by Kyle Barnes  

It is easy to speculate on the property market and to talk about anecdotal evidence, but when it comes time to list your property you want to be on the front foot before you knock on your agent’s door.

I imagine there would be many a buyer trying to get what they need or want for their property rather than what  it’s actually worth. In recent years we have experienced a huge uptick in growth mainly because of the pandemic, but as the saying goes what goes up must come down.

But  that saying isn’t all that relevant in the property market, as  what goes up always goes up. But sometimes it just takes a bit longer according to the graphs published, right, by matusik.com.au, which show price increases alongside  world events and key market drivers.  

According to domain.com.au, Hepburn Shire’s property  price has declined 10 per cent but we are not the worst hit.  

Indigo Shire which takes in places like Beechworth and Rutherglen, a particularly beautiful part of the world, has declined by a staggering 16 per cent. To get the reason for  these fluctuations and what the future might hold we talk to the experts.  

Provincial Group CEO and chief property advocate Max Waller  

Max said in regional Victoria, the property market remained subdued but had  shown early signs of stabilisation in the past three months following the sale price decreases observed in 2024.  

“Recent data from CoreLogic points to a gradual recovery, with early ‘green shoots’ indicating improvement.

“However, rising costs – including vacant residential land tax, short-stay levies (including Airbnb), and the new Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund levy – continue to challenge owners’ sustainability and dampen market momentum,” he said.  

“In contrast, Melbourne’s metropolitan market is showing signs of stronger recovery, driven by first-home buyer activity and a gradual return of upgraders transitioning to larger homes.  

“Regional areas maintain their unique lifestyle appeal, attracting buyers benefiting from flexible work-from-home arrangements, but overall, cost of living remains the dominant factor affecting market capacity and demand and we envisage this will  continue for the rest of 2025.

“With further potential interest rate decreases we expect improvement in buyer demand into 2026.”  

Mr Waller said while recent interest rate decreases had been welcomed, their positive impact has been largely offset by rising living costs and increasing property related taxes.  

“The anticipated further easing of rates is expected to gradually support market  activity, particularly in metropolitan areas where moderate growth of circa 3 per cent  is projected for 2025, with further acceleration into 2026.

Local regional markets  typically follow the trends set by metro areas, as greater population confidence begins to build.”  

Mr Waller said the filming and upcoming auctions of The Block had sparked  renewed excitement and attention for Daylesford and Hepburn Shire, potentially  leading to a short-term uplift in buyer enquiry and foot traffic.  

“However, for a sustained resurgence, the local fundamentals – such as  employment, cost of living, and lifestyle infrastructure – must align. The show’s focus effectively taps into the emotional appeal and rewards of regional living, which a great  highlight to share of our area.”  

Mr Waller said the past three months had seen a reduction in high-end sales across Hepburn Shire, with only about six sales recorded between $1 million and $1.5 million.

“Most transactions have occurred below $800,000, indicating price sensitivity in the current market. Nevertheless, unique and architecturally distinct homes continue to attract a niche buyer segment that is often less influenced by broader economic pressures.

“Savvy, high-net-worth investors are also leveraging the subdued market to secure quality assets.”  

Mr Waller said the impact of property-related taxes – including new levies – was best viewed as part of a broader equation: rising taxes, increasing cost of living, and  higher interest rates are collectively constraining market growth.  

“No single tax is solely responsible, but their cumulative effect can be significant.  Despite these pressures, Hepburn Shire continues to report strong longer-term rental  demand and steady returns due to continuing low supply.”  

Infolio Property Advisors Central Victorian buyer’s advocate Kathy Hodge  

Kathy said it state of play was better for her as a buyer’s advocate.  

“I am working with some clients at the moment who are making a permanent  move up here, so that’s not going to affect them. But as a buyer’s advocate it’s putting  us in a really good position, because it’s enabling us to really negotiate. There are fewer buyers, and I can be quite aggressive in where I’m seeing value in properties.  

“(But) I haven’t been buying in Hepburn Shire for a while. I’ve actually got a  couple of clients I’m working with at the moment and we’re looking the Castlemaine and Malmsbury areas but I think across the region, it is relatively similar in that  there’s still a hangover from Covid pricing in the minds of vendors.

“And it is a matter of constant education on the part of the agents. I think that  possibly they’re not conditioning the vendor to the change in the market. Well priced, realistically priced properties that are presented well, sell quickly. And that’s  always going to be the case.

