Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested four teenagers following an alleged serious assault on a security guard at a Bendigo shopping centre last week.

It is alleged a group of youths approached a security guard at the centre on Mitchell Street on Monday, March 3 about 4pm.

He was allegedly punched, kicked and dragged to the ground before members of the public intervened and were also assaulted in the process.

A 20-year-old Melton South man received non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released from hospital.

Police arrested three girls and a boy yesterday.

Three Bendigo girls aged, 14, 15, and 17 have been interviewed by police and released pending further enquiries.

A 17-year-old Bendigo boy has been charged with affray, intentionally cause injury and recklessly cause injury.

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

This story based on a Victoria Police report

Police are urging motorists to pay extra care and attention on the roads this month, with March considered to be the most dangerous period on Victorian roads.

The warning came as police launched Operation Arid last Friday, a statewide road police effort targeting high-risk driving behaviour and non-compliance over the recent Labour Day long weekend in an effort to reduce road trauma.

While March is traditionally known in Victoria for a full calendar of major events, festivals, sports and entertainment, it is also synonymous with having the highest volume of road trauma in both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Historically, March has the highest average injury collision volume of any month of the year, almost ten per cent higher than any other month.

Injury collisions in both metropolitan and regional Victoria have peaked in March over a five-year average.

Injury collisions where speed was a factor, where a motorcyclist or heavy vehicle was involved, and young drivers were involved also all peaked in March.

In 2024, there were 30 lives lost during in March, the second highest for the year behind November (36) and marking the worst March on record since 2011, with 34 lives lost.

Of the 30 lives lost during last March, more than half were drivers and two-thirds occurred in regional Victoria.

There were 10 lives lost in the state’s east across the Shepparton, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Mitchell, Latrobe, Bass Coast, Baw Baw and Wellington areas, and a further 10 fatalities in the state’s west across the Surf Coast, Moorabool, Campaspe, Horsham, Northern Grampians and Swan Hill areas.

These high-risk locations were among key areas of focus for police during the long weekend’s Operation Arid.

It took place as police highlighted the fact that regional fatalities were already up 34 per cent on the same time last year, with 35 lives lost on regional roads compared to 26 at the same time last year.

There had already been 58 lives lost on Victoria’s roads in 2025, higher than 49 at the same time last year.

There have been four fatalities in the first four days of March.

Police are now warning motorists there will be zero tolerance for poor driving and dangerous behaviour, with state and local highway patrols to be highly visible and enforcing across metropolitan and regional roads.

There will be widespread alcohol and drug testing, particularly around major events taking place across the state, with police reminding drivers that they can be tested anywhere, anytime.

Police are urging motorists to remain alert when travelling, with complacency often leading to driving errors such as excessive or inappropriate speed, unsafe overtaking, failing to stop or give way, fatigue and distraction – all which have been cited as major contributing factors in this year’s fatalities.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads this long weekend, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.

Road Policing Acting Assistant Commissioner, David Byrt: “We’ll be out in force across the state and doing our bit to ensure everyone is being safe, adhering to the road rules and not putting others at risk.

“March historically has been a dangerous period on our roads. What we don’t want to see is another March with high numbers of injury collisions and fatalities, so we’ll be doing everything we can to ensure we don’t have a repeat of this.

“We need everyone to do their part, and our number one message is to stay alert behind the wheel and never be complacent – it can only take one second of distraction or a simple driving error for a collision to occur”.

This story based on a Victoria Police report. Image: File

Perfect conditions shone down on the ChillOut Parade on Sunday, March 9, transforming Daylesford’s Vincent Street into a sea of circus-themed razzle-dazzle.

It was a bumper turnout for the Rainbow Circus Spectacular-themed event. These photos capture just a bit of the colour and vibe.

Images: Eve Lamb

A new eight-lot housing subdivision proposed for Hepburn Springs has got the green light to proceed subject to multiple conditions following a Hepburn Shire Council vote late last month.

