Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives charged two men earlier this week following an alleged serious assault in Long Gully last week.

It is alleged a man confronted the driver of a vehicle driving erratically on Sparrowhawk Road when he was seriously assaulted and then struck by a vehicle about 10pm on 9 January.

A 67-year-old Long Gully man was taken to hospital where he remains with serious injuries.

An 18-year-old Long Gully man was arrested on Sunday January 12, and charged with dangerous driving cause serious injury and other assault and traffic offences.

He had been remanded in custody to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Monday (January 13).

A 19-year-old Kangaroo Flat man was charged with assault-related offences and bailed to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on 17 March.

This story based on a Victoria Police report

Photographer Ian Kemp will present a free talk at Maryborough’s Central Goldfields Art Gallery tomorrow Saturday, January 18 at 2pm.

Mr Kemp will share insights into the background, process and ideas behind his photographs which are currently on display at the gallery.

As a fine art photographer, he will discuss how he decides on the subjects for his artwork and then how this leads to choosing the content and form of his images.

Mr Kemp’s current In Solitude exhibition includes portrait studies, landscapes and still-life photographic compositions reflecting the range of subject matter in which he is interested.

A range of taxes are impacting property sales in regional Victoria, real estate agents say. Among them, Belle Property’s Will Walton lists four taxes that he identifies as making buying in regional Victoria a challenge. 

“The four taxes making buying a challenge are land tax, vacant land tax (a wealth tax by default), the B&B levy and the fire levy increase,” he says. 

“These state government imposed costs are compounding our market difficulties especially as we so heavily rely on tourism for our local economy and employment, including accommodation to house tourists. 

“The ratio of one buyer for every five homes is now one in 10 homes. Every property is competing with each other.”

 Agent Kim McQueen of McQueen Real Estate says certain sectors of the market, especially the holiday-let segment, are being heavily impacted while other sectors – notably the higher-end segment in which her agency specialises – are flourishing.

 “We tend to specialise in slightly more high-end properties and we’ve had an amazing end of ‘24 with very strong sales at the top of the range,” Ms McQueen said. 

“Over late November to December we’ve sold more than $13 million in property. The really good, exceptional properties will sell well in any market and our region is blessed to have many of these properties. 

“In our region we have a lot of subsets in the market, and the area that’s being mainly hit is the holiday-let investor stock. The reason is all the taxes. “Taxes have skyrocketed.” 

In the holiday-let investor segment, in particular over the past 18 months, it’s been a “very tough market,” Ms McQueen says. 

“That’s the one that has just been decimated. Investors used to be 50 per cent of our buyers. We now have very few investors. It’s Victoria-wide.” 

Some observers now believe ditching Victoria’s big taxing approach should be a top priority in the government’s regional housing supply inquiry, while others believe the tax measures are needed to tackle the wider housing affordability crisis. 

In regional towns, including those in the Hepburn Shire, many houses are sitting vacant, their absentee owners rarely visiting, while countless Victorians struggle to put any roof over their heads at all. 

Over the past couple of years the Victorian government has brought in some new and expanded property taxes. In regional areas the most substantial have been the expansion of land tax, bringing Melbourne’s vacant land tax to the rest of Victoria, and the short- stay accommodation levy. 

Early last year the state government introduced sweeping changes to land tax, lowering the tax-free threshold for general land tax rates from $300,000 to $50,000 for those who hold a second property. 

Asked her opinion on whether the taxation measures may be going some way toward tackling the housing affordability crisis (by disincentivising additional property acquisition as investment), Ms McQueen says the broader picture is a complicated one. 

“It is very complicated. People that own holiday homes in our region are generally average normal people who have saved a very long time to purchase an investment property so they can be self-funded retirees and not be reliant on the government.” 

Meanwhile some analysts, like economist Alan Kohler in his recent book The Great Divide: Australia’s Housing Mess And How to Fix It interrogates the underlying notion of using housing as a vehicle for wealth-creation. 

“It will be impossible to return the price of housing to something less destructive – preferably to what it was when my parents and I bought our first houses – without purging the idea that housing is a means to create wealth as opposed to simply a place to live,” Kohler states in the book. 

Like Mr Walton, Ms McQueen believes the taxation measures, that agents say are particularly impacting the holiday-let investment end of the market, are having a damaging flow-on impact on tourism. 

But despite the impacts of the taxation measures, Mr Walton remains optimistic about the year ahead. 

