Police have charged a man following reports of two fires in Wantirna South bushland during the week.

Emergency services responded to two grass fires in the vicinity of Pumps Lane and Axford Road about 9pm on Monday night, April 14.

Swift responding officers arrived on scene and allegedly caught sight of a man trying to put one of the fires out with his shirt.

An attempt was made to arrest the man, who allegedly refused to follow police direction, resulting in two officers sustaining minor injuries.

The man was arrested.

Investigators allege that one of the fires was more than 100 square meters in size.

A 32-year-old man of no fixed abode was charged with light bushfire during a fire danger period.

He was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Some of the world’s best cyclists will roll into Ballarat as part of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour next summer, in a major boost for the region’s businesses and visitor economy. 

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos this week announced The 2026 Tour backed by the state’s Regional Events Fund, is expected to draw fans from across the country to watch the races.

As part of the five stages of the event, the peloton will ride through both Ballarat CBD and the surrounding regions, showcasing spectacular sites and scenery to fans around the world. 

In a win for the city’s hotels, cafes and restaurants – the men and women’s race has been secured for two years, with riders to be based in Ballarat before riding through surrounding shires during the race.

The Tour was first held in Victoria in 1952, with the Labor Government partnering with NewsCorp to bring it back for the first time since 2020.

The first stage will begin just three days after the conclusion of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, creating a two-week festival of cycling in regional Victoria. 

Fans will also have front row seats to the Gran Fondo World Championships in October, meaning Victoria is now home to three world-class cycling races. 

The Tour builds on a huge pipeline of regional events coming up across the state, including the Western Bulldogs’ two AFL games and one AFLW game in Ballarat, the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach and the Grampians Grape Escape in Halls Gap – all contributing to the Victoria’s record $40 billion visitor economy. 

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos: “It is great to bring this world-class event back to Ballarat, showcasing the region and boosting hotels, restaurants and cafes across the region in the process.””

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett: “Not only will the peloton ride through Ballarat, but they will also tackle different terrain across our region, showcasing the best of our communities and bringing the sport to more people.”

Healthy Loddon Campaspe (HLC) has announced that the online Active Living Census (ALC), one of the largest surveys to be conducted in the region will open on Monday May 26, 2025.

The first Active Living Census was conducted in Greater Bendigo in 2014. It was then expanded to the entire Loddon Campaspe region in 2019, receiving almost 25,000 responses, and is now returning in 2025 to once again gather valuable health and wellbeing data to help shape a healthier future for our community.

The 2025 ALC opens online for responses from Monday May 26, and will gather essential data on the health, wellbeing, and lifestyle choices of residents across the region.

It will cover a broad range of topics, including participation in organised sport and physical activity, consumption of fruit, vegetables, water, alcohol, sugary drinks, rates of overweight and obesity, smoking, gambling habits, levels of life satisfaction, and barriers to eating well and being physically active.

By collecting this valuable information, the ALC aims to provide a detailed snapshot of the health behaviours and needs of our communities. The findings from the Active Living Census help inform important decisions regarding investments, infrastructure, programs, and services.

In addition, the data collected will ensure that resources are allocated where they are most needed, with the goal of improving health outcomes across the region.

Healthy Loddon Campaspe Regional Steering Group Deputy Chair, Lincoln Fitzgerald said the Active Living Census is a vital tool that will assist community groups, government agencies, schools, and sporting clubs to make informed decisions and advocate for the health and wellbeing needs of our community

“It will also support local organisations to secure funding to create healthier environments and services for everyone. This survey is an opportunity for every resident to contribute to a healthier future for our community,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“The 2025 ALC will be conducted in May and June 2025, and Healthy Loddon Campaspe is encouraging all residents from the region to participate.”

Healthy Loddon Campaspe is a Victorian State Government-funded initiative aimed at improving health outcomes in the six local government areas of Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires.

Plastic pollution littering Australian coastlines has dropped by more than a third over the last decade, according to research by the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. 

Researchers surveyed inland, riverine, and coastal habitats across six metropolitan regions across Australia including Hobart in Tasmania, Newcastle in New South Wales, Perth in Western Australia, Port Augusta in South Australia, Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.  

