CFA crews staged an udderly remarkable rescue last weekend after a young calf fell down an abandoned mineshaft in Yarck, in the state’s northeast.

In what serves as a useful warning for livestock owners in the Central Goldfields of Victoria where old mine shafts are plentiful, the Oscar Rescue Support Unit was alerted to a calf in distress at around 8:57 am last Saturday morning, February 1.

Upon arrival crews found the calf trapped approximately 20 metres underground.  

Using a carefully rigged rope system and a harness, rescue personnel worked together over approximately three hours to steer the operation to success.  

Remarkably the young calf was completely uninjured. 

Oscar Fire Brigade 1st Lieutenant Karl Shay praised the team’s coordination and problem-solving skills in handling the tricky rescue. 

“It was fairly complex situation, before we could get down the shaft to reach the animal we needed to remove a stump that was blocking the entrance,” Karl said. 

“I think the calf knew we were there to help, it was very calm throughout the whole process. 

“Once we got the ropes on, we were able to safely bring the calf to safety. 

“It’s not every day you get called to a rescue like this, but we’ll always be there when needed, whether it’s for people, property or livestock.” 

Karl added that the rescue served as a timely reminder to the community to always call for help in situations like this and leave things to the trained professionals.   

“Obviously these types of situations can be very distressing for pet and livestock owners. But in this situation the family involved made the correct decision to call 000 and wait for help to arrive,” he said. 

The dairy-tired calf was safely reunited with its very relieved mum.

This story based on a CFA report

The Hepburn Shire Council is preparing to start applying the first batch of compost to its Parks and Open Spaces trial sites to measure the benefits as part of a Sustainability Victoria funded trial.

The picture above features 40 cubic metres of compost made from kerbside food and garden organics collected from townships across the Hepburn Shire.

The volume of compost produced is less than the volume of material collected because, just like spinach, organic matter dramatically reduces as it ‘cooks’.  

The first stage of composting occurs in the council’s rapid in-vessel composting units at the Creswick Transfer Station. After two weeks, the compost is taken out of the vessels and allowed to cool outdoors while it continues to mature and gets closer to being ready to be applied to plants.

Matthew Daniel of Hepburn Shire Council’s Parks and Gardens team said that much like the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, good compost needs to “not be too hot, too cold, too wet or too dry”.

He has been closely monitoring the temperature and moisture of the maturing compost to determine when it will be ready to use. Recently, the compost was 40 degrees which is an indicator that it is almost ready to use on sites.

The temperature of the compost indicates how active the thermophilic (heat loving) bacteria are. Now that the temperature is decreasing, the team knows that the bacterial activity is slowing.

Once it reaches an ambient temperature, the compost is considered ‘optimised’ (has the right mix of microbes) and is ready to apply to plants.  

Optimised compost helps to prevent disease but also improves the structure of soil to reduce compaction and increase water retention, a bit like a vaccine does for humans.

Matthew will also test this compost to see the microscopic organisms (like bacteria, microbes, fungi, protozoa) present, before putting it to use.  

Matthew also demonstrated the compost tea making kit he is putting together. Soon he will be adding small amounts of compost to ‘brew’ up a microbe rich tea that can be sprayed around the base of trees to improve their health. 

Council staff are working hard to remove contamination at various stages, mainly by hand. However, it is very difficult to remove completely. They are still seeing some contamination (for example, plastic) ending up in the compost pile.

By far the easiest way to keep the compost clean is for residents to avoid putting any plastic (such as bags) or other rubbish in the lime-green bins.

Those keen to know more can visit the council’s Food and garden organics webpage to find out what you can and cannot put in your kitchen caddy and lime-green lidded bins. 

This story based on a Hepburn Shire Council report

A safety issue with operating equipment has forced the temporary closure of the Clunes public outdoor swimming pool.

A couple of other public outdoor pools in the Hepburn Shire have also been temporarily closed to enable equipment checks to be conducted.