The proposal, relating to a 7,327 square meter site at 12-14 Vanina Street, within a residential zoning area, had attracted 12 objections.

Concerns about increased traffic flow, impacts on native flora and fauna and that the proposal was not in keeping with the existing neighbourhood character, and that the density was too high for the Hepburn township, numbered among objectors’ concerns.

The application had originally proposed an 11-lot subdivision but several planning amendments that had later been lodged by the applicant had reduced the number of proposed lots to eight, creating stronger protection of existing native vegetation on the site.

A report to the council noted that: “Whilst the development will result in the future loss of some surrounding native vegetation in order to create defendable space, the applicant has accepted council officer advice to ensure an acceptable balance between vegetation loss and fire protection has been reached through the implementation of carefully considered building envelopes which will control the location of future dwellings on the proposed new lots.”

Due to the number of objections, the matter went before councillors for a decision at the council’s February 25 meeting, with the planning officer recommendation supporting approval of the application subject to numerous conditions.

These included bushfire  protection measures, traffic management, stormwater management, landscaping, screening and vegetation planting requirements, as well as building height controls among others.

But not all councillors were in support of the officer’s recommendation to grant approval, with Cr Brian Hood opposing it, naming concerns about emergency access provisions and design factors among his reasons for doing so.

“The bit I really struggle with is either a court bowl or battle axe driveway. To me they are very, very urban and not consistent with the character and amenity and rural setting of our towns,” Cr Hood said.

“This needs a bit more work and therefore I can’t support it.”

Ultimately, though, the application got through in line with the planning department’s recommendation with councillors voting 6:1 in favour.

In support, Cr Lesley Hewitt said “I’m impressed with the thoroughness that has gone into this application and also the willingness of the applicant to do the negotiation and to shift it from an 11 lot subdivision to an eight lot subdivision.”

Words: Eve Lamb. Image: File

Locally-based folk trio, Little Tree performs at the Daylesford hotel this Saturday afternoon, March 15.

Little Tree (pictured above) is a Daylesford based outfit playing modern and traditional styled original folk.

A group of three singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists blending the cultural experiences of their Australian, English and Finnish origins, this trio shares stories and observations of life with a sensitivity reflecting personal struggles to make sense of these times.

Formed in 2022, the trio features Lee Mould on guitar, percussion ,vocals and mandolin; Tim Burder on guitar, vocals, mandolin, harmonica and bass and Yenni Terrimäki on vocals and percussion.

They’ll be presenting a show of original songs including new material with their two-hour afternoon gig scheduled to get started from 2pm this Saturday afternoon.

Words: Eve Lamb. Image: Supplied

Seven new projects will share in more than $1.4 million through the Country Football and Netball Program.

And highlighting the dollars in recent days Victoria’s Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence also announced that a new round of 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.

Frankston’s Ballam East Oval is set to receive $250,000 to redevelop the playing surface including drainage, irrigation, new concrete wicket, and synthetic turf to improve the playing conditions for local clubs. 

Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve Oval – home of the Wonthaggi Power Football Netball Club – has scored $250,000 to make ground improvements including new drainage, drought resistant grass and upgraded irrigation, giving the club a quality home-ground.  

Other successful grants include $99,000 towards resurfacing five netball courts at Rochester Recreation reserve –home of the Rochester Netball Association.

Applications for the new round of grants close on Monday, 7 July 2025. 

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.

For the latest information and successful grant recipients visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence: “Nothing brings regional communities together like country footy and netball. Through this program we’re supporting hundreds of clubs by giving them facilities the whole community can enjoy and get around.”

Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan: “Since 2005, the funding support provided through the Country Football and Netball Program has had a significant impact on local communities and sporting clubs across the state.

CEO of Netball Victoria Andrea Pearman: “We’re proud to partner with the Victorian Government on the Country Football and Netball Program, which contributes so much to netball communities across the state every year.” 