Dr Denise Hardesty, Senior Research Scientist from CSIRO and co-author, said with up to 53 million metric tonnes of plastic waste estimated to enter aquatic ecosystems by 2030, it was heartening to see a significant decrease in plastic pollution on Australian beaches and coasts. 

“Three-quarters of the rubbish we find on our beaches is plastic, and flexible plastics, such as food packaging, are the most harmful to wildlife,” Dr Hardesty said. 

“Along with a 39 per cent reduction in plastic waste in coastal areas, we also saw a 16 per cent increase in areas we surveyed with no plastic debris at all. 

“Decreases of plastic pollution in the coastal environment were observed in Newcastle, Perth, and the Sunshine Coast, with increases in Hobart and Port Augusta.  

“Although there are still areas for concern, it’s exciting to see a significant decrease in plastic pollution as people around the country are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of plastic waste on people, communities and wildlife.” 

A total of 8383 debris items were recorded across 1907 surveys within a 100-kilometre radius of each city. 

Polystyrene (24 per cent) and cigarette butts (20 per cent) were the most found items, followed by food wrappers, bottle lids and caps. Plastic fragments were also commonly recorded.  

The most prevalent items in each region were: 

• Alice Springs: beverage cans 
• Hobart: beverage bottles 
• Newcastle: cigarette butts 
• Perth: cigarette butts 
• Port Augusta: food wrappers/labels 
• Sunshine Coast: cigarette butts 

Dr Steph Brodie, CSIRO Research Scientist and co-author, said the surveys help to identify debris hotspots, understand how land use influences debris in the environment, and how waste ends up on our coastlines.  

“We found that areas with intensive land use and socio-economically disadvantaged areas tended to have higher levels of debris,” Dr Brodie said. 

“Understanding the types and amount of plastic pollution in our environment provides critical data to develop strategies to stop it ending up there in the first place. 

“These results will help to inform waste management and can be used to evaluate and measure the effectiveness of plastic waste policies, practices and education campaigns to reduce debris in metropolitan regions.” 

The paper, “Drivers of environmental debris in metropolitan areas: a continental scale assessment,” published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, compares data from surveys conducted a decade ago and builds on previous work that showed a 29 per cent reduction in plastic waste across all of Australia.  

It is part of CSIRO’s research to end plastic waste, with a goal of an 80 per cent reduction in plastic waste entering the environment by 2030.  

This research received funding from the Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, with the comparable data from 2011-2014 funded by Shell Australia. 

Victoria’s Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas visited the Western Health Women’s Health Clinic this week to highlight the start of services at five locations and announce where the next five clinics will be delivered – part of a four-year plan to open 20 specialised clinics statewide.

The Sunshine clinic has begun improving access to outpatient gynaecologist appointments and medical abortion via specialised GPs, while care is also available to women at Central Highlands Rural Health (Kyneton).

At Eastern Health (Blackburn), Goulburn Valley Health (Shepparton), and Monash Health, the clinics are ramping up care, with the clinics fully operational by the middle of the year.

Ms Thomas says the next five clinics will provide better access to care for regional women – with clinics opening by the end of the year at Bendigo Health, Latrobe Regional Hospital (Traralgon), Mildura Base Hospital, Northeast Health (Wangaratta), and Southwest Health (Warrnambool).

The clinics are transforming how women receive healthcare – removing the barriers many face when trying to access specialist care by delivering more services closer to home.

Services are delivered by hardworking health professionals including gynecologists, urologists, specialist GPs, specialist nurses and allied health support – all under the one roof, for medical abortion, conditions including pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, prolapse and incontinence, contraception and menopause services.

The first five clinics began services last year at Barwon Health (Geelong), Grampians Health (Ballarat, Stawell and Horsham), Peninsula Health (Frankston), Northern Health (Epping), and Royal Women’s Hospital.

The clinics are part of the state government’s landmark $153 million women’s health package that is transforming the way care is delivered in Victoria – and includes a mobile women’s health clinic, Aboriginal-led clinic and virtual women’s health clinic.

The package has also expanded the sexual and reproductive health hub network to 20 locations, including 12 regional locations, increased access to laparoscopies for endometriosis and associated conditions and provided scholarships for more than 150 women’s specialists.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas: “For too long, women have not been heard when it comes to their health – it’s why we’re making sure every woman in Victoria can access free and comprehensive care, no matter where they live.”

