Gisborne Secondary College students are benefiting from new and upgraded facilities – and
there’s more to come, with building work for a new trades hub now underway.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas was joined by Principal Sarah Rose late last week turning
the first sod on the new trades hub project.

Ms Thomas also cut the ribbon on the new wellbeing centre and administration building, and modernised classrooms, which ensure students are learning in an environment designed for delivering modern education.

The new trades hub, which will provide students with modern, innovative, hands-on learning spaces, is being delivered through an investment of $5.8 million from the state government in the Victorian Budget 2023/24.

In the Victorian Budget 2021/12, the school received $12.93 million for upgrades including a
new administration building and wellbeing centre, and modernisation of classrooms.

Member for Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “The new trades hub we’re building, and facilities already delivered and modernised, at Gisborne Secondary College are wonderful examples of our commitment to giving Victorian students the first-rate education they deserve.”

“We are building the Education State to ensure every Victorian student has access to a quality education close to home, regardless of their background or where they live.”

Story based on a media release from the office of Mary-Anne Thomas MP

The state government says it is getting behind regional footy and netball clubs ahead of the
new season, with grants to make sure more Victorians get the chance to play the sport they
love close to home.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence and Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
have announced a new round of Country Football and Netball Program grants has opened.

Developed in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, the program has
invested more than $40 million and delivered more than 580 projects since 2005.

Applications for the new round of grants close on Monday, July 7. Regional and outer
metropolitan councils can apply for grants of up to $250,000 for sports infrastructure
developments including court lighting upgrades, changeroom overhauls, new pavilions and
more.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Better facilities mean the Macedon community can continue playing footy and netball in their local community for years to come.”

This story based on a media release from the office of Mary-Anne Thomas MP.

Police have appealed for public assistance to help locate missing Maryborough man Vincent.

The 58-year-old (pictured above) was last seen on Burns Street, Maryborough about 2.30pm on March 13.

Police and family have concerns for his welfare due to a medical condition that requires regular medication.

Vincent is Caucasian, approximately 165cm tall, with a medium build, and shoulder length light brown hair.

He was last seen carrying a metal detector.

He may be travelling in a silver BMW X5 with Victorian registration 1ZS3UC.

Police have released an image of Vincent in the hope someone recognises him and can provide information regarding his current whereabouts.

This story based on a Victoria Police report

The Hepburn Shire Council has acknowledged an apparently unauthorised release of the Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) draft report on the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project.

The draft report concerns an investigation of the management of the project which proposed to convert an art deco shopping arcade (Rex Theatre) on the main street of Daylesford into a community facility, including library and council offices.

The council also acknowledges that due to the report’s release, the community will be feeling a range of emotions; frustration, anger, sadness, discontent and discomfort.

The council has been calling for the finalisation and release of the LGI report for many years, to bring closure to the situation.    

In a media release issued this week the council has stated that: “The way the confidential draft report has been made public is concerning and Council has formally written to the LGI to request a thorough review of the situation.”

The council’s media release also states that:

“As far as Council’s awareness of the matters raised in the report, in 2021 a number of Councillors and Officers were provided with an earlier draft for comment.

“However, they were under a legal obligation not to reference receipt of the report or disclose its contents. This 2022 version of the report, though, is unfamiliar to our organisation and Councillors and Council cannot comment on its origins or accuracy.

“The report obviously highlights significant areas for improvement, and a media release issued by the LGI in September 2024 noted that they were ‘satisfied that the Council has taken remedial action to put in place measures to avoid future complaints of a similar nature, including the creation of a new governance and policy framework’.”

Hepburn shire mayor Cr Don Henderson, said: “The current leadership (post-2018) at Council has implemented important improvements to governance, service delivery, community engagement, and transparency.

“These vital improvements have occurred while we have responded to the pandemic and the impact of three major storm events (costing Council $3.5 million), and delivered key projects including Djuwang Baring, The Mechanics Trentham, Future Hepburn and our Financial Vision”.