“It’s the overpriced properties that are sitting on the  market for months, over 100 days. Then they go stale, and the vendor will get sick of  everything, and then they’ll take it offline.”  

Kathy says prices have dropped between 15-20 per cent, especially on properties  that were highly inflated during Covid.

“Probably on average, it’s 10-15 per cent at  least.” Recently introduced property and land taxes are also causing headaches.  

“If you’ve really got two markets, certainly in that sort of Castlemaine area,  because it’s more of a working town, we’ve got people buying and selling within the  same market but not so much people from Melbourne coming up.  

“I think it’s more hitting Daylesford, Trentham and the Hepburn areas, where  people are looking at second properties, and that’s where they’re getting hit with the  land tax, which has had a huge impact on the short-term rental market, which has  been a little bit oversupplied in those areas.  

“You do have cashed-up Melbourne buyers but they’re few and far between. But  the regular person looking to buy a holiday house somewhere is really feeling the  pinch and pulling back on that.”  

McRae Property Melbourne principal and buyer’s agent David McRae  

David said he had personally been hit by dropping prices in the shire.  

“We developed a very nice farm at Porcupine Ridge and I sold that in the middle of last year and missed the market by about $800,000 – but still did quite well.”  David said there were different markets.

“I think there’s a market up to $800,000  and then another to a million, and then a million to one and a half. The higher you  go the thinner the air gets. It’s as simple as that.  

“And I think people are frightened of anything that needs a lot of work – because  of builders and costs and the unknowns. If you want to buy something so you get  good value from you buy something that’s unrenovated.

“But then you’ve got to face  the challenge. The renovated properties are hanging on to their value much better.”  

David said the regional Victoria real estate market had long way to go before it  was healthy again although recently interstate investors were showing interest.  

“I don’t know about the regional areas, but it’s just started in Melbourne.”    

Words & Images: Eve Lamb

A bit like that cantankerous yet amazing pud itself, Creswick’s Magic Pudding Playground is serving up some fabulous new “slices”.

New colourful character bollards, similar in style to those at Geelong’s popular Eastern Beach waterfront area, are set to be installed at the much-loved local playground in coming months. More on that later.

Establishment of the playground as part of Lindsays Arts Trail, dates back over a decade and celebrates the town’s famous creative Lindsay family, and particularly the iconic Aussie children’s book, The Magic Pudding created by Norman Lindsay.

The Magic Pudding is Norman Lindsay’s best known children’s book. He wrote it in 1917, partly to settle an argument with his friend Bertram Stevens of The Bulletin and Art in Australia, who maintained that children liked to read about fairies, whereas Lindsay said they liked to read about food.

So, Norman Lindsay cooked up a whimsical children’s book that is still loved around the world by both adults and children today.

For more than a century The Magic Pudding amused generations of children and their parents with the fun and harrowing adventures of Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle, Sam Sawnoff, the Puddin’ thieves, and Albert, the cheeky ‘never-ending’ pudding.

Creswick was the birthplace and home for many members of the famed Lindsay family including Norman who was also a famous artist, wrote 11 comic novels and illustrated 30 other books.

Proud of their Lindsay family heritage, today’s Creswick locals say planned developments of the Magic Pudding Playground had stalled going back quite a few years ago.

However a dedicated small committee of locals recently got back on the case and has been working hard to see new additions and developments.

Among the committee members, Creswick’s Margaret Giles (pictured above) says those efforts are now yielding the kind of results that kids and families can enjoy.

These include the very recent installation of children’s steppers and balancing planks, a picnic setting and seating  along with some fun new pieces of playground equipment.

New signage featuring some text and illustrations from the original book is also soon to go in, with funding for the various developments coming from multiple sources including two sausage sizzles held at Bunnings, a Bendigo Community Bank Creswick and District, Hepburn Shire Council, Creswick Garden Lovers weekend, state Tidy Towns funding and federal funding.

Margaret says the committee’s efforts have also been assisted through contributions of recycled salvaged timber, and also from the area’s Timber Training School.

Now she says they’re eagerly anticipating the addition of some life-sized colourful bollards featuring six favourite characters inspired by The Magic Pudding book.

“The bollards  are interpretations of the characters and they’re being painted by Talbot artist Penny Hetherington,” Margaret says.

“There are six bollards and we’re hoping to see them installed in September or October,” she says.

