Agriculture Victoria’s soil moisture monitoring project is providing real-time soil water content data to Victoria’s farmers with the use of underground probes.

Monitoring sites have been set up in cropping regions throughout the state by Agriculture Victoria.

The sites record soil water content at one source point from 30 centimetres (cm) down to one metre as a reference point for a paddock.

Local primary producers are being invited to check out the Soil Moisture Monitoring newsletter reports the most recent intel gathered, the latest is now available HERE

Agriculture Victoria veterinary officers and pathologists have recently run a series of animal disease investigation courses for private veterinarians in four locations across Victoria.

These annual courses aim to increase veterinarians’ skills identify suspect emergency animal diseases and collect the right samples to support laboratory diagnosis.

This is critical to support early detection of an emergency animal diseases such as Foot and mouth disease or Lumpy skin disease.

These courses are financially supported by the cattle, sheep, goat, and pig compensation funds.

The courses cover a range of topics including disease investigation, field epidemiology, biosecurity, and advanced post-mortem techniques.

Due to the nature of their work, veterinarians are regularly exposed to diseases that can be passed between animals and humans, also known as zoonotic diseases.

During the course, participating veterinarians were set a quiz to create a list of zoonotic diseases of cattle found in Australia.

Words: Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Agriculture Victoria

Agriculture Victoria’s Horsham SmartFarm is hosting a third set of Indian researchers as part of a long-running higher education agri-science exchange program.

Drs Arun Kumar Attkan, Ganesh Upadhyay and Rajesh Kumar Arya from the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU) in Hisar, north-western India, are currently here collaborating on a raft of bilaterally beneficial projects.

Agriculture Victoria, Plant Phenomics Research Leader, DrSurya Kant is delighted to be supervising the latest recipients from Haryana University.

‘This is a wonderful opportunity for Agriculture Victoria to collaborate with the largest agricultural university in India and foster ongoing research ties while exposing their researchers to our cutting- edge technology and infrastructure.

‘Haryana has a similar climate to the Wimmera so the knowledge that our organisations are sharing on crop research and development is completely transposable.’

‘It’s great to welcome three of their talented academic scientists to work with our research teams on exciting projects in speed breeding, digital phenotyping, image sensing and crop production automation,’ said Dr Kant.

Victorians across the state are invited to celebrate excellence in the adult and community
education sector, with nominations now open for the 17th Annual Victorian Learn Local
Awards – which are backed by the state government.

Parliamentary Secretary for Training and Skills Nina Taylor officially opened award
nominations in recent days, encouraging people to nominate Victorians whose personal stories
illustrate the life-changing impact of adult and community education.
Categories at this year’s event celebrate trainers, leaders, learners, and Learn Local programs
– including the Ro Allen Award for Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for study and life).
The prize pool totals $84,000, with organisation award category winners each receiving
$10,000, individual category winners receiving $5,000 and all category finalists receiving
$1,000.
Last year, Felimon Asel from Prace received the Victorian pre-accredited Learner (Skills for
Work) Award. A leader and education advocate in Melbourne’s Sudanese community,
Felimon learnt crucial English language skills through Prace’s English certificate programs
before enrolling in Prace’s Civil Construction Labourer course.
Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council’s Conversation and Reading Café classes were
awarded a Learn Local Innovation Award for helping to lead the sector. Danielle Hren, who
pioneered the program, was awarded the prestigious Learn Local Leadership Award, in
recognition of her work with asylum seekers and refugees.
These awards are annually presented by the Adult, Community and Further Education Board,
which plans and promotes community adult education in Victoria.
More than 240 Learn Local providers across Victoria offer unique, community-based learning
to almost 30,000 people each year, with a focus on supporting learners with their individual
needs.
Learn Local providers are suited to adult learners of all ages who are looking to develop their
digital, literacy, numeracy and employability skills for study, work and life. To explore the
categories and make a nomination, visit vic.gov.au/learn-local-awards.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:“ I encourage the community to nominate their friends and family members, whose lives have been changed by adult education and I thank our local providers for their hard work across the sector.”
Acting ACFE Board Chair John Maddock: “My Board colleagues and I are very keen that the sector receives the recognition it so deserves by celebrating our outstanding Learn Local leaders, trainers, programs, partnerships and learners that will be showcased at this year’s gala ceremony

