Victoria will cap and lock fuel price rises in a cost-of-living shake up by the state government aimed at leveling the playing field between multinational fuel companies and Victorian families.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos met with tradies and apprentices at Victoria University Werribee campus last week to announce the Government’s Fair Fuel Plan, which will require fuel companies to publicly report their fuel price changes the day before they are in effect – and lock in those prices for 24 hours.

Consumers know fuel prices fluctuate all the time – sometimes multiple times a day. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission data also shows that in 2023, Melbourne motorists could have saved up to $333 a year from filling up at the lowest point of fuel price cycles by securing the best deal.

The Fair Fuel Plan won’t change everything, but it’s hoped to provide one extra tool at families’ disposal to help them save at the servo – and another way to keep fuel companies transparent about the prices they set and the deals they promote.

Under the plan, the government will make it compulsory for the more than 1500 fuel retailers across the state to provide their pricing data in real time.

This data will then feed directly into a new fuel finder feature on the Service Victoria app, giving Victorians the opportunity to shop around for the best deal when they’re ready to fill up.

Currently, fuel price reporting in Victoria is voluntary and often patchy. While commercial price reporting websites exist, the Service Victoria fuel finder will include every fuel provider, won’t be advertiser funded, and will never promote one outlet over the other.

Prices set the day before and locked in for 24 hours

The fuel finder and mandatory reporting will support the next phase of the Fair Fuel Plan – to not only cap the number of fuel price rises to once a day, but to lock in those prices the day before, and freeze them for 24 hours. 

This means you’ll be able to check your local area for which service station is offering the best price throughout the next day – and when you arrive in the morning to fill up, there’ll be no surprises. 

Under the plan, the price at that outlet can’t rise at any time throughout that day, but there is not intended to be any limit to a company reducing its fuel price.

New regulations and legislation will be required, and work is currently under way to determine an appropriate enforcement structure and penalties for fuel retailers.

The government will consult with industry on implementation to get it right, and to ensure the scheme is fair and practical for smaller retailers.

The Fair Fuel Plan will be phased in over 2025. The Service Victoria fuel finder will launch later this year and could save Victorian motorists hundreds of dollars a year at the bowser. 

The plan builds on cost-of-living relief already implemented by the Labor Government such as free rego for apprentices, free Kinder, capped V/Line fares, stamp duty exemptions and the $400 School Saving Bonus.

Premier Jacinta Allan: “To help you save money at the servo, we will require fuel companies to publicly report their price changes the day before – and lock them into that price for 24 hours.”

“You know how much fuel prices fluctuate – under our plan, you can find out tomorrow’s fuel price at every single servo on your route to work and make your decisions accordingly.”

“We know this won’t change everything for families who are doing it tough, but these savings can add up to hundreds of dollars a year.”

Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins: “The fuel finder feature on the Service Victoria app will give you access to real time fuel prices from service stations across the state – so you can shop around for the cheapest deal.”

Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos: “We want to give families more power at the bowser. We’re also keeping multinational fuel companies transparent about the prices they set and the deals they promote.”

This story based on a state government media release

The state government is increasing the capacity of the Children’s Court to hear criminal cases, including those involving repeat youth offenders, with a dedicated magistrate starting last week.

Magistrate Julie O’Donnell will hear matters in the Children’s Court to help ensure repeat youth offenders have their cases heard quickly and that there’s continuity in who hears them – ensuring these offenders are held accountable for their actions. 

Ms O’Donnell brings more than 35 years’ experience in the legal system to the role and has focused extensively on criminal and child protection cases throughout her career, having most recently served at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court since 2022. 

Previously she served at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court for more than a decade, as well as a senior lawyer at Victorian Legal Aid earlier in her career.

The state government, in a media release, says the appointment is another step in its ongoing work to strengthen community safety and improve the justice system’s response to youth offending. 

In December, new bail reforms started requiring bail decision makers to explicitly consider the risk to community safety posed by the risk of serious reoffending when granting bail.

If there is an unacceptable risk that they may commit a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 offence – such as aggravated burglary, armed robbery, carjacking, or home invasion – bail must be refused. 

These changes started alongside a new offence created specifically for committing a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 offence while on bail. 

The new Council on Bail, Rehabilitation and Accountability (COBRA) has been set up to stop the actions of repeat serious youth offenders.