“We’ve also been donated a small children’s slide and we’re talking to council to get that OK-ed and approved to install as well. It’s very expensive to install  playground equipment and it all has to be approved and ticked-off.

“We’re also taking about getting some decorative mosaics, we want to reinvigorate the (existing timber) hut as well and also put a rudder on the (playground’s existing timber) boat.”

Fellow committee member Chrissy Austin is also manager of the town’s neighbourhood centre which auspices the working group to assist with fundraising and profile-raising for the playground.

She also has a couple of primary school aged sons who are among the many local children who use and appreciate the playground.

“I don’t think there’s a family with young kids in the area here who wouldn’t use and enjoy the playground,” Chrissy says.

“Yes, we’re only a small committee and we’re always keen to welcome new members to the working group. If anyone is interested in contributing and becoming part of the group they can contact me at the neighbourhood centre.”

Margaret says that as the committee looks to continue its work at the much-loved playground it’s also planning to hold another sausage sizzle at Bunnings in the future and would welcome volunteers.

Those keen to help out can contact Margaret on 0419326453.

Words & Image: Eve Lamb

There must be a fair few familes with a resident “Grumps”.

Newly released at Daylesford’s Paradise Books shop in recent days, Kate Foulds’ debut book, Grumps and the green fishing rod, pays homage to a special Grumps in her life; her dad.

The new children’s book that’s been accepted for release at the National Library Bookshop in Canberra, also captures many precious aspects of the local area and celebrates being out in nature and the Aussie way of life.

It features unfiltered coloured photographs by one of Kate’s former colleagues from her days as a journalist with the Bendigo Advertiser newspaper, Tania Tanti. There are also beautiful nature photos by Daylesford’s Darryl Kirby included as well.

Kate says seeing her first ever book released locally and stocked at Daylesford’s Paradise Books is both “exciting” and “humbling”.

“I think it’s so important to capture some of these oral stories that form the fabric of who we are as Australians,” she says.

“I’ve had a number of people contact me saying ‘we’ve got a ‘Grumps’. So they’re really relating which is great.”

Kate says the book was largely inspired by her own treasured childhood days just getting out and being in nature with her dad who is a keen general fisherman and a skilled fly fisherman.

The book carries the stories of four generations and includes a glossary of some classic Aussie terms.

Kate is a Central Victorian short fiction and memoir writer who grew up on the family farm in Musk before becoming a regional newspaper journalist. 

Her short fiction, Grandma’s Gift, was published in the anthology, Mother – Memories, Moments & Stories and her flash fiction was shortlisted for the inaugural Minds Shine Bright Writing Confidence Competition 2022. 

In 1994 Kate gained a graduate cadetship at Kyneton’s Midland Express office and was a journalist at the Bendigo Advertiser between 1997 and 1999.

As a police and court reporter at the Advertiser, Kate wrote a news story judged a first-place winner at the 2000 Crime Stoppers International Conference in Canada – topping nominations from around the globe including London, New York, Miami and Vancouver. 

Kate has already started work on another book project capturing more of the area’s rich local oral history.

“It’s a long term project and will be a much bigger book,” she says.

Melbourne East Police have arrested a man after two large plastic ice cream cones were allegedly stolen from a general store in East Melbourne last week.

It is alleged the 1970s cones had been stolen at about about 2am from the front of the store on Hotham Street on Sundae, May 25.

Officers executed a search warrant at an address in Templestowe Lower on Monday night, June 2.

A 50-year-old man was arrested and interviewed in relation to the theft.

He was released and was expected to be charged on summons, police said in a report.

The plastic ice cream cones, which had been on the East Melbourne shop front for around 50 years, had allegedly been stolen and then sold online before being recovered at a Gisborne address on Tuesday morning, June 3.

It was understood the two large plastic ice cream cones had been on the front of the store on Hotham Street since it opened in 1974.

Officers had initially been told offenders stole the two cones and damaged CCTV cameras at the business at about 2am at the time of the alleged theft.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with dashcam/CCTV footage or information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Daylesford Primary School students and teachers called “pens down” or more likely “iPads down” and left the schoolyard to visit The Block building site on Friday, May 23. 

They met with some of the show’s stars, pictured below, from left, interior designer Shaynna Blaze, and co-presenters Scott Cam and Shelley Craft. 

The students were then taken on a tour of the site with foreman Dan Reilly, pictured above centre with cap. Filming for the television blockbuster is just about finished with the show due to be aired in early August – before the five houses on the Raglan Street site go up for auction. 

