CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria attended the Source Kids Disability Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre earlier this month.

At the shared booth the fire services aimed to raise awareness about home fire safety and target those who are at higher risk. People with a disability and young children are at much higher risk in a house fire.

Australian house fire fatality data has clearly highlighted that people with a disability and children aged up to four years old are over-represented significantly.

The Expo attracted more than 3,000 attendees over the two days and many worthwhile fire safety conversations were had. Most of the conversations focused on smoke alarms and improving the number and placement of them inside a home. Many parents didn’t realise the need for smoke alarms in bedrooms and the heightened risk without them. 

The lure to the fire services stand was definitely CFA District 13’s Little Pat the fire truck. He was a hit with the kids. 

“The smiles and laughter was what stood out for me at this Expo,” said Greg Callaghan, a CFA presenter from District 13.

“Some of the kids came back two or three times to have a go in Little Pat! And they were still wanting to play in it as the booth was getting packed up on the last day. This allowed very precious time with the parents and children to discuss home fire safety.” 

There was also an activity to test a smoke alarm that children could do in the booth, to emphasise the importance of working smoke alarms. We know that arming kids with the key safety advice will mean they remind their parents back at home.

The updated Prevent Detect Escape home fire safety for people at higher risk online module was promoted to carers, parents and service providers. The Expo provided another way to continue to promote this important educational resource to the community. 

This was the first time CFA and FRV have attended this Expo and it was well worthwhile. We will be back again next year. 

CFA members have in recent days embarked on a deployment oversees to help fight wildfires currently burning across Canada.

The team of five departed Melbourne Tullamarine Airport on Saturday (20 July) along with representatives from Forest Fire Management Victoria.  

They were briefed, along with other Australian crews in Sydney on Saturday afternoon before travelling onto British Columbia and Alberta on Sunday. 

They form part of the Australian and New Zealand support team who are being deployed to help tackle the significant bushfires that have been burning for the last few weeks in western Canada, with the fire prone country already experiencing more than 3200 this season. 

Conditions have continued to deteriorate in recent days, resulting in new fires and numerous evacuation orders. 

The five CFA members included one Public Information Officer who will be stationed out of British Columbia, and four Incident Management Team (IMT) and aviation members who are travelling to Alberta. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan has been monitoring the developing fire situation in the northern hemisphere, particularly Canada for the past few weeks. 

“We wish our members and partner agencies a safe journey and deployment as they support this significant wildfire event,” Jason said. 

“It’s important we continue these cross-border arrangements for sharing personnel and resources. We’re proud of our relationship with these countries and I’m pleased we’re able to provide support. 

“I want to thank our members for leaving their loved ones for the next month and I have no doubt they will represent Victoria and Australia proudly.” 

Experts are anticipating that fire conditions will remain challenging in Canada over coming weeks, which may see further requests to support them. 

An ugly spate of vandalism may have put Ballarat’s electric vehicle charging stations near Big W out of action for at least another month but it’s now expected that the well-used charge points will be back and operating from next month.

The RACV operates the Curtis Street charging points near Big W, and energy general manager Greg Edye has apologised for the inconvenience for residents and travellers.

The charger screens have been damaged and Mr Edye said in a statement that parts required for their repair are currently unavailable because the “company who provides them has gone into receivership”.

However, he said they will be upgrading and installing new chargers as well as CCTV for additional security next month.

It’s not the first time the heavily used Curtis Street EV charging station has been unusable because of vandalism since opening in the first quarter of 2020.

The charging points were also temporarily unable to be used in August and September last year and residents voiced concern over how long it takes for the stations to be repaired with local EV users calling for improved regulation of charge point maintenance.

The next closest RACV chargers are at the Creswick Goldfields Resort or drivers can use the Plugshare app to see locations of all public chargers, Mr Edye said.

When installed in 2020, Chargefox, who runs the software said the location was ideal because of the proximity to public bathrooms, shops and places to eat.

“This kind of vandalism is particularly mindless as those who engage in it are actually damaging themselves,” an EV driver who had been a regular user of the infrastructure told The Local.

“Efforts to counteract climate change, including the shift to EVs, are obviously in the best interests of everyone who lives on this planet.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward following a fire at an abandoned house in the Ballarat suburb of Wendouree during the week.

On Tuesday at about 12.40am CFA crews and Fire Rescue Victoria had been called to the scene of the blaze, off Wattle Avenue,

“Crews quickly attacked the fire, bringing it under control within five minutes of arrival,” an FRV spokesperson said.