COBRA is made up of experts from police, youth justice, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Department of Health, schools and other sectors. 

A trial of electronic monitoring with enhanced bail supervision and support will begin later this year. 

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenn: “Ms O’Donnell will be a great asset to the Children’s Court. Her wealth of experience and expertise will ensure consistency in hearings and more accountability for repeat youth offenders.”

“We know there is a group of repeat offenders driving the rise in serious crimes – that’s why we’re taking action to hold them to account while offering support to help young people turn their lives around.”

Minister for Youth Justice Enver Erdogan: “This is another important step in delivering a justice system that protects the community and rehabilitates young people.”

“We want to help victims get closure by holding young people to account and helping those who may be heading down a wrong path to realise the effects of their actions.” 

This story based on a state government media release

Australia’s first ever Vietnamese cultural centre and museum in Sunshine is another step closer, with the project’s planning permit given the green light to move forward.

Backed by a $2.3 million state government investment, the project will provide Vietnamese Victorians with a place to celebrate their heritage and preserve stories of migration and refugee settlement.

Located at 119 Durham Road in Sunshine, the museum also reinforces Melbourne’s western suburbs as a key locale of Vietnamese culture in Victoria and Australia.

The three-storey building will host exhibitions to honour migrant journeys to freedom and celebrate the significant contributions of the Vietnamese community to the multicultural fabric of Australia, with the museum set to receive more than 280 artefacts.

It will also include a community hub and resource centre for education, as well as a function centre and café to accommodate community events for up to 450 guests from across Victoria, interstate and abroad.

The planning application was submitted as part of the state’s Development Facilitation Program, which streamlines the planning process for priority projects that boost investment into Victoria’s economy, keep people in jobs, and create homes for Victorians.

The site is currently owned by Brimbank City Council, is based within the growing Sunshine Metropolitan Activity Centre, and is only a three-minute walk from the Sunshine Railway Station.

The Vietnamese Museum Australia will form the sixth cultural museum in the Multicultural Museums Victoria Network.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt: “We’re continuing to support the future and celebrate the vibrant past of our multicultural state – creating more opportunities to acknowledge the significant contributions made by the Vietnamese community across Victoria.”

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny: “We’re a step closer to delivering a dedicated, accessible and safe place for the Vietnamese community to celebrate their culture, heritage and connection.”

The state government has launched Ballarat Railway Station’s accessibility and connectivity upgrade works that will make it easier for all passengers to get around the station precinct.

Acting Minister for Transport Infrastructure Melissa Horne last week announced the work site for the project had been established.

It will deliver a new pedestrian overpass, along with lifts and stairs installed at both platforms. 

The revamped station will also include an upgrade to the northern entry to the station with a new ramp and stairs to be built, along with improvements to lighting and landscaping.

The upgrades will help improve accessibility for people with a disability, prams or luggage and will mean they no longer have to use the Lydiard Street level crossing to change platforms.

To ensure the safety of both the community and crews, local buses will move to a temporary location on nearby Lydiard Street from Thursday, January 30 for the duration of the project.

Work will then start on removing sections of fencing, concrete paving and roof sheeting between the bus interchange and northern platform, and a small part of the southern station building, to make space for the new lift shaft and stairwell.

Crews will also start relocating communications services in the project area.

In March, piling for the foundations of the new overpass will begin before works ramp up with excavation and construction of the lift shafts later this year.

Community feedback helped to shape the final designs which were released last year, with further architectural work completed to reduce the visual impacts of the new accessible overpass on the existing station buildings.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2026 and will build on the Ballarat Line Upgrade, which delivered an extra 135 weekly services for Ballarat and growing communities along the line.

Acting Minister for Transport Infrastructure Melissa Horne: “It’s exciting to see works getting underway which will deliver a more accessible Ballarat Station for everyone.”

“The new overpass, stairs, lifts and station entrance will make it easier for all transport users to get around the station and catch the train.”

Member for Ballarat Juliana Addison: “We’re getting on with delivering this important project, which will make it easier for passengers to move between platforms.”

“We thank the community for their patience while crews carry on this work, which will transform accessibility at the station.”

A new library kiosk has been installed at the Lucas Community Hub, the first of its kind in Ballarat.

A library kiosk is a self-service terminal that allows library patrons to check out, return, and manage their library materials without the need for staff assistance or the requirement to attend a physical library.