An issue with the pool operating equipment at the Clunes pool (pictured above and below) has prompted the Hepburn Shire Council to close that pool until further notice, and to issue an update advising people of the closure.

In a social media post this afternoon the council has advised that: “We’re very disappointed to say that the Clunes pool will be closed until further notice because of a safety issue with the pool operating equipment.

“The Daylesford and Trentham pools will also be closed until further notice as these pools use the same operating equipment and need to be assessed to ensure safety and that they’re working as they should,” the council’s social media post confirms.

“Creswick Splash Park will remain open,” the post states.

“All pool equipment at the three pools is being assessed by an independent consultant this week. We’ll provide further updates once we know more.

“We understand that this news may be frustrating to hear. Council always takes the safety of community and staff with the utmost importance,” the post states.

This story based on a Hepburn Shire Council report

The recently completed TPG mobile tower in Kilsyth is providing more than 8 km2 of improved 4G and 5G coverage to over 4,350 households, and marks the halfway point for the state’s Connecting Victoria program.

The program is delivering more than 1,200 mobile projects and 150 broadband projects, the state government highlighted in a media release issued last week.

Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins: “Communities across Victoria need reliable coverage to stay connected with family, work and study – that’s why we’ve completed over 725 mobile and internet projects across the state, with hundreds more on the way.”

The locations for the new towers were chosen based on feedback from people living across the state, in an effort to address the biggest connectivity gaps and make the biggest impact on communities and businesses.

The new Kilsyth tower – built by Indara and operated by TPG – will provide the local community with improved coverage so they can work, study, and keep in touch with loved ones.

While the Commonwealth is responsible for telecommunications services in Australia, the state continues to invest in mobile and internet infrastructure to address connectivity gaps in regional communities.

Connecting Victoria is the single largest investment in mobile and internet infrastructure made by any state.

Indara Interim CEO Michael Ferguson: “Through partnerships with government, mobile network operators, and local councils, we’re thrilled to accelerate a digitised future for Victorian communities by delivering the critical infrastructure across the state.”

TPG Telecom General Manager Wireless Access Networks David Yeo: “TPG Telecom is proud to support the continued improvement of essential mobile services in the Yarra Ranges and to have reached the important halfway mark on the Connecting Victoria project.”

Optus Managing Director Networks Tony Baird: “Optus is proud to support the Connecting Victoria program, and we will continue to invest in high-quality network services, delivering vital connectivity to communities across Victoria.”

NBN Co Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Will Irving: “We are incredibly proud of NBN Co’s involvement in the Connecting Victoria Program, which will help ensure the NBN continues to meet Australia’s rapidly growing needs.”

This story based on a state government media release

Helen Garner, Costa Georgiadis, Clare Wright, Nicole Chvastek and Heather Ewart are just a few of the thought-provoking special guests set to feature in discussions at next month’s Clunes Booktown Festival.

Acclaimed Aussie writer Helen Garner will discuss her latest book, The Season, in which she follows her grandson’s under-16 footy team.

In typical Garner style, this book explores many themes – ageing, family, masculinity, and the epic theatre of Australian football. Her sharp observations will be drawn out, in conversation, by author and critic, Sean O’Beirne.

In panel discussion, author Kate Grenville (Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place), author Jane Harrison (The Visitors), and historians Clare Wright (Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions) and Amanda Laugesen (Australia in 100 Words) will explore the reality behind Australia’s colonial myths in an enlightening session with Kingston’s own Professor Barry Golding.

In another session three experts in the environmental field – Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis, Milkwood’s Kirsten Bradley, and permaculture co-founder David Holmgren – will discuss the challenges of our rapidly changing climate and how we can adapt, not only our gardens but also various aspects of our lifestyles, in an increasingly uncertain world.

Television presenter Heather Ewart is set to spill the beans on her travels around Australia while hosting ABC TV’s Back Roads and writing her new book, The Great Aussie Road Trip, in conversation with travel writer Tim Richards.