Chief Executive Officer, Bradley Thomas said he was proud of the organisation’s willingness and ability to ensure that the failings identified in the report do not occur again.

“Our organisation and community deserved better, so over the last six years we have put in place countless improvements to systems, processes and governance; the implementation of Project Control Groups, creation of a Major Projects Unit and an increased oversight by the Audit and Risk Committee and Councillors.

“This has resulted in improved project delivery, governance and financial oversight,” Mr Thomas said.

The financial loss associated with the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project was $5.65 million. This included the purchase of The Rex in 2016 for $6.345 million, additional expenditure of $3.04 million, and proceeds from the sale amounting to $3.74 million.

“The $5.65 million is significant, however, it is important to be clear to the community that the current rate cap variation and savings associated with the implementation of our Financial Vision would still be required even without it,” mayor Cr Henderson said.

“The Financial Vision notes an annual shortfall of $4 million per year across the 10 years so, had the loss associated with The Rex project not been incurred the shortfall, would still have amounted to $3.5 million annually.

The council is working with the relevant stakeholders to bring closure to and recover from this incident and will continue to advocate for the community and their interests now and into the future.

This story based on a Hepburn shire Council media release. Image: File

The woman who supplied the magic mushrooms at last year’s fatal healing event at Soul Barn in Clunes, has avoided jail time after appearing before the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court.

Diane Mathews, 54, faced the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday to plead guilty to a single charge of drug trafficking in relation to last April’s incident in which a Melbourne woman died.

The drug in question, psilocybin, had been ingested as a tea by 10 participants attending a “healing ceremony” being hosted by Mathews in Clunes on April 13, 2024.

It emerged that Mathews had rented the space at Clunes’ Soul Barn venue, for the event and charged participants to attend.

Among the participants was 53-year-old Melbourne mother Rachael Dixon, who died from cardiac arrest after ingesting the substance.

The mushrooms had been ground up and brewed into tea, with bowls seized by police at the site containing traces of the hallucinogenic compound.

The court heard Mathews had long practiced alternative healing practices and her lawyer, Jon Ross, asserted that psilocybin had a medical application despite being illegal, and compared the compound to cannabis, which has been legalised for medicinal use in Victoria.

Mr Ross, said police were unable to establish a “causal link” between Mathews’ supplying of the mushroom and Ms Dixon’s death.

He also said Mathews had performed CPR on the 53-year-old mother before she died and was was “haunted” by her death.

Magistrate Julia Barling said Matthews’ early plea of guilty and lack of criminal history had worked in her favour.

“To come before the court with your first offence being a charge of trafficking a drug of dependence is a very serious manner in which to enter the justice system,” Magistrate Barling said.

“Trafficking charges are always taken very seriously by the court.”

Mathews was given a $3000 fine without conviction.

The CFA is reminding Victorian landowners, farmers, and machinery operators to remain alert to the fire risk this autumn after a large bushfire near Glenrowan earlier this month.

The fire, sparked by a mower, burned approximately 26 hectares and at its peak prompted a Watch and Act warning for residents.

Thirty-two CFA appliances from multiple brigades responded alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), with air attack support deployed to help slow the fire’s spread. 

Despite summer drawing to a close, the  Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook warns that elevated fire risk will continue through early autumn in Western and Central Victoria, as well as South and West Gippsland, due to dry conditions and warmer-than-average temperatures. 

CFA Fire Investigator Daryl Owen said the fire was a reminder of how easily machinery can ignite a fire in dry conditions. 

“If you’re using machinery, it’s very important to assess the conditions beforehand and take steps to prevent sparks,” Mr Owen said. 

“Working in the early morning, maintaining your equipment, and having firefighting tools on hand can make all the difference.” 

CFA District 23 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Contessa reinforced that fire danger remains a concern even as autumn begins. 

“Even with summer behind us, dry grass and warm conditions mean fires can still spread rapidly,” he said. 

“The Glenrowan fire showed how much effort it takes to contain a fast-moving grassfire once it spreads into difficult terrain.  

