Words: Eve Lamb

This Saturday offers a unique chance to get the lowdown on sustainable house kits as the Woodend library hosts a free information event.

The Sustainable House Kits: Show and Tell event will allow anyone interested in the topic to Learn about the library’s new Sustainable House Kits.

Happening from 11am-11.45am this Saturday, March 4, it’s also a chance to find out how being energy efficient can save you money and help our planet.

Sue Barker from the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group will help attendees learn how increasing the energy efficiency of their homes can make them more comfortable, cheaper to run and better for the planet.

Organisers say it’s a great chance to find out how the library’s new Sustainable House Kits work and how to reserve one for use in your own home.

While the event is free to attend bookings are required and can be made via the library’s website.

Ticketed events are now on sale for the award-winning Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, returning in April with an exciting line-up of activities across the region.

The festival took out top spot in the Festivals & Events category at the 2023 Victorian Tourism Awards.

It’s an annual celebration of the Ranges’ vibrant food, wine, arts and culture scene in addition to the beautiful gardens and autumn leaves the area is famous for at this time of year.

Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death encouraged both locals and visitors to start planning their itineraries and discover something new to taste, see or experience.

“We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to the shire’s diversity of local wares, the producers behind them and our natural surroundings,” she said.

“The Autumn Festival puts the spotlight on all of these.

”An exciting new addition to the festival in 2023 are the Autumn Tipple Trails including theTipple Train Trail designed for visitors to be able to leave the car at home, jump on the train and explore a range of local bars within walking distance to train stations.”

Adding to the fun is the Tarts and Tipples Passport, which encourages festival-goers to taste their way through the region and collect stickers along the way, allowing them to enter a competition to win an amazing Macedon Ranges getaway.

Passports will be available at all participating venues and can be printed from the Autumn Festival website.

Meet AgVic’s newest apiary officer, Karla Williams.

Based in Wodonga, Karla’s role in the AgVic apiary team includes supporting Victorian beekeeping and pollination industries and working closely with them to protect against diseases and pest such as Varroa mite. 

Karla was the Tasmanian Bee Biosecurity Officer, assisting beekeepers with management of endemic pests and diseases.

She also coordinated Tasmania’s exotic bee and bee pest surveillance and trained local beekeepers to test hives at ports for exotic pests.

The depth of knowledge and experience Karla has gained from working at Biosecurity Tasmania and the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC) at La Trobe University, is now expected to be a valuable asset in the AgVic team.

Australia’s nastiest nans can’t wait to pull their balls out for you – apparently!

That’s their bingo balls we’re talking about here as Edith Vale and Maureen McGillicuddy get set to host Granny Bingo at the Palais in Hepburn Springs as part of ChillOut fest.

The two naughty nans have been hosting their hilarious bingo night Granny Bingo for seven sold out years.

They say there’s nothing quite like a visit from nana, and these nanas are like none you’ve ever met before.

Those who make it to Granny Bingo at the Palais on Thursday March 9 can expect an evening of big laughs, fabulous prizes and plenty of audience interaction.

But a word of warning – make sure you’re on your best behaviour because you don’t want to get on the wrong side of these nans.

Sport will unite Victoria’s first responders as they put their skills and athleticism to the ultimate test.

Almost 3000 participants from 28 agencies will swap their radios and hi-vis gear for goggles and rackets for this year’s Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games.

The event kicks off on 27 March and will run for a week across metropolitan and regional locations.

The annual event provides emergency services workers and volunteers the chance to come together outside of work and engage in some friendly sporting competition.

It’s also an ideal outlet to promote mental health and physical wellbeing which is especially important for emergency servicers workers.

There will be a game, match or race for everybody with almost 50 different sports on offer.

Sports on offer include cricket, cross country, rowing, rock climbing, tennis and running.

Sailing has been added for the first time and AFL 9s is returning after several years on the sidelines.

The stakes are particularly high this year with reigning champions Corrections Victoria competing for its fourth consecutive trophy.

Victoria Police and its emergency services partners are today joining together to officially launch the games.

Emergency services workers and volunteers wanting to find out further information or register can visit the emergency service games website.

