As the weather warms up and the risk of fire increases, Victoria Police is urging people to ensure they are aware of their personal responsibility and accountability when it comes to fires this summer.

With people now dusting off the BBQ, heading out to a campsite or using machinery during warm weather, there is potential for reckless fire behaviour to have catastrophic consequences.

During the fire season Victoria Police implements Operation Safeguard, so that police are ready to respond to the threat of fire.

Operation Safeguard aims to prevent or reduce the impact of intentional and recklessly lit fires across Victoria, and involves preparedness arrangements and deployment plans for periods of heightened risk during the fire season.

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad work closely with the 277 Arson and Explosive Liaison Officers (AELOs) across Victoria, all of whom use their local knowledge to prevent, detect and respond to fires.

This year, police are particularly reminding the community that they need to be aware of their personal responsibility when it comes to fires and the ramifications of reckless behaviour.

A fire started through reckless behaviour can have the same outcomes as a deliberately lit fire including significant loss of life, serious injury, property damage and more.

Traditionally only a small number of overall fire-related offences each summer are arson however recklessly lit fires continues to be a concerning issue across Victoria.

Last bushfire season (year end June 2024), there were 45 offences relating to causing a bushfire – 21 of these were due to reckless behaviour.

The most common causes of recklessly lit fires are:

• disobeying restrictions relating to Total Fire Bans or fire danger periods
• burning off
• leaving campfires unattended
• car exhausts and machinery
• use of tools such as angle grinders and welding equipment out in the open
• bonfires and flares
• farming machinery such as slashers and harvesters.

Some examples of recklessly lit fires with significant consequences include:

• A fire recklessly lit at a campsite in Robinvale in December 2020 on a total fire ban day, which led to the damage of local properties and a number of other campers having to be evacuated
• A significant bushfire started in Aberfeldy in 2013 where a man commenced burning off at a rural property on a total fire ban day, which led to a person being killed and 20 houses being destroyed in the Seaton area

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.

Lighting a fire on a total fire ban day can attract a fine of up to $46,000 or up to two years in jail.

The community also plays an incredibly important role in the prevention of bushfires and remains key in reporting reckless or suspicious behaviour.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnesses concerning behaviour in relation to fires, or anyone who has been told about this behaviour taking place.

This information could prove crucial in preventing a bushfire.

Operation Safeguard will run until March 2025.

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

Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson and Explosives Squad: “Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and we have a long a tragic history with bushfires.

“There are so many things that the community can do to ensure the risk of bushfire is reduced this summer and the key one for us is taking personal responsibility for any fires you light or activities you undertake that could lead to a fire starting.

“Complacency or ignorance could quite literally kill you and lead to significant loss of life and property.

“I know that to many people, things like leaving a campfire unattended or operating machinery on a total fire ban day, don’t seem like a big deal.

“However we, along with our emergency services partners, see the devasting consequences when these actions go wrong. It may seem like this behaviour is accidental, but it is actually criminal.

“The message from us is clear – you light it, you own it. We will be holding every single person to account for recklessly lighting fires.

“If you are going to be lighting a fire or engaging in any activities that could lead to a fire starting, then you need to be aware of your responsibilities.

“Check the rules and the forecast in your local area and adjust your behaviour accordingly. Once a fire starts it can be impossible to control or suppress, and can get away from you very, very quickly.

“I urge everyone this fire season to be aware of their responsibilities and work with us to stop any further tragedies occurring.”

Some changes to the way in which planning applications are dealt with in Hepburn Shire will be trialed for 18 months following a decision by the Hepburn Shire Council.

Under pre-existing arrangements planning applications had been dealt with by the council’s planning officers guided by planning frameworks and policy, but have been required to go before the council for decision where there were at least five objectors.

An officer recommendation that went before the council meeting on Tuesday December 17 sought to increase this threshold from five to 15 objectors required before an application would need to be referred to the council for decision.

The reason for seeking the change was in order to streamline and expedite the processing of applications.

However at the meeting Councillor Lesley Hewitt presented an alternative motion requiring at least 10 (rather than the recommended minimum of 15) objections be required before triggering the need for an application to go before the council.