Heather promises to reveal some of her favourite hidden gems, essential preparations, and personal tips for getting the most out of journeying around Australia.

That’s just a snapshot of what’s on the festival program taking place over March 22-23, with organisers of the big bibliophiles’ bash aiming to attract diverse audiences and highlighting genre spanning soft crime to one of the latest big book trends – ‘romantasy’.

While the genre that meshes fantasy and romance is not totally new, online audiences in particular have been identified as driving its current popularity, Clunes Booktown program manager Angela Crocombe says.

Accordingly, organisers of this year’s festival have included a romantic panel in the lineup to highlight Aussie ‘romantasy’ writers.

Authors Alexandra Almond (Thoroughly Disenchanted), Keshe Chow (The Girl with No Reflection), and Lili Wilkinson (Unhallowed Halls) will discuss the genre with agent Alex Adsett.

Along with author talks, panel discussions, and workshops, more than 120 book stalls will offer up tens of thousands of new, second hand, and collectible books.

The jam-packed weekend will also feature an Historical Walking Tour of Clunes, a Poetry Slam, an immersive Kids Village, and the return of Clunes’ legendary Hay Bale Maze.

And film buffs will be in for a treat too, with a screening of the dystopian classic Mad Max in Clunes’ historic central garage, now known as The Tin Shed, where part of the film was actually shot.

Ticket sales have opened with more details on the festival website.

Words: Eve Lamb. Image: Supplied

An alleged drunken boatie was among 14 vessel operators caught flouting the law at Lake Eildon over the past couple of weeks, Victoria Police have reported.

The 38-year-old skipper had several passengers on board a 3.5 metre tinny when he was intercepted by the Water Police Squad about 5pm on Friday January 31.

He went positive on a preliminary breath test and allegedly blew 0.134 during an evidentiary breath test.

The Kilsyth man had his marine licence immediately suspended for six months and was fined $840.

The squad conducted more than 60 vessel inspections, licence checks and breath tests during that weekend’s deployment and now warn that they will be continuing to regularly patrol popular inland waterways for the remainder of this summer.

Eight further boaties were issued with infringement notices for:

• Operating a boat without a licence

• Failing to carry a lifejacket (x4)

• Towing a skier without an observer (x2)

• Failing to maintain safety gear

Water Police also had jet skis closely in their sights.

Four riders were caught allegedly speeding too close to shore or other vessels, while another was fined $988 for riding unlicensed.

Several planned Water Police Squad operations will take place across Victoria, on top of regular patrols.

Boat and jet ski operators can expect to be breath tested, and have vessels inspected for mandatory safety equipment including lifejackets.

Water Police Acting Senior Sergeant Dave McHenry: “As the warm weather continues, we want safety to be front and centre in everyone’s minds.

“If you’re planning to drink, don’t get behind the wheel. We all know how devastating the consequences can be.

“Lifejackets also remain an issue. They are mandatory for jet ski riders, children under 12, solo boaties and in small boats up to and including 4.8m, yet we still see people without them.

“Police will continue to conduct random breath tests, vessel inspections and licence checks to ensure everyone is playing their part this summer.”

This story based on a Victoria Police report

Marking World Cancer Day, Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas last Tuesday announced six post-doctoral fellowships would be awarded in partnership with the Cancer Council Victoria. 

The $2.7 million fellowship funding will go to support early-career researchers who have not yet received significant research funding to investigate the causes, prevention, detection, and supportive care or treatment of cancer.

In alignment with this year’s theme, United by Unique, this year’s recipients are focusing on a diverse range of research areas – highlighting that every experience of cancer is unique. 

