Progress towards a new purpose-built regional animal facility in Ballarat is a step closer with tender documents released calling for a project architect.

The documents released on Monday 18 September 2023, outline the requirement for the facility to provide best practice animal management services and modern facilities that meet industry requirements, along with the ability to provide enough accommodation capacity to service the current and future demand of animals across the region.

Each year, the Ballarat Animal Shelter cares for more than 2000 lost, surrendered, abandoned, or mistreated domestic animals and livestock from across our region, offering care for pets displaced by bushfire and other emergencies.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson praised the hardworking Ballarat Animal Shelter staff.  

“A new facility will lead to major advances in care and an increase in capacity and will ensure these animals will be looked after in a modern, fully compliant facility,” he said.  

“This will be a state-of-the-art facility providing safe, secure and appropriate housing and services for the animals in not just our municipality, but support for our neighbouring shires as well.

“It means improvements such as separate areas for cats and dogs, more time outside for animals housed in the facility and better infection control.”

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.

Acting Minister for Agriculture Harriet Shing said the welfare of Victoria’s animals remains a priority of the Victorian Government.

“Ballarat is one of the fastest growing cities in regional Victoria. This new facility will ensure the increasing number of pets continue to receive the care they need, including reuniting lost animals with owners and accepting surrendered animals for rehoming,” she said.  

“We recognise the important role pets play in the lives of the growing community in Ballarat and its surrounds – which is why we invested $11.5 million to fund the animal shelter in Ballarat.”

The new Animal Facility will be located on City of Ballarat land located at Yarramie Court in Mitchell Park.  

Tenders for the architectural design of the Animal Facility close on 12 October 2023 and the City of Ballarat anticipates the successful architect will be awarded in late 2023.  

Cr Hudson said a purpose-built animal facility is incredibly important for the city.

“We know this project is of major importance to the people of Ballarat. We saw 94 per cent of responses from a survey conducted in 2021 rank a new regional animal shelter as a high priority,” he said.

“This will be the biggest improvement in animal welfare in the Ballarat region in more than 100 years and another demonstration that the City of Ballarat is committed to delivering a better Ballarat.” 

The CFA has developed new resources to support industry and commercial business owners to be fire safe.

The six Building Essential Fire Safety Measures Factsheets cover the requirements for and use of portable firefighting equipment including extinguishers, hose reels and fire blankets.

They also include information specific to building owner occupiers about their legal obligations in keeping people safe from fire including the installation of fire detection and alarm systems, fire doors, emergency lighting and fire hydrants.

The Building Essential Fire Safety Measures Factsheets can be downloaded and printed from the CFA website.

“CFA’s Community Infrastructure team provides prevention, awareness and education programs to support industry with fire safety advice and works closely with industry and industry bodies to reduce both the likelihood and severity of fire and other emergencies,” Head of Community Infrastructure Andrew Andreou said.

“These fact sheets build on our suite of education tools designed to promote fire-safe industries which includes a variety of industry training opportunities, online training programs and guidelines that identify and provide recommendations for reducing fire risk.”

Locals are being invited to help shape a Biodiversity Strategy to better manage and restore the natural environment across the Ballarat region.

For the next month, those interested can can get involved in the conversation about how to improve the health of the area’s natural environment.

The City of Ballarat, in partnership with and alongside the Country Plans of the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners, has developed a Ballarat Biodiversity Conversation Kit to help guide conversations among family, friends, community groups or colleagues. 

A group of students and youth will also participate in a Young People’s Forum on 21 October to review the community’s feedback, identify priority areas and discuss ways that local youth can improve the health and variety of our ecosystems.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said this is an important community consultation designed to look at how the community can care for and restore a healthy environment.

“The Conversation Kit is designed to get you thinking about the environment, both the good and the bad, to share and hear those ideas with your peers, and to capture those views in a manner that we can best act on them,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to get involved and share your views to make sure that we take the right steps to improve the health of our environment.”

A range of community conversations with Traditional Owners, City of Ballarat Councillors and staff, and with key land and water authorities about the natural environment and how to better manage it, will take place over the next few weeks.