“Belle Property has had a record month. The Daylesford office team has successfully sold 12 properties, four more than average per month.” 

Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Kyle Barnes 

The Water Police Squad has issuing a water safety warning as figures show the unit was called to more than 100 incidents in the first week of 2025.

It’s an extraordinarily busy start to the year following days of favourable weather.

During the same time last year there were 17 incidents, while the year before 36 were recorded over the period.

Many of this year’s callouts have related to dangerous jet ski behaviour including speeding, travelling too close to other swimmers and in some cases even collisions with other vessels.

A multi-agency rescue was required when a jet ski and boat collided on Safety Beach about 2.45pm on 4 January.

A 14-year-old boy, who was a passenger on the jet ski, had to be airlifted to hospital with serious upper body injuries.

The male rider and second passenger, aged 43 and 14, also had to be rescued from the water and were taken by road to hospital.

Two boat passengers sustained minor injuries but did not require urgent medical treatment.

Police seized the jet ski and boat as part of their investigation which remained ongoing.

That same day in Rye, a jet ski carrying three teenage males nosedived into a wave, throwing all three occupants overboard about 3.20pm.

Police responded and rescued the trio who were luckily uninjured during the incident.

Officers also towed back the jet ski which had its entire hull broken apart in the water.

Further up the bay two more jet skis had collided on Parkdale Beach about 10.35am on Friday 3 January.

The riders, aged 17 and 19, were travelling together when it’s believed one jet ski turned and collided with the other vessel.

The 19-year-old rider sustained serious middle body injuries and was taken to hospital via ambulance.

With warm weather still predicted ahead, the squad is urging vessel operators to take extra care with significant crowds expected both inland and along the coast.

Water Police will have a presence at key areas across Port Phillip Bay, including inner Melbourne beaches and Hastings, the Mornington Peninsula and Surf Coast, as well as Paynesville.

Officers will also patrol inland areas including Lake Eildon.

Vessel operators can expect to be breath tested, have their marine licenses checked, and vessels inspected for the mandatory safety equipment such as lifejackets, torches and fire extinguishers.

The law requires boat users to wear a lifejacket on a powered vessel up to 4.8m, when travelling solo, and at heightened risk.

It is mandatory for jet skiers and kayakers to wear a lifejacket at all times, yet police are still seeing people without them. Children aged under 12 must also wear a lifejacket at all times when in open areas of a vessel.

The Water Police Squad will use police boats and jet skis to enhance its visibility on the water.

The Small Boat Team, part of the Water Police Squad, will also be in out in force to boost efforts – using a mix of jet skis and inflatable rescue boats to respond to search and rescue incidents on the water and deter those putting others at risk.

On top of patrols, the squad will also be running several targeted operations over the summer season to target rogue jet ski riders both on the water and at ramps.

Water Police Squad Inspector James Dalton: “We’ve had an incredibly busy start to the year with thousands of people taking to our waterways during the hot weather.

“While most people do the right thing, there are some who show blatant disregard for the safety of other water users.

“Already we’ve seen multiple serious collisions on the water.

“These young people are lucky to be alive, but instead of enjoying the summer they’re now recovering in hospital with serious injuries.

“People need to remember that a split-second decision can have lifelong consequences.

“Water Police will continue to patrol the state’s waterways this summer, but vessel operators need to take some responsibility for their own behaviour and safety, because we can’t be everywhere at once.

“That means wearing a lifejacket, respecting the safety of other water users, and carrying the mandatory safety equipment.”

This story based on a Victoria Police report

Lee Merzel and Max Primmer helped ring in the New Year in Daylesford. Lee wore a stunning peacock outfit created by one of the Daylesford NYE Parade organisers Tracey Petrie.

The costume will be on display at Radius Art, Hepburn Springs from Thursday, January 16.

Max was MC for the night.

Check out more parade pics below.

Police are warning about the dangers of unextinguished campfires following an incident in Cape Otway last week that led to a bushfire.

Emergency services had responded to reports of a fire in bushland at Blanket Bay Road and Red Hill Track about 2:20am last Wednesday, January 8.

Local police evacuated more than 150 people from nearby campsites, with drop-in centres opened at Apollo Bay Community Hall and Apollo Bay Youth Hall to accommodate displaced campers.

No one was injured during the incident.

The fire was deemed under control before 9am on January 8, with about 14 hectares burnt.