THE winners of the inaugural Telstra Macedon Ranges Community Choice Awards 2023 have been
announced, as support continues to be provided to local businesses tendering for work with the Macedon Rangees Council, the council says.
Following an amazing response to the first-time awards, 78 local businesses were nominated by
residents and visitors who felt they went above and beyond in displaying excellent customer service.
From those nominees, the winners of this year’s awards as decided by public vote were:
 Riddells Creek Nursery (Riddells Creek) – Agribusiness and Primary Production
Sponsored by Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Associations
 Zenkai – Complete Recovery of Health (Woodend) – Health and Wellbeing
Sponsored by Macedon Ranges Shire Council
 Fook Shing (Kyneton) – Hospitality and Accommodation
Sponsored by Macedon Ranges Industry Groups
 Laser Blanks (Romsey) – Retail and Service
Sponsored by Telstra
 Magnum Signs (New Gisborne) – Trades and Manufacturing
Sponsored by nbn Local
Mayor Cr Annette Death (pictured above) said it was great to give the community a chance to shine the spotlight on their
favourite local businesses.
“Given the new format of these awards, we were really pleased by the number of nominations and the
positive response we’ve had in general,” she said.
“We hope this gets the word out about businesses in the region that are doing great things –
congratulations to all of the winners and nominees.”
The new Community Choice Awards reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to support local
businesses in alternating annually with the Business Excellence Awards, which will return next year.
Following a successful tendering and procurement session earlier in the year, Council will be hosting
another session on 12 July, where local businesses can learn more about Council’s procurement
process and how best to apply for tenders.
The council contracts totalling more than $12 million have been awarded to local businesses over the past
four years, with locals also among an additional $33 million worth of contracts budgeted for, such as
those on supply panels.
“It’s important we empower local businesses to better position themselves for these opportunities, as
they give so much back to our local economy and provide local jobs,” Mayor Death said.

The Romsey Ecotherapy Park has taken out the Park of The Year title at Parks and Leisure Australia’s
2023 VIC/TAS Regional Awards of Excellence.
The award recognises well designed and managed new or significantly revitalised parks or open
spaces and best practice in design and management. Romsey Ecotherapy Park was awarded for its
innovative design and strong community collaboration.
The park is the culmination of a 14-year community-led initiative by Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc.
which, in collaboration with Council, set out to create a regionally significant place to enhance health
and wellbeing for all ages and abilities.
Through extensive community consultation, a plan was created for an innovative nature-based space
for passive recreation, incorporating visual cultural elements, unique sensory and therapeutic
opportunities and capacity for open-air performances and events.
The park officially opened in October 2022 and features a climbing forest, ropes course, flying fox,
water features, a sensory garden, a ‘woodland ramble’ and an events space with picnic and BBQ
facilities. Adding to the innovative design are numerous sculptural installations highlighting the talent
of local artists and a special ‘Story Telling Chair’.
The design also includes sustainable features such as solar lighting to illuminate pathways and
recycled and locally sourced materials. Existing trees were retained during construction, and more
than 4000 native and exotic plants were added with an emphasis on texture, scent and floral display
as well as resilience and low water usage.
Mayor Annette Death said the project was a great example of how Council and the community can
work together to achieve a positive outcome.
“The park has become a wonderful feature in the community, where children can play and everyone
can gather and enjoy the surrounds,” she said. “It’s strengthening community connections while
providing a unique open space for recreational activities.”
“I want to again acknowledge the hard work and commitment of Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc. and
the Romsey community, who were fundamental in helping this amazing project come to fruition.”
The park was designed by ACLA Consultants, built by Commercialscapes and made possible through
the support of various contributors including Council, Regional Development Victoria (Victorian
Government), the Australian Government, Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc., Lancefield Romsey
Community Bank (Bendigo Bank) and Freemasons Foundation Victoria.
As a VIC/TAS Region winner, the Romsey Ecotherapy Park will contend for the National Park of the
Year award in October 2023.

Some innovative local youth-led events and activities are on the cards in coming months with a several successful Victorian Youth Fest grant recipients in Macedon Ranges Shire announced among those set to share in over $200,000 total state funding.