Victoria Police Games Federation president, Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent: “Most times we interact with our emergency services partners is at a critical incident where lives are on the line.

“This event is one of the few occasions where we can come together each year and strengthen that unique bond in a positive and fun environment.

“Emergency services workers dedicate their lives to helping others in need. It’s an incredibly selfless role.

“These games give them the chance to break away from that grind, come together as a team and prioritise their own physical and mental wellbeing.

“While we work as a team each day to protect the community, I’m looking forward to seeing some fierce and friendly competition this year.”

Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested two teens after they were caught allegedly trying to steal a Mercedes in Yarraville early last Monday February 20.

A couple woke to the sound of their dog barking in their Cranbrook Street address about 1.25am.

They logged into their security camera feed and watched as two males allegedly entered their garage and tried to get into their car.

After being unable to get into the locked car or door leading into the house, they left the address on foot.

The pair called Triple Zero (000) and police quickly attended the scene.

Patrols were conducted of the surrounding area when two male youths were seen running down nearby Fogarty Avenue.

After a short foot chase, a 17-year-old from Thomastown and 15-year-old from Mernda were both arrested.

They are expected to be charged with aggravated burglary.

Investigations into reports of several other attempted break-ins in the area remain under investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 r via the Crime Stoppers online website.

The Police Air Wing last week located a man who went missing while camping at Cambarville in the Yarra Ranges.

The 49-year-old went dirt bike riding with two friends when he became separated from his mates near Frenchmans Spur Track last Monday February 20.

He rode around trying to locate them or their campsite for several hours until he eventually ran out of fuel.

With intermittent phone reception, he managed to get in contact with his friends but wasn’t able to make his way back to them.

It was when he started to have a medical episode that he called Triple Zero (000) for assistance about 10.10pm on Monday evening February 20.

Using the Mitcham man’s GPS location on his phone, the police Air Wing was deployed to try and locate him.

The camper lit a fire to attract the attention of the rescue helicopter, who spotted the man about 1.30am on Tuesday morning February 21.

The chopper was able to manoeuvre into a small clearing and rescue the man.

He was taken to hospital to be treated for dehydration and observation.

The Palais at Hepburn Springs taps its inner big hair persona next Saturday March 4 when it hosts The Dolly Parton Experience with Vanesssa and the Jealous Guys.

In the 1960s, she was the Nashville “girl singer” with the big, blonde hair. In the 1970s and 1980s, she was a country-turned-pop superstar. Today, she’s a business woman, philanthropist and global icon.

Common among all these versions of Dolly Parton are her incredible gifts as singer, songwriter and musician.

Vanessa and the Jealous Guys bring their 8-piece band show – The Dolly Parton Experience – to the Palais-Hepburn to celebrate the music of one of popular music’s greatest talents.

Vanessa Wawruszak is a Melbourne-based singer. In her spare time she drives trains and listens to Merle Haggard.

The Jealous Guys – more commonly known as James Ellis and the Jealous Guys – are a Victorian-based country and honky band. They have released two albums of original music: It Ain’t Texas (But It Ain’t Bad) and Country Lion, the first of which won The Age Music Victoria Award – Best Country Album in 2018. They are regulars in Melbourne’s honky tonk live music scene and at country music festivals around Australia.

Detectives have this month arrested 40 people and issued 129 charges following a week-long operation across Geelong targeting illicit firearms, drug trafficking and persons of interest with a propensity for violence.

During the course of the second week in February, police swarmed properties across the Geelong region, including in Geelong, Lara, Corio, and Norlane.

As part of the operation, Local Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) and Divisional Response Unit (DRU) detectives were joined by a range of specialist police, including Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce, which targets outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs), organised crime gangs and street gangs. State Highway Patrol were also involved.

Police conducted 53 Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPO) searches, nine drug warrants, and five search warrants between 6 and 10 February, with local Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Club (OMCG) members among those targeted.