Investigators from Forest Fire Management, Colac Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) and the Arson and Explosives Squad have determined the cause of the fire to be an unattended campfire which appears not to have been extinguished.

Police are now treating the bushfire as a criminal investigation and detectives from Colac CIU are appealing for any witnesses.

Anyone who was in the vicinity of the Blanket Bay campground on January 8 who may have information or dashcam, Go Pro or other video footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Police are reminding campers that a recklessly lit fire can have the same outcome as a deliberately lit fire, including significant loss of life, serious injury and property damage.

Recklessly lit fires can include things like disobeying restrictions relating to Total Fire Bans or fire danger periods, leaving campfires unattended, or using machinery during hot weather.

Police will investigate and take action to catch those responsible when a fire is deemed suspicious, whether it was a deliberate or reckless action.

Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.

Further information about bushfire arson and reckless fires is also available on the Victoria Police website: Bushfire arson (police.vic.gov.au)

Learn more about the Victoria Police and Crimestoppers ‘You Light It, You Own It, bushfire campaign: Bushfires – Crime Stoppers Victoria

Anyone who witnesses suspicious or reckless behaviour as it is occurring should call Triple Zero (000) and anyone with other information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

Western Region Division 1 Detective Inspector, Karl Curran: “This is an example of reckless conduct which could have had catastrophic consequences.

“This unattended campfire has led to a significant response from emergency services, involving major evacuations of other campers.

“Fortunately, emergency services worked quickly to get the fire under control, but as we know, this is not always the case.

“We are now investigating the fire, and if we do identify who started the campfire, they will be charged.”

Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector, Chris Murray: “This should serve as an important reminder to the community that if you light it, you own it.

“We won’t hesitate to hold those to account for starting a fire – whether it is recklessly or deliberately lit, the outcome is often the same.

“If you are going to be lighting a fire or engaging in any activities that could lead to a fire starting, consider that if it gets away from you, you could be held criminally responsible”.

This story based on a Victoria Police report

NGV Kids on Tour 2025 has partnered with more than 150 community venues across Victoria this January to offer free art-making activities – and that includes Daylesford, Clunes, Creswick, Trentham and Kyneton. 

Activities include making a playful cat and dog ear headband, illustrating a Kusama-inspired pumpkin and creating fashion designs for paper dolls. Coinciding with the NGV’s summer exhibitions Yayoi Kusama and Cats & Dogs, NGV Kids on Tour celebrates the work of local and international artists and designers, as they draw inspiration from the colour and vibrancy of nature and the world around them. 

In celebration of the Cats & Dogs exhibition, children can design a Furry Friend Headband, a set of cat or dog ears inspired by their own beloved pets or furry animals in their lives that they can take home and wear. 

Kids will also be able to enjoy the work of iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama in the Lots of Dots with Yayoi Kusama activity and children’s book.

Pumpkins have appeared in Kusama’s artworks since a young age growing up on a seed and plant farm, and this drawing activity invites children to add their favourite colours and designs to dots on a pumpkin and write a short poem about the humble fruit. 

Younger children will be able to spot big dots, little dots and shiny dots in Lots of Dots story time sessions. 

Melbourne-based fashion designers and sisters Fatuma and Laurinda Ndenzako from slow fashion label Collective Closets celebrate the beauty and history of the African continent through their designs.

The designers have developed the Fashion, Culture & Creativity with Collective Closets activity where kids and families will create paper dolls and design their own vibrant clothing for the dolls to wear. 

Children will learn about bogong moths in the drawing activity developed by Dr Deanne Gilson, a proud Wadawurrung woman living on her ancestral country at Ballarat.

And the tour invites teenagers to learn about the creative practices of emerging artists and build skills for their own art portfolios through an activity developed with Gamilaroi Yinarr weaver and textile artist Sophie Honess. Link: www.ngv.vic.gov.au/kids-on-tour 

Claudia Piacquadio, with foster poodles, Nova, front, and Milly, back, was among those who headed to Five Flags Hotel in Campbells Creek on Saturday, Janauary 11.

The afternoon gathering was organised by The Poodle Groomer, Arrow Black, and brought together poodles of all colours and sizes.

Milly and Nova are with Chally Animal Rescue and currently looking for new forever homes.

Here are a few poodle pics to puddle through from the day:

If the first day of 2025 at Glenlyon was anything to go by, the year ahead is looking pretty good…

The annual Glenlyon New Year’s Sports Day was a ripper. And the Glenlyon Sports Club have the photos to prove it.