This story based on a state government media release

A world first facility researching the impact of extreme hot and cold weather on crops is expanding at Horsham.

Victoria’s Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the completion of the $1.18 million Free Air Temperature Extreme (FATE) facility expansion at the Horsham SmartFarm, doubling the size to cover about 2.5 hectares.

The FATE facility measures the impact of heat waves, drought and frost on cereal, pulse and oilseed crops, testing conditions on them at various stages to understand the impact on grain quality.

The upgraded facility is jointly funded with $386,000 from the Victorian Government and $800,000 from Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

This expansion will enable more crop rotations and experiments, accelerating the development of new heat tolerant crop varieties for farmers.

The equipment can be used for future research on other crops, including different grazing pasture species.

This year the facility researched eight different wheat and lentil varieties with various growth rates under the heaters against a control group under normal weather conditions to test the resilience of crops.

This crucial research will inform plant breeders which crop varieties can stay productive during extreme weather conditions, as the frequency and severity of these events increase in a changing climate.

The FATE facility is funded by the Victorian Government as part of Agriculture Victoria’s 10-year Agriculture Strategy and the Safer Smarter Farms Program, which highlights risk management and adaptation to climate change.

GRDC’s investment towards the FATE facility was part of a $20 million infrastructure program to build Australia’s long-term grains research capacity and support the enduring profitability of the nation’s grain growers.

This story based on an Agriculture Victoria report. Image: Supplied

A new round of Victoria’s Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program has opened offering over $1.6 million in funding to eligible organisations to help families access cheaper veterinary care and help more pets find forever families.

Victoria’s agriculture minister Ros Spence announced the opening of round 12 under the program at Second Chance Animal Rescue SCAR in Craigieburn in recent days.

The minister said the grants will help community veterinary hospitals and animal rehoming organisations upgrade facilities, purchase medical equipment, provide low cost veterinary services and support rehoming.

SCAR has rescued over 10,000 animals since opening in 2008 and has been supported with over $560,000 of investment from the state government to help fit out its animal hospital and provide veterinary and rehoming services. 

The not-for-profit organisation has hundreds of foster carers and volunteers in its network, operating as a community animal hospital, shelter, education hub and cat boarding facility.

The state government has invested more than $11.4 million across 214 shelters, carers and animal welfare organisations to improve the care of Victoria’s companion animals.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested an additional $5 million to support pet rescue and rehoming, including $2 million to support access to veterinary care. 

Applications for Round 12 Animal Welfare Fund Grants are open until March 25. To apply, those interested can visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence: “Pets hold a special place in our hearts – these grants will help Victorians feeling the pinch of cost-of-living keep their furry companions happy and healthy for less.”

“We’re making sure services like Second Chance Animal Rescue can continue to make a real difference, helping animals find their forever homes.”

Second Chance Animal Rescue CEO and Founder Marisa Debattista: “Second Chance Animal Rescue not only rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes homeless companion animals, but we also support vulnerable pet owners through tough times.”

“This funding will assist organisations such as ours to improve our equipment and facilities which will help us to continue to provide the best and most-affordable care for Victoria’s much-loved furry friends.”

This story based on a state government media release

Regional racegoers will have a busy calendar of events to look forward to this autumn with a funding boost announced by the state government in recent days.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines recently announced more than $350,000 to support 34 racing events in country Victoria from March to May. 

Racing clubs are offering attractions such as live music, children’s activities and shuttle buses – making it a day out for everyone.

With more than 60,000 patrons expected to flock to regional race meetings, the funding will also help clubs expand their event promotion to make sure more people know what’s on offer – boosting visitors to regional areas, supporting local businesses and tourism.

It got off to a good start with the Wangaratta Cup held on Saturday March 1, with the club receiving an $18,000 injection to make the day even bigger and better. 

The Geelong St Patrick’s Cup Day, set for Saturday March 15, will get a $20,000 boost – great news for those wanting to test their Irish Luck on the track. 