“Firefighters then handed the scene to Victoria Police to investigate.”

A Victoria Police spokesperson said nobody was inside the house at the time of the fire and there were no injuries.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to be determined and police are treating it as suspicious,” the spokesperson said.

Anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage of the incident was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A confidential report can also be made online at the Crime Stoppers website.

Ballarat Labor MP Catherine King says she welcomes what may be shaping as a large field of candidates vying for the Ballarat electorate in the next federal election.

The election can be held between next month and May 2025, with the last possible date on May 24 next year.

The Liberal Party earlier this month announced Wes McKnight as its candidate while Ms King has represented the federal Ballarat seat since 2001.

“Democracy is a wonderful thing … I welcome the announcement of the first [candidate] from the Liberal Party,” Ms King was reported saying to local media in recent days.

“[We’ve got] a great opportunity every three years to make decisions about how the country is going to be,” Ms King said.

She said her focus was on how to help people in the electorate considering cost of living pressures facing everyone, highlighting budget measures including energy bill relief, tax cuts and medication price decreases as well as Ballarat projects like the Sebastopol Hub as some of the examples of how she has helped while in government.

“We have had a drought of funding here in Ballarat under the Liberal Party,” Ms King said.

However, before Victorians vote for their federal representatives again, they have the opportunity to elect councillors in October while plenty of focus is also on the American election at the end of the year.

Amid all of this, Ms King said it was important to remember we have an “incredible democracy” in Australia.

A driver was rushed to hospital after hitting a power pole in the Ballarat suburb of Sebastopol in an early morning crash last Monday.

The man, 23, suffered non-life-threatening injuries a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“It is believed a blue Ford Falcon struck a power pole at the intersection of Tait and Linkage streets just after 7.30am,” they said in a statement.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations are ongoing.”

The crash followed a “suspicious” car fire in Ballarat East the same morning.

Police said they were called to bushland near Long and Wilson Streets just after 7.30am, where a “vehicle was set alight”.

“The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, investigations remain ongoing,” the spokesperson said.

Anyone with information on either incident was urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or file a confidential report online using the Crime Stoppers website.

Leading animal health business, Zoetis, has partnered with Beyond Blue to support mental health initiatives and reduce the stigma around mental health in regional areas.

Australians in rural and regional areas have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years that have taken a toll on mental health and well-being.

Factors such as inflation, cost-of-living pressures, climate change, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the importance of mental health support, particularly for farmers and rural communities.

Residents of Daylesford and Hepburn reported a higher incidence of long-term diagnosed mental health conditions than the Victorian average in the 2021 census.

Across the 3460 and 3461 post codes, 10.7% of respondents reported that they suffered from a long-term mental health condition including anxiety or depression.

The average across the state of Victoria is 8.8%. The most recent census was the first to ask about diagnosed health conditions including mental health.

According to research from the National Farmers Federation, nearly a third of farmers have reported a decline in their mental health, citing weather-related disasters (47%), financial stress (36%), and inflation and cost pressures (35%) as top contributors.

Alarmingly, close to half of Australian farmers have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide, with feelings of loneliness and limited access to mental health services compounding these challenges.

Financial hardship and isolation can take a toll on those in distress especially in rural and remote areas. Suicide rates are 60% higher in rural areas than in major cities.

Not only are Australians living in rural and remote areas disproportionately affected by stress and anxiety, accessing services is significantly harder due to attitudinal, financial, and digital barriers.

It’s important to remember that depression and anxiety are common conditions, not weaknesses, and with the right treatment, most people can recover. It is vital that people receive mental health support as early as possible to prevent their issues leading to more serious mental health conditions.

Over the past eight years, Zoetis has raised $800,000 for the Beyond Blue Support Service by donating $5 from each sale of the company’s livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches.

“Our partnership with Beyond Blue is more than just financial support,” says Lance Williams, Zoetis Senior Vice President, Australia and New Zealand.

“It’s about fostering a culture of hope and resilience, ensuring that those facing mental health challenges know they are not alone and that help is available.”

The journey to mental health is a collective effort that relies on a foundation of compassion, understanding, and support. Support can be given in many ways, including lending a listening ear. 

“Every act of kindness, no matter how seemingly small, carries immense significance. Whether it’s a simple check-in with a neighbour, a supportive conversation with a friend, or a compassionate gesture towards a work colleague, these actions contribute to building a community where mental health is prioritised and stigma is dismantled,” said Mr Williams.