Cr Hewitt’s new motion also differentiated between the farming and urban or residential context, proposing that the limit for triggering the need for council determination should remain fixed at the current minimum of five objectors in the case of applications relating to land zoned for farming.

“Community feedback suggests that the change from five to 15 objectors is too high,” Cr Hewitt said in moving her alternative motion.

Cr Hood seconded Cr Hewitt’s motion and it passed 5:1 with only Cr Tim Drylie voting against Cr Hewitt’s motion and instead seeking a deferral of the matter and Cr Tony Clark an apology for the meeting.

“I support going from five to 10 objectors. I think 15 was a bridge too far and I fully support (Cr Hewitt’s amended) motion,” Cr Hood said.

Also supporting the motion, Cr Shirley Cornish said “the farming zone is so very different to a residential zone”.

The officer’s original recommendation had also sought to require that planning applications of more than $5 million in value should be referred to the council – up from the $2 million threshold for a referral to council which has been in place to date.

However, Cr Hewitt’s successful motion instead dropped reference to a dollar value threshold for triggering a referral to council, instead requiring an application to be referred to council where it meets one or more of five specific criteria.

These criteria included where “the planning permit application raises significant issues of public interest” and where it would result in a use or development contrary to the adopted Future Hepburn Strategies or a proposed planning scheme amendment which is supported by council”.

Formalising an informal practice which had already been in place, Cr Hewitt’s successful motion also requires that the council’s CEO implement a process where councillors can “call in” to a councillor briefing any planning permit if a minimum of three councillors seek such a “call-in”.

The new arrangements will now be temporarily in place for 18 months and after that time officers will present a report to the council on the outcomes and provide further recommendations on whether to continue with the changes.

During the meeting councillors heard that in the last 18 months only one planning decision made by the council had been different to the planning officer recommendation.

It also heard that over the last four year term fewer than 10 applications had involved the council making a planning determination that was different to the planning officer recommendation.

And in the 23-24 financial year of the five matters that had ended up being determined by VCAT, four of those had upheld the council’s decision while the only one that had not been supported at VCAT was one in which the councillors had overturned an officer recommendation.

Words: Eve Lamb

Thousands of firefighters will soon be sporting new boots as CFA goes to market to find the perfect fit for its female firies

In an Australian fire service first, CFA is currently sourcing a new supplier to make fire rated safety boots designed specifically for the unique needs of women.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said we recognised more options can be offered to ensure personal protective clothing (PPC) is designed for women as part of our uniform offering.

“This ensures we provide a conducive environment for an increased number of women to join our ranks as operational firefighters,” Jason said.

“Unisex products may be suitable for some of our female members, but with nearly 5,000 operational firefighters who are women, there is more CFA can do to ensure all our members have a greater selection of PPC that fits appropriately, is safe and fit-for-purpose.”

“We are committed to providing a great place for females to work and volunteer and we look forward to working with the successful suppliers to enable this.”

“CFA’s highest priority is its members’ safety, so it’s important to equip our firefighters with modern and comfortable fire gear.”

CFA kicked off the project following feedback there may be a lack of ‘designed for women’ firefighting garments currently in the market.

CFA has also worked with members on improving other uniforms and PPC fit and size including gloves, pants and shirts.

We expect procurement to conclude mid 2025. Delivery timelines will be known once a supplier is selected and the contractual arrangements are finalised.

Words & Image: CFA

Salads in a jar – growing delicious, nutritious salad vegetables without the need to step out your back door.  

It’s amazing it took so long for Western civilisation to catch on to  one of the most nutritious, quickest growing and tastiest forms of fresh  food that has been produced in the East for thousands of years.

From seed to ready-to-eat sprout  takes only about four days and only a  matter of a few minutes a day is needed  to tend the ‘crops’.  

From a food value point of view,  seed sprouts provide large amounts  of vitamins A, B and C. The nutrients in the seed multiply by something like 200 per cent when sprouting takes place.

It is claimed that a half-cup of any form of edible seed sprouts will provide the same amount of vitamin C as six glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice.  

The sprouts can be served cold in a salad, cooked with other foods such as  vegetables, baked in bread and cakes, or roasted, ground and used as a base in various  recipes.  

