A 42-year-old driver was arrested after allegedly hitting a police officer while trying to avoid a breath-testing site at Bacchus Marsh last Sunday (Christmas) night.

As part of Operation Roadwise, Moorabool Highway Patrol members were running a random breath-testing site on “The Avenue of Honour” about 8.25pm.

They noticed the Ford Falcon ute stop short of the site to avoid the operation.

The vehicle then approached the site and was waved into a testing lane, when the driver has allegedly suddenly accelerated.

The police officer attempted to jump out of the road however his leg was struck as the vehicle was fleeing.

It’s alleged the vehicle travelled on the wrong side of the road at excessive speeds while driving from the site, causing numerous vehicles to take evasive action.

Officers conducted patrols of the area in attempt to locate the driver however they lost site of the vehicle.

A short time later, a member of the public reported a vehicle had driven into a paddock near Lord Street and became bogged.

The Wyndham Vale man was arrested at the scene where it was discovered he was driving while disqualified.

He underwent a breath-test, returning an alleged reading of .035 and also tested positive to methylamphetamine.

He was charged with 17 offences including disqualified driving, drink driving and endangering an emergency services worker with vehicle.

The struck police officer was lucky to escape with minor injuries.

Police are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with CCTV/dash cam footage that may have come across this vehicle, particularly along the “The Avenue of Honour” between the Western Freeway off-ramp between and Lord Street or along McGrath Street.

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

Two people were guided to safety by the Air Wing after their jet ski ran aground off Blind Bight, 55 km south-east of Melbourne, on Christmas evening.

The pair, a 47-year-old man from Mt Eliza and 39-year-old woman from Cheltenham, became stuck on a sandbar 400 metres off-shore about 6.20pm.

They spent hours trying free the bogged jet ski before giving up and calling emergency services for help shortly before 12.30am.

The Air Wing located the duo, who had managed to free the jet ski in the meantime.

From above, the rider was guided by the Air Wing through the pitch-black water and safely back to shore.

The pair attended hospital for assessment.

Castlemaine’s public library is hosting a unique free event celebrating the nation’s first ever anthology of trans and gender-diverse writing, a pioneering contribution to Australian letters.

‘Nothing to Hide’ is the first ever anthology of Australian trans and gender-diverse writing, a pioneering contribution to Australian letters and is set to feature

this month as part of the Goldfields Libraries ongoing free Author Talks series.

These offer a chance to hear from local and international writers across a range of genres as they launch their latest titles and share readings, insights and inspirations.

This months free ‘Nothing to Hide’ talk happens at Castlemaine public library, part of the wider Goldfields Libraries, on Thursday January 19 fropm 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

While it’s free to attend, as part of the library’s ongoing series of fee guest talks, bookings are needed and can be made quickly, online, through eventbrite and the library’s own website.

Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives are now appealing for public assistance after rare records and music equipment worth about $150,000 were stolen during a burglary in Castlemaine earlier this year.

Investigators were told unknown offenders broke into a property at some point between Monday, 19 and Wednesday, 28 September.

Once inside the property, it is understood they stole around 1000 rare collectable LP records, amplifiers, speaker cables and other stereo equipment.

Some of the rare records include:

• ACDC 1&2 worth about $5000

• Jethro Tull X15 worth about $4500

• Marillion x12 worth about $4000

• Gentle Giant x2 worth about $4000

• Metallica x4 worth about $3000

• Frank Zappa x2 worth about $1600

• Genesis worth about $1000

• Pink Floyd worth about $1500

• Jimi Hendrix worth about $1000

• Emerson, Lake and Palmer worth about $650

• Black Sabbath x6 worth about $400

Police have extensively searched social media, as well as local music shops, to check if the items are being sold, but they’ve had no luck so far.

Investigators have in recent days released images of the records and equipment in the hope the items will be located or handed in to police.

Anyone who has information on the burglary or the stolen items is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via Crime Stoppers online.

Considered buying real estate in Ballarat? You may want to with a new report indicating Ballarat is ready to be a leading regional settlement city.

