The Victorian Electoral Commission has formally announced the results of the local council election for the Mount Alexander Shire Council.

The successful candidates are:

Barkers Creek Ward – Rosie Annear (returning)
Calder Ward – Tony Cordy (returning)
Campbells Creek Ward – Bill Maltby (returning)
Coliban Ward – Phillip Walker
Forest Creek Ward – Toby Heydon
Loddon River Ward – Matt Driscoll (returning)
Moonlight Creek Ward – Lucas Maddock
Tarrengower Ward – Rosalie Hastwell

The councillors elect will be formally sworn in at an unscheduled meeting of council next Tuesday 26 November 2024.

The Newstead Writers are inviting other frustrated, aspiring or established writers to join them for their first ‘Writers Read’ event this Friday November 22 from 6.30-8pm.

The debut Writers Read event aims to provide encouragement for local wordsmiths to read something they have written, perhaps at the preceding Newstead Writers ‘Shut Up and Write’ monthly  session or elsewhere in their writing life.

It can be poetry, prose, experimental, “any form but you will only have three minutes,” one of the Writers says.

The Writers also say this Friday evening’s event will offer a super-supportive environment to take the plunge. It will also involve pizza, wine and other refreshments, with a $10 donation at the door to cover food and venue costs.

All writers are welcome to the event taking place at the Newstead Railway Arts Hub this Friday evening.

The Writers also advise that those planning to get along should grab a free ticket at Humanitix beforehand for catering purposes.

The upcoming Writers Read event follows hard on the heels of the final Shut Up and Write session for this year, happening from 1-5pm at the same venue and on the same day.

Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged three people following a home invasion in the outer Ballarat suburb of Cardigan last month.

It is alleged the offenders entered a residential property on Remembrance Drive on Saturday, 26 October.

The trio then threatened a 27-year-old resident with a knife and demanded cash, before allegedly assaulting him with a hammer.

The group then fled the scene with the man’s cash, wallet and jacket.

The 27-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene.

On 31 October, officers arrested two people after executing search warrants on Spencer Street in Sebastopol and Elsworth Street in Mount Pleasant.

A 20-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man were charged with aggravated home invasion, armed robbery and assault.

The Mt Pleasant woman was bailed to appear in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 21 January.

The Sebastopol man was remanded to appear in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 21 January.

On 10 November, officers arrested a 20-year-old man at a park near Pleasant Street in Redan.

The Lucas man has been charged with aggravated home invasion, armed robbery and assault.

He has been remanded to appear in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 4 February.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding a car crash in Meredith last Monday afternoon.

It is understood a stolen white Nissan Patrol utility was travelling northwest on the Midland Highway, between Meredith and Elaine, when it crashed into trees near Doyles Road about 2.15pm on Monday, November 11.

The driver, a 31-year-old Delacombe man, and the passenger, a 30-year-old Armstrong man were both airlifted to hospital where they remain with life-threatening injuries.

Police are working to establish the circumstances of the crash.

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

Community submissions are now open for infrastructure or funding initiatives that could be considered for delivery in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s new budget for 2025-26.

Up until Sunday 1 December 2024, individuals or groups are encouraged to put forward their
case for funding in the next financial year, with submissions recommended to include information
such as estimated costings, community benefits, and alignment with the council’s plans and priorities.

Through a similar collaborative and streamlined process for the last budget cycle, a number of
valuable community-driven initiatives were able to be considered and ultimately funded in 2024-25,
such as the resurfacing of Romsey Tennis Club courts and upgrading a section of Lauriston Road in
Kyneton.

CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said the renewed approach to bring the community into the budget process
earlier had proved to be hugely beneficial, both for council staff and councillors seeking to find a
balance between financial sustainability and community needs.

“Whether through our regular annual grant streams or this budget process, it is essential to be able to
hear from the community and explore funding opportunities that we can work together on,” he said.

“This earlier consultation approach will be particularly beneficial for our incoming councillor group as
they begin a new term, ensuring that our budget decision-making is well informed by community ideas as well as council officer recommendations early in the Budget process.”

Commencing the annual budget process early, with community input, enables the council to be well
prepared for action from 1 July 2025.

It also helps to ensure the council can continue to deliver essential services to the community while also progressing a range of strategically chosen infrastructure projects and initiatives to support our growing shire.