Posting on social media, the club records that “it was full on New Year’s Day as hundreds of people rallied to enjoy the New Year Sports Day at the Glenlyon Reserve. What a cracker of a day”.

Events included the Glenlyon Mineral Water Drinking World Championship, an array of wood chopping competitions, the highly competitive Gum Boot Throw, and many more crowd-pleasing spectacles with proceeds raised going to Daylesford and surrounding district hospitals, charities, and youth groups.

The annual and well attended event was held in perfect conditions and even made the state media – notably including The Age, plus some coverage on the Today Show Chanel 9 with a comp winner interviewed.

The woodchopping competition, in particular, was a ripper and pulled in big crowds.

Images: Courtesy Glenlyon Sports Club

The year got off to a fairly dramatic start for Cookie, the kelpie cross, who had to be rescued after becoming stuck on a ledge on a high cliff above a lake at Ferntree Gully.

At 8.55am on Friday January 3, Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade was paged for a rescue of a dog that had fallen off the cliff at Quarry Reserve, Ferntree Gully.

CFA’s Wandin and Monbulk specialist rope rescue teams and Upper Ferntree Gully brigade were called to the scene to help retrieve Cookie the kelpie cross, who was stuck on a ledge, about eight metres from the top and about 30 metres above a lake.

The park used to be a working quarry but was redeveloped after the quarry closed in 1995, and has retained its dramatic high cliff.

Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade 1st Lieutenant Toddy Small said the operation presented a few “ruff” challenges.

“Cookie had somehow managed to swim the length of the lake, which is a fair effort in itself,” Toddy said.

“Then, for whatever reason, she decided to scramble up the side of the cliff and got herself stuck.

“She ended up in probably the most difficult-to-reach spot on the cliff face. Initially, we tried to rescue her from above, but that proved too difficult due to the terrain.

“We ended up carrying rope bags up from the bottom. We then attached a couple of lines to nearby trees and sent two rescuers down on either side of Cookie.

“She was a little frightened at first, but eventually, she calmed down, and we were able to strap her to a rescue stretcher and haul her up to the top of the cliff.

“The poor thing was exhausted, but she was very pleased to be back on solid ground.”

Cookie’s ordeal lasted for seven long hours, but thankfully she was returned to her owners needing only minor attention from a vet.

This story based on a CFA report. Images: Supplied, CFA

Victoria’s mobile pill testing service got off to a successful start with preliminary data and insights from the recent Beyond the Valley music festival indicating young people are eager for information that could keep them safe, the state government says.

Acting Minister for Mental Health Mary-Anne Thomas recently confirmed that the free and confidential service spoke with more than 700 people – the majority in their late teens or early twenties – and tested more than 600 samples, with MDMA, ketamine and cocaine the common drugs presented for testing.

The five-day Beyond the Valley music festival was the first in Victoria to have a mobile drug-checking service as part of a state government trial that will have pop-up sites at 10 festivals over the next two summers to help determine the best model to introduce the drug reform.

A media release issued from the premier’s office the day after the festival ended stated that the service’s harm reduction focus had proven effective with preliminary data revealing nearly 40 per cent of festivalgoers said they would use a smaller amount of their drugs following a conversation with a healthcare worker as part of the testing process.

The state government media release – issued in the wake of the Beyond the Valley music festival that took place at Barunah Plains south of Ballarat over December 28-January 1 – also stated:

“For more than 70 per cent of patrons, these conversations were the first time they had ever had an open, judgment-free discussion about drug and alcohol safety with a health professional.

“The service regularly saw patrons with pre-existing medical conditions who had not considered how substances might interact with their health – often they visited the service to test substances, unaware of the potential risks specific to their conditions.

“Testing sometimes revealed these substances were not what they thought – a crucial discovery for people with heart conditions, respiratory issues, or other health concerns.

“On multiple occasions, patrons reconsidered their choices after understanding the potential consequences once speaking to the service’s health workers.

“The service also saw a significant number of festivalgoers keen to understand 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.

“One example was a conversation with someone who had only recently started taking prescribed antidepressant medication and was considering taking MDMA – the health workers talked them through the potential risks and side effects if they chose to do that. The person said they would not use their drugs following this conversation.

“Operated by The Loop and Harm Reduction Victoria in partnership with Youth Support and Advocacy Service – the service was able to test up to 200 drug samples a day, more than any other pill testing service in Australia.”