A spokesperson said the show’s builders Nine In Six would stay at the site, doing maintenance on the houses and gardens, until the end of the auctions which were likely to be late October or early November.

Real estate agents for the houses will also be doing private open for inspections. Central Highlands residents, who have watched The Block houses rise up from the former sheep paddock, can look forward to seeing promotions for the show go to air later this month. 

Daylesford Primary School principal Ali McCann said the school had been in touch with The Block about doing some television promotions with their younger students and the idea of a tour had been raised. 

“Our grade five and six students walked up and had a really good time, it was such a unique experience for them. 

“They had lots of weird and wonderful questions for The Block team who gave us a tour around the site and introduced us to members of the team, including hosts, the interior designers and the competitors. Everyone really enjoyed the experience.” 

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Contributed  

Bendigo detectives have arrested two men following an investigation into an alleged spate of car thefts across the Bendigo region.

It’s alleged the men were involved in more than 20 incidents between 29 April and 28 May across multiple suburbs including Castlemaine, Epsom, Flora Hill, Ironbark, Jackass Flat, Junortoun, Kangaroo Flat, Kennington, North Bendigo, and White Hills.

Incidents included:

• On 29 April, a Toyota RAV4 was allegedly stolen from a university in Bendigo.

• On 1 May, two Toyota Corolla’s were allegedly stolen from Kennington, with one found burnt out a short time later.

• On 12 May, a Mazda 3 was allegedly stolen from Epsom.

• On 13 May, six cars were allegedly broken into at a Bendigo university carpark.

• On 16 May, a Toyota RAV4 was allegedly stolen near a hospital containing more than $12,000 worth of personal items and camping gear. That vehicle was found burnt out in Marong on 20 May.

• In a separate incident on 15 May, a car was allegedly stolen from a Castlemaine car dealership, where a car’s on-board diagnostics system had allegedly been tampered with.

On 28 May, detectives from the Central Victoria Response Unit, Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit, Western Region Crime Squad, Bendigo Family Violence Unit, Bendigo Proactive Policing Unit and uniform members from Bendigo executed four search warrants at addresses in California Gully, Bendigo, North Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat.

Detectives seized multiple items of interest, including a stolen Subaru, a Holden Colorado, an imitation firearm, stolen credit cards, and tools connected to alleged car thefts.

A 21-year-old Bendigo man was arrested and charged with 43 offences, including prohibited person possess firearm, theft from motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicle, attempted theft from motor vehicle, commit indictable offence whilst on bail, contravene condition of bail, criminal damage by fire, and criminal damage. He was remanded to appear at Bendigo Magistrates Court at a later date.

Police also arrested a 20-year-old Bendigo man who is facing 22 charges including theft of motor vehicle, attempted theft of motor vehicle, criminal damage, unlicenced driving, theft from motor vehicle, attempted theft from motor vehicle, obtain property by deception, and criminal damage by fire. He was being held in custody to appear at Bendigo Magistrates Court.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Western Region Division Five Investigation and Response Manager Detective Inspector Dan Davison: “We hope these arrests send a strong message and put a stop to the recent spate of vehicle-related offences we’ve seen across Bendigo & surrounding areas of the community.”

“This type of alleged offending causes real harm to victims and impacts people just going about their daily lives.”

“We’ve worked methodically to piece this together, and the arrests are the result of some solid detective work.”

“The community can be assured we’re doing everything we can to hold those responsible to account.”

“As this investigation highlights, we are prepared to pool our resources to assist and garner positive outcomes for the community.”

Live4Life Hepburn introduced members of the 2025 crew with a launch at Daylesford College last month. 

The event was planned and MCd by the year 9 and 10 members of the Live4Life Crew and attended by representatives from Hepburn Shire Council, Central Highlands Rural Health, neighbourhood centres, Community Bank Daylesford District, the Daylesford Foundation and Daylesford RSL. 

Twenty crew members welcomed staff, Partnership Group members and more than 80 year 8 students and outlined key mental health messages, introduced their 2025 theme of “Kindness is key to being free” and their mascot Dave the Daylesford wombat.

Dave does not judge but offers a listening ear and kindness, inviting those to share what troubles them and offer support. 

The award-winning Live4Life’s groundbreaking, peer-led, evidence-based, community impact model spans both suicide prevention and mental health/wellbeing education.