Echuca Racing Club will also receive $20,000 for their Country Discovery Raceday on Good Friday for those looking for Easter weekend activities. 

Racing events are held in autumn at local clubs across the Ballarat, Geelong, Hume, Latrobe-Gippsland, North West, Shepparton, Warrnambool and South West regions. 

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines: “We’re revving up our support for regional racing clubs to deliver country race days that are the perfect day out for seasoned racegoers, families and out-of-towners.”

“We will always back the racing industry which generates more than $4.7 billion for the Victorian economy and helps sustain nearly 35,000 full-time equivalent jobs across all the codes.”

This story based on a Victorian state government media release.

Major upgrades have improved safety for drivers and cyclists on a section of Black Forest Drive between Woodend and Macedon.

Works are now complete on a series of safety improvements along the busy route, with new continuous bike lanes from Macedon to Woodend and intersection upgrades at key locations.

Safety improvements include changing the lane configuration to one lane in each direction, installing dedicated cycling lanes in each direction, installing a painted centre median for vehicle turning lanes and pedestrian refuges, resealing the road surface and new linemarking.

Other upgrades include the installation of audio-tactile linemarking on the centre and edge line marking, sealing the entrances to higher-risk side roads and installing new street lighting to the Calder Freeway overpass section where there is no room for the dedicated cycling lanes.

The changes aimed to ensure everyone can move around safely, including cyclists and pedestrians sharing the road with cars, vans, motorcycles, trucks and buses, a state government announcement highlighted.

To complement safety improvement works on Black Forest Drive, several speed zone changes have been implemented, including extending the 60km/h zone at South Road by approximately 160 metres.

This enhanced safety by slowing vehicles on approach to the new pedestrian crossing and bus stops near the South Road intersection.

The speed from Willeys Road to south of Nursery Road has also been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h. This improves safety as vehicles cross bicycle lanes to enter and exit the Calder Freeway. 

The speed on the exit ramps from the Calder Freeway has been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h, improving safety as vehicles enter Black Forest Drive.

It is estimated the speed changes will add less than a minute to journey times between Woodend and Macedon on Black Forest Drive

Crews will return briefly in late January 2026 to complete some minor works including the remaining sections of green surface marking and the addition of audio tactile edge marking between New Gisborne and Woodend.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne:“We know that Black Forest Drive caters to a wide range of different road users and these changes mean that all road users can now share the road more safely.”

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “We want to thank the community for their input on these upgrades and for the patience shown while our crews delivered this important work to make this section of road safer.”

This story based on a state government media release

Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested two people following an alleged assault in Bendigo last week.

It is alleged a man was approached by around nine unknown youths at a shopping centre on Mitchell Street about 4pm on Monday, March 3..

He was allegedly punched, kicked and dragged to the ground before members of the public intervened and were also assaulted in the process.

A 20-year-old Melton South man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated by paramedics.

Upon police arrival, the offenders allegedly fled the scene on foot.

Detectives arrested two people at an address in Lockwood last Tuesday morning.

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

This story based on a Victoria Police report

The state’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt has announced that more than 90 community organisations will share in $750,000 to bring their festivals and events to life from April to June this year.

This was thanks to the latest rounds of the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Program, the minister said.

Each program supports communities to celebrate and share their heritage and connect with other Victorians – helping to preserve traditions and encourage the broader Victorian community to take part in events that help with learning, understanding and respect for different cultures and traditions.

The successful community organisations to receive funding from the programs represent the diverse cultural landscape of Victoria, including over 27 ethnicities with events taking place across 10 regional and 22 metropolitan local government areas. 

Funding in this round also supports new and emerging communities, like Victoria’s Afghan community.

A recipient of funding, the Victorian Afghan Associations Network (VAAN) will host their Nawroz Festival this year to celebrate the beginning of springtime, which is celebrated by the majority of the Afghan diaspora around the world. 

The VAAN works to strengthen coordination among Afghan associations in Victoria, support community needs and creates opportunities to connect through events, publications and financial assistance.