Funding available each financial year mostly comprises rate revenue, external funding through grants
that the council advocates for on behalf of the community, and other regular fees and charges.

Those interested in making a submission are encouraged to visit the council’s Your Say engagement hub (yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au).

And anyone seeking advice or assistance from council officers in preparing their budget idea can contact customer service to ensure relevant council staff can provide early advice and strengthen the quality of submissions.

Submitters will be invited to speak to their proposals at a Submitters Delegated Committee meeting to
be held in early 2025.

Budget submitters and the broader public are also invited to help inform a range of key council
documents through this process, such as the new four-year Council Plan, with an option to answer some questions on their interests and priorities for the community.

Submissions can be made online through the council’s Your Say engagement hub, delivered in writing
via mail (PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444) or in person to one of the council’s customer service centres.

This story based on a media release from Maced Ranges Shire Council. Image: Supplied

Creswick’s own local choir, the Creswick Chorus, is preparing to be part of a special massed choir concert bringing songs of the Torres Strait Islands to Ballarat’s Goods Shed Terminus Theatre – and to the state’s Melbourne Recital Centre.

The upcoming Ballarat concert on Sunday December 1 will follow a similar Boite Voices: Maiem – Songs of the Torres Strait Islands massed choir performance the previous evening at 7pm in the state’s Melbourne Recital Centre.

ALWAYS LIVE and The Boîte, in collaboration with Artistic Director Deb Lowah Clark, Cultural Director Luke Captain, and Choir Director Stella Savy (pictured above at front row far right) are joining forces to present the very special massed choir concerts at both venues.

Boite Voices is a massed choir project involving hundreds of singers from all over Victoria who will come together under the Artistic Direction of proud Meriam artist and educator Deb Lowah Clark and Cultural Direction of Luke Captain to perform traditional and original songs of the Torres Strait Islands.

ALWAYS LIVE is a state-wide celebration of contemporary live music supported by the Victorian government through Visit Victoria and Creative Victoria.

The massed choirs concert will feature songs in English, Meriam Mir and Kala Lagaw Ya, and is a rare chance to experience the culture and stories of the traditional peoples of Zenadth Kes, the Torres Strait Islands.

The culture-rich Ballarat event happens Sunday 1 December from 2:30pm-3:45pm with tickets to be part of the Ballarat audience through trybooking online. Tickets to the Melbourne concert are available through the Melbourne Recital Centre website.

Words: Eve Lamb

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has announced Dominic Testoni as its incoming Director Assets and Operations from early next year following a competitive recruitment process.

Serving as CEO at Benalla Rural City Council in north-east Victoria since 2019, Mr Testoni brings a
wealth of valuable experience in the local government sector and beyond, having also earlier served
as CEO of Limestone Coast Local Government Association in South Australia.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said Mr Testoni’s significant experience and
track record held him in excellent stead for leading and delivering key portfolios that the local communities rely on every day.

“I congratulate Dominic on his appointment,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“We are really pleased to be able to welcome someone of his calibre to this key role in our Executive Leadership Team, which oversees many of our key public-facing services such as our capital works, roads, engineering, parks and open space, waste and resource recovery, facility management, and aquatics and fitness,” he said.

“As we move closer to welcoming a new term of Council, Dominic’s experience developing trusted
relationships with staff, Councillors and stakeholders will be valuable.

“We look forward to welcoming him to Council early in the new year, importantly allowing him ample
transition time from his current key role at Benalla.”

The new appointment fills the position left by the earlier departure in August 2024 of Shane Walden, who became CEO of the Golden Plains Shire Council.

This story based on a media release from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council. Image: Supplied.

Upgrades to the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre (Selkirk Stadium) have taken a step forward with the awarding of a Principal Design Consultant in recent days.

The project will see court upgrades, broadcast and lighting updates, roof works and improved accessibility.

Victorian-based company City Collective have been announced as the project’s Principal Design Consultant and will utilise local jobs and see collaboration with Aboriginal-owned businesses and suppliers.

The project is a partnership between the Victorian Government and City of Ballarat.

Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence said the upgrades will be a gamechanger for everyone who uses the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre.

“These upgrades will enhance the experience for players and spectators – creating lasting benefits for the community and encouraging greater participation in local sports and events,” Minister Spence said.

“By improving this local sports infrastructure we are backing local businesses, strengthening the community and attracting more people to the region.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison is also looking forward to the upgrades.  