The recipients of the early-careers funding include:

• Using physical therapy to improve frailty outcomes for children with leukaemia – Dr S Grimshaw, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
• Preserving female fertility and long-term endocrine function following cancer treatment by inhibiting PUMA – Dr L Alesi, Monash University
• Investigating how parity can protect against triple negative breast cancer – Dr B Virassamy, University of Melbourne
• Blocking key protein interactions to treat mesothelioma – Dr J Troung, RMIT
• Taking the MYC out of colon cancer – Dr L Jenkins, Latrobe University
• Dissecting the role of type 2 innate lymphoid cells in gastric cancer – Dr R O’Keefe, La Trobe University

The investment is also supporting Cancer Council Victoria’s Grants-in-Aid program to support the best and brightest to achieve breakthroughs in cancer research – by discovering and improving prevention, detection, treatment, and care for Victorians affected by cancer. 

Supporting cancer research forms a critical component of the Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-2028 launched in September last year – with the new plan focused on improving cancer survival rates and achieving equitable health outcomes for all people living with the disease.

The state has invested more than $400 million to achieve a cancer-free future – by improving diagnoses and survival rates, including $100 million for advanced cancer treatments, $50 million to build the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, and $35 million for the Victorian Paediatric Cancer Consortium.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas: “Victoria has some of the best cancer survival outcomes globally, but there’s more to do – that’s why we’re backing our world-leading researchers, whose dedication could see the next big breakthrough in treatment and care.”

Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson: “We want a future that is cancer-free, and research is critical – from helping to improve early detection, clinical trials, or innovative, lifesaving new treatments.”

Independent singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts is bringing his New Love Tour to regional Australia in March and April with a show at Ballarat’s Civic Hall included on the tour schedule.

The tour marks his first full-length regional run in his home country since the highly successful Laps Around The Sun World Tour (2018-19). Ziggy will be celebrating the release of his highly anticipated seventh studio album, New Love.

Having taken his New Love World Tour across Europe, the UK, North America, and Asia, Ziggy now brings the magic back home to some of Australia’s most vibrant regional towns.

Kicking off on 1 March 2025 at 3 Oceans Winery in Margaret River, WA, the tour will feature songs from New Love, including hit singles ‘New Love,’ ‘Outlaw‘, and ‘Where Does the Love Go?’.

Fans can also expect unforgettable moments of connection with singalongs to favourites like ‘Runaway’ and ‘Love Me Now’, as Ziggy reconnects with his Australian audience in these intimate settings.

With stops at iconic venues such as the Tank Arts Centre in Cairns, The Powerhouse in Toowoomba, and the Civic Hall in Ballarat, this tour offers a rare chance to experience Ziggy’s spirited folk sound and captivating energy up close.

Each show promises to be a memorable experience, filled with raw emotion, spontaneity, and the heartfelt lyrics that have seen Ziggy Alberts connect with fans and showgoers worldwide.

Ziggy has built his career on unwavering independence, resilience, and a deep commitment to his craft.

From busking on Byron Bay’s streets to sold-out world stages – all as a solo act – his journey has always been about direct connection with his audience.

His new album, New Love, is a testament to that ethos – a project born from the road, shaped by his fans, and designed for the live stage.

New Love reflects Ziggy’s growth, embracing simplicity and the spirit of adventure.

Residents struggling to make ends meet will soon be welcomed into new, affordable houseing at Golden Square in Bendigo following the completion of 35 new social homes in recent weeks.

The Patricia Larkin community housing project in Golden Square officially opened at the end of last month with residents now set to start moving in from this month.

Wintringham CEO/Founder Bryan Lipmann AM said: “This project is an important step in addressing the housing needs of vulnerable older Australians who are at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness in the Bendigo area. We’re proud to be part of this milestone.”

“We are also grateful for the financial support from the Victorian State Government and the Peter & Lyndy White Foundation.

“The Foundation’s contribution is instrumental in helping us provide much-needed housing and security for vulnerable older Australians,” Mr Lipmann said.