The kiosk includes a rotating collection of items, while library members are also able to request specific items from the Ballarat Libraries collection and use the kiosk to collect and return them.

The need for the introduction of kiosks was identified in the City of Ballarat Libraries and Learning Strategy 2022-2027, which outlines a commitment to ensure Ballarat’s libraries are accessible to the growing community.

The existing Library Outreach program currently visits Lucas Community Hub once a week for two hours, with users able to access library resources at the time when the library truck visits. Further availability of the truck is limited due to resourcing and the need for the truck to visit other Library Outreach locations.

However, the new kiosk ensures the same resources are available whenever the community hub is open. The Lucas Community Hub is open from 9am-4pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays.

The Library Outreach program will also continue at Lucas and Buninyong in 2025.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the new kiosk demonstrated the Council’s commitment to equipping the growing suburbs of Ballarat with vital services.

“Libraries are a key community asset, and it is vital we are able to offer the services to as many people as possible,” she said.

“Although kiosks will never replace library branches, they provide a sound alternative for our residents who do not have easy access to our physical libraries.

“The kiosk addresses a need for increased services in a rapidly growing area of Ballarat and we hope it encourages even more people to use our library services and experience the Lucas Community Hub.”

The City of Ballarat is currently investigating further potential kiosks at other locations in Ballarat.

This story based on a City of Ballarat media release

Australia’s first five-star river cruise is one step closer to welcoming passengers on board, with the installation of a vintage steam engine and the deck now complete, backed by the state government.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos this month welcomed the installation of the 9.5-tonne, refurbished 1907 wood-fired steam engine and the 20-tonne middle deck on the PS Australian Star.

The 35-metre-long river crusier will be the largest paddlesteamer in the southern hemisphere – and the only wood-fired, five-star paddlesteamer in the world.

The state government has invested $2.25 million through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund to build the luxury paddle steamer, which is being built by local company Murray River Paddlesteamers.

The world-class vessel will operate from the Port of Echuca and will be able to carry 38 people each trip.

Featuring 19 ensuite cabins, a fine dining restaurant, function space, a guest lounge with panoramic views and bars across two levels, the PS Australian Star adds to regional Victoria’s iconic and one-of-a-kind tourism offering.

You can book journeys of three, four or seven nights and the cruise will stop to explore riverside communities along the way – providing another boost to tourism in the region.

Construction of the vessel has created 13 local jobs and will create a further 16 ongoing jobs once it starts cruising.

For more on the PS Australian Star, including booking information, those keen to know more can visit murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au. 

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos: “The PS Australian Star will be a one-of-a-kind experience that will attract people from across the state and around Australia. It will be the most luxurious way to experience Victoria’s great Murray River – and all the towns that make this region so great.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes: “This boat will not only elevate the experience of cruising the Murray but also benefit local businesses, tourism and the region more broadly.”

Murray River Paddlesteamers Director Craig Burgess: “PS Australian Star will re-imagine tourism on the Murray River, combining historic charm with five-star luxury. This unique vessel will offer an unforgettable experience for guests while boosting the local economy and creating jobs, cementing the region as a must-visit destination.”

This story based on a state government media release

Ballarat’s Airport runway extension is a step closer to completion, with drivers now able to access the Liberator Drive extension from the southern end of the runway, following the permanent closure of part of Airport Road.

Airport users can access Liberator Drive via Link Road to the east, and Airport Road to the west of the airport.

In a media release the city of Ballarat is warning drivers to be alert to traffic management measures in place on the new section of the Liberator Drive extension until early March, when all associated roadworks are scheduled to be completed.

The interim road will be upgraded as the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) further develops.

Once these extension upgrades are complete, Liberator Drive will provide residents and businesses with improved access between Ballarat and the Ballarat Airport, via the Ballarat West Employment Zone.

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the Liberator Drive extension will provide a safe, quality access point between the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) and the Ballarat Airport for residents and businesses.

“The Liberator Drive extension is a vital step in bringing the Ballarat Airport Runway extension online and will ultimately unlock opportunities for existing businesses and attract new aviation businesses to our airport,” she said. 

“The extension of the runway is the first stage upgrade which will ultimately allow for larger commercial freight aircraft, large firefighting and emergency services aircraft and increase opportunities to attract new aviation businesses to the airport.”