Live4Life is the only program of its kind designed specifically for rural and regional areas. College principal Stephen MacPhail said he was proud of the students who put their hands up to be Mental Health Ambassadors as part of the Live4Life Crew. 

“Their willingness to step forward, show leadership, and support the wellbeing of their peers speaks volumes about the kind of young people they are becoming. They are a real credit to the school.”

Mr MacPhail also did a shout-out to last year’s crew who had been great role models. More than a hundred year 8 and year 9/10 students from the college will take part in the Live4Life program this year.

The theme was devised by the members of the 2025 crew to express the importance of kindness as an essential part of starting a conversation about mental health. 

The annual prevalence of mental ill health in young people aged 16 – 24 years has increased by more than 50 per cent in the past 15 years and 75 per cent of people with mental ill health have their first episode during adolescence. 

Suicide is the leading cause of death in young Australians and the suicide rate is more than 50 per cent higher in rural and regional communities. 

Live4Life is an award-winning prevention model centered on young people themselves. It protects young lives before a crisis occurs. Young people are at the centre of the Live4Life program.

In 2024, across all Live4Life communities, over 8960 young people received evidence-based mental health education, improving their mental health literacy and ability to offer and seek help, while reducing stigma through the annual program of events and activities. 

The total number of young people living in rural and regional communities who have received evidence-based mental health education since the Live4Life program began in 2010 is now 29,991.

In 2024, 297 young people joined the Live4Life Crew and were trained and mentored to support their peers as Mental Health Ambassadors. 

In total, over 1470 young people have joined Live4Life Crew. Live4Life Hepburn is generously supported by Community Bank Daylesford District and the Daylesford Foundation. 

Words & image: Contributed 

Victoria Police is issuing an urgent warning to all road users following a concerning increase in trauma involving motorcyclists.

It comes as 130 lives have been lost on Victorian roads to date in 2025, which is the highest number of deaths for the same time period in 10 years.

Motorcyclist fatalities represent a quarter of all lives lost year to date.

Eight of the 32 rider deaths have occurred during May, with three occurring on Sunday May 25 alone, in Werribee and Colac West in the state’s west, and Stockdale in the state’s east.

Police analysis of recent motorcycle collisions have identified that the majority have occurred on weekends, involved recreational motorcycle riders and have occurred during periods of warmer weather and low rainfall.

Police have identified excessive or inappropriate speed, rider inexperience and unauthorised riding (those who are unlicenced, suspended and/or disqualified from riding) as key contributing factors in motorcycle trauma.

Driver inattention and failing to give way also continue to be major factors in collisions involving motorcyclists and vehicles.

Motorcycle safety will be prioritised across the state, with a focus on highly visible road policing enforcement to deter offending.

Police will be on the lookout for any risky riding behaviour, as well as dangerous driving that puts riders at risk.

Motorcyclists are being urged to ride appropriately to the conditions, avoid speeding and ensure they are wearing appropriate protective riding gear.

Other motorists are being warned to look out for motorcyclists on the roads, particularly when changing lanes.

Victoria Police are also launching another major statewide road policing operation this week ahead of the King’s Birthday long weekend, with motorcycle safety set to be a major focus.

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

Road Policing Command Superintendent, Fiona Bock: “This recent rise of road trauma involving motorcyclists is extremely concerning to police.

“Typically we start to see a decline in recreational riding as we head into the winter period, but with the warmer weather we’ve experienced, this has shown no signs of slowing down.

“In fact, eight rider deaths during May means this has been one of the worst periods of road trauma for motorcyclists this year.

“Every road user needs to prioritise safety – whether you’re on a motorcycle or behind the wheel of the car, we can all contribute to making our roads safer and reducing the risk of trauma.

“With favourable weather forecast for this weekend, we’ll be doing all we can to help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe, so expect to see a highly visible presence across the state’s roads.”

Words & Image: Eve Lamb

Losing the function of her hind legs last year wasn’t about to stop pooch Sheba getting out and having a ball.

The beautiful 11-year-old long-haired German-Belgian shepherd and her owner, Clunes’ Dave Liddle, can often be seen out enjoying walks, ably assisted by a pair of sturdy dog wheels.

Attached to Sheba’s hindquarters with a specially-designed frame, the wheels allow her to walk after she lost the function of her hind legs last year due to cruciate ligament and spinal problems, and unsuccessful surgery.

But Dave, a retired UK police dog handler, was not about to see Sheba miss out on enjoying life to the full. So when a vet told him about the option of dog wheels, he wasted no time in jumping online and ordering a pair for Sheba.