Melbourne Somali Community Inc., which supports Victoria’s Somali community through inclusion and development in Melbourne’s inner-city suburbs, received funding for its Multicultural Eid Festival, a celebration of the end of Ramadan for local public housing residents.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt: “The Multicultural Festival and Events Program is at the heart of what makes Victoria great –giving communities the chance to showcase their traditions, preserve their heritage and create a more connected state.”

This story based on a state government media release

A global tech leader has opened its Australian headquarters in Melbourne, adding another international player to the state’s growing tech sector in a move expected to create more than 400 jobs over the next five years. 

Firstsource Solutions is a global leader in digital transformation. Working closely with industries like healthcare, banking and financial services, communications, media and technology, retail, education and energy, Firstsource helps other companies drive innovation.

The new headquarters will include an innovation lab focused on accelerating AI adoption and business transformation for Australian clients, as well as responsible AI deployment.

The innovation lab is set to be fully operational by late 2025 and will work with Victorian universities to advance research in AI, engineering, robotics and digital experimentation. 

Melbourne’s thriving tech startup scene, strong talent pool and leading universities were key factors in Firstsource’s decision to establish headquarters here in Victoria.

The Premier announced the tech giant would locate its ANZ headquarters in Melbourne when visiting Delhi last year, as part of the Labor Government’s work to strengthen its relationship with India as outlined in Victoria’s India Strategy 2025-2030. 

India is already a major two-way trading partner for Victoria, with a value of $3.6 billion last financial year.

Victoria is the nation’s tech capital with an established workforce and a pipeline of more engineering and IT graduates than anywhere else in Australia. One hundred of the 400 jobs the Firstsource headquarters will create have already been filled locally.

Firstsource’s Melbourne office builds on the state’s reputation for attracting global tech companies, alongside Infosys, Tata, Sonata, UST, Fractal, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra and Wipro  – which have all recently expanded here, creating new local tech jobs in a range of fields.

The state’s Economic Growth Statement highlights Victoria’s plan to turbocharge international investment in the state and drive highly skilled local jobs, with digital technologies identified as a key priority sector.

Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson: “Global leaders like Firstsource are investing in Victoria because we are the nation’s tech capital – we have the skilled workforce these companies need to grow, as well as a strong pipeline of graduates.”

“Victoria is the place to be for global tech leaders wanting to expand their operations. We have the talent pool, the innovation and capabilities, and the startup energy right here in Melbourne.” 

This story based on a state government media release

Paramedics, firefighters and defence force personnel wanting to take up a career in policing will be fast-tracked in a major recruitment revamp.

Applicants with favourable VCE results and those working in specified public service roles will also be able to get into the force quicker.

It comes as Victoria Police ramps up a recruitment push to bolster the frontline, with double squads resuming at the academy.

Under the changes – to be implemented immediately – Victoria Police will no longer require paramedics and firefighters employed in the last five years to complete its entrance exam.

The switch applies to those who’ve worked anywhere in Australia as well as New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

It’s designed to recognise the education, training and aptitude of people already working in emergency services.

The exemption does not apply to volunteers.

Exam exemptions are also being introduced for a range of other applicants.

They include Australian Defence Force personnel who’ve served full time in the last five years, all Victoria Police employees and Victorian Public Service employees working elsewhere at Grade 3 or higher.

Police forces elsewhere in Australia have introduced similar provisions.

Applicants who in the last five years attained an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of 65 or above and a minimum VCE study score of 25 in English will also be entrance-exam free.

In further changes Victoria Police is extending an entrance exam exemption for applicants who achieved a specified bachelor degree in Australia over the last five years to include such qualifications from universities in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

This applies to degrees in the arts, science, humanities, business and law.

Current university students in their final year of a criminology bachelor’s degree or similar at a university in Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are also being added to the entrance exam exemption list.

A total 490 university qualified police applicants have benefited from the existing bachelor degree exemption since it was introduced on 1 July 2023.