Wintringham Deputy CEO Michael Deschepper attended the opening held late last month and said: “We look forward to welcoming residents to their new homes at our Patricia Larkin housing site, and contributing to a future where vulnerable older people have access to a safe and affordable home.”

The $16.6 million state government Big Build project has been delivered in partnership with Wintringham Housing, a not-for-profit housing association focused on providing social housing for those struggling to make ends meet and who are over 50 years of age.

The site was designed with residents’ livability needs at the forefront, with each unit featuring a private outdoor space and wheelchair accessibility throughout all the homes, and across the entire development.

The newest households to Golden Square are expected to move in from this month and to then enjoy close proximity to key amenities including public transport, local shops, allied health services, and parks including Backhaus Oval Reserve, and Sparrowhawk Gully Bushland Reserve. 

The prime Golden Square location was previously home to a local motel, but now proudly offers safe, secure and modern housing on site. 

The development will achieve an average Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating of 7-stars, ensuring energy efficiency and comfort within all homes.

In the City of Greater Bendigo alone, more than $155 million has been invested through the state’s Big Housing Build and other social housing programs to construct more than 370 new social and affordable homes.

Minister for Housing Harriet Shing: “More homes mean more opportunity, particularly for people over 50 years of age who can be vulnerable to homelessness and poverty. This development in Bendigo will give residents access to secure, modern, and energy efficient homes that are close to transport and services.” 

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan: “Our record investment in social and affordable housing is providing homes for locals who need them while also creating thousands of local jobs.”

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards:  “We’re providing Victorians with comfortable and energy-efficient homes, and these single units are a great example of what is possible for regional Victorians in need.” 

A confirmed human case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) has been identified in a resident of northern Victoria in recent weeks, the first case of JE in Victoria this mosquito season.  

JE virus has also been detected through environmental surveillance in northern Victoria along the Murray River, and in mosquitoes and feral pigs in New South Wales this summer. 

These findings indicate that JE virus is likely circulating in northern Victoria this summer. 

JE virus can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. 

Residents and people visiting northern Victoria, particularly inland riverine regions and near the Murray River, are potentially at higher risk of infection and should take measures to prevent mosquito bites. 

Avoid mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET) on all exposed skin. Wear long, loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensure accommodation, including tents are properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens. 

In Victoria, JE vaccine is available free-of-charge for specific groups at higher risk of exposure to the virus, including eligible people in 24 high-risk LGAs in northern Victoria. 

Clinicians should test for JE virus in patients with compatible illness and notify the Department of Health immediately of suspected cases by calling 1300 651 160 (24 hours). 

This story based on a Department of Health Report issued last month

Isla has been crowned the most popular baby name for girls for the first time in Victoria, while Oliver has nabbed an 11-year winning streak as the most popular boys’ name.

Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins  late last month visited the Royal Women’s Hospital to release the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages Victoria lists of the top 100 popular baby names for boys and girls in 2024.

Isla came in ahead of Charlotte, Amelia and Mia, taking the prime spot for the first time since it entered the top 100 most popular baby names in 2008.

Oliver has reserved the top seat since 2014, followed by Noah and Henry for two consecutive years.

In the top 10 list for boys, Theodore jumped from spot 14 to 4, while Muhammad and Xavier made the top 20 instead of Alexander and Sebastian.

Among girls, Lily took position number 10 in place of Ava, while Ruby and Mila entered the top 20 at the expense of Willow and Zoe.

Oliver is competing to break the all-time record for most popular boys’ name, but will need to stay on top for another 13 years. John holds the longest running top baby name for boys, clocking an impressive 23 years from 1929 to 1951.

Some of the less common girls names in the top 100 were Riley, Claire and Clara, while Isaiah, Elias, Bodhi and Maverick were the biggest sliders amongst the boys.

In 2024, 79,239 births were registered in Victoria, including 389 Islas and 570 Olivers.

Parents are encouraged within the first 60 days to register their baby’s name and can do so easily online with the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.