To get involved:
•    Visit https://mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/biodiversity-strategy and download the Ballarat Biodiversity Conversation Kit
•    Follow the conversation plan and capture your conversation using the provided template
•    Email photos of your template to sustainableenvironment@ballarat.vic.gov.au or provide feedback at https://mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/biodiversity-strategy by 5pm, Sunday 15 October 
•    To register interest for the Youth Forum event in October, visit sustainablenvironment@ballarat.vic.gov.au

Feedback provided will help to inform a Draft Biodiversity Strategy, which is expected to go before the council for consideration later this year.

The federal MP for Ballarat Catherine King earlier this month launched the recently-formed Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils, in Creswick.

The alliance is made up of mayors and CEOs from Hepburn Shire, City of Ballarat, Pyrenees Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Moorabool Shire and Central Goldfields Shire.

This regional group of councils is expected to be a collective voice for the region and advocate on common issues such as transport, housing and digital connectivity.

The Hepburn Shire issued a media release stating that it was “proud and excited to be part of the GBAC, as there is a greater ability to influence important State and Federal Government decision-making in a partnership”.

Ballarat has taken out the coveted silver accolade at the Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards for the first time.  

Crowned the worthy silver recipient at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra in recent days Ballarat outshone other finalists from across the country.

The annual awards, which are presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council, recognise Australian towns that create an exceptional experience for visitors through a commitment to collaboration and showcase the economic impact tourism brings to regional Australia.

The award follows Ballarat being crowned the 2023 Victorian Top Tourism Town in July, and also in 2021.  

Ballarat edged out Caloundra in a tough field, validating the great experience that the region offers to all visitors.  

The Australian Top Tourism Town finalists were:  

• Caloundra, Queensland
• Devonport, Tasmania  
• Katherine, Northern Territory  
• Mandurah, Western Australia (Winner)  
• Newcastle NSW  
• Victor Harbour, South Australia

The Australian Top Tourism Town Awards highlight the value of tourism to the diverse range of cities and regions across Australia.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson and Director of Economy and Experience Martin Darcy were at Parliament House to accept the accolade.  

Cr Hudson said this accolade was “proof Ballarat really is the greatest city in Australia”.  

“There are so many amazing regional destinations across Australia to visit, but Ballarat has something for everyone, with easy proximity to Melbourne,” he said.  

“Rich in history dating back tens of thousands of years, our evolving culture has shaped the Ballarat of today. From our natural wonders and thriving creative culture to the flavoursome dishes served up by the city’s talented chefs, there’s no shortage of enriching experiences to unlock. 

“If you need further reason to visit, then pop Ballarat Unlocked in your calendars. We’ve recently partnered with the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival for this 10-day celebration in November to showcase the region’s best chefs in some of the city’s most historic buildings. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and we’ll see you soon.” 

Detectives from Ballarat arrested a woman in the Ballarat suburb f Soldiers Hill last Wednesday September 13 and seized a commercial quantity of drugs as part of an ongoing investigation.

Criminal Investigation Unit detectives along with officers from the Division Response Unit executed a warrant at a Havelock Street property on Wednesday 13 September about 1pm.

A search uncovered a quantity of alleged 1, 4 Butanediol, believed to have been imported from China, an alleged stolen offroad trailer and annex and two reverse cycle air conditioning units still in boxes.

Enquiries have revealed the air conditioning units were allegedly stolen during a burglary in Castlemaine.

Police last week reported that the 32-year-old woman had been charged with several offences including:

• traffick commercial quantity of 1,4 Butanediol

• possess prohibited weapon

• handle stolen goods (x2)

The Soldiers Hill woman had been remanded in custody to appear before Ballarat Magistrates’ Court last Thursday 14 September.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have been determined as the cause of a significant house fire in Lalor last Tuesday, destroying a bedroom and causing extensive damage to the roof and other areas of the house.

The fire was sparked by an overheated rechargeable lithium-ion battery that was used to power model toys bought online from overseas suppliers.

The blaze has prompted Victoria’s fire service and energy regulator to issue a fresh warning about rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, urging Victorians to take care of the products.

Firefighters arrived at the Judith Court home at 11am, finding a bedroom and the roof of the property fully alight.

Thankfully, the two occupants had escaped the house before crews arrived, after unsuccessfully attempting to extinguish the fire themselves.