Victoria Police is streamlining the recruitment process as it looks to fill more than 1000 vacancies statewide and bolster support for hardworking members on the ground.

Exam thresholds for police are now in-line with those for PSOs to allow for a more holistic assessment of applicants.

Applicants will still be required to pass all eight components of the test spanning literacy, writing, verbal skills, numeracy and more.

Applicants who’ve successfully passed academic entry requirements for other police forces in Australia will no longer be made to sit Victoria Police’s entrance exam.

Additionally, Victoria Police is removing the necessity for the majority of potential recruits to have a one-on-one psychologist appointment.

Over time these interviews have become common place for nearly all applicants, holding up the recruitment process.

The force has reviewed its psychological testing and is confident it is more than robust to identify issues without everyone needing to go through one-on-one testing.

The option will still be available as required.

Further improvements are expected as Victoria Police continues a review of its recruitment process.

Double squads have returned to the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley for the first time since February 2024.

Three double squad intakes of a total 44 recruits each are planned, with the first already commencing training last month.

Usual single squads comprise around 22 recruits each.

Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent: “These changes mean quality applicants will no longer be held up with unnecessary obstacles to start their policing journey.

“That translates to more recruits starting their training sooner and more rapid support for the frontline.

“There’s no doubt policing can be a tough job and it takes a special person to do it.

“We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to attract those people and back the hardworking police making a difference out in the community each and every day.

“To that end we’re also taking double squads at the Victoria Police Academy for the first time in a year, with three intakes scheduled.”

This story based on a Victoria Police report. Image: File

Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves has joined Australia’s infrastructure and transport minister at the Ballarat Airport in recent days to celebrate the completion of the runway extension project.

Stage one of the runway upgrade project – which has increased the runway length from 1,250 to 1,800 metres – was jointly funded with $3.8 million from the Australian Government via its Regional Airports Program and $5 million from the City of Ballarat.

The runway extension is slated to be ready for use this month. This will mark the completion of the first stage of a transformational two-stage upgrade envisioned for the airport, which will improve transport connections, stimulate economic growth, and assist business expansion for Ballarat and the region.

The City of Ballarat is currently seeking a funding partnership for the second stage and will be submitting applications to Commonwealth funding streams.

The second stage of the runway upgrade project involves the reconstruction of the existing 1,250 metre section to the same standard as the stage one extension.

A fully upgraded 1,800 metre runway would enable the operation of large turboprop and regional jet aircraft.

This would allow the City of Ballarat to explore opportunities for the airport to expand operations to passenger and freight services that would attract investment and create economic growth for the region.

The upgrades are also expected to provide a safer runway for aeromedical flights that service Ballarat and the western district and to improve the capacity to accommodate larger aerial firefighting aircraft.

Cr Hargreaves said the runway extension represented a critical first stage in the City of Ballarat’s vision for the airport.

“The runway extension will play an important role in allowing the Ballarat Airport to cater for larger commercial and emergency services aircraft,” she said.

“It will enable organisations like the Royal Flying Doctors Service to operate their newer Kingair 350 aircraft on their flights into Ballarat, and it will improve safety.”

Federal Member for Ballarat and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said the City of Ballarat has done significant work to develop a masterplan for the airport which recognises how important aviation will be to the future of the city.

“I’m delighted that Albanese Government could support the Ballarat Airport through both rounds 1 and 4 of the Regional Airports Program,” she said.

“Our $3.8 million investment to the lengthen the runway is a critical step in the airport’s development, so it’s great to see it nearing completion.

The second stage of the Ballarat Airport upgrade is a priority project listed in the Ballarat Now and Into the Future document. 

“While we celebrate this milestone, there is more to be done to fully realise the potential for Ballarat Airport,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“Ahead of the federal election, I hope all sides of politics will get behind the Ballarat Airport and the many benefits the second stage of upgrades will have for the entire Western Victoria region.”

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