For the full list of popular baby names visit bdm.vic.gov.au/names.

Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins: “Congratulations to all the new Islas and Olivers who topped the name charts for 2024.”

“Naming little ones is a wonderful moment for parents – but settling on the name is not always an easy decision.”

“We’re making sure registrations are as easy and smooth as possible for parents, so they can enjoy time with the newest member of their family.”

Top 20 Girls and Boys 2024

The state government has announced a new round of funding support to help all Victorian school students go on camps and excursions.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll last week visited Wyndham Central College to launch the next round of the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.

They were keen to highlight the fact that it is on top of the $400 School Saving Bonus , which can also go towards school activities such as camps or excursions – plus school uniforms and textbooks.

The Labor Government’s Camps, Sport and Excursions Fund makes sure every student – regardless of their background – gets the chance to go on camps and excursions with their friends.

This year, families of more than 200,000 students across the state will be able to access this support, which has helped more than 2 million kids go to camps and excursions since it was introduced.

Under the program, families with healthcare cards will be able to access $154 for primary school children and $256 for secondary school students.

The Government has made an important change to the program for 2025. Families who have multiple children at the same school will be able to pool their allocated funding to use on one child or for one specific activity.

This could help in situations where the costs for activities in a certain year level are higher than others. 

At the same time around 700,000 students statewide are forecast to benefit from the School Saving Bonus. More than 450,000 transactions have been processed, saving parents more than $100 million on back-to-school costs. 

School uniforms have been the most popular item on which to use the Bonus, with over $40 million spent so far. School activities were also favoured, with over $26 million spent. Nearly $30 million have gone towards textbooks.

Last year, the Victorian state government invested an additional $168.7 million to continue the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund for an extra four years, so that parents in need get an extra helping hand.

Premier Jacinta Allan: “Families are juggling so much to give their kids the best start, but it’s harder and harder in Australia’s cost of living crisis.”

“We’re helping families cover the cost of camps, sporting activities and excursions – to help families in need and make sure no child is missing out.” 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll: “For many students, school camp is the highlight of the year. By putting more money back in the pockets of more Victorian families, we’re making sure all students have the chance to participate.” 

“It’s on top of our $400 School Saving Bonus – which has already saved busy Victorian families $100 million on uniforms, books, camps and excursions.”

This story based on a state government media release

The state’s mobile drug testing trial is continuing, with several festival events ahead scheduled to host the service between now and April.

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt recently announced pill testing will be available at a mix of single-day and multi-day events over the coming months, including Pitch Music and Arts Festival (7-11 March), Ultra Music Festival (12 April) and The Warehouse Project (25 April).

Pill testing was introduced following a spike in drug harm last year, with nine people critically unwell at Hardmission Festival – all experiencing life-threatening hyperthermia after using high potency MDMA in a hot and humid environment, and one death related to a suspected overdose also occurred at Pitch Music and Arts Festival. 

The service is completely free and confidential and is staffed by an experienced team of experts who not only test substances with world-leading technology, but also provide confidential health information to help people make safer, more informed decisions.

The announcement of the final few events for this festival season followed the highly successful launch of Victoria’s first mobile pill testing service in December at the Beyond the Valley. 

More than 700 people used the service – the majority in their late teens or early twenties – and staff tested more than 600 samples – or about one in 50 festivalgoers.

Since that first trial event, the state government has reported that for more than 70 per cent of patrons who used the service at Beyond the Valley, it was the first time they had ever had an open, judgment-free discussion about drug and alcohol safety with a health professional.

Nearly 40 per cent of patrons said they would use a smaller amount of their drugs following their discussion with a healthcare worker at the service, while one in six people intended to discard their drugs after having them tested.

A significant number of festivalgoers were also interested in understanding the interaction of recreational drugs with mental health conditions and prescription medications, particularly antidepressants – many did not know that recreational drugs can interact dangerously with prescribed medications.