“The third round of women’s health clinics will be a gamechanger for women in regional Victoria, making it easier for them to get the free specialist care they need, closer to home.”

Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos has announced the successful recipients of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024.

The grants of between $100,000 and $5 million will support new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects designed to attract more visitors to Victoria’s regions.

The announcement was made during the week at Sovereign Hill, which has received funding to deliver 22 new and 13 improved accommodation options to encourage day trippers to stay overnight, boosting local businesses.

Other projects to receive funding include the Snowy River Yacht Accommodation and Charter project in East Gippsland, delivering a luxury three-cabin sailing yacht for overnight and day trips on the Snowy River estuary.

There will also be five new mountain bike trails built at Mt Buller. Alpine Resorts Victoria will deliver nearly 10km of new single-track mountain bike trails that will improve connectivity through the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling trail network.

The Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 is part of the $170 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund to create more jobs, support our important tourism businesses and attract more visitors to experience all that is on offer across regional Victoria.

The Fund will help strengthen and grow Victoria’s tourism industry and is a key part of the Labor Government’s Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan that outlines five priority areas including First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink, and nature.

To see a complete list of the projects, visit tourism.vic.gov.au.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos: “Victoria has always been a great place to visit and explore – these grants will make regional Victoria even more enticing, which is great for local jobs and the economy. 

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle: “This investment will bring even more visitors to Sovereign Hill but also the region – creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison: “Ballarat has so much on offer for visitors and these grants will only strengthen that further giving our local businesses and tourism a boost.”

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett: “These grants will bring a boost to tourism in our region by upgrading accommodation and facilities and supporting our tourism industry to grow.”

The state government says it’s started significant works to unlock and restore contaminated and underutilised land to create new opportunities for regional communities in Ballarat and Bendigo.

At the former Ballarat Saleyards site, the search is underway for a contractor to carry out remediation and demolition works, following the completion of detailed site investigations. 

These works will pave the way for future redevelopment, enabling a new jobs precinct and more homes to be built in Ballarat in the future.

Local contractors are encouraged to participate in the open tender process, set to launch in early April. 

Detailed site investigations are also underway at the former mining site on Chum Street, Bendigo to inform future remediation and the healing of Country in partnership with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA). 

Healing Country on the land will deliver long-term benefits for the Traditional Owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung people, and the wider Bendigo community.

In a media statement issued last week the state government said Ballarat and Bendigo communities will be kept informed ahead of any planned site activities.

Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriett Shing:“These sites are well located and ripe for transformation – they’re another step towards creating new homes, precicnts and community assets in Ballarat and Bendigo, and supporting local jobs and growth.”

Bendigo West Maree Edwards: “We are getting on with redmediation and healing works at Chum Street to unlock potential for future development. 

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison: “The remediation of the former Ballarat Saleyards site is an exciting step toward unlocking its full potential and supporting Ballarat’s future growth.”

Coming up Saturday, April 26, Kingston resident and author, Barry Golding, will share stories about his compelling journey in southern Dja Dja Wurrung Country through the reference points of six iconic mountains in central Victoria.

The local academic and author will be speaking at Yandoit Cultural, the former historic church building, in an afternoon session that promises to share a wealth of local history knowledge going back deep in time.

The featured mountains are today called Mt Kooroocheang [near Smeaton], Mt Beckworth [near Clunes], Mt Greenock [near Talbot], Mt Tarrengower [near Maldon], Mt Alexander [near Castlemaine] and Mt Franklin [near Daylesford].

Six Peaks Speak is an interdisciplinary and intercultural story across time, cultures, contested histories and unsettled relationships, uniquely traversing First Nations and unsettler, history, geology, ecology, anthropology and reserve management.

Barry will focus on some of the lesser known legacies in his book associated with Lalkambuk /Mt Franklin, with reference also to Gurutjanga /Mt Kooroocheang  and Liyanganuk / Mt Alexander’ .

Rodney Carter, Dja Dja Wurrung Chief Executive Officer, says of the book: ‘The deep and painstaking research undertaken to bring this book together is significant and impressive. The narrative style, interweaving history of the locations with geology make this book unique, quite beautiful and accessible to a broader audience. It involves a discussion about deeply unsettling legacies, highly relevant today in Australia. It is indeed powerful and disquieting at the same time.’