Practically any food plant seed can be sprouted and eaten, but care must be taken  to use only seeds that have not been chemically treated against pest and diseases.  

Healthfood shops supply untreated seeds and several of the major seed firms are now  packaging sprouting seeds.  

Among the most popularly grown sprouting seeds are lucerne, alfalfa, mung beans (the traditional Chinese restaurant ones), almonds, cabbage, barley, radish, lentils, chick peas, corn, cress, soybean and rice.  

Growing sprouts is easy. Sow them at any time, regardless of the weather and they  never need to be cultivated or weeded. When it comes to sprouting containers there are many options available as well as  the glass ones, specially designed for the purpose.

I have found the best containers are  those inexpensive, near indestructible plastic, seal-top freezer containers. All that is needed is a lot of small holes punched in the lid for aeration and to aid in drainage. But make sure they are smaller than the seeds, to avoid losing them down  the sink.  

The mung beans can be a little tricky because they tend to sweat if they’re jammed too closely together. The best container for them is a draw-string topped muslin or  some other porous, fabric bag.

Preparing the salad  

You do not need to use many seeds at a time, a tablespoon will do, because seeds  produce anything from four to 10 times their original volume.  

Wash and soak the seeds in lukewarm water. Mostly, this will take an hour or so  but some varieties need to be soaked overnight.

Next, place them into the sprouting container and in a dark, warm spot. The only treatment then is to fill the container with water, shake it up well and  then drain the water away.  

This must be done every morning and evening to freshen the seeds and keep them slightly moist. Most seeds will take between three to five days to mature.

When this has happened wash the husks from the seeds and store them in a plastic bag until they are needed. The sprouts will usually last for up to a week if stored in this way.  

My favourite way of eating the sprouts is to make them the feature of a salad, using plenty of oil, garlic and any other spicy salad vegetables.  

Got a gardening query?Email glenzgarden gmail.com  

THE Central Highlands Growers and Producers Hub is getting set to host Forage and Feast, a month-long summer food festival from 13 January to 16 February.

Taking place across six local government areas including the Hepburn Shire, the festival will feature a program of 120 dining events, workshops and tours, with 60 Central Highlands growers and producers, and more than 40 businesses participating.

The aim of the program is to unite and highlight the region’s growers, producers, hospitality venues, the local food scene and agriculture industry.

Part of the program, Music Amongst the Barrels @ Wombat Forest Vineyard will take place on Saturday January 18 from 11am to 5pm, featuring local singer and songwriter Brett Franke performing from 2-4pm.

It’s just a small taste of what’s on offer. Central Highlands Growers and Producers Hub and Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett says she’s excited to see the festival grow across the whole of the Central Highlands.

“It gives us the opportunity to showcase the incredible venues and produce of the Central Highlands,” she says.

“Summer is about more than just the beach, it’s about immersing yourself in authentic, regional experiences and flavours that this region has to offer.

“We’re proud to celebrate the diverse food culture and unique people and experiences that make the Central Highlands such a special destination.”

More details about what’s on offer can be found at https://www.centralhighlandsgrowers.com.au/forageandfeast

Ballarat’s biggest fireworks display will be back with a bang this New Year’s Eve at Lake Wendouree according to the City of Ballarat.

The free event is expected to last for about 15 minutes and is being staged by the City of Ballarat which is inviting all locals and visitors to enjoy the Fireworks Spectacular:

• Where: Lake Wendouree
• When: 9.30pm on Tuesday 31 December

The change to New Year’s Eve follows a resolution from Ballarat City Council in February 2024 to schedule the annual fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

Where to watch

The fireworks will be launched from the isthmus at the end of the rowing course, near the Olympic rings, but will be visible from the entire foreshore of Lake Wendouree.

The Melbourne Road bushfire is not yet under control and is travelling north-easterly towards Sawmill Road at Springmount.

Advice messages are currently in place for communities in Newlyn, Newlyn North, Dean, Springmount, Clarkes Hill and Wattle Flat.

The Creswick-Dean Road between Melbourne Road and Ballarat-Daylesford Road and the Melbourne Road between Creswick-Dean Road and Howards Road remain closed after fire broke out in bushland on the outskirts of the township late yesterday afternoon.