It took around 20 firefighters just under 40 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman AFSM said the incident was a timely reminder about why Victorians needed to take precautions when using and charging rechargeable batteries.

“Victoria’s fire services are responding to at least one substantial lithium-ion battery fire each week, and this trend is only expected to increase.

“Lithium-ion batteries are found in all kinds of rechargeable products, from e-bikes to laptops and, in this case, model toys.

“As more of these products make their way into our homes, it is important that people understand how to minimise the fire risks they pose.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said when lithium-ion batteries are damaged, misused or fail to meet compliance standards, they pose a serious fire risk, particularly while they are connected to chargers.

“Stop using or charging the product if you notice strong odours, extreme heat, change in shape, leaking or hissing and popping sounds, as these are indicators the product may catch alight,” he said.

Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said people should avoid ‘aftermarket’, recycled or modified batteries or those not made by the original manufacturer.

“Only purchase rechargeable batteries that meet Australian Standards,” she said. “Many available from online vendors do not. Don’t take shortcuts to save some money.”

Detectives from the Fugitive Squad are continuing to appeal for public assistance as part of their search for escapee Daniel Briffa.

The 50-year-old was last seen shortly after 10.45am on Tuesday, 5 September at a convenience store on the corner of Gillies and Sturt streets in the Ballarat suburb of Alfredton.

On CCTV footage from the store, Briffa is seen wearing a black jacket, loose fitting dark tracksuit pants, white runners and a white face mask.

He purchased a number of items and was last seen leaving the store and heading towards Sturt Street.

A significant search for Briffa has been underway since he left a correctional centre in Trawalla earlier this month.

The search and investigation is being led by the Fugitive Squad with assistance from local police.

It’s believed Briffa left the correctional centre by unknown means some time between 6pm and 9pm on 4 September.

He was in the process of serving a term of imprisonment for drug, theft and traffic related offences.

Briffa is approximately 170cm tall, of solid build, short brown curly hair, a full beard and moustache. He also has tattoos on his lower legs.

He was last seen wearing a forest green tracksuit but may have been able to obtain different clothes since his escape.

Briffa is previously known to have frequented the Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Tarneit areas and police urge anyone in those areas to keep a look out for him.

Police are again releasing an image of Briffa as well as CCTV images from the last known sighting in Alfredton in the hope someone recognises him and can provide information on his current whereabouts.

They are also appealing to Briffa to hand himself in at any local police station.

He is not believed be violent however members of the public are advised not to approach Briffa if he is sighted, but to contact triple zero (000) immediately.

Those with other information that may be able to assist police find Briffa should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via the Crime Stoppers online website.

As Victoria’s weather begins to warm and we edge closer to an earlier fire season, the CFA’s message to those in high-risk bushfire areas is clear – prepare your property.

Victoria can expect a warmer spring, contributing to higher fire risk in parts of the state this season, according to the latest Spring Seasonal Outlook.

There are a number of simple tasks people can complete to reduce their risk this season, and now is the time to start taking action.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said CFA crews right across the state are making every effort to prepare for this year’s fire season, but they need a collective community effort to reduce bushfire risk.

“Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world, so it’s vital for everyone to plan ahead,” he said.

“All it takes is some basic maintenance such as clearing your gutters, picking up loose leaves and twigs, pruning tree branches so they aren’t overhanging the roof of your property, or even just keeping your lawn under 10cm tall.

“High rainfall and moisture levels over the past 12 months will have led to vegetation growth on private properties, so it’s important to maintain your property through spring and into fire season.”

Chief Officer Heffernan also encouraged everyone to sit down with their family or household to discuss and practise their bushfire survival plan together.

“CFA has all the information you need on our website to create a clear bushfire plan with your loved ones,” he said.

“If you already have one, blow the dust off it and go over it with your family. Practising your bushfire survival plan could save your family’s life.”

Victorians can learn more about how to prepare their property at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare, and for more about bushfire survival plan, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan.

Take the following actions to prepare yourself and your property:

• Move your winter woodpile away from the house or sheds.
• Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls.
• Clear your gutters.
• Keep grass shorter than 10cm.
• Remove leaves and twigs from around your property.
• Test anything that is part of your fire plan such as sprinklers, pumps and generators.
• The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify, or call ESTA on 1800 688 511.
• Make sure your household has a Bushfire Survival Plan. Find out how at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan.