If you, or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Various local groups in Daylesford have joined together to celebrate the area’s wintry pleasures while highlighting the beauty of Wombat Hill and Victoria’s historic Botanic Gardens.

Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens have joined with the Daylesford and District Horticultural Society, Historical Society, Agricultural Society and U3A , to compile a unique program of events over the first weekend of August.

The Friends and Horticultural Society are hosting talks on Saturday and Sunday in the Senior Citizens’ room at the rear of the Town Hall in Vincent Street.

On Saturday night the Friends are hosting a Celebration Dinner at the Town Hall and also on Saturday, the Horticultural society is organising a walking tour of the Botanic Gardens by tree expert John Beetham.

Over the whole weekend, the Agricultural Society with assistance from U3A, will hold their inaugural Winter Flower Show.

An exhibition focusing on the Botanic Gardens will be held on Saturday and Sunday at the Historical Society’s Museum. Events scheduled include:

Gardens walk

Saturday 3 August 1.30 Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Lead by John Beetham whose particular interest has been the heritage tree collection. Followed by afternoon tea at the Town Hall. (Entry by donation.)

Stand-alone Talks

Victoria’s Botanic Garden Legacy. Janet O’Hehir –  Honorary Curator, Camperdown Botanic Gardens. Saturday 3 August 3.30 Senior Citizens’ Room Daylesford Town Hall.

La Trobe the Plantsman. Helen Botham OAM – Garden Historian and National Trust researcher. Sunday 4 August 10.00 Senior Citizens’ Room Daylesford Town Hall. Followed by morning tea (Entry by donation.)

Unearthing our public garden history – The Ken Duxbury postcard collection. Helen Page OAM, horticulturalist, foundation member of the Garden History Society. Sunday 4 August 11.30 Senior Citizens’ Room Daylesford Town Hall.

Celebration Dinner

Fine food, fine music and presentation by Peter Leigh, Hellebore breeder of considerable reputation. Truly, the magical event of the weekend. Saturday 3 August 6.30 Daylesford Town Hall. Tickets $75pp with bookings through TryBooking online.

Flower Show

Inaugural Winter Flower Show. Beautiful specimens and floral art. Entries from all gardens and gardeners are welcome! Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August. 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Alf Headland Conservatory Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.  Free entry.

Historical Exhibition

Wombat Hill Exhibition. Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August, 11.00 am to  3.00 pm. Daylesford Historical Museum.  Museum entry $5 .

Further information: is available by contacting Patrice O’Shea, Secretary 0408 852 595 or Frank Page, President 0417 010 817

A kindergarten facility in the Ballarat suburb of Sebastopol has undergone a much-needed facelift.

The Sebastopol South Kindergarten Refurbishment project was officially unveiled last Thursday, with Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP joining City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson and Eureka Community Kindergarten Association CEO, Joanne Geurts for a tour of the facility.

The project was funded with $500,000 from the State Government via its Building Blocks Early Childhood Refurbishment and Minor Works Program, with the City of Ballarat contributing a further $62,973.

The refurbishment of the Spencer Street kindergarten has delivered a fit-for-purpose and inclusive facility for 44 children per day in both three and four-year-old kindergarten.

The works include the addition of a large outdoor covered area to provide an improved indoor and outdoor learning experience and extending the children’s amenity areas into the existing verandah to include changing tables.  

The works also increased the internal storage space, improved the overall functionality of the facility with the addition of new adult and child height wash basins within the kindergarten rooms, and an upgrade to the heating and cooling system.  

Outside, landscape and facade treatments have significantly improved the appearance of the building.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the refurbished facilities aligned with the priorities outlined in the City of Ballarat’s Municipal Early Years Plan 2022–2026.

“It is vital we ensure that children at our centres have access to quality early learning, kindergarten and schooling that meets their needs,” he said.

“We are thankful for the State Government for their substantial investment in this project are very proud to help deliver it for the families of Sebastopol.”

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP said the refurbishment was a wonderful outcome for the community.

“Our littlest learners at the Sebastopol South Kinder deserve a bright, beautiful and safe learning environment,” she said.

“By modernising and expanding this kindergarten, we are delivering on our Best Start, Best Life reform and ensuring all children gain the academic and social benefits of kinder.”

The kindergarten refurbishment is the latest in a series of Sebastopol projects recently completed in collaboration with the State Government and City of Ballarat, including the Sebastopol Library Small Spaces Community Garden, the Urban Forest Update and completion of MR Power Park Upgrades.

Other collaborative projects that are currently under way include the implementation of projects within Marty Busch Reserve Master Plan and the construction of the Sebastopol Community Hub, which is also in conjunction with the Federal Government.