Forest Fire Management Victoria is advising people to stay informed, monitor conditions and avoid the area. Firefighting vehicles and machinery will be moving around the area.

A relief centre is open at Doug Lindsay Reserve in Creswick.

The Hepburn Shire Council’s community grants program is currently open to receive applications.

The council says it wants to hear from local community group with project ideas that benefit local residents.

Groups are being encouragted to submit their project idea for funding up to $5000 with applications open up to January 31 in the new year.

Those keen to know more can check out the community grant guidelines at hepburn.vic.gov.au/grants or can contact the council’s grants team at grants@hepburn.vic.gov.au to discuss their project proposal with a grants officer.

Netball Victoria and the Melbourne Vixens will expand their regional pre-season event schedule thanks to a landmark three-year investment from the Victorian Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program.

The Victorian Government and Netball Victoria in recent days announced that with the program’s support, for the next three years Netball Victoria will host three annual pre-season events in regions including Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon.

Each event will differ in scope and content, giving fans the opportunity to attend elite netball activity­ including exhibition matches and open training sessions – and showcases of exciting pathway and pre­ elite talent across Victorian, interstate and international programs.

The partnership will also see community activities delivered in each region, including junior clinics, fan engagement opportunities and coaching and umpiring workshops.

Following the success of the two-day Ballarat Blitz event in March this year, Netball Victoria is pleased to continue its partnership with the Victorian Government and the City of Ballarat to bring three interstate Suncorp Super Netball teams to the event once again in 2025.

Further details, including event schedules and ticketing information has yet to be announced for each 2025 event.

The Victorian Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program helps sporting, community and event organisations to deliver significant sporting events in Victoria.

Netball Victoria has delivered numerous successful events with the support of the program and in partnership with local government, with recent Suncorp Super Netball pre-season events including the Traralgon Takeover (2022), Bound4Bendigo (2023) and Ballarat Blitz (2024).

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman: “We’re thrilled to continue working with the Victorian Government to deliver exciting netball events in regional Victoria each year, and this investment will enable us to expand our offering.

“This significant investment reflects the strong position of our sport right across the country- netball is thriving, participation numbers keep growing, and with around half of our participants based in regional Victoria, we know there’s appetite in these areas for more netball events.

“In 2024 we have broken our all-time member record, with over 117,000 Victorians participating in our sport-from players to coaches, umpires and administrators.

“Pleasingly that passion extends to the elite game, with our Melbourne Vixens also breaking all-time membership and attendance records in season 2024, and we’re driven to keep innovating and meeting that demand with a range of grassroots and elite events.

“We’re proud to be leading the way with our annual events schedule, shining a light on our world-class pathway talent and bringing the best netballers in the world to communities in regional Victoria.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos: “Victorians live for sport and that passion is certainly not lost in the regions. We are bringing elite sport to all corners of our state so fans and families can experience the magic in their own backyards.”

City of Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves: “Following the success of the first Ballarat Blitz earlier this year, the City of Ballarat is thrilled to have worked with Netball Victoria and the Victorian Government to bring the event back in 2025.

“We look forward once again to showcasing some elite netball action and also providing an opportunity for our community to come together to enjoy a range of exciting community events hosted by the Melbourne Vixens.

“It’s another fantastic opportunity for us to welcome many visitors to Ballarat to soak up the vibrant atmosphere that our city has to offer.”

This story based on a City of Ballarat media release

Recent acts of antisocial behaviour around the the Hepburn Shire are deeply concerning, the Hepburn Shire Council says, following the recent vandalism of Daylesford’s Big Rainbow.

In a media statement following the recent vandalism, the council said: “Hepburn Shire has long prided itself on being a welcoming, inclusive and supportive community that practices respect and celebrates diversity. However, recently Council has been made aware of several appalling incidents that are intending to spread hate and fear”.  

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that he, the Councillor group and the organisation will not tolerate a small few in the community who attempt to spread misinformation and deface public property with discriminatory language.  

“Council stands firm in its commitment to combating hate in all forms. Council will not tolerate homophobia, racism or any behaviour that seeks to diminish and devalue another’s life experience.” 