Throughout the operation, police seized approximately:

• Prohibited weapons, including imitation firearms and tasers

• 15 grams of methylamphetamine, with an estimated worth of $5250

• 20 grams of cannabis with an estimated worth of $500

• Two grams of heroin with an estimated worth of $700

• 1000 Xanax tablets, with an estimated worth of $15,000

• Two grams of MDMA with an estimated worth of $400

• 100ml of 1,4 Butanediol with an estimated worth of $2000

Among those arrested were:

• Two members of the Rebels OMCG were arrested on Tuesday 7 February by officers from the VIPER Taskforce and Geelong CIU in relation to an alleged serious assault outside an adult entertainment venue in Geelong on December 16, 2022. Police executed a search warrant at a Lara property, seizing an imitation firearm, ammunition, steroids, and stolen numberplates.

A 33-year-old Lara man was arrested and charged with assault resulting in serious injury, possess imitation firearm, handle stolen goods, and possess drug of dependence (steroids). He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on 8 May 2023.

Police also arrested a 28-year-old man in relation to this matter after conducting a FPO search at his address in Lara. The man was interviewed and released pending further enquiries regarding serious assault.

On Monday 6 February, police executed a drug warrant at a Geelong address, where they allegedly located five grams of methylamphetamine and 1,4 Butanediol. A 35-year-old woman from Geelong was arrested and charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, possess methylamphetamine and cannabis, possess proceeds of crime and handle stolen goods. The woman was remanded to appear at the Geelong Magistrates Court on 6 March 2023.

On Tuesday 7 February, police conducted a FPO search at a property in Norlane and arrested four people including:

o A 48-year-old man who is expected to be charged with possess prohibit weapon (three tasers). He was released pending summons.

o A 38-year-old man charged with possess imitation firearm. He was remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates on 7 February 2023.

o A 26-year-old woman charged with numerous thefts, handling stolen goods, and assault police. She was remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on 15 February 2023.

As part of the operation, members from State Highway Patrol also targeted serious and organised crime entities on Geelong roads.

This led to four vehicles being impounded, four people found driving on a suspended licence, one drug driver detection, two defect notices being issued, and one offender processed for evading police.

Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued over 1788 FPOs across the state.

Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report via the Crime Stoppers online website.

Detective Senior Sergeant Leigh Howse, VIPER Taskforce: “This operation is a timely reminder that VIPER can and will deploy anywhere in the state to support police in the regions.

“If you’re involved in organised crime and think regional Victoria is a safe haven, think again. Local police and specialist units such as VIPER will come knocking on your door uninvited and make it as difficult as possible for you to commit criminal activity.”

Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives, with the assistance of the Farm Crime Coordination Unit are investigating the theft of approximately 700 sheep in Logan.

It is believed that 197 Merino ewes with purple ear tags and 493 white Suffolk Merino Cross lambs with red ear tags were stolen from a farm on Gowar-Logan Road, between 21 October and 1 February.

The missing Merino sheep are valued at approximately $139,000 and were in full wool at the time of the theft.

Investigators believe that the stock may have been transported interstate.

To transport such a large number of livestock, investigators believe the offenders would have needed to use at least two four-decker trucks if the thefts occurred on one occasion.

It is thought that the offenders would have also needed to utilise a significant amount of portable fencing, as well as sheep dogs to round up the livestock.

Property owners did not notice the sheep missing from the property until 1 February, as the last full stock count occurred on 21 October 2022.

Police were notified as soon as the missing sheep were noticed.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report via the Crime Stoppers website online.

Detectives from the Homicide Squad have charged two people following the death of a man in Dimboola last month.

On 3 February, a 54-year-old Dimboola man was arrested and was subsequently charged with murder.

This morning, a 42-year-old Dimboola woman was arrested and she has also been charged with murder.

The woman has been remanded in custody and was to appear at Horsham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday February 16.

The man was remanded in custody to face Horsham Magistrates’ Court on 19 July.

The charges follow an incident where the body of a 71-year-old Dimboola man was located deceased at his Victoria Street property on 23 January.

New research led by scientists at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has shown that future increases in the strength of El Niño may accelerate the irreversible melting of ice shelves and ice sheets in Antarctica. 

The results, published in Nature Climate Change, used climate models to show how an increase in the variability of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) leads to reduced warming near the surface, but accelerated warming of deeper ocean waters.

ENSO is a key driver of climate variability, as both its warm phase, El Niño, and its colder phase, La Niña, influence weather conditions around the world, including in Australia.