Victorian Youth Fest is a month-long celebration in September, which provides grants of up to $2,000
to eligible organisations to host events, led by and for young people aged between 12 and 25. It
provides opportunities to showcase talents, grow networks and to connect with peers.
Successful recipients in the Macedon Ranges include:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council: Art Space
Part activation, part exhibition, Art Space is a concept connecting young people in the Macedon
Ranges through the unique tapestry of rural life – focusing on challenging societal bias and stereotypes
of youth mental health. An art exhibition, workshops and an interactive live art event will be delivered
in the first week of the term three school holidays. The program will be shaped by youth leaders
involved in the Macedon Ranges Live4Life Program.
Woodend Neighbourhood House: Woodend x Level-Up
Woodend Neighbourhood House will provide an inclusive youth-focused event in partnership with
Macedon Ranges Shire Council youth team and Level-Up Gaming Events during Youth Fest 2023 to
bring young people between the ages of 12-25 together. The event will use gaming activities to help
break down stigma associated with social isolation.
Applications supporting regional and rural events, and underrepresented community groups were
prioritised through the Youth Fest program.
Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon: “We’re so proud to support local young people in the Macedon Ranges to lead the design and delivery of events and activitiesthat meet their needs, showcase their talents and create important community connections with their peers.

Daylesford Transfer Station will host a trial Assistance Day on Thursday 22 June between 9am and 5pm, which will include providing extra assistance to residents to unload items for the tip shop, recycling or landfill.   

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said Council is hosting this trial in response to community feedback that some residents require extra assistance on site to deal with their waste.  

“The trial Assistance Day will allow us to give residents the extra help they may need to unload their recycling or rubbish. Residents may have a bulky item that someone can help them load up at their end, and we will have extra staff on hand at the Daylesford Transfer Station to ensure they can smoothly and safely get the items into the correct location.”  

“We want to ensure everyone has access to our Transfer Station facilities and this day allows us to look at how we might continue to offer accessible services for everyone in the community,” said Cr Hood. 

The trial is being conducted in Daylesford as this site deals with the largest volume of waste.  If successful, Council will look at how it could be replicated in other parts of the Shire.

Disability Advisory Committee member, Darren Manning, said “I’m so pleased that Council is hosting this Assistance Day.  It gives people who are usually unable to use the Transfer Station the opportunity to do so. The extra help at the transfer station end means people with mobility issues or disability have the extra help they need.  It’s a great initiative.”  

Community members with their own tipper utility will also have a safe site for tipping.  

All assistance provided will be at the discretion of staff, but as a guide, items must be able to be lifted shoulder high by two people and must not be longer than 1.5m (5ft) or weigh more than 40kg.  

Normal charges and transfer station rules apply, and only domestic loads (less than two cubic metres) will be accepted.  No bookings required.

The Hepburn Shire Council has released its draft Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan which aims to help address the many challenges of meeting housing needs in the shire. 

Development of the draft strategy and action plan was informed by community input over the last eight months via surveys, submissions, webinars, community pop-up sessions and a solutions forum.  

“While most factors that drive housing affordability are outside the direct control of local government, we have identified 25 actions that may help to create the right conditions for more affordable housing in the Shire,” said Mayor Brian Hood. 

“We’re inviting the community to review the draft strategy and action plan, tell us what they like and what else we should consider,” said Cr Hood.  

Each action falls within one of four themes:  

• Community and partnerships 
• Advocacy 

• Land use planning and regulation 
• Incentives and investment. 

The actions related to community and partnerships include establishing a Housing Working Group to guide implementation of the strategy and action plan, encouraging property owners to provide long-term affordable rental accommodation, investigating co-operatives to build and manage housing, and looking into options for affordable retirement living options or public private partnerships. 

Cr Hood said advocating to state and federal governments will be key for improving housing affordability in the Shire.  

“We will be advocating for more social housing and emergency accommodation, encouraging regulatory changes to promote long-term rentals over short-term accommodation, and also campaigning for updates to the Victorian planning scheme to include mandatory affordable housing contributions,” said Cr Hood. 

Key actions relating to land use planning and regulation include updating planning processes to reduce timeframes and improve customer experience, investigating amendments to the planning scheme to facilitate secondary dwellings and relocatable dwellings, and encouraging housing diversity including smaller, less costly dwellings. 