When : Saturday April 26th, at 4pm

Where: at Yandoit Cultural- the old church in the bush, Uniting Church Rd, off High St, Yandoit

Cost:  Suggested donation- $10.00/8.00.

Bookings: https://yandoitcultural.org/bookings/

Police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred in Horsham last Thursday.

Emergency services responded after a mobility scooter and a Toyota Prado station wagon collided on Stawell Road about 4.05pm, last Thursday (April 10).

The rider of the mobility scooter, a 90-year-old Horsham man, sadly died at the scene.

The driver of the Toyota, a 18-year-old Horsham woman stopped at the scene and rendered assistance.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

For the current provisional lives lost tally see – https://www.police.vic.gov.au/road-safety

Westgate Alliance Taskforce officers have charged a teenager after a man was struck by his own car during an aggravated burglary in Tarneit last Thursday.

Investigators will allege a group of three offenders attended a residence on Cobalt Street and stole keys to two vehicles while the owners were sleeping about 3.20am on Thursday April 10.

The three people returned to the property and stole a red Audi coupe and a grey Mazda sedan about 7am.

A male occupant of the house heard the cars being started and attempted to stop the Audi from being driven away but was allegedly struck by the vehicle before the offenders continued to flee the scene.

The man sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators subsequently arrested a 16-year-old boy from the Wyndham area.

He has been charged with home invasion, theft of motor vehicle, conduct endangering life, commit indictable offences while on bail and unlicensed driving.

He was remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

Investigations remain ongoing in relation to the other people involved in the incident.

Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

The Malmsbury War Memorial Gates are among facilities set to benefit from state grants to upgrade fixtures honouring the service and sacrifice of Victoria’s veterans.

The state’s Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman in recent days announced the successful recipients of two grant programs funding local government, ex-service organisations and community groups to upgrade their facilities.

The Veterans Capital Works 2024-25 grant program is providing 26 recipients with a share in more than $780,000 to upgrade or develop facilities for veterans and their families.

Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch will use its grant to improve access, privacy and security for veterans. Works include soundproofing welfare offices for confidential consultations, installing a disability access ramp and adding CCTV at entry points to enhance safety for visitors and staff. 

Vasey RSL Care’s Geelong Veteran Renewal Initiative will revamp at least five ex-service accommodation units with its grant, ensuring fit-for-purpose homes for residents, supporting their wellbeing and independence.  

The Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour 2024-25 grant program is delivering 16 grants of up to $30,000, providing more than $320,000 to restore, preserve, and update war memorials, honour rolls, and avenues of honour. 

The heritage-listed Malmsbury War Memorial Gates will be restored with a grant to conserve the memorial built in 1922 in tribute to the “brave men who enlisted in the Great War 1914-1918”.

The Macedon Ranges memorial will have soldier names re-guilded, old paint and rust removed and works on the memorial railings and gate. 

The Victorian College of the Arts will restore its Honour Board along St Kilda Road which commemorates students who dedicated and lost their lives during World War I.

The board, featured in the Australian National Veterans Art Museum’s Veterans Public Arts Trail, is part of the world’s only walking trail dedicated to veteran-created art.

For a complete list of grant recipients and for more information, visit vic.gov.au/veterans-capital-works or vic.gov.au/restoring-community-war-memorials.

Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman: “These projects are a powerful way we’re preserving the unforgettable legacy of our veterans by improving the places where their stories are honoured and remembered.”

“By investing in community projects across the state, we’re paying tribute to our veterans and creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for future generations to gather and reflect on Victoria’s history.”

Infringement notices have been sent to Victorians who either didn’t respond to the Victorian Electoral Commission’s (VEC’s) request for an explanation or didn’t have a valid reason for failing to vote in the 2024 local council elections.

More than 530,000 Victorians were sent an ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ by the VEC in February and March. Of those, 15% have been excused for valid reasons.

People who did not respond to the ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’, or who did not provide a valid and sufficient excuse, will be issued an infringement of $99.

People who receive an infringement notice must respond within 35 days – by either paying the fine, requesting an internal review, or electing to go to court.

Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel is urging people who receive an infringement notice to take it seriously.

‘The most important thing is that you respond to the notice before the deadline – otherwise, you could be issued a penalty reminder notice, which carries the original penalty plus an additional administration fee,’ Mr Bluemmel said.

The VEC encourages non-voters who are unsure what to do, or require assistance throughout any stage of the infringements process, to call 1300 551 575 or visit vec.vic.gov.au/voting/fines-and-reviews

Voting in local council elections is compulsory for all enrolled voters in Victoria, and to make sure no one misses a future election, the VEC encourages Victorian voters to sign up for VoterAlert, the free SMS and email reminder service.

The service alerted 2.5 million Victorians about key election dates in last year’s local council elections.

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will officially end at 1am on Tuesday 22 April in the following municipalities within CFA’s District 17.

• West Wimmera Shire Council  

• Horsham Rural City Council  

As restrictions lift, the CFA is urging residents to remain fire-aware, as dry Autumnal conditions combined with strong winds can still lead to fast-moving grassfires.   

CFA District 17 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Eagle said low fire activity over the past few weeks and the cooler conditions has allowed fire restrictions to ease in the area. 

“Conditions are still dry, however fuel loads have been significantly reduced thanks to livestock and the breakdown of the crop and grass,” Chris said. 

“Despite the lifting of these restrictions we are urging residents to be extremely careful if they are planning to undertake private burn-offs and have appropriate resources on hand to contain it.  

“We haven’t had a lot of rain in the region, so it is important the proper precautions are taken before igniting any burns and the weather conditions are suitable.” 

To prevent unnecessary emergency callouts, landowners must register their private burn-offs. If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response and allow 000 call-takers to prioritise emergency calls.  

Burn-offs can be registered online at Fire Permits Victoria at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au. 

Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.  

Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant, as fire danger periods in other regions may still be active.  

Burn-off safety checklist  

• Check fire restrictions in your area and register your burn-off.  

• Monitor weather conditions, especially wind.   

• Notify neighbours to prevent unnecessary emergency calls.  

• Maintain a three-metre firebreak, clear of flammable materials.  

• Have enough equipment and water to contain the fire.   

• Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay until it is fully extinguished.  

• If your burn-off gets out of control, call 000 immediately. For tips on protecting your health from smoke, visit the EPA Victoria website.  

Dog owners in Kyneton and surrounds have a new facility to look forward to, with the Hurry Reserve (Kyneton Velodrome) designated dog off-leash area set for a much-needed upgrade.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has welcomed a recent announcement, from Victoria’s Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos, that a grant application of just over $99,000 was among 26 successful applications state-wide,through a $4.9 million second round of the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program.

The Hurry Reserve upgrade will create a safer, more accessible and more enjoyable space for both dogs and their owners.

It will be redesigned with designated areas for both active and quiet dogs through upgraded fencing and paths, alongside new shelters, seating, signage and more.

Mount Macedon Shire Council mayor Cr Dom Bonanno said the council would keep the community informed about planned improvements and designs, ensuring the area better suits local needs.

“We know how much our residents love their dogs, and this new park will give them a fantastic space to exercise, socialise, and have fun,” he said.

“This upgrade means that every dog and pup, whether they love to run or prefer a relaxed environment, will have a space that suits them.

“We thank the Victorian Government for helping us to make this upgrade a reality.

”The proposed upgrade aligns with community feedback on a desire for dog park improvements, and the council’s commitment to responsible pet ownership under its Domestic Animal Management Plan, a legislated four-year plan currently open for feedback to inform the specifics of its next iteration.

On the timing of the upgrades, our local furry friends are asked to please sit and stay for now as more information and firmer timelines will be provided as planning progresses, with completion expected by June 2026.

Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have in recent days arrested a man in relation to a series of deceptions involving a dating app.

Detectives had been investigating a number of incidents where an allegedly fraudulent online dating profile is created to lure people to a hotel room in Melbourne CBD.

It’s alleged the offender gains access to the victim’s identity documents which he uses to commit further fraudulent activity.

A 31-year-old Sydney man was arrested at a hotel on Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD last Friday morning (April 11).

He has been charged with multiple counts of obtain financial advantage by deception and attempted obtain financial advantage by deception.

He was required to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.