“We urge machinery operators to be mindful of their surroundings and take every precaution to prevent fires like this from starting.” 

For advice on fire restrictions and safe machinery use during the Fire Danger Period visit CFA’s website. 

Words & Image: CFA

Sports fans in Ballarat and the wider region have reason to celebrate with significant developments in the Ballarat Major Events Precinct now underway.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison in recent days joined City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves and Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle to officially mark the start of works at the site, made possible through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.

Head contractors Kane Nicholson JV are leading construction at the site, drawing on their extensive experience in delivering high quality regional projects, including the multi-award-winning Ballarat GovHub and the Bendigo Law Courts development.

Upgrades to the precinct include 5,000 new permanent seats at Mars Stadium, increasing the seated capacity to 10,000.

The upgrade also includes more amenities and more food and beverage options so spectators will have an even better experience at the venue.

Works will also commence on a new athletics track and pavilion located on the former Ballarat Showgrounds site, with additional elements such as lighting, landscaping and a storage shed.

Accessibility improvements throughout the precinct will ensure anyone with mobility needs can still enjoy the venues.

The Western Bulldogs’ AFL and AFLW teams will continue to play at the venue in 2025. Whilst standing room will not be available during the construction period, all of the existing 5,042 seats will remain in place for football fans.

The upgrades are projected to boost local jobs and businesses, and attract more visitors to the Ballarat region for years to come with the project expected to be finished in late 2026.

This story based on a City of Ballarat media release. Image: Supplied

The federal and Victorian state governments have announced support for small businesses and communities affected by the bushfires in Western Victoria with more than $29 million for immediate and long-term recovery. 

The assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

More than $24 million will deliver crucial support to Western Victoria businesses affected by the bushfires, including: 

• a dedicated Business Bushfire Recovery Grant program to provide $5,000 grants to small businesses and eligible primary producers that have experienced significant disruptions and revenue losses due to the bushfires. 
• a Business Recovery Advisory service which will be available on the ground and through the Business Victoria website, providing free business support for impacted businesses so they can find the right strategies for long-term recovery.
• tourism marketing and promotional activities to boost visitor numbers to the Grampians region, which is on top of $100,000 for Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism to deliver immediate, on-the-ground industry support activities for affected businesses in the region. 

More information including program guidelines and how to apply will be available on the Business Victoria website soon.

Businesses can sign up now to register their interest and receive updates at business.vic.gov.au/2024-25-western-victoria-bushfire-supports.  

More than $5 million for an early environmental recovery package will support the survival of key native species and the recovery and restoration of fire-impacted public lands, waterways and catchments within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. 

These works will allow the Park to reopen safely to everyone, while also protecting its valuable and unique biodiversity.

A Gate Fee Rebate Program will also ensure community can dispose of waste from private properties relating to the impact of the bushfires free of charge.

The program will be available in four Local Government Areas (LGAs): Horsham Rural City, Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians Shire and Southern Grampians Shire. 

This support follows the previously announced Emergency Relief Payments, which were jointly funded and delivered through the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s Personal Hardship Assistance Program (PHAP).

More than $1.3 million has been paid through PHAP. 

Since the fires occurred, Emergency Recovery Victoria and the Victorian Government has been on the ground with communities to help get them on the path to recovery.

This includes helping convene a taskforce with a focus on small business, tourism and mental health support, waiving liquor license renewal fees for eligible businesses, and helping locals deal with insurance companies. 

Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s website at disasterassist.gov.au. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAlliste: “The bushfires in December and January last year have had an enduring impact on communities in the Grampians (Gariwerd) and Macedon Ranges.

“These programs will support small businesses in the area as they recover from these significant fire events.”

“We are working with the Victorian Government to assist impacted communities as they continue with their recovery.”

This story based on a state government media release. Image: CFA

The Leonards Hill Hall will host the community’s 49th annual Leonards Hill Baby Show fundraiser on Saturday, March 22, followed by an Easter Market on Saturday, April 19.

Beyond that, the vintage hall will set the scene for the Royal Winter Market on the King’s Birthday weekend on Saturday, June 7. 