Operated by The Loop and Harm Reduction Victoria, in partnership with Youth Support and Advocacy Service –Victoria’s pill testing service uses state of the art mobile testing equipment with capacity to conduct up to 30 tests an hour, more than any other pill testing service in Australia.

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt: “Following a spike in drug harm last festival season, this service is more important than ever – it offers a sensible health-led approach that will save the lives of young Victorian festivalgoers.”

“The results from Beyond the Valley speak for themselves: pill testing does not encourage people to use drugs. It allows people to see what’s really in their substances and make informed health decisions.”

This story based on a state government media release

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is partnering with the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group to launch a week-long festival designed to help locals change things up in a way that’s good for them – and the planet.  

The free shire-wide event, Changemakers Macedon Ranges, will launch with the Riddells Creek Enviro-Energy Expo hosting interactive stalls, expert keynote speakers, and panel discussions on Saturday March 15, and will run through to Sunday March 23.

Workshops hosted throughout the week will include zero-waste cooking classes (on induction cooktops), edible garden tours, sustainable house tours, bike maintenance for beginners, the launch of both a youth climate group and a backyard biodiversity program, mending and sewing workshops, produce swaps and much more.   

“Changemakers provides a wonderful opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and learn a new life skill, and work towards making a real change,” Macedon Ranges Director Planning and Environment, Rebecca Stockfeld.

“Collaboration in our community is what we love to see, and the changes that we make today, can have a profound impact on the generations to follow.” 

More information on the full program will be coming soon and available on the How you can take climate action page

Those keen to know more can check out the list of speakers and stallholders of the Riddells Creek Enviro-Energy Expo at the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group website.

This story based on a Macedon Ranges Shire media release

The CFA is encouraging brigades across the state to compete in this year’s CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships in March.

Interested brigades need to register by Sunday 16 February 2025. Nominations are online via the VFBV website: https://tinyurl.com/2025-entry-eoi 

The events are once again being held at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve across two weekends.  

Urban Junior State Championships will kick off on 22 and 23 March. The Senior Urban, Junior Rural, and Senior Rural events are being held at the same site the following weekend, 29 and 30 March. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the State Championships have always been an integral part of CFA since they began in 1874. 

“The Championships are a great way to show the endurance and reliability of brigades as well as promoting leadership, mental wellbeing, and physical fitness with all competitors celebrated for having a go,” Jason said. 

“The Championships are one of the most exciting events on the CFA calendar and a great opportunity for our members to engage in friendly competition with their brigade and fellow firefighters.  

“It’s also a great way for the community to see what we do and hopefully we can inspire them to join their local brigades.  

“I highly recommend brigades to get involved in the event which includes practical firefighting activities using hoses, hydrants and other equipment. It’s also fantastic for teamwork and comradeship.”   

Captain of Melton Fire Brigade, Anthony Rhodes, has been competing and coaching teams in the State Championships since he was a teenager and said he loves the family aspect of the event. 

Not only does he compete and coach alongside his sons he said other members become like your family too.  

“I love the camaraderie,” Anthony said. 

 “It doesn’t matter where you’re from it is a real family feeling.

“It gives you a good opportunity to socialise and meet people and then you run into them on strike teams or just out and about and you really feel connected.” 

Anthony competed in the junior division before becoming a senior competitor. He also spent many years as a coach for both junior and senior teams at Melton brigade.  

“I used to coach the juniors, but when my two sons came along I decided to step back from that and just be a dad,” he said. 

This year he is both competing in the senior open running team and coaching the senior women’s teams, he said he can’t wait to share the event with his boys and extended firefighting family. 

“Champs allow members and family to have an outlet and have a little bit of fun. 

To anyone thinking of signing up Anthony said, “today is the day”.  

“When people go to fires, we don’t always deal with great things. This is a great outlet because it isn’t life or death, it is just a bit of fun,” he said. 

This story based on a CFA report