The Hepburn Shire Council is encouraging its residents to complete a survey on how they travel around the shire and to provide their own ideas for improving local transport options.

The work is part of the council’s strategic planning project Future Hepburn, and input will help to inform the development of a ten-year Integrated Transport Strategy. 

“We know that transport is a major issue in our Shire. Good transport is critical to liveability, both for Shire residents and the thousands of visitors who come to our Shire each year,” said Mayor, Cr Brian Hood.

The council’s Integrated Transport Strategy seeks to ensure that the most vulnerable users of transport are prioritised. It will cover recreational needs such as walking and cycling trails and will help to shape the council’s priorities and actions through the annual road works program and lobbying for further support from other levels of government.

“Our survey on transport is now open and we need to hear from the community. We want to understand how people get around the Shire, any transport modes that people would like to use but don’t, barriers to accessing transport, improvement ideas and more,” said Cr Hood.

“Our Transport Discussion Paper outlines the current transport needs and challenges facing our Shire, along with suggestions on how these may be addressed. Issues include public safety, footpaths and trails of varying condition, limited public transport network, signage, parking and more,” he said.

“Currently, car travel is the main method of movement around the Shire, resulting in emissions and high transport costs for households in an area with an older population with relatively low income.”

Those interested are being invited to complete a survey by Sunday 22 October at Participate Hepburn.

“Your feedback will help to inform the draft Integrated Transport Strategy, which will be released for public review in early 2024,” said Cr Hood.

Police have been investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal car crash in Lyonville last Saturday evening, September 16.

It is believed a vehicle was travelling along Daylesford-Trentham Road when the driver lost control and crashed into a tree just after 5pm.

The male driver and sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene and had still to be formally identified when police released a report on the incident over the weekend.

The circumstances surrounding the crash had yet to be established and the investigation was ongoing, police reported.

Anyone with dashcam footage or information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report via the Crime Stoppers online website.

Families can expect to reel in a big catch these school holidays, with more than 35,000
catchable rainbow trout stocked into lakes across Victoria, thanks to a state program.

The school holiday stocking program forms part of a record-breaking fish stocking effort funded by the Labor Government’s $96 million package to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture – supported by recreational fishing licence fees.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas said fish stocked into our local lakes would encourage families to make lasting memories in the great outdoors and get kids hooked on a new hobby.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has stocked more than 26 million fish in the past three years to ensure fishing is great all year round.
More than 80 Family Fishing Lakes, most of which were also stocked ahead of the mid-year school holidays, will share in the good times with trout grown at the VFA’s Snobs Creek hatchery near Eildon.
Budding anglers can begin their fishing journey at family-friendly waters – many of which boast access for fishers of all abilities including platforms or pontoons, walking tracks, playgrounds and other facilities like barbecues.
The stocked rainbow trout are ideal for newcomers as they take a variety of widely available baits like worms or PowerBait.
There’s more fishing fun these school holidays, with rainbow trout stocked for everyone at the following locations:

• Glenlyon Dam in Glenlyon with 200 stocked
• Hanging Rock Lake in Woodend with 350 stocked
• Jubilee Lake in Daylesford with 200 stocked
• Walter J Smith Reserved in Riddells Creek with 200 stocked
  
  

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Hepburn Shire Council Community Awards.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that each year Council’s Community Awards recognise local citizens and groups who make a significant contribution to our community.

“Community Awards are a great way to recognise those in our community who bring about positive change and make valuable contributions to the wellbeing of the broader community.  Anyone can nominate a citizen or community group for an award,” said Cr Hood.   

The council is seeking nominations in the following categories:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Event of the Year.

Last year’s winners were John Drife (Citizen of the Year), Atticus Punt-Trethewey (Young Citizen of the Year) and The Great Dividing Trail Association Reconciliation Walks (Event of the Year).

Council announces the awards during a Civic Event on 25 January each year.  Nominations will close at 5pm on 20 October 2023.

For more information or to make a nomination, visit the council’s website.

The Mount Alexander Shire Council says it’s seeking six passionate community members to join the council’s inaugural Public Art Advisory Panel and guide the development of a new public art program.