Hall secretary Melanie Thurstun says the hall committee is also working with Hepburn Energy to get its school program up and running after it was grounded by Covid. 

“The hall facilities will play host as they welcome the first group of school kids to the wind towers-follow-up activities at the hall in late March,” she said.

“East Loddon P-12 is the first school off the bat, and then others such as Daylesford College and Keilor Downs College, and hopefully more as their program expands to its full original vision. Such great work.” 

Melanie says Leonards Hill locals have been busy with plenty of events happening to raise money for their hall, which celebrated its 140th anniversary in December. 

Words: Supplied. Image: File

The state government has highlighted work to deliver Australia’s biggest urban renewal project – releasing plans to boost social housing at the Flemington and North Melbourne precinct redevelopments. 

Minister for Housing Harriet Shing in recent days announced that both projects will be delivered through the innovative Ground Lease Model – with social housing boosted by 39 per cent across the two sites. 

The plan will deliver 400 social homes and up to 300 affordable homes along Racecourse Rd, Flemington – as well as a further 800 homes at Alfred St, North Melbourne, including at least 300 social homes, all to be completed by 2031. 

Under the Ground Lease Model, Homes Victoria will lease the land to a community housing organisation to finance, design, build, manage and maintain the new housing for the next 40 years, after which time the homes revert to Homes Victoria management – this means that the land remains owned by the Government.

The Flemington development will be led by the Building Communities consortium. The consortium is already helping deliver new homes on the site, along with the 359 social and affordable homes recently completed on Victoria Street – allowing residents in the Flemington precinct the option to stay nearby.

The Government is calling for Expressions of Interest for the 800 homes North Melbourne development. 

Demolition has commenced at Elgin St in Carlton, and relocations are underway at the next redevelopment sites at Malvern Road in South Yarra and Highett Street in Richmond, as well as low-rise homes at Anderson Court, Williams Court and Elizabeth Street in Richmond.

These projects will take place in stages and the Government is working with residents and the community. 

This is on top of the state’s $6.3 billion Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund – which is delivering 13,300 homes across Victoria with more than 10,100 homes already complete or underway.

Minister for Housing Harriet Shing: “We are continuing our work in partnership with not-for-profit housing providers to build hundreds of social and affordable homes in the communities where people want to live.”

“Increasing the volume of new social housing on these sites by 39 per cent will give more Victorians the modern, energy efficient, accessible, safe and secure homes they deserve.”

This story based on a state government media release. Image: Supplied

The community engagement period for the Daylesford Community Facilities project in the historic town hall building has started.

The project is investigating the potential of establishing a community hub at Daylesford Town Hall, with the proposal to include a library, customer experience hub and multipurpose community facilities.

Hepburn shire residents and ratepayers are now being invited to review the council’s engagement materials and provide feedback before Sunday April 13.

Those keen to provide input can visit the project page on the Participate Hepburn website to view floorplans, artistic images and complete the community feedback survey.

They can also attend one of three drop-in sessions to discuss the project with council officers and members of the Project Advisory Group.

Hard copies of the designs can be printed on request at the Daylesford Library or the Daylesford Customer Experience Hub at Duke Street.

Those keen to have a say should go to https://ow.ly/m2zb50Vfer6 online.

with Darren Lowe

Daylesford musical outfit, Square Wave Bounce, play a collection of dreamy  beats, synths, grooves and rhythms.  

A three-piece outfit that produces electro-pop, synthwave and dreambeat songs using analogue equipment, such as Roland Juno synthesizers, Roland drum machines and Korg samplers and effects.  

Ivan Carter provides the drums, rhythms and leads, Fe Porter is on vocals and glockenspiel and Cameron Saunders is on bass.

Other guests have included Maarten Stenakur , Michael Groth, Ruby Carter and Harriet Carter.

Square Wave Bounce will launch its first single in two years, Jayne Goes, at Radius  Gallery in Hepburn Springs on Saturday, April 5.

You can find further details on the Radius Gallery  website.

