fencing, new grass turf and new coaches’ boxes. The project received $667,219 from the City of Ballarat Recreation Services budget as part of its capital program pipeline and $500,000 from the State Government’s 2021-2022 World Game Facilities Fund.

New lighting and changerooms were previously completed in 2021, contributing to a significant upgrade of the entire facility. It follows the recent opening of soccer facilities at the Wendouree West Recreation Reserve and the Victoria Park Community Sports Pavilion earlier this year.

The venue is home to the Ballarat Soccer Club, which boasts more than 300 registered players and 25 teams, and will be available to host other users during the soccer off-season.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the resurfacing project had transformed the reserve to an elite standard.

“The works that have been done here have lifted this facility into something the Ballarat Soccer Club and the broader community can treasure,” he said.

“I really do believe we have some of the best sporting facilities in Australia and our substantial investment in recent years is continuing to reap its rewards.

“We know how important good infrastructure is to promote physical activity among our residents and I’ve already seen how much of a difference this update has made.

“We highly value our relationship with the State Government and are pleased to be able to partner with them on such worthy projects.”

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said the upgraded facilities would be of huge benefit to the community.  

“Support for soccer has erupted since the Matildas success at the World Cup.  I’m thrilled we are upgrading facilities locally to encourage more participants to play football and enjoy the world game,” she said.  

“Upgrading these facilities in Pleasant Street mean that our community can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that come from leading an active lifestyle and participating in sport and recreation.”  

Ballarat Soccer Club president Lucy Brennan said the upgrades had provided the perfect end to the 2023 Ballarat District Soccer Association season.

“Ballarat Soccer Club is thrilled with the upgrades that have been completed,” she said.

“Whilst there is still a little bit of work to be done, the outcome has been amazing and the time that we had to utilise these facilities at the end of the 2023 season was enjoyed by players and parents. No mud to clean off was a nice touch they hadn’t experienced before.”

Over two upcoming weekends in November, Ballarat will be home to the regional edition of the much-loved Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.  

The Ballarat Unlocked program will see some of the region’s best chefs in some of the city’s most historical buildings.  

The festival is all about collaboration and unlocking spaces not commonly used for dining. Starting on 10 November 2023, the festival will showcase eight unique hospitality events.  

City of Ballarat Councillor Samantha McIntosh said Ballarat’s food and wine scene continues to evolve.  

“We have some excellent hospitality offerings, with acclaimed chefs and producers, making Ballarat a great place to be a foodie,” she said.  

The flagship event, the World’s Longest Lunch, will be held outside The Goods Shed Ballarat on Saturday, 11 November. Making its Ballarat debut, the three-hour lunch will seat 150 in the forecourt of the historic bluestone building.  

The lunch will be hosted by Ballarat’s very own MasterChef and toastie extraordinaire Tim Bone and will feature local produce from 1816 Bakehouse, Saltbush Kitchen, Inglenook Dairy, Mushroom Connection, Salt Kitchen Charcuterie and others.  

Award-winning chef Konstantin Putkin will oversee the delicious long lunch and guests will be able to enjoy refreshments from Ballarat’s newest distillery and bar, Itinerant Spirits.  

Local foodies are being invited to get along, continue the festivities, and join Renard’s Gin De Soif, only a short walk away for a cocktail takeover from local producers, such as Red Duck Brewery, Kilderkin Distillery and more. Local live music will set the scene, and canapes will complement the gins. 

Ballarat’s biggest celebration for children is coming back and promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Children’s Week 2023 returns from 23-28 October and will this year be expanded to offer more opportunities for families and young children to be involved throughout the week.

Children’s Week is celebrated nationally and recognises the skills, talents, achievements and rights of children.

The 2023 theme is “children have the right to relax, play and to take part in activities they enjoy”, which is drawn from a simplified version of Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.  

This year, there will be multiple free events held at various City of Ballarat venues including Parent Place, Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, Ballarat Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, and the libraries.

The events will include craft sessions, interactive story times and physical activities. All activities are family friendly and aimed at children aged 0-5 years with some activities available for primary school aged children as well.  

A particular highlight will be an intergenerational playgroup at the Robert Clarke Centre in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens on Tuesday 24 October, designed to be similar to ABC television series ‘Old People’s Home For Four-Year-Olds’. The event will be held in conjunction with the Senior’s Festival, which is running throughout October.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson encouraged anybody with young children to attend.

“The City of Ballarat is a signatory to the Child Friendly Cities and Communities Charter, and we have a strong commitment to listening to children and creating opportunities for children to participate,” he said.

“Our Municipal Early Years Plan 2022–2026 highlights the importance of listening to children and we will be consulting with children at all events throughout the week.

“The events held across the week are all free of charge and at locations that are accessible for everyone. There are a range of activities to suit different interests and we aim to provide inclusive, engaging activities.”

Public Order Response Team (PORT) officers apprehended two monkey bike riders who were causing havoc in the vicinity of Camms Road in Cranbourne earlier this week.

On Monday port officers were patrolling the area, actively looking for them after multiple Triple zero calls.

Officers spotted the riders after they stalled the motorbike and motorised bicycle on Camms Road around 7.45pm.

Upon seeing police, the riders ran with police following closely behind in a foot chase.

An 18-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy, both from Cranbourne, were apprehended at the intersection of Camms Road and Narre Warren Road in Cranbourne.