The Ballarat Airport runway extension — which will extend its length from 1,300 to 1,800 metres — is on track for completion in late March.

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

The Liberator Drive extension is funded and delivered by Development Victoria and constructed by Winslow Constructors and will ensure the efficient movement of goods and bolster Ballarat’s supply chain.

The Victorian Government announced the initial stages of BWEZ in 2015 as a $30 million joint initiative with the City of Ballarat – with the Victorian Government contributing $25 million and the City of Ballarat contributing $5 million – to support economic growth over two decades.

It is expected to attract new businesses, create jobs and provide housing opportunities for the community through the development of Crown land.

BWEZ continues to be funded and delivered by Development Victoria, with Regional Development Victoria playing an investment attraction role. 

This story based on a City of Ballarat media release

The Victorian state government says it’s delivering the skilled workers Victoria needs to meet its housing targets, with more than 20,000 carpenters, electricians and plumbers getting their Trade Papers since 2019.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney this month welcomed the news and encouraged newly qualified tradies to display their Trade Papers with pride because they’re as valuable as a university degree.

A Trade Paper is a certificate awarded to those who successfully complete a recognised apprenticeship in Victoria, along with relevant formal training through a TAFE, trade school or registered training organisation (RTO).

Since the state government reintroduced Trade Papers in 2019, 7,388 carpenters, 7,027 electricians and 5,641 plumbers have gained their qualifications – that’s 20,000 qualified tradies with the skills to build the homes Victorian needs.

More than 11,300 people completed a trade apprenticeship in 2023-23, an increase of 24.5 per cent compared to 2019-20 and 20,400 people started a trade apprenticeship in Victoria in the same period – an increase of 22.4 per cent. 

Across the state, there are more than 54,800 trades apprentices currently gaining their qualifications – an increase of almost 19 per cent. 

Many of the plumbers who have recently qualified are choosing to complete further training short courses to meet licensing or regulatory requirements in their field, so they can get into work sooner.

The state government is adding seven new short courses in plumbing to Free TAFE in 2025. These short courses will mean plumbers can undertake the specific units they need to start work, easing the skills shortages the industry is facing.

Victorians can access Free TAFE courses without the cost of tuition fees, even if they already hold a VET qualification or degree. There are no limits on the number of plumbing licensing short courses a person can complete in a year.

For more information about Trade Papers, visit vrqa.vic.gov.au. For more information about getting an apprenticeship, visit apprenticeships.vic.gov.au.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney: “Carpenters, electricians and plumbers are vital for our community, economy, and for building the homes we need – so we’re focusing our training investment to make trade apprenticeships fairer, safer and even more worthwhile.”

“There has never been a better time to consider a career in the trades – it’s a rewarding, secure and well-paid career. Gaining your qualifications through an apprenticeship sets you up to earn while you learn on the job.”

Former Hepburn Shire Council chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond has been suspended from his position as CEO of Hobsons Bay City Council.

In a statement released on the Hobsons Bay City Council’s Facebook page on Saturday, January 25, Mayor Cr Daria Kellander said:

“Following an unscheduled meeting of Council today, Aaron van Egmond has been suspended as CEO of Hobsons Bay Council effective immediately.

“Councillors became aware of concerns about safety in the workplace and the CEO’s fulfilment of his duties more broadly. Councillors take these matters very seriously and have made this decision following thorough and careful consideration, pending further investigations.

“Given the sensitivity of these matters for all concerned, Council can make no further comment at this time.”

Hobsons Bay City Council’s website says Mr van Egmond started his role on June 12, 2018 after six years at Hepburn Shire Council.

“Aaron has been a strong leader in the Victorian local government sector for 15 years. Aaron previously served as CEO of Hepburn Shire Council for six years where he had a strong focus on project delivery, financial sustainability, operational efficiency and occupational health and safety. He also focused on significant improvements in customer service and community engagement.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Supplied

Victoria’s Acting Premier Ben Carroll and Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio have welcomed the installation of two giant 335 tonne transformers at the 600-megawatt Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH) in Plumpton in recent days.

It’s a milestone for one of the world’s biggest renewable energy storage batteries. With all 444 Tesla Megapack ‘big battery’ components now in place at the MREH, the giant transformers are the final pieces that will connect the battery’s power to the grid and allow it to be pumped at higher voltage.