“These recent incidents are against everything this community stands for. We believe in the values of respect, kindness, and equality for all. I want to make it clear that we will not tolerate bigotry. We will not tolerate homophobia. And we will not tolerate racism,” he said. 

“We are proud of the diverse, vibrant, and inclusive community we live in. Together, we will continue to stand against hate and discrimination in all forms. We urge anyone witnessing such behavior to report it to the relevant authorities and to stand with those who are affected by it,” said Cr Henderson. 

The council encouraged anyone affected by the recent incidents to reach out to medical professionals for support suggesting that for immediate support and online counselling, they should contact: 

• Lifeline website or call 13 11 14, available 24/7 

• Kids Helpline – confidential and anonymous online and phone counselling for people aged 5 to 25 

The Baringhup West Fire Brigade has welcomed a new tanker to their engine bay and celebrated the official handover with their local community members.

The keys to the medium tanker were handed over to excited brigade members on Friday night, December 6.  

Captain of the brigade Brendan McKnight said this new tanker was a much-needed update for the brigade.  

“It is really bringing firefighting at Baringhup West up to date and in line with current technologies,” he said.  

“It will make things much easier for our members.” 

He also said members at the brigade were jumping at the bit to get into the new vehicle due to the additional features which will make the truck more comfortable for members.  

“Adding the new truck to our fleet will also boost our capability in responding to incidents and protecting our local community.” 

The new Medium Tanker can hold 2350 litres of water to suppress fires and incorporates a crew protection system to help protect volunteers during a burnover.  

The new state-of-the-art vehicle was purchased through the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), with the brigade receiving a grant of over $345,000.   

To contribute to the total cost of the tanker the brigade chipped in over $58,000 which was generously fundraised over many years. 

Brendan McKnight said he was thankful to the community who had helped fundraise the money.  

Victoria Police is issuing a zero-tolerance warning as new analysis reveals December is the worst month for drink driving on our roads.

Over the past three years, a total 2591 drink driving detections were recorded in December.

This is 20 per cent higher than November when 2154 motorists were caught over the limit in the three years analysed.

December also posted the highest number of collisions where the driver was over the blood alcohol limit, with 321 recorded for the month across the three-year period.

It is 18 per cent higher compared with November, which had 272 collisions where the driver was over the limit during the three-year period.

Victoria Police is warning it will this month have an increased focus on alcohol and drug testing to address the concerning behaviour.

Motorists should expect to be tested anywhere, any time.

A major night-time road policing operation on the Monash Freeway only last Friday and Saturday nabbed 57 drink drivers, with the enforcement effort catching several impaired drivers out between 3am-5am.

Over the last three Decembers, police have conducted close to a million breath tests.

There were 912,055 preliminary breath tests and a further 3332 evidentiary breath tests conducted.

Victoria Police’s new analysis also suggests some drivers are prepared to risk getting behind the wheel after a few drinks.

The figures show in December last year detections of drivers with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.050 and 0.099 rose 6 per cent compared with the previous month.

It’s believed this is likely due to drivers miscalculating their alcohol intake.

Police are urging motorists to separate their drinking and driving behaviour by planning ahead, arranging a designated driver or using alternative transport.

The penalties are significant for drivers caught over the legal limit.

First-time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 and 0.07 will be fined $595 and have their licence immediately suspended for three months.

The penalties are even harsher for high-range and repeat offenders as well as those aged under 26 or who shouldn’t have any alcohol in their system at all.

Penalties include heftier fines, longer licence suspensions, alcohol interlocks, attendance at court and even jail time for the most serious offences.

Victoria Police’s drink driving focus will continue into January with a significant statewide road policing operation set to kick off next week.

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir, Road Policing Command: “These figures show what police know all too well – December is a danger period for drink drivers on our roads.

“Not only do we have more alcohol detections, we have more alcohol-fuelled collisions than at any other time of the year.

“Our message is clear – drinking and driving don’t mix.

“Please, separate this behaviour and never run the gauntlet of trying to calculate if you’re OK to get behind the wheel after a few drinks.

“You will be tested, and you will be caught. So why risk it?

“Police are ramping up our focus on drink driving right through Christmas and into the New Year.