Dave says that to start with, Sheba was not all that fond of her new set of wheels or “dog trolley”, as he calls them.

But eventually she settled into using them and now it’s clear to all who meet them out strolling that Sheba enjoys putting her wheels to good use, even managing an impressive turn of speed as she sees fit.

“I ordered it online in December, on Amazon, and they were calling it a wheelchair for dogs. But I call it a trolley. She didn’t like it to start with but now she loves it,” Dave says.

“She comes everywhere with me and we take her to the park and give her a good run. You wouldn’t think she had the trolley on when she’s off running.”

Dave, who relocated to Australia in 2007, has previously owned and worked with several German shepherd dogs, and also labradors, as part of his former career in Yorkshire. During that time he came to love and respect these intelligent breeds in particular.

“I’ve had three shepherds before. They’re excellent. In the city of Leeds in the 90s we used them a lot. They were good at searching and tracking stolen cars or wheres omeone had been disturbed at a burglary.”

Dave was with the UK police for 28 years and also worked with the dogs helping to provide security during special occasions such as dignitary visits.

He adopted Sheba about five years ago from a friend who had become unable to keep up with the zesty shepherd, and says that since Sheba lost the use of her hind legs last year, the wheels have made a major difference to her quality of life.

“It’s fantastic. She’s got her life back. Once she’s got the trolley on, she’s off.”

Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance after $12,000 worth of merino sheep were stolen from a property in Strathlea last month.

Investigators have been told four men were witnessed herding the sheep into a light-blue coloured enclosed trailer at Browns Track about 8.30am on Wednesday, 21 May.

The trailer was being towed by an Iveco dual rear wheel white van and the men were perceived to be of middle eastern appearance.

Investigators have released digitally generated images (above) of three of the men, based on witness’ descriptions.

Images of a van and trailer, believed to be similar to those used in the offence have also been released (below) in the hope someone may be able to provide information to assist investigators with their enquiries.

Theft of stock is a serious offence in regional Victoria, causing significant grief and costing thousands of dollars to hard-working farmers.

Detectives are investigating the possibility that stock is being transported to Melbourne or outer suburbs once stolen.

Investigators are confident someone in the community will be able to provide the information required to hold these offenders to account.

Anyone who recognises the men pictured, vehicles used or has information concerning the stolen sheep is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

The CrossFit Open brings athletes of all levels together for a three-week global competition; after this only 2 per cent of competitors from each age group advance to the semi-finals.

This year four members of the Daylesford CrossFit team reached this impressive milestone, pictured above from left, Leah Willian, Jason Dash, Leigh Hawker and Stewart Roche.

Over the course of three gruelling days, these athletes tackled five heavy-hitting workouts, pushing themselves to the limit, and showcasing their dedication.

All four athletes are over 60 years of age, proving that age is no barrier.

Lachlan Hawker, owner and head coach of Daylesford CrossFit, said CrossFit was for everyone.

“We have athletes ranging from teenagers to legends in their 80s.”

Words & image: Contributed

The Bendigo Art Gallery is taking its status as a world-class cultural facility and tourism drawcard to a new level with a major redevelopment set to begin early next year with state government backing.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks representing the Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes in recent days joined Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards at the Gallery to announce that the highly anticipated redevelopment will get under way early next year.

The project is being funded by a $21 million investment from the state government, $9 million from the City of Greater Bendigo, $4 million from the Gallery Board, and $9.35 million in philanthropic support. The redevelopment will transform the building – and its impact on the community – for generations to come.

The project will deliver a new second-floor blockbuster exhibition space, expand the Gallery’s storage capacity, and add an innovative learning centre, theatrette, and a Traditional Owner Place of Keeping for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural material.

Having outgrown its current facilities, the redevelopment will ensure the Gallery continues to attract and deliver the best of local and international exhibitions, while also enhancing its programs for the local community.

Bendigo Art Gallery is a key tourism driver for the region, generating more than $113 million in economic impact for Greater Bendigo since 2012 through its blockbuster exhibition program. Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image has sold over 50,000 tickets since opening in March, with nearly 90 per cent of visitors coming from outside Bendigo.

Construction is expected to commence in early 2026 and is set to reopen in early 2028. A program of offsite exhibitions will be staged across Bendigo during construction to continue delivering arts and culture opportunities for visitors, businesses, community and students.

For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au.