The bikes were impounded at a cost of $1038 and both riders are expected to be charged on summons with unlicensed driving, own/use unregistered motor vehicle, fail to wear helmet and drive an unroadworthy vehicle.

Applications are now open for the 2023-24 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – backed by up to $5 million from the Victorian Budget 2023-24.

The Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas last week announced the new funding round opportunity.

The fund helps communities plan and develop sport and recreation facilities through three funding streams by providing up to $300,000 for Community Facilities, up to $250,000 for Community Sports
Lighting, and up to $40,000 for Planning.

All Victorian councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria are eligible to apply for funds towards a range of
community sports infrastructure and active recreation developments including court lighting upgrades, skate parks, planning projects and more to benefit local clubs and communities.

The Victorian Budget 2023-24 is providing more than $213 million to deliver new and improved
community sport infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local
sports clubs and organisations.

Interested clubs were advised to contact their local council to help with the application process. For
more information or to apply online by visiting the sport.vic.gov.au site.
Member for Macedon , Mary-Anne Thomas: “Sport and active recreation are the heart and soul of Macedon. Unfortunately, many clubs and communities are struggling with run down facilities.”
“I urge councils and sporting organisations to partner and apply for projects that will make a real
difference to the lives of Victorians.”

Women across Macedon have spent the past week sampling some new sports as part of VicHealth’s This Girl Can Week that wound up on Sunday.
Building on the highly successful This Girl Can campaign, the week featured a range of fun, free (or low-cost) activities designed to welcome beginners, and those curious to try something new.
There are a wide range of fun, free or low-cost activities hosted by gyms and sports clubs
across the state, tailored to women and girls who want to get active but aren’t sure about
how to take the first step.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas said the beginner-friendly events were fun,
inclusive and ideal for women who want to move more but aren’t sure about how to take the
first step.
“This Girl Can Week is about supporting women to get back into exercise – whether that’s re-
joining a sports team, going for a walk with a friend or giving something completely new a
try,” Ms Thomas said.
“It’s about giving something a go and discovering again how good being active can make you
feel.”
“I encourage women and girls to check out the fantastic, beginner-friendly events happening
in our local area or join in online and show that in Macedon this girl definitely can!”
VicHealth’s Head of This Girl Can – Victoria, Rebecca Ahern said This Girl Can Week is about
creating more opportunities for women to enjoy movement amongst the busyness of life.
“This Girl Can is an uplifting, energetic and empowering campaign which speaks directly to
everyday women juggling work, family and trying to find time for self-care,” Ms Ahern said.
“We know how tricky it can be for women – especially mums – to prioritise their own physical
activity while caring for others. Five minutes is better than no minutes, whether it’s chasing
the kids around the park or walking around the block, I encourage all women to make time
for themselves during This Girl Can Week.”
“There’s no judgement if you haven’t exercised in a while or ever! All that matters is that you
give it a go and find what feels good for you.”
Ms Ahern said this year there are more opportunities than ever before to join in and it doesn’t
matter where you live.

Daylesford Primary School is among 47 finalists newly announced for the 2023 Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

The awards celebrate those who work to improve schools and help students achieve their best with inspirational teachers, principals, business managers, support staff and schools recognised for the valuable work they do.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas last week congratulated teacher Andrew Vella from the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School and Daylesford Primary School after both were named among the finalists.
The 15 individual and team award categories include outstanding principal (primary and secondary), outstanding teacher (primary and secondary), outstanding business manager, outstanding, provision for high-ability students (primary and secondary) outstanding education support and outstanding Koorie education.

The Victorian Education Excellence Awards support the continued professional development of staff, with professional learning grants of $20,000 available for each individual award and $25,000 for each team award.
One category winner will also receive the esteemed Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education, which offers a further professional learning grant of $20,000. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday, 27 October 2023.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “We’re making Victoria the Education State for students no matter where they live. Local kids in Macedon are getting the direct benefits, with inspirational teachers and schools creating meaningful learning opportunities to help our students shine.”

Creswick ward councillor Don Henderson has received a 15-year service award for his outstanding contribution to Hepburn Shire at the Municipal Association of Victoria Annual Conference Gala Dinner last week.

Cr Don Henderson is the longest serving councillor since Hepburn Shire was formed in 1995.  

“It has been an honour to serve the community in the Creswick ward since being elected in 2008. Apart from my 15 years as a councillor, I have also served two terms as mayor,” Cr Henderson said. 

“I have always regarded myself as a councillor for the whole shire, and also the region. My time on council has been a great opportunity to contribute to and empower our community. I have been made to feel welcome and a part of the extended family of many residents,” he said. 

“Some may say that being a councillor is a thankless job, but I have not experienced that at all, in fact the opposite. I have enjoyed the great diversity of opinion and ideas that I have found in staff, fellow councillors and the community.” 

Mayor Cr Brian Hood said the dedication shown by Cr Don Henderson during his time as an elected councillor was commendable.  

“Being re-elected to a fourth term as the Creswick ward councillor is a testament to his popularity and commitment to the community,” said Cr Hood. 

“Cr Henderson is passionate about helping his community thrive and ensuring his leadership leaves a positive legacy for the shire today and into the future. We sincerely thank him for his service over these 15 years.”