New research finds Ballarat has strong capacity to be a leading regional settlement city for migrant and
refugee background communities.

The Destination Ballarat Report is the second in a research series commissioned by the EVOLVE partnership of Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, City of Ballarat, Ballarat Community Health, the Centre for Multicultural Youth and Wimmera Development Association.

The research recommends that Ballarat is supported to increase its migration intake through skilled, humanitarian and community-based pathways.

CEO of BRMC Ann Foley said the research provides an evidence base to increase Ballarat’s settlement
sustainably.

CEO of BRMC Ann Foley: “We are benchmarking our settlement services and ‘ecosystem’ against best practice, and the evidence in this report informs us how to tailor our settlement approach to best meet the needs and potential of our new and emerging communities. It is crucial, now that we’re ready to increase our migration intake, that we also have commitment by of all levels of government.”

The latest Census showed that Ballarat is more diverse than ever, with overseas born residents increasing to 11% and fast growing Indian and Filipino communities.

The research shows that Ballarat demonstrates key success factors for ensuring successful settlement.
Particularly strong areas are the coordinated provision of education and training support, health and
wellbeing support, and employment support for new arrivals and migrants.
Challenges common to many regional areas are also highlighted, such as the lack of affordable housing and transport infrastructure, and employment opportunities that match the skill set of migrants.

Want to help flood-affected folk? Well you can with locals from the Hepburn Shire now among those being invited to volunteer to assist BlazeAid in upcoming efforts to help floodstruck locals in the Gannawarra Shire to recover from recent flooding.

The community organisation that works with rural families and individuals after natural disasters aims to have volunteers helping in the Gannawarra Shire region from January 9

Members of the community can register their interest if they wish to volunteer with the organisation to help the community during the recovery.

A community information night will be held once BlazeAid are on site in Kerang and more information on this night will be provided early in the new year.

Those interested in helping out can also the BlazeAid website for more information.

More information about BlazeAid assisting with flood clean-up efforts is available through the Gannawarra Shire Council website.

The Macedon Ranges Council is inviting all young people aged between 12 and 25 to supercharge their summer holidays by participating in its 2023 Youth Holiday Program.

Hosted by Macedon Ranges Youth Services, these events are an opportunity to get involved in
some school holiday fun, fill in those long summer days and meet other young people in the
community.
As part of the program, YMCA will be hosting a skate/scooter/BMX competition at Gisborne Skate
Park on Saturday 21 January.
Participants can compete to be crowned the winner of the Western Regional Series in the Victoria
League, which is part of the YMCA’s national pathway program. The event will provide an opportunity
for enthusiasts to have a go, improve their skills, interact with the pros and win some fun prizes.
Other events throughout January across townships within the Macedon Ranges include:
* pool parties at Lancefield and Woodend, featuring a DJ and BBQ
* free pop-up BBQs at Romsey and Kyneton skate parks
* a live music event at Riddells Creek Lions Park, featuring local artists.
The council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, said the Youth Holiday Program provided an opportunity
for young people in the community to stay active and socially connected during the holiday period.
“It’s a great opportunity for our young people to get together and have some fun in a safe and
supervised environment within their own community,” she said.
“There are a range activities on offer, so there is sure to be something for everyone.”
Some entry fees and costs may apply.

Early works have started on the Ballarat Airport runway to extend its length from 1,300 to 1,800 metres.

The work is being undertaken by Fulton Hogan, following the awarding of a tender in August this year.

The runway extension will create opportunities to expand aviation uses at the airport, including emergency services.

Works are being jointly funded with $3.8 million from the Australian Government via its Regional Airports Program, and the City of Ballarat.

The start of the runway extension works is a major milestone and comes after years of advocacy by City of Ballarat to realise its long-term vision for the airport, as articulated in the Ballarat Airport Masterplan 2013-33.

This is the first stage of the transformational three-stage upgrade envisioned for the airport, which will improve transport connections, stimulate economic growth, and assist business expansion for Ballarat and the region.