The state government has confirmed it will maintain the WorkCover average premium rate for Victorian businesses for the next financial year. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll last week confirmed that the average premium will remain at 1.8 per cent for a third consecutive year, while continuing to strengthen support for workers to get back to health and work.  

A media release issued from the minister’s office last Tuesday (May 27) stated:

This delivers on the Government’s commitment that once WorkCover returns to financial sustainability, any savings will go back into the scheme to ensure better outcomes for workers and lower premiums for businesses.

Last financial year, WorkSafe provided $3.4 billion in tailored support to more than 104,000 injured workers while helping more than 26,000 injured workers to return to safe and sustainable work.

The average premium rate has remained unchanged since the 2023-24 financial year, when the Government introduced reforms to modernise the WorkCover Scheme to ensure it remains financially sustainable and can continue to support injured workers into the future.

An independent statutory review will be conducted in 2027 to ensure the reforms are working as they should. 

While the average premium rate will remain steady for 2025-26, individual premiums for Victorian employers are determined by factors that can vary from year to year, such as how much they pay their workforce and their own claims history.

Individual premiums are also based on more than 500 specific industry rates, which are set annually based on how dangerous that particular sector has been compared with other industries in recent years.

Premium renewal notices for the 2025-26 financial year will be available via WorkSafe’s Online Employer Services (OES) portal in July. For more information visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/insurance 

Victoria’s ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program will be available statewide to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress. 

In response to deteriorating seasonal conditions across the state, more LGAs will be eligible for the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program. 

This program which has already supported more than 1,500 farmers in south west Victoria, will continue for the existing 11 LGAs across south west Victoria and be expanded to all West Wimmera, Horsham Rural City, Northern Grampians, Hepburn, Moorabool, Ballarat, Towong, Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, Cardinia, Baw Baw, Casey, South Gippsland, and French Island. 

There will be continued support for the Regional Drought Coordinator role and additional funding will also support small businesses in south west Victoria through the appointment of a Small Business Financial Counsellor.  

The Government is also extending its partnership with the National Centre for Farmer Health by investing $900,000 to continue their important work in supporting regional communities. 

These escalated supports build on programs that are always available to Victorian farm businesses across the state. These include the Rural Financial Counselling Service, the Commonwealth Government’s Farm Household Allowance and low interest loans available through the Regional Investment Corporation.  

Agriculture Victoria will continue to monitor conditions and ensure support is given to farmers who need it most. 

Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186. 

The Hepburn Shire Council has confirmed that maintaining roads is among its top priorities.

In a media release issued last month (May 23) the council confirmed:

Council is committed to investing in our assets that the community use and value the most: roads

The overall health of our asset portfolio sits two per cent above the national average at 67 per cent and under five per cent of our roads, footpaths, kerb and channels are in very poor condition, which is positive when compared to other councils. 

At the Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 13 May, Council endorsed the release of its draft Asset Plan 2025-2035 (the Plan) for community consultation, along with other key strategic documents. 

The Plan outlines how Council will manage its assets in a transparent and financially responsible way, to support the delivery of services that our community needs. Significantly, Council has forecast investing over $96 million into the maintenance and renewal of roads, paths and kerbs over the next 10 years. 

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that in the recent Hepburn Together survey, sealed roads scored highest when the community was asked to rank the assets that were important to them.  

“The new draft Budget 2025/26 and Financial Plan focuses on delivering what the community needs. The plan for our roads concentrates on critical routine maintenance, and renewal to extend the life of the existing road and path network.  

“Pothole patching, crack sealing, path grinding, street sweeping, weed management and the routine grading of unsealed surfaces will form the majority of the recurring maintenance works.” 

“Council controlled roads are in good condition and Renewal will focus on resurfacing, reconstructing and replacing sections of existing roads, paths and kerb to keep them at a high standard.” 

“This Plan aligns with Council’s Financial Vision in prioritising renewal of Council’s existing assets, however growth will be guided by external funding opportunities and development to keep up with a growing population,” said Cr Don Henderson. 

The Plan aligns with the draft Council Plan 2025-2029 and provides a structured approach to manage the lifecycle of Council-owned assets from acquisition through to maintenance, renewal and disposal.  

To view the draft Asset Plan and submit feedback, visit Participate Hepburn. Hard copy surveys will be available in our libraries and customer service hubs. Drop-in sessions are also available to residents who would like the opportunity to speak with Councillors and senior Council Officers.