The trial is one of the health-led drug harm initiatives being delivered by the current state government, with the state’s $95 million Statewide Action Plan to reduce opiate drug deaths and harm now underway.

Acting Minister for Mental Health Mary-Anne Thomas: “These preliminary insights have already highlighted that what starts as a simple drug check often evolves into deeper conversations about health and wellbeing – a crucial step in our harm reduction approach.”

The Loop Australia Drug Checking Director Sarah Hiley: “The response to Victoria’s first drug checking service at Beyond the Valley has exceeded our expectations. Our expert team of chemists, healthcare workers and harm reduction specialists were able to engage with hundreds of young people in meaningful conversations about their health and safety.

Untitled Group Director of Festivals and Major Events Pete Sofo: “Untitled Group and its festivals, including Beyond The Valley, have always worked hard to prioritise the health and safety of our community of attendees.

“The addition of the drug checking trial has been a valuable resource for festivalgoers, and we are proud to have facilitated this in collaboration with the Victorian Government, the Department of Health, YSAS, The Loop Australia, and Harm Reduction Victoria.”

This story based on a state government media release

The Victorian state government says it’s saving parents money and helping kids stay safe in and around the water, with affordable swimming lessons kicking off across the state last week.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Education Ben Carroll last week joined Kathy Parton CEO of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria at the Werribee Outdoor Pool to kick off the first day of the program – which is providing affordable lessons for families at more than 170 swimming centres, including 130 in regional Victoria.

As part of the program which runs through January, families with kids aged four to 12 will take part in five 30-minute lessons, which run over the course of a week.

Ordinarily, a single swimming lesson can cost a family up to $25. Thanks to this program and the Labor Government’s investment, the cost for five lessons is just $35 per child – or $7 a lesson – plus booking fees. If eligible, families can also use their Get Active Kids vouchers to reduce the lesson cost to zero.

This summer more than 16,800 Victorian kids will take part in the program – learning the skills and water safety knowledge they need to enjoy their summers by the pool and near the ocean.

For the first time, there are 400 extra spots this year for kids with disability and kids from multicultural backgrounds, so they can learn the same skills with the help of specialised teachers.

Lessons for kids with disability will be provided through dedicated programs and kids from CALD families have the option of signing up for lessons in Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Sunshine, Werribee, Dandenong and more.

VICSWIM’s learn-to-swim program has helped generations of kids to feel confident in and around the water, from foundational swimming skills to water safety education.

For more information about the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program visit vicswim.com.au.

Premier Jacinta Allan: “We’re providing this cost-of-living support so kids of all backgrounds can learn how to stay safe at the beach or around the pool.”

The state government says it’s creating jobs in Victoria’s growing western suburbs while ensuring a strong correctional workforce with the opening of the new Western Plains Correctional Centre from mid-2025.

The Western Plains Correctional Centre will start taking prisoners from mid-2025 as part of major reforms to the men’s prison system.

Situated on the Bacchus Marsh Road at Lara, Western Plains is Victoria’s newest maximum-security correctional facility.

Minister for Corrections Enver Erdogan last week joined Corrections Victoria Commissioner Larissa Strong, and Barwon Prison operations manager Corey Stipcevich, to announce new job opportunities were available for the precinct and broader corrections system.

Corey reportedly knows how “rewarding and engaging” a role in the prison system can be – making the career change from hospitality to prison officer 12 years ago and “never looking back”.

Corey grew up about 10 minutes away from Barwon Prison and his mother has worked there since he was a teenager. Corey’s mother encouraged him to apply as she knew his customer service experience would set him in good stead.

As an extra incentive to encourage more people to think about a career in Corrections, a sign-on bonus of $8,000 will be available to those who take up a role at Western Plains or Hopkins Correctional Centre. Bonuses of $5,000 are available for recruits across other prisons.

Those who may want to move to the Geelong region for the job may also be eligible to access up to $10,000 to support their relocation.

Applications are now open for people from a diverse range of personal and professional backgrounds. There are many skills that are transferable to working in Corrections, including tradies, teachers, healthcare workers, retail and customer service staff and people may be more qualified than they think.

Prison officers work in a challenging yet rewarding environment with general duties and responsibilities including conducting patrols, security checks and helping people in prison to engage in rehabilitation programs like counselling, education and work.

With full training provided and support to obtain a Certificate III in Correctional Practice, Victorians from all walks of life can have a successful career in corrections.