The transformers travelled with an oversized load escort, and over three days about a fortnight ago, a specialised crew undertook a precision ‘jack and skate’ process, lifting the transformers and gliding them on to their foundations.

A third transformer will arrive next month, while work continued to connect the first two transformers.

The big battery will come online later this year. It works by soaking up excess solar and surplus energy from the grid and releasing it back into the grid during the evening peak to boost supply and put downward pressure on bills. It will also allow 1.8 gigawatts of new renewable energy generation to be added to the grid. 

The big battery will store enough renewable energy to power 200,000 homes during peak periods. More than 790 people have worked across all aspects of the project, including 30 apprentices, trainees and cadets. 

The SEC will build 4.5 gigawatts of new renewable energy and storage projects – enough to power more than 1.5 million homes – and all profits will be reinvested back into Victorian projects that deliver cheaper renewable energy.

Construction is also under way on the first 100 percent government owned renewable energy project in Australia – the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham.

The $370 million investment includes a 100-megawatt two-hour battery and 119-megawatt solar farm that is forecast to power 51,000 homes and create 246 jobs.

The SEC is now enshrined in Victoria’s Constitution and all money made from the SEC’s assets will be reinvested back into SEC for the benefit of all Victorians.

Acting Premier Ben Carroll: “The State Electricity Commission puts publicly owned renewable energy into the grid to drive down your power prices.”

Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio: “This is one of the world’s biggest batteries that can store enough energy to power 200,000 homes.”

“Soon, we’ll plug a publicly owned energy asset into the electricity grid for the first time in more than 25 years.” 

This story based on a state government media release

Victorian fishers are hoped to be in for a bumper season, with more chances to hook, line and sinker a Murray cod following a decade of record fish stocking.

Victoria’s Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos visited Karkarook Lake in recent days to release 6,000 Murray cod fingerlings for fishers and to highlight the state government’s continued investment in Victorian fishing. 

Murray cod are threatened by overfishing, mishandling, and environmental changes with the fingerling release among measures that are hoped to help counteract those threats.

Since 2014, more than 66 million fish have been released across Victoria including golden perch, Australian bass, estuary perch, trout, salmon and dusky flathead – more stocking than all other Australian states and territories combined, a state government media release highlighted this month.

The 6000 fingerlings that were released on January 17 were produced at the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery, near Shepparton, which is being upgraded to triple its size and will see it produce up to six million native fish each year, part of a $15 million investment.

Since 2014, more than 22 million Murray cod have been stocked into Victorian waters at more than 60 locations across the state.

Several Victorian lakes are open year-round so fishers can wet a line and reel in a Murray cod including Bendigo’s Lake Eppalock, Rocklands Reservoir and Lake Eildon.

Since 2014, Lake Eppalock alone has scored 2.4 million cod, with locals and visitors now catching increasing numbers of fish – which are likely upward of 3-4 years old.

Near the Grampians, Rocklands Reservoir has been stocked with millions of Murray cod since 2017, plenty of which are now being caught by freshwater anglers. 

Several other waterways are reportedly flourishing thanks to record stocking and delivering benefits for nearby communities like Melton Reservoir, Cairn Curran near Newstead, Taylors Lake near Horsham, Eildon and Lake Nillahcootie. 

To find out more about some of the state’s top fishing locations, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingdestinations.

Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos: “We want Victorians to get out and enjoy our great outdoors and there’s no better time to wet a line, with 66 million fish stocked in the last decade – more than all other Australian states and territories combined.”

“There are millions of reasons Victorian families should get out and drop a line this year – with dozens of lakes and rivers stocked across the state.” 

This story based on a state government media release

Prepare to groove like it’s 1970-something when the Yachtski Brothers hit the stage tomorrow as part of the last in the Summer Sundays series of free concerts in Ballarat’s beautiful botanical gardens.

The afternoon event makes for a lazy opportunity to set cruise control and soak in some smooth rock and funky soul as this all-star band of brothers take you on a captivating ride back to the classic sounds of the 70’s & 80’s.

From the gentle sway of yacht, to the energetic beat of rock, these funky ‘buoys’ promise music that’s kind to discerning ears and good dancing material to boot. They’re also just one of the four acts scheduled for tomorrow’s free concert that’s set to get started from 3pm and run through to 7pm.