Runway work is expected to be completed by mid-2023. Aircraft landing and taking off from Ballarat Airport will not be impacted during construction.

In the longer term, the runway extension will see primary road access to the airport shift to Liberator Drive – which will be constructed by Development Victoria as a separate project south of the airport, as part of the BWEZ development.

To maintain airport access until Liberator Drive is completed, road access will be immediately re-instated along Airport Road once the runway has been extended.

Users of Airport Road will experience only minor disruptions and will be able to use Airport Road as they do now, until Liberator Drive is completed.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: “The Ballarat Airport generates over $10 million in output each year – supporting jobs and the local economy.”

The state government says it’s providing vulnerable people with the dignity of a roof over their head, delivering more than 1000 new homes across Victoria through a program helping to break the cycle of homelessness.

Minister for Housing Colin Brooks earlier this mont marked the significant milestone, with 1068 homes having been built right across Victoria under the Building New Homes to Fight Homelessness program.

These new builds for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness provide the security and safety of a home for those who need it most, where they need it. 

They have been built in areas of high need – with the milestone 1000^th home constructed in Horsham.

Women and children experiencing family violence and other vulnerable people at risk of or experiencing homelessness have moved into or are getting ready to move into the new homes.

The state government announced Building New Homes to Fight Homelessness in 2018, with construction starting in December 2019.

The $469 million program is to deliver more than 1440 new homes and has been rolled into the landmark Big Housing Build – the biggest single investment in social and affordable housing by any state or territory.

Other areas to have properties delivered under the program include Geelong, Ballarat, Maribyrnong, Wangaratta, Darebin and Moreland.

All homes built under the program are modern and energy efficient with a minimum 7-star energy rating. This means more comfortable and cost-effective homes that are easier to cool in summer and keep warm in winter.​

The state government is now well past the halfway milestone of its $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, with more than 7,400 social and affordable homes completed or underway across Victoria.

This includes more than 1,700 properties that have been completed, with people either moved or getting ready to move into their new homes.

Minister for Housing Colin Brooks: “Everyone deserves the safety, security and dignity of a home ​– and we know a place to call home provides a solid foundation for life.​

“This program has now delivered more than 1000 new homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“These homes have been built right across Victoria, helping break the cycle of homelessness and providing social housing to those who need it most, where they need it.”

Local history and heritage groups are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $15,000 to fund projects to preserve and celebrate the region’s rich history.

The state government’s latest round of the Local History Grants Program provides a total of $350,000 to foster the preserving, recording and sharing of Victoria’s fascinating history.
The program funds community-based organisations to tell their stories, preserve significant historical collections and increase opportunities for public engagement with the past.
The most recent round of grants saw 40 projects across the state funded for a range of projects and publications, making local history more accessible.
Recipients included the Nagambie Historical Society for important upgrades to its museum, ILBIJERRI Theatre Company to archive its 30-year history and the Australian Queer Archives to digitise its collection of press clippings.
Other projects previously funded include websites, oral histories and podcasts, interpretative signage, collection cataloguing and Auslan translations.
Applications for grants close on Monday, 30 January 2023 with more information and to apply for funding available via prov.vic.gov.au online.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Celebrating our past as we build for the future brings the community together, and these grants can enable really important work to be done.
“It’s not just for historical societies and museums, these grants are open to schools, sporting clubs and a wide range of community organisations. I encourage local groups to go online and consider lodging an application.”
Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson: “Local history is an important part of Victoria’s memory, and we’re proud to support projects that showcase and preserve the diverse voices that make up the state’s past.
“Whether it is for the digitisation of records, the publication of local history stories or an upgrade to a museum, the Local History Grants Program ensures that the stories of our past are available for future generations.”

Hepburn Shire Council has in recent days announced almost $12,000 in grants to five local groups as part of its community grants program.

The funds will now go to support a diverse range of projects from cooking for wellbeing, bike safe programs and a local Playgroup and Toy Library.

Hepburn Shire councillors endorsed giving community grant funding totalling over $11,987.91 to local groups under round two of the council’s community grants program for 2022/23, during the council’s recent December ordinary meeting.