Daylesford Men’s Shed (DMS) is keen to welcome new members.

The local shed is now in its 16th year and like many community groups, has seen some of its membership leave due to illness, move to other geographical areas, or unfortunately pass away.

However, like the saying, the Shed “just keeps on going, like an old Holden!” DMS provides a safe place for local men to socialise, engage with other men and to learn and share skills.

DMS started from humble beginnings, but is now a set of three interconnected sheds at Victoria Park providing a social, lunch and meeting room and two practical areas for woodwork and metalwork or other activities. It is an independently run member of the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) and adheres to the organisation’s guiding principles for support and guidance.

The main objectives of DMS are:

• Addressing the issues of men’s physical, emotional, social, spiritual well-being and health within the community,
• Engaging with men of all ages and abilities as well as other groups of men of the communities in regional, rural, remote and urban areas, and
• Supporting the social interaction of men in transitional periods such as redundancy, bereavement, retirement, ill health, relocation, divorce or respite care in a non-exclusive, non-judgemental way.

To achieve this DMS aims to:

• Promote an awareness of men’s health needs, both physical and emotional,
• Provide a space to allow men to find and maintain companionship and fellowship,
• Provide a forum for men to exchange ideas, gain experience, to network, and to find support,
• Collaborate and network with others to provide opportunities for men to learn and participate in their community,
• Be happy and healthy contributors within the Daylesford community, and
• Foster relationships based on respect for people of all abilities and cultural backgrounds.

Current weekly activities at the shed include the Monday morning guitar and music get together and the Thursday men’s social and practical activities with lunch included for $10 extra.

On Tuesday afternoons, the members host a U3A Women’s woodwork session.

At present DMS is working with Eddie Wyman, from Hepburn Shire Council, to participate in a display at the upcoming Positive Ageing Expo to be held at Creswick in October.

For information contact: Andrew Azzopardi, Interim Secretary 5348 7792 of visit the Daylesford Men’s Shed website: www.daylesfordmensshed.com

Victoria’s fire services are reminding the community to pay close attention in the kitchen this winter as cooking remains the leading cause of fires in the home.

CFA responded to around 250 fires that started in the kitchen across the state last year, an increase of 20 from the previous year.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said unattended cooking was one of the most common causes of preventable house fires.

“We know a fire in your kitchen can cause extensive damage and high-level injuries, and unfortunately we saw this occur four times last year,” Jason said.

“We know that 6pm is the peak time for fires, and most are due to unattended cooking or mechanical failure.

“Make sure your kitchen appliances are in good working order, and ensure your stove top, griller, oven, rangehood and cooking area are free from built up grease, dust and oil.

“While most fatal fires occur in sleeping areas, it is important to note that most residential fires start in the kitchen.”

Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer said it was essential to maintain awareness and pay close attention to the stove when cooking to reduce the risks of a fire starting in the kitchen.

“Cooking is a part of everyday life – but no-one can afford to be complacent about the fire safety risks. Ensuring you don’t leave your cooking unattended may save your life and property,” DC Fischer said.

“If a fire does start in the kitchen, turn off the stove if it’s safe to do so. Use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket only if you are confident to use them. Evacuate everyone from the home, close the kitchen door if safe to do so, and call Triple Zero.”

DC Fischer said all Victorians should have working smoke alarms powered by a 10 year-long life battery in all sleeping and living areas of their home.

”If affordable, we recommend installation of interconnected smoke alarms, so when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound throughout the house,” DC Fisher said.

Other tips to cook safely this winter and avoid starting a blaze include:

• Pay attention in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended.  
• Always supervise children, keep them away from the stove top and oven.  
• Keep stove top, griller, oven, range hood and cooking area free from built up grease, dust and oil.   
• Things that can catch fire such as tea towels and paper towels must be kept away from cooking and heat sources.  
• Make sure kitchen appliances are clean and in good working order and keep pot handles turned in.  
• A fire extinguisher and fire blanket should be stored within easy reach but away from the cooking area. Victorian Fire Services recommend that you only use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket if you feel confident to use this equipment safely.

Ten thousand households across the Ballarat municipality will now be able to recycle their ‘scrunchable’ soft plastics as part of a new 12-month kerbside collection pilot program.

The City of Ballarat, in partnership with the Australia Food and Grocery Council, has launched a kerbside soft plastics recycling collection, enabling residents to recycle their soft plastics in a City of Ballarat-supplied orange bag that can now be placed in residents’ yellow-lid recycling bin.