Also part of tomorrow’s line-up is:

With members from Beaufort and Ballarat, Serendipity are an emerging all-girl band who blend vibrant energy and harmonies for a fresh, authentic sound.

New to the region, Aaliyah Bise, is rapidly making her mark on the local music scene and has discovered a vibrant and supportive community that has fueled her artistic growth.

The band Sinsemillian were once described as “Flower Doom” and play a wild variety of styles with a tendency to lean towards the heavy, progressive and psychedelic with their eccentric 70s influences.

Alongside the live music, a selection of the area’s best street food and beverage vendors will be onsite, as will the pop-up Garden Bar that aims to quench summer thirsts for patrons 18 and over.

Those planning to get along are advised to bring a rug and maybe a picnic for a relaxed afternoon of free entertainment staged by the City of Ballarat.

Words: Eve Lamb. Images: Supplied

Ballarat’s Victoria Park sets the scene for tomorrow’s Australia Day Picnic in the Park with visitors and locals alike invited to gather their family and friends for a relaxed afternoon of food, fun and entertainment.

Those planning to attend can either pack a picnic or enjoy the many food and drink offerings from a variety of local food trucks and enjoy browsing the onsite market featuring more than 30 stallholders.

It follows many other Australia Day events being staged tomorrow including those in the neighbouring shire of Hepburn.

In the township of Trentham these include a flag raising ceremony with a community BBQ and entertainment. taking place from 10am in the town square.

At Creswick, the town’s Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve will set the scene for a community event taking place from 9.30am and including speeches followed by morning tea at 10am.

The City of Ballarat is inviting all residents and visitors to enjoy its Australia Day Picnic in the Park:

When: 11am-3pm 
Where: Victoria Park, next to the Inclusive Playspace.
Bookings: This is a FREE event

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is preparing to welcome its newest citizens at a Citizenship Ceremony on Tuesday 28 January.  

The ceremony will take place at the Kyneton Town Hall, commencing at 6pm, and will welcome 31 new citizens from 12 countries including: Iraq, India, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Iran, Serbia,  Vietnam, South Africa, Scotland, Philippines, Ireland and Germany.  

Conferees will officially pledge their loyalty to Australia and will be presented with a certificate to  confirm their Australian Citizenship. Each adult conferee will be presented with an Australian native plant and an ‘Aussie Pride Badge’.

The badge combines our flag and the symbolism of Australia’s  national flower, the Golden Wattle. Each child conferee will be presented with a small Australian gift.  

The Kyneton Municipal Band will provide entertainment on the night.  

Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan, Mayor Dom Bonanno, fellow Councillors and local Members of  Parliament are expected to attend.  

All members of the community are welcome to attend and join in celebrating the occasion.  

Under the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code administered by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs: ‘Councils must hold a ceremony on Australia Day, or the three days prior  or the three days after Australia Day.’

 The council’s annual Community Awards have been shifted to May, during National  Volunteer Week, in a move designed to streamline the council’s various award programs.

This story based on a Macedon Ranges Shire Council media release

Coming up tomorrow, Sunday January 26, Ballarat’s Lake Wendouree shoreline will once again be the venue for Ballarat’s Survival Day dawn ceremony.

The 2025 Ballarat Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will be the sixth reflection and healing event hosted by the City of Ballarat’s Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG) Advisory Committee in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.

While a day of mourning and remembrance of First Peoples who fought in the frontier wars, January 26 is also a day to mark the survival of ongoing traditions and cultures.

The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony is an inclusive event, welcoming all to join in solidarity for reflection and healing.

January 26 in Australia provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to mourn, reflect, and for all to learn about the true history of the country.  

First Nations’ community, one and all will gather to remember, to celebrate resilience, to strengthen murrup (spirit) by practicing culture through song, story sharing and unity at this award-winning truth-telling event.   

The 2025 Survival Day Dawn Ceremony: 

When: Sunday, 26 January 2025, commencing at 5.30am
Where: View Point, Lake Wendouree

Alongside the City’s Advisory Committee, community members contributing to the event include MC Belinda Duarte AM, the Ballarat Community dance group, local song woman deborahN and choir, Alex Jameson and Ballarat youth and artist Amaiyah Edwards. 

At the close of the ceremony community attending from near and far are encouraged to stay on and enjoy a cuppa while connecting beside the ceremony sand circle as a yarning place. 

This story based on a City of Ballarat media release