“In terms of incentives and investment Council will be investigating which sites would be suitable for alternative forms of housing such as moveable dwellings, communal housing and tiny houses. We’ll also investigate financial incentives to encourage increased provision of affordable housing, such as reduced rates for affordable housing providers and/or privately owned long-term affordable rental properties, within the constraints of Council’s financial resources,” said Cr Hood. 

“A lack of affordable housing is affecting people on lower incomes but also people in key jobs that we need to support our services and local businesses like hospitality, tourism, farm workers, nurses and other carers,” said Cr Hood. 

“I encourage the community to review our draft strategy and action plan and let us know what they think,” he said. 

Those keen to have some input are being encouraged to complete the survey at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/affordable-housing by midnight on Sunday 9 July 2023.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has announced the appointment of builder Monaco Hickey to complete the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct’s first stage in New Gisborne, with work to recommence this month.
The council has been working collaboratively with administrators and potential contractors behind the
scenes on a resolution following the announcement of Lloyd Group going into voluntary administration
and works pausing in late March.
Council’s CEO Bernie O’Sullivan (pictured above) said securing the priority project’s future given the difficult
circumstances was very welcome and minimises the impact on the project’s momentum.
“It is very pleasing to announce this appointment, and we have ensured that we’ve completed the
necessary due diligence,” he said.
“As part of the agreement, the contractor has agreed to re-engage existing subcontractors and site
staff wherever possible. This was an important consideration for Council, knowing there were a
number of local companies and workers on the books previously.
“We’ll continue to work productively with all key stakeholders – including Monaco Hickey, the Victorian
Government, Melbourne Water, AFL Victoria, the Primary User Reference Group and the community
more broadly – to progress what will be such an important recreational addition for the shire.”
Melbourne-based Monaco Hickey is a division of wholly Australian-owned business Roberts Co.
Roberts Co is a national tier-one construction company that delivers major projects in many sectors
including commercial, health, education, hospitality and residential.
Work on stage one of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct began last year, with significant
progress made since, including site setup, drainage, utility connections, building foundations,
earthworks on the new oval and structural works on the sports hub.
The ~$26 million first stage consists of a three-court sports hub, a natural turf oval and sports pavilion,
passive recreation facilities, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
Stage one of the project is targeted for completion by mid-2024. For more information and project
updates, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/MRRSP

BOREALIS, the light show and immersive experience, is set to return to Lake Daylesford from 20 July with sessions every Thursday to Sunday evening until October.

“BOREALIS delivered significant economic benefit to our Shire last year, with more than 35,000 people attending across the season,” said Mayor of Hepburn Shire, Cr Brian Hood.

“It is estimated this brought an economic benefit of more than $6 million to our Shire, which was incredibly welcome as the economy sought to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. 

BOREALIS is presented by Andrew Kay and Associates, in partnership with Gluttony, supported by the Victorian Government, Council and Daylesford Macedon Tourism. Andrew Kay acknowledged the support of the many organisations working together for a second season.  

“We acknowledge and appreciate the support of Hepburn Shire Council and Daylesford Macedon Tourism in facilitating the return of Borealis to Lake Daylesford. The magic and awe of Borealis is elevated in darkness and surrounded by nature. With its own unique natural beauty, we couldn’t think of a more perfect setting than Lake Daylesford to recreate this spectacular effect,” said Andrew Kay AM.

“Add to the mix, Daylesford’s progressive dining scene, multiple wellness experiences and its amazing collection of quality accommodation offerings, and you have all the ingredients for a truly magical weekend away,” he said.

Winter Sounds is also returning to Hepburn Shire from 17 to 20 August. After completely selling out last year Winter Sounds 2023 will see performances by artists, including Tex Perkins, Jen Cloher, Adalita, Mo’Ju, Gareth Liddiard and many more, take place within the historic churches, grand town halls and villages of Dja Dja Wurrung country.

This year the program will include an event at the Clunes Town Hall. Tickets are on sale on line.  

Words in Winter, an annual literary and arts festival, is also returning across the region and the program is set to be released shortly. This will take place from 25 to 27 August.

Cr Brian Hood said that events like these help contribute to making the Shire a wonderful place to live and visit.