New prison officers at Western Plains Correctional Centre will receive the sign-on bonus, roster flexibility, five weeks of annual leave and professional development opportunities for career advancement.

The Western Plains employment expo will take place from 5:30pm-8pm on Wednesday February 5, offering those intrested the chance to explore the various career opportunities at Victoria’s newest correctional centre.

To apply for a role at Western Plains or any of Victoria’s correctional facilities, those interested are able to visit justice.vic.gov.au/prison-careers.

Minister for Corrections Enver Erdogan: “A new year brings new opportunities – a role in our corrections system brings the chance to make a positive difference to the lives of people in prison and the safety of all Victorians.”

Coming up on March 27, Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat is hosting the dance and musical extravaganza, Shake Rattle ‘n’ Roll.

Following four sell-out seasons at Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne, and theatres across Australia, the show has been seen by over 200,000 people. 

With a dynamic stellar cast of singers, smoking hot dancers, including some from Dancing With The Stars, dazzling costumes, eye candy stage effects and sizzling choreography from Jive, Latin Ballroom, Cha-cha, Waltz, Fox Trot and Jazz transports audiences back to the rockin’, boppin’, unforgettable ‘50s and ‘60s jukebox era. 

The show features hits such as Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley), Beyond the Sea (Bobby Darin), EarthAngel (The Penguins), Save The Last Dance For Me (The Drifters), Grease Lightning, Oh What A Night (Jersey Boys), Bye Bye Love (Everley Brothers), Twistin’ The Night Away (Sam Cooke) and At The Hop (Danny and The Juniors), Sea Cruise (Frankie Ford).

The Thursday evening show promises a great excuse to dust off those blue suede shoes, put on your favourite rock ‘n’ roll costumes and prepare to dance in the aisles.

There will also be a meet ‘n’ greet opportunity with the cast after the show.

Further details can be found on the venue’s website.

If you’ve acquired a few extra kilos over the festive season than some new reserach from Australia’s leading science agency may be of interest to you.

New research from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has unveiled the power of personalised goal setting for achieving sustained weight loss as Australians set health resolutions for the new year.

An analysis of over 22,000 members of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet revealed that while most participants set ambitious weight loss goals (of around 20 kg) for themselves at the start of the program, only three per cent were able to achieve them within 12 weeks.

Importantly, the research found members who achieved a personalised weight loss goal, generated by an AI tool within the program, experienced the greatest success.

These customised goals facilitated early weight loss and also led to better longer-term outcomes, with 47 per cent of members reaching their personalised goals by losing between 7 and 11 kg in 12 weeks.

CSIRO Research Scientist, Dr Gilly Hendrie, emphasised the importance of realistic goal setting when starting and maintaining a successful weight loss journey.

“We know that early wins create momentum for weight loss, and by setting goals that are personalised and realistic, members gain the motivation to stay the course and reach bigger milestones,” Dr Hendrie said.

Stretch goals are best

While an unrealistic goal can be disheartening for weight loss, a stretch goal, which is a deliberately challenging target, can help people have greater early success.

Among CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet members, those that achieved a stretch goal, also personalised by the program, lost substantially more weight at 12 weeks and sustained this success over 12 months.

According to the research, nine out of 10 members who met the stretch goal lost a clinically significant 5 per cent or more of their starting body weight at 12 months.

The analysis also highlighted that stretch goals were particularly helpful for those with more weight to lose.

Among members who started in the obese weight status category, 20 per cent achieved a stretch goal, and lost 12 kg within the first 12 weeks; 4 kg more than those that met the personalised goal.

“Stretch goals give people that little extra push to see what’s possible. These goals are not just about losing weight fast – they’re about creating a rhythm of achievement,” Dr Hendrie said.

“With the right guidance, members can achieve their weight loss goals and build lasting habits, setting them up for successful longer-term weight management.”

CSIRO sets Australians up for goal-setting success in 2025

In response to the findings, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet has introduced My Journey—a new AI tool designed to help accelerate Australians ability to set, track, and achieve personalised weight loss goals with real-time guidance.

“With My Journey, you can trust the program to create goals that are tailored to your unique circumstances, giving you the best chance to succeed,” Dr Hendrie said.

“Whether you’re starting fresh this January or building on past success, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet offers the tools and confidence needed to achieve lasting health goals.”

Find out more about the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet and My Journey.

This story based on a CSIRO report