Artists, curators, architects, developers, planners and heritage consultants who have experience in commissioning and delivering public art are encouraged to apply.

The panel will represent the community’s aspirations and advise on public art opportunities and proposals.

We strongly encourage applications from First Peoples, people living with a disability, culturally or linguistically diverse groups, and LGBTQIA+ community.

Those keen to find out more are being invited to contact m.mcclelland@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5471 1812.

Agricultural Shows Australia has announced the finalists in the National Merino Sheep Young Judges Championship.

Australia’s most promising judges of Merino sheep have been announced by Agricultural Shows Australia as eligible to compete in the national finals of the prestigious annual competition to be judged next month.

The National Merino Sheep Young Judges Championship will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 12. Agricultural Shows Australia will issue a press release to announce the results as soon as they are announced.

The competition brings together the best young judges and paraders aged from 15 to 25 in each state to compete at the national finals. Qualification is via success in competitive regional and state competitions. One young Merino judge from South Australia, Cody Jones, will be competing in an unprecedented four events; meat sheep breeds, Merino fleece, Merino sheep, and poultry.

The national championships are held in a different location each year. This year, the event is being hosted by Tasmanian Ag Shows and held at the Launceston Royal Show. The Merin Sheep Young Judges competition is sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation. The winner of each competition will also take home a pair of boots from Blundstone Australia. 

QUEENSLAND

James Hillier, 31, from St George will be representing Queensland in the Merino sheep young judges competition. 

“I got into judging only about two years ago through my fiancée’s family who own a stud and I love it. Winning the Queensland title at Cunnamulla, her family’s hometown, was a real highlight for me. I’m excited to represent Queensland next month and see if I can get over my fear of public speaking,” James said. 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 

Cody Jones, 19, from Leighton (pictured below) will be representing South Australia in the Merino sheep young judges competition. Cody is the first person to compete at the national level in four competitions. A woolbroker at Quality Wool, he is looking forward to ticking off a personal bucket list goal. 

“It’s definitely been on the bucket list to, not only go to Launceston, but to compete at the nationals. The goal is to try and do my best to represent South Australia to the best of my abilities in all four events,” Cody said. 

TASMANIA

Sym Hood, 20, from Longford will be representing Tasmania in the Merino sheep young judges competition. 

“My parents got me two sheep when I was seven and I’ve been sheep crazy ever since. I’ve always had pointers from my father and also everywhere I’ve worked, and I guess it’s one of those things if you’re passionate about something you always seem to get good at it. I’m looking forward to bringing home the win for Tasmania,” Sym said. 

NEW SOUTH WALES

Lindsay Brown, 22, from Armidale (pictured below) will be representing New South Wales in the Merino sheep young judges competition. 

“I’ve been involved in junior judging since high school and building towards winning at Sydney for a few years so that was amazing, but the biggest thing I’ve gained is public speaking skills and the confidence to help me refine where I want to go in the sheep and wool space. Being given the opportunity to compete at this elite level in another state is an honour. The result will take care of itself but I’m just grateful to be a part of it and learn so much along the way,” he said.

VICTORIA 

Zoe Wilson, 20, from Ouyen (above at right) will be representing Victoria in the Merino sheep young judges competition. 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 

Tamara Keens, 18, from Wembley will be representing Western Australia in the Merino sheep young judges competition. 

THE COMPETITIONS

Overall there are nine categories for judging and parading each year under the Agricultural Shows Australia national competition program: beef cattle, dairy cattle, alpaca, poultry, Merino sheep, meat breed sheep and Merino fleece judging, as well as parading competitions in beef and dairy cattle.

The main goal of the Merino sheep young judges competition is for competitors to explain why they have placed the animals in the order chosen by comparing the animals in pairs.

Dr. Rob Wilson is chairman of Agricultural Shows Australia, the peak body overseeing 572 agricultural shows in Australia which attract six million visitors annually and contribute nearly $1billion to the national economy, and says the competition is designed to recognise the best new talent in livestock judging nationwide.

“It’s an extremely prestigious event and positions at the nationals are keenly contested,” Dr. Wilson explains.

“These young people are the future of agricultural show competitions which are crucial to the continual improvement of Australia’s food and fibre. The national competition is a coveted opportunity to grow personally and professionally by practising skills against the cream of the crop.”