“Further upgrades to the Ballarat Sports Event Centre are great news for our community and the region – with great benefits for our youngest players all the way to our elite athletes, as well as supporting local jobs and collaboration with Aboriginal-owned businesses,” she said.

The Ballarat Sports Events Centre is one of 16 projects across regional Victoria being delivered through the State Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, with three in the Ballarat region.

City of Ballarat Director Community Wellbeing Matthew Wilson said Selkirk Stadium is a much-loved facility used by thousands of people each year and these upgrades will ensure continued participation and access to healthy recreational options across Ballarat.

“We know that sport and recreation play a key role in supporting all aspects of health and wellbeing — from physical and mental health to the promotion of social connection,” he said.

“Selkirk Stadium is a really important venue for the City of Ballarat, from supporting grassroot competitions through to hosting elite-level events that boost our economy. These upgrades are critical to ensuring the venue meets and can expand those demands into the future.”

A delivery program for the works will be developed in the coming months. 

This story based on a City of Ballarat media release. Image: Supplied

A project that’s expected to transform the Ballarat suburb of Wendouree, provide enormous community benefit and address social disadvantage has taken a major step forward.

The City of Ballarat is progressing with plans to construct the Wendouree Library and Learning Centre at Weeramar Park, at the north-west corner of Gillies and Norman streets.

The search is now under way for a Principal Design Consultant for the suburb-shaping facility, with an Expression of Interest (EOI) document now open for submission.

Following the initial EOI process, the City of Ballarat will prepare a short list and formally tender for a designer early in 2025.  

The proposed development, in approximate terms, is for a 2,700 square-metre double story building offering:

• a comprehensive library
• City of Ballarat customer service
• a Visitor Information Centre service point
• Parent Place services
• a maker space
• community study
• activity and relaxation spaces
• a café area with free Wi-Fi.

The construction of the facility is estimated to cost $23 million and is classified as a Tier 1 Project in the City of Ballarat’s Advocacy Priority Projects Pipeline.

The City of Ballarat will continue lobbying both the Federal and State governments as part of a three-way partnership to secure funding to help deliver the project, with the hope of construction commencing in 2026.  

City of Ballarat Director Community Wellbeing, Matt Wilson said the Wendouree Library and Learning Centre was crucial to cater to the needs of a growing city.

The current Wendouree Library operates out of the Stockland Shopping Centre and is severely constrained by several factors including size, no possibility for further expansion, no open entry into the shopping centre, only one entry/exit and offering no toilet facilities for staff or patrons.  

The new modern flexible library and learning centre would serve the community for at least the next half century.

It would be a vibrant and active place for lifelong learning, community interaction and social connection, as much as a place for reading and quiet contemplation.

“This project is going to be transformational for Wendouree and surrounding suburbs, both existing and in the future growth area to the north, and is one of the most important projects of community infrastructure in our forward plans for the city,” Mr Wilson said.

“With the Northern Growth Area set to pave the way for 7000 new dwellings, while Ballarat also continues to expand westwards, this facility will service the needs of tens of thousands of people.

“Just this year we saw the completion of the Ballarat central library redevelopment and witnessed the impact of rejuvenating that facility – now we set our sights on Wendouree.

“We look forward to working closely with the State and Federal governments to attain funding to construct this vital facility and continue the co-investment into this part of our city.”

The entire 1.25-hectare open space at Weeramar Park is owned by the City of Ballarat, with an upgrade of the park to be aligned with the project.

The City of Ballarat will begin the next phase of community engagement early in 2025, enabling the community to further understand and contribute to the vision of the Wendouree Library and Learning Centre. 

This story based on a media release from City of Ballarat. Image: Supplied

An Australian-led scientific breakthrough to increase oil yield from plants is expected to help advance the production and use of biofuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel.  

Developed over a decade by scientists from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, the technology was acquired by Australian agricultural innovation company Nufarm.  

The Biomass Oil Project has been announced in recent days, with Nufarm leading a new global research partnership to further develop the technology.  

Oils from plants are produced by specialised seeds and fruits, but CSIRO scientists looked at extending that to the biomass of the plant, including the leaves and stem.   

CSIRO’s Dr Thomas Vanhercke, who has been working on the project for more than a decade, said the technology would have the potential to create an important new global energy source. 

“We were inspired to develop this technology in response to the world’s need for increased production of plant oil without impacting on food security,” Dr Vanhercke said. 