“These events build community spirit and are so important for our local businesses and community, particularly over the cooler winter months,” said Cr Hood. 

“We encourage visitors to stay for the weekend and experience a feast of art and culture, explore the many offerings around the region or simply relax,” he said.

“Hepburn Shire really is the premier regional Victoria events destination. We look forward to welcoming visitors throughout winter and beyond.”

Central Highlands Water has reduced its environmental footprint by using solar to power its water and wastewater treatment plants, the local water manager says.
Since their installation in 2020, CHW solar arrays have generated enough electricity to
power 995 average households for a year. Electricity is generated from 6,336 solar panels at
5 of CHW’s water and wastewater treatment plants.
General Manager Infrastructure Planning and Operations, Paul Donohue, said, “The solar
arrays are generating around 40% of the power needed for 2 major treatment plants, making
our plants more energy efficient as part of our approach to a more sustainable future.”
“During 2022, 2,575 tonnes of carbon were avoided from grid electricity. The solar facilities
produced 3,029,000 kwh of electricity last year and through solar generation, 8,688 tonnes
of carbon (CO2) emissions have been avoided,” said Mr Donohue.
“Our commitment to customers over the next 5 years is that 100% electricity will come from
renewable sources by 2025. We will reduce total emissions by 55% by 2028 and be net-zero
by 2035,” he said.
This project is underpinned by CHW’s 2040 Strategy – setting our future ambition for the
region and outlining our vision of fostering sustainable living, thriving communities, and a
healthy environment.
The Victorian Government’s Statement of Obligations (Emission Reduction) commits the
water industry to sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources and achieving
net-zero emissions by 2035.
“We are striving to meet our zero emissions target earlier than 2035. We will achieve this
through energy efficiencies and sourcing 100% renewable energy, electrifying our corporate
fleet and reducing methane from wastewater treatment,” Mr Donohue said.
Victoria’s water sector is leading the way, being the first in Australia to commit to net-zero
emissions by 2035.

With a pro music career spanning 47 years, Kevin Borich has pretty much done it all – and this Saturday night, June 17, he does it again at the Palais in Hepburn Springs.

Beginning with the La-De-Ds’s in New Zealand, writing the classic hit ‘Gonna See My Baby Tonight’, to his Kevin Borich Express and The Party Boys, Kevin has performed at some of the biggest rock events Australia has seen.

To name a few.. Sunbury Festivals – the Rockarenas in the 70’s with crowds of 60,000 people, featuring Fleetwood Mac, The Little River Band and Santana.

He’s also done support shows for international acts including Elton John Status Quo, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy and Peter Framton – to name a few. This Saturday’s Palais gig is scheduled to get started from 7pm.

The state government says it’s backing Victoria’s hard-working apprentices, helping to
ease cost of living pressures by making vehicle registration free for eligible apprentices from
next month.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne last week visited
the Kangan Institute in Broadmeadows to meet apprentices who will be eligible for free
vehicle registration from 1 July, saving them up to $865 every year.

The $10 million initiative is being delivered in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to put more
money back in Victorian apprentices’ pockets – and will provide free registration to
apprentices like carpenters, joiners, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians and chefs if their
employer can verify that their vehicle is an essential part of their work.
The initiative adds to a number of measures the Labor Government has already introduced
to ease financial pressure for trainees and apprentices across the state.
Apprentices who need their car for work are already entitled to a 50 per cent discount on
their vehicle’s registration fee as part of the Labor Government’s Trade Apprentice
Registration Discount scheme – with over 12,000 apprentices and trainees currently taking
advantage of the discount.
The scheme wasintroduced in 2016 to reduce costsfor trade apprentices needing to use their
own vehicle for work purposes, and expanded to border communities earlier in the year –
giving apprentices who live in Victoria but work in New South Wales and South Australia the
same savings as those who live and work in Victoria.
The Government has also made car registration more budget-friendly by introducing shortterm registration, allowing Victorian families to split the cost of rego fees into smaller
payments.
Learner and probationary licences and online testing are now also free, while drivers who
have not incurred demerit points or committed road safety offences in the three years prior
to their licence expiring benefit from the reintroduction of a 25 per cent discount on their
licence renewal.
Eligible apprentices can apply for the free vehicle registration via the myVicRoads portal on
the VicRoads website.