“We’ll be out conducting alcohol and drug testing anywhere, any time – so if you think you won’t be caught, think again.

“The penalties are significant, and we make no apologies for removing drink drivers from our roads.

“You’re not only a risk to yourself but to all road users.”

The Hepburn Recreation Reserve Neighbourhood Safer Places – Bushfire Places of Last Resort (NSP-BPLR) has been decommissioned, the Hepburn Shire Council has confirmed.

The decommissioning means the recreation reserve is no longer a place of last resort and community will need to update their Bushfire Plans, the council has confirmed in a media statement published on its website in recent days. 

The decommissioning means the council’s remaining Neighbourhood Safer Places are:

• Glenlyon – Eldon Street (between Molesworth Street and house number 19)
• Daylesford Central Business District (pavement areas) – Bounded by Bridport, Albert & Camp Streets and Central Springs Road Daylesford
• Trentham – Camp Street (between Cosmo Road and Bowen Street) Trentham
• Creswick – Visitor Information Centre Car Park (behind the building), Cnr Victoria Street and Albert Street Creswick
• Clunes – Central Business District – Fraser Street (between Templeton and Service Streets) Clunes.

With bicycle deaths in Victoria up 71 per cent on last year, the RACV is calling on governments to improve road safety for bicycle riders by rolling out more protected bike lanes in strategic corridors across Melbourne.

Last month the RACV released a comprehensive refresh of its RACV Bike Superhighway network, detailed in an updated study and map.

The map presents high-priority bike riding corridors across metropolitan Melbourne that RACV believes the Victorian and Federal Governments should prioritise investment in.

The updated study, which builds upon the original 2017 analysis, incorporates new, evidence-based modelling that reflects post-pandemic travel trends, recent bike infrastructure improvements and the growing uptake of e-bikes.

The RACV believes the refreshed RACV Bike Superhighway network will help prioritise the allocation of limited active transport funding, to achieve positive road safety, health and transport mode-shift outcomes.

RACV General Manager Mobility Julia Hunter emphasised the critical need for increased investment in bike infrastructure, noting the updated map has been designed to help governments prioritise targeted active transport investment.

“RACV believes investing in separated bike infrastructure will increase the uptake of bike riding and save lives,” Ms Hunter said.

“The RACV Bike Superhighway provides a starting point for investment decisions, recognising there may be alternative roads within each corridor that are more feasible to upgrade than others.

“The main point is, separating bike riders from motor vehicles on corridors where there is highest demand is one of the most effective ways to keep people safe, and to encourage Victorians to ride more often.

“When it comes to getting around, Victorians are increasingly using multiple modes of transport, with 38 per cent having used both public transport and a bike in the past 12 months.

“However, RACV research shows that many Victorians still feel there is inadequate bike infrastructure, and safety remains a major concern.”

The RACV encourages both the Victorian and Federal Governments to invest in infrastructure that prioritises bike lanes that are physically separated from cars.

This story based on an RACV media release

Owners of two Daylesford hospitality venues have been slapped with fines amounting to $104,000 in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in recent days, after more than 90 staff were underpaid more than $320,000 in total.

On Wednesday December 4 the owners of Daylesford’s Hotel Frangos and Cafe Koukla, Louise Maree Melotte and Travis Francis Melotte received a $95,000 and a $9,000 fine respectively.

The two were fined after Ms Melotte had admitted involvement in underpaying 97 staff a total of $321,202 between May, 2017 and July, 2019.

Most of the underpayments related to 27 full-time employees who were paid salaries not sufficient to cover their minimum entitlements under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010.

The underpaid workers included 15 junior staff members aged between 15 and 20 years at the time – and several visa holders from countries including Armenia, Nepal and Pakistan.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth has welcomed the penalties.

“These penalties and back-pay order send a clear message that all employees must be paid their basic minimum lawful entitlements, and employers who deliberately pay insufficient salaries will be met with enforcement action,” Ms Booth said.

“It is unacceptable that nearly 100 workers were deliberately underpaid.”

“That young and migrant workers were some of those left out of pocket is also concerning, particularly the exploitation of the two cooks who were requested or required to work unreasonable long hours.”