Wenju Cai, lead author of this study and global expert on the relationship between climate change and ENSO, said the research was a critical step in further understanding how Antarctica will be affected by climate change.

“Climate change is expected to increase the magnitude of ENSO, making both El Niño and La Niña stronger,” Dr Cai said.

“This new research shows that stronger El Niño may speed up warming of deep waters in the Antarctic shelf, making ice shelves and ice sheets melt faster.

“Our modelling also revealed that warming around the edges of floating sea ice is slowed during this process, slowing down the melting of sea ice near the surface.

“Models with increased ENSO variability show a reduced upwelling of deeper, warmer waters, leading to slower warming of the ocean surface,” he said.

The associated winds around Antarctica are the mechanism driving this result. 

Police have charged a 15-year-old boy following the alleged theft of a food delivery driver’s car in Cranbourne earlier this month.

The driver left their vehicle running while delivering some food to a Tucker Street address about 12.15am. on Wednesday February 15.

An opportunistic thief has come across the car, allegedly jumping behind the wheel and driving off, police later reported.

Police conducted patrols of the area and located the stolen vehicle, which was monitored overhead by the Air Wing as it reached alleged speeds of 150km/h.

Stop-sticks were deployed in Lynbrook, successfully puncturing two tyres.

A short time later the vehicle was dumped in Caversham Street, Lynbrook and the alleged driver fled on foot.

Members from Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol chased down the fleeing thief and he was taken into custody.

The Cranbourne East teen has been charged with a range of offences including theft of motor vehicle, unlicensed driving and speed dangerous.

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

Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged six youths after a car was allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary in Mount Martha late last week.

Patrolling officers came across the stolen BMW on Main Street in Mornington shortly before midnight on Friday, 17 February.

Police attempted to intercept the vehicle however the driver allegedly sped off.

The police Air Wing tracked the BMW overhead as it reached alleged speeds of up to 220km/h on Peninsula Link.

Units on the ground were guided to Kirkwood Avenue in Seaford where the vehicle had been abandoned.

All of the occupants allegedly fled the scene on foot, jumped fences and climbed onto the roof of nearby residences.

With the assistance of the Air Wing, all six male youths were arrested a short time later and have now been charged:

– a 16-year-old from Doveton

– a 16-year-old from Clyde

– a 15-year-old from McCrae

– a 16-year-old from Frankston North

– a 15-year-old from Pakenham

– a 16-year-old from Berwick

All were charged with a range of offences including theft of motor vehicle, theft from motor vehicle and bail offences.

They will all appear at a children’s court at a later date.

The BMW was allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary at a Mount Martha address sometime between midnight and 4.40am on Friday, 17 February.

Growers and producers in Hepburn Shire and the Central Highlands region are being invited to enter their business details for free registration on a new online hub.

The new Central Highlands Growers Collective aims to help boost business, and support growers and producers to connect with each other and with customers.

“This is one of the outcomes of our three-year Artisan Agriculture Project, which aims to assist our local agriculture sector to navigate operational challenges and thrive into the future,” said Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Brian Hood.

“Businesses of all sizes can sign up to the Collective, but especially small-scale producers. If their produce is grown in our soil or produced in the Central Highlands region we invite them to sign up,” he said.

Lisa Allwood from Audrey’s Flowers at Musk Vale encouraged other producers and growers to join.

“Being part of the Central Highlands Growers Collective helps growers feel part of something bigger. Small scale farming is often a solo pursuit so feeling connected to other growers is a real positive. The Collective will help us to share knowledge and promote our local products to a wider audience,” said Lisa.

The Central Highlands region encompasses over 14,600 square kilometres and stretches along the Great Dividing Range from The Grampians in the west to the Lerderderg State Park in the east and from the Golden Plains in the south to The Pyrenees in the north. It includes Hepburn, Moorabool, Ararat, Pyrenees, Ballarat and Golden Plains areas.

The region supports a range of cropping, livestock and boutique growers and producers of a diverse and growing range of produce.

“For this hub to be successful we need local producers and growers to join the platform – it’s free and already profiles some wonderful local producers,” said Cr Hood.

Visit the hub and register your business at the Central Highlands Growers Collective.