This funding will now go to support community projects worth a total of $27,564.91.

The community grants program 2022/2023 aligns with the council plan objective to support the
strength and resilience of the community. Eligible community groups can access funds in four
rounds annually across five categories that support a range of community needs.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, congratulated the applicants on their successful applications and said that
he was looking forward to seeing these projects delivered.

“While these are not large amounts of money, the grants make a big difference to community
groups when it comes to delivering projects,” said Cr Brian Hood.

The successful projects in this round are:
• Cooking for Wellbeing School (Health Foods Australia) – $2,500
• Community Development and Training (Daylesford Table Tennis Association) – $2,000
• Monitoring the Canopy Crossings in Wombat State Forest (Eco Warriors Australia) –
$2,500
• Dharma School Bike Program (Daylesford Dharma School) – $2,487.91
• Playgroup and Toy Library (Trentham Playgroup) – $2,500

“Council has just conducted a review into our grants program to understand if it is meeting the
needs of our community and being delivered efficiently and according to best-practice. We’ll
share the results of that review in the coming months,” said Cr Hood.

Round Three for 2022/2023 community grants opens on 25 January 2023.

A man died following a two-car collision in Cowes on Christmas day and anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via Crime Stoppers online.

The collision, between a van and car, occurred at the intersection of Ventnor and Red Rocks roads about 6.45pm.

Sadly, the male passenger from the car died at the scene.

A woman from the same vehicle had been airlifted to a Melbourne hospital.

Two people from the van, believed aged in their 20s, appeared to have escaped serious injury.

Major Collison Investigation Unit detectives were on scene and were investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

A man sadly died after he was pulled unresponsive from waters at Kookaburra Point in Ebden on Boxing Day.

Police have been told the man entered the water to chase after his dog, near Boathaven Road, when he appeared to struggle just before 3pm.

Onlookers pulled the man to shore and commenced CPR before ambulance paramedics arrived.

The man, believed aged in his 30s, was transported to hospital where he later died.

Officers who attended the scene have been advised the man may have suffered from a medical episode while he was in the water.

Police were preparing a report for the coroner following the death of a teenager in Mordialloc on Boxing Day earlier this week.

Emergency services responded to reports a teenager was missing in the water just off Beach Road about 4pm.

A search of the area was conducted with the assistance of Life Saving Victoria helicopters and Police Air Wing as well as ground patrols.

The 17-year-old male from Pakenham was located unresponsive and was pulled from the water a short time later.

CPR was commenced but sadly he died at the scene.

Central Highlands Water’s announcement last week of a $15 million investment in Daylesford’s long-term water supply security has been hailed as a welcome boost for the region’s future growth and climate resilience.

And as part of the operations of the asset when complete CHW has committed to 100% use of renewable energy by 2025.

CHW’s Chair, Angeleen Jenkins: “The new 14-kilometre water pipeline will provide enhanced security of water supply within the region and will future-proof the water needs of the service area against the impacts of climate change.

“This major capital investment in Daylesford’s water reserves will support long-term prosperity, growth and development within the region”.

It will be able deliver more than 300 million additional litres per annum of supplementary raw water for the community. This means during periods of dry climate and drought, the pipeline will complement Daylesford’s 2 existing major surface water supplies, the Wombat and Bullarto Reservoirs.

The underground 400mm diameter raw waterpipelinewill extend from Blampied, connecting to the Goldfields Superpipe, and utilising existing power easements and road reserves where possible. The end connection for the pipeline will be at the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant.

The successful contractor for this significant project is S & R Construction and Engineering. The development of the water pipeline will be undertaken in three stages, with commencement of pipeline construction work to begin in early 2023 and with the expected completionof works in the second half of 2024.

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Hood: “Securing water for the future through the delivery of this valuable infrastructureis important for local residents, businesses and tourism as well as for the next generation of our water users.”

CHW says it will now continue working with the Hepburn Shire Council and with cultural, environmental and community stakeholders around planning and delivery of the project.