“With CSIRO’s existing expertise in the area and the partnership with Nufarm on the Omega-3 canola project, we started thinking about how to extend that to the challenge of developing industrial scale feedstock oil from plants. 

“We took the genetics for seed oil production and incorporated them across a range of crops with promising success.” 

Current project lead, Dr Xue-Rong Zhou, said the world-leading research in boosting oil yield from plants is a major breakthrough for Australia and beyond. 

“This development of new biofuels and renewable oils will support a sustainable future,” Dr Zhou said. 

“We are looking forward to working with Nufarm and our global research partners to deploy the technology into high biomass energy cane and sorghum varieties and make it a reality.”  

Nufarm CEO, Greg Hunt, said the company is now bringing together researchers from CSIRO, the University of Florida (UF), USA and the Instituto Agronomico (IAC), Brazil to take the work to the next level. 

“We have assembled a consortium of world-class R&D and technical partners who bring unique experience to develop this technology,” he said. 

“Nufarm is also working with key strategic partners to further support the technical project development and future downstream commercialisation.”   

Find out more about the Biomass Oil Project.

This story based on a media release from CSIRO. Image: Supplied.

The CFA is urging farmers to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of header fires as harvest activities intensify in the coming weeks.

Last fire season, CFA responded to 27 header fires, with 77 per cent occurring in the northwest and west of the state.

And the CFA says this 2024/25 season presents significant challenges for farmers, with low rainfall, dry soil, and frost damage elevating fire risks in key agricultural areas.

CFA Gannawarra Group Officer Jack Hewitt, an experienced cereal, sheep, and hay farmer, says this year’s conditions demand heightened caution.

“This season, with crops a bit lower, headers will be taking on more dirt, meaning farmers need to clean their headers more frequently to prevent dust buildup,” Jack said.

“Fine dust from pulse crops like lentils and lupins can accumulate around the engine and exhaust system, and if it heats up, it can smoulder and potentially ignite spot fires, particularly in windrows.”

Victoria produces 31 per cent of Australia’s grain, estimated to be worth $4.4 billion and cereal growers in the northwest contribute a significant portion to that, with harvest season seeing fuel loads of six to 10 tonnes per hectare of cereal, legume and lentil crop.

Jack advises farmers to stay alert for any unusual sounds and to be fully prepared to act in case of a fire.

“With extra dirt, bearings can wear out and fail more quickly, adding to fire risks. If you hear any unusual noises from your header, don’t ignore them, walk around the machine and check for excessive heat, ” Jack said.

“It’s important to keep a fire extinguisher in your header so you can act immediately if a fire starts.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan stresses that machinery safety isn’t only a priority for farmers, all Victorians should focus on equipment maintenance and fire-safe practices.

“During the last Fire Danger Period, CFA responded to 114 vegetation fires caused by machinery and vehicles, including slashers, tractors, ride-on mowers, caravans, and trailers,” Jason said.

“Each incident posed a risk not only to those on the ground but also to neighbouring properties.

“By prioritising equipment maintenance and simple safety protocols, we can significantly cut down on these preventable fires.”

“With everyone doing their part, we can help protect lives and property.”

This story based on a CFA media release. Image: Supplied.

Ballarat’s Christmas transformation is under way as the city prepares to celebrate the festive season.

Decorations have been being installed in recent days to help the city get into Christmas spirit early, while also encouraging people to shop locally and support local business.

The city’s Sturt Street has received a festive colour-boost as many of the familiar and favourite decorations have returned, with a new addition – that will make for the perfect selfie-worthy photo opportunity – planned.

A newly created, nine metre-long and four metre-high, Archway of Stars is set to be a major focal point this year, with the dazzling decoration to be installed at the intersection of Doveton and Sturt Street in late November.

Decorations already fully installed include:

• The giant bauble in Queen Victoria Square, in the centre median of Sturt Street out the front of Town Hall.
• Ballarat’s Magical Christmas Emporium, Albert Street (next to Parent Place).
• The Christmas Art Trail, to feature in five locations including the Bridge Mall and Hop Lane.  
• Santa’s Red Telephone Box in the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre.
• The Christmas Tree in the 300-block of Sturt Street, featuring baubles designed by local artist Kathy Holowko.
• Decorations in the Bridge Mall area.

There will also be extra activities and festive cheer at the Bridge Mall, as the redevelopment project draws closer to completion.  