Jayne Goes can be listened to via https://ditto.fm/jayne-goes

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford  Spa Country Band – Saturday, March 22  Back Alley Sally – Saturday, March 29  

In a coup for Melbourne, the state government last week announced that the city will host two historic NBA games at Melbourne Park later this year.

The New Orleans Pelicans will square off against Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix in preseason NBA games on October 3 and 5 – just days after the AFL Grand Final at the MCG.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos last week joined New Orleans Pelicans Executive VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin, NBL Executive Director and Owner Larry Kestelman and NBA Asia Head of Strategy Rajah Chaudhry to announce the games, which will mark the first time an NBA team will play on Australian soil.

Melbourne is now the only city in Australia to host NBA games, National Hockey League (NHL) matches and National Football League (NFL) games – three of the ‘big four’ American professional sports leagues.

The Pelicans feature two-time NBA All-Star Zion Williamson, NBA All-Star Dejounte Murray and former NBA Most Improved Player CJ McCollum.

Australia boasts 14 active players currently on NBA rosters, and Melbourne is the only city in the modern NBA era to produce three number one overall draft picks – Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving and Andrew Bogut.

Visitors from overseas and interstate are expected to flock to Melbourne for the first ever NBA games in Australia, in a major boost for Victorian hotels, restaurants and bars – on top of the global media coverage that will have eyes all over the world on Victoria.

Melbourne will be buzzing with activity that week as basketball fans fly in for these historic games. The city will host a range of activities so that fans and families of all ages can be part of the NBA experience, including an immersive Fan Zone, a Fan Night and community events across the city.

This is another major addition to Victoria’s blockbuster series of USA deals announced this year, including the first ever Australian NFL Regular Season games and a deal for Delta Air Lines to add three direct flights per week between Melbourne and LA – all contributing to Victoria’s record $39.7 billion visitor economy.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos: “The NBA has surged in popularity in Australia in recent years, and it’s going to be a great opportunity for basketball fans to see the stars of the game up close, providing a major boost for our tourism economy in the process.” 

“This is a historic moment – Australians love basketball and we’re bringing the very best league to Australian soil for the first time – giving fans and families a once-in-a-lifetime experience, right here in Melbourne.”

This story based on a state government media release. Image: Supplied

The Victorian state government says it’s boosting support for Victoria’s rapidly growing startup sector – backing local jobs in growing companies. 

Minister for Economic Jobs and Growth Danny Pearson (pictured above) last week announced over $5 million in funding through LauncVic to support up to 165 early-stage startups to access resources, mentorship and vital capital to scale their businesses. 

Accelerator programs including ANDHealth, MAP, the MedTech Actuator, Startmate and Startupbootcamp will share $4.1 million to give local startups access to a network of industry experts, tailored workshops and mentoring sessions with business leaders.

The Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship will receive $1 million in funding to help early-stage investors develop expertise in the critical areas of due diligence, capital raising and portfolio management – building a stronger investor community to help unlock the growth potential of Victorian startups.

Programs will also connect startups to local and global funding opportunities, as well as financial support through collaboration with venture capital funds and angel investors.

This latest funding builds on the success of LaunchVic’s 15 accelerator programs which have supported over 600 startups, helping them secure more than $328 million in critical capital. To date 200 investors have participated in LaunchVic’s investor education programs, unlocking $84 million in startup investment.

Victoria is home to a thriving startup sector including 3,500 startups, scaleups and unicorns with an estimated value of $130 billion – these companies employ around 67,000 people globally, with half the jobs located in Victoria. 

Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson: “We’re backing Victorian founders so they have the skills and contacts they need to seek out new opportunities, expand their networks and scale their businesses.”

“Victoria has a thriving startup scene and we’re helping our most promising startups to take their ideas to the next level – backing skilled local jobs right here in Victoria.”

LaunchVic CEO Kate Cornick: “By backing programs with a proven track record of helping founders and investors, we will ensure LaunchVic supports our rapidly growing ecosystem.”

This story based on a state government media release.