Along with free daily roving entertainment, key highlights in the Bridge Mall will include a Christmas market on Saturday December 7 with a special visit from Santa, a massive Secret Santa giveaway on December 14 and free entertainment for kids on Saturday December 21.

City of Ballarat Director of Economy and Experience Martin Darcy said Christmas in Ballarat would instill a sense of community pride, engage Ballarat artists and encourage people to shop local.

“It’s only early but now is the time for people to start getting in the Christmas spirit and start thinking about where they can shop locally,” Mr Darcy said.

“The decorations are just the start of our brilliant Christmas in Ballarat program and we look forward to unveiling more details very soon.”

The Christmas in Ballarat program will also feature further entertainment, workshops and community engagement to be delivered throughout December.

Christmas in Ballarat also marks the beginning of a busy summer events season in Ballarat, with the New Year’s Eve fireworks, Summer Sundays and Australia Day Picnic in the Park all being delivered by the City of Ballarat events team.

This story based on a media release from City of Ballarat. Image: Supplied

Low-income earners or those experiencing hardship are encouraged to take advantage of a low-cost cat desexing day hosted in Romsey in late November.

Available to Macedon Ranges residents who receive a government support payment with a valid concession card, the limited-time service will be delivered by the Regional Community Vet Clinic (RCVC) on Sunday 24 November at the Romsey Hub (96-100 Main Street) in a first for the region.

The RCVC is a not-for-profit offering veterinary care to pet owners experiencing social disadvantage or financial hardship in central Victoria.

“Our mission is to provide affordable animal care services to residents in these areas to increase community wellbeing and animal health,” said Robyn Slattery, Co-Founder and Treasurer, Regional Community Vet Clinic.

Desexing has many benefits, including health benefits for the cat and a reduction in nuisance behaviours. It also significantly reduces the future burden of unwanted cats and kittens on rescue groups, local shelters and Council.

Cats without microchipping can also be microchipped for free, helping you to be reunited with your beloved pet should it go missing.

A donation of $40 to the RCVC covers desexing and microchipping costs, making it more affordable and helping to ease the financial burden for cat owners.

Bookings are essential and limited spots are available. For information or to book, call the RCVC on 0493 447 394.

The Macedon Ranges council election results have been announced with nine councillors across the three wards sworn in earlier this week after the Victorian Electoral Commission declared the results on Thursday, November 7.

East Ward will be represented by first time councillors Cassy Borthwick, Daniel Young and Andrew Scanlon, who were elected in that order.

Ms Borthwick has lived in Romsey for two decades and she has run a small business, hosting local events, and taking part in volunteering roles.

Mr Young has served a term in the state parliament in an independent party and has been a lifelong Macedon Ranges resident.

And Andrew Scanlon says that through his role as a councillor, he hopes to create a “place where people can live, work and be happy without fear of prejudice or judgement”.

Former councillors Henry Bleeck and Geoffrey Allan Neil were unsuccessful in their bids for election.

In South Ward, previous term councillors Dom Bonnano and Christine Walker finished first and second in the vote count, with Alison Joseph third.

Ms Joseph has been a resident of Macedon Ranges for over three decades and is passionate about protecting the environment.

She says she has a vision for “a council that delivers what the community wants, is open, accountable, keeps costs down and uses ratepayer’s money wisely.”

Previous term councillor Rob Guthrie and former councillor John Leitchford also ran for South Ward but were unsuccessful.

West Ward will be represented by three female councillors. New councillor Kate Kendall attracted the highest percentage of first preference votes, followed by previous term councillors Jennifer Anderson second and Janet Pearce third.

Ms Kendall is the volunteer president of Business Kyneton, is on the board of Tourism Macedon Ranges, and has worked as a chief executive and tech start-up founder.

If you’ve ever considered keeping bees then a workshop coming up at the Trentham Neighbourhod Centre may be for you.

Beekeeping for Beginners will be part of The ABC of Rural Living workshop series that the local neighbourhood centre is hosting.

The upcoming beekeeping workhop will take place from 1-5pm on Saturday November 23 and will cost $10 to attend.

The course is an introductory guide to beekeeping which focuses on what tools you’ll need and how to keep you and the bees safe.

It also explores beekeeping regulations as well as when and how to harvest honey.

Those keen to be part of it can register now at https://ow.ly/b8Mc50TGpnC online.