The soft plastics that residents recycle will be included in a circular solution to turn them back into quality products or packaging, as part of plans to develop a long-term circular system for soft plastic packaging waste.

Soft plastics can only be recycled in the supplied orange bags and should be empty and dry. The orange bags are made in Australia from 100 per cent recycled plastic.

Scrunchable soft plastics include bread and cereal bags, frozen vegetable packets, lolly wrappers, bubble and cling wrap as well as plastic toilet paper wrap. You can also look for the former REDCycle logo or the Australian Recycling Label ‘Return to Store’ or ‘In-store Drop-off’ logo.

The supplied orange bags can contain up to 1kg of soft plastics. When the orange bag is full and tight like a basketball, residents can secure it with a double knot and place it in their fortnightly yellow-lid recyclables collection bin.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it is exciting to provide residents with a way to recycle soft plastics while also freeing up space in residents’ general waste bins.

“During community consultation for the Kerbside Transition Plan last year, many residents told us they wanted a solution for their soft plastic waste,” he said.

“Recycling soft plastics allows them to be sorted, processed and ultimately transformed back into new packaging or other products, keeps them out of landfill and gives them a new life.

“The City of Ballarat is committed to reducing waste going to landfill and creating a circular economy, that keeps materials in use for as long as possible.

“The pilot project will help inform the design of a large-scale soft plastics kerbside collection and sorting of soft plastics which will help the development of a sustainable advanced recycling industry in Australia.”

Australian Food and Grocery Council Director Sustainability Barry Cosier said the organisation had been working with many companies and all levels of government on a solution for soft plastics.  

“While soft plastics are useful for packaging everything from peas to bread, parcels and garden mulch, we need large quantities to be efficiently collected to instill confidence to invest in recycling and to re-manufacture it into product and packaging again,” he said.

Environmental Evolution Director Julie White, an environmental consultant who works with community groups to improve their environmental impact, said people often ask her what they can do with their stockpile of plastics.

“Well Ballarat – we now have a solution! Get ready to pull out your soft plastics and participate in this awesome initiative,” she said.

Macedon Ranges residents now have another option for recycling their usable goods or picking up a bargain, following the opening of a new resale shop at the Romsey Resource Recovery Facility.

The new shop, which opened in recent days, is the second in the shire following the recent upgrade and reopening of the resale shop at the Kyneton Resource Recovery Facility.

Both projects were made possible thanks to just over $150,000 in grant funding from Sustainability Victoria’s Circular Economy Councils Fund – Round 3 on behalf of the Victorian Government.

The Romsey resale shop was officially opened at an event last Friday attended by state Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas, Mayor Annette Death, fellow councillors and council staff.

Through these resale shops, residents can donate their unwanted household furniture, tools, sporting gear, toys, books, useful building materials and more to be resold, diverting waste to landfill and giving them a second life. Proceeds go towards the ongoing operations of the volunteer-led shops.

Mayor Death thanked Sustainability Victoria and the Victorian Government for the funding contribution, assisting the council to implement more initiatives that support the community to transition to a circular economy.

“We know our community is passionate about recycling and reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfill – the resale shops provide another way to do this,” she said.

“A key priority in our council plan is to minimise the generation of waste and establish alternatives to landfill disposal, and we will continue to look at innovative ways to deliver this.”

Used clothing and textiles won’t be resold at the resale shops, with residents encouraged to continue donating these items to local op-shops if they remain good quality. Textile bins for recycling all other items not of reusable quality are available at all three of Council’s resource recovery facilities.

Both the Romsey and Kyneton resale shops are open during each respective facility’s opening hours and are run with the assistance of council staff and volunteers.

Macedon Ranges residents are now being encouraged to join an expanded shire-wide kerbside soft plastics recycling pilot, following an encouraging earlier trial in Romsey.

As of this week households can now register in-person at a council customer service centre to get a free pack of 20 bags. Households can conveniently recycle soft plastics by filling these special orange collection bags and, when full, placing them into the yellow-lidded recycling bin for collection. 

The pilot program is an expansion of an initial 12-month trial in Romsey and is part of the development of a proposed national pilot program led by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) in conjunction with over 40 household brands.

Mayor Annette Death said the council’s ongoing involvement in supporting recycling alternatives for soft plastics reflected resident feedback and interest in the former RedCycle program.

“We are confident this pilot program will be used by even more households, given the convenience of using a special bag in their own bin,” she said.

“We welcome this initiative by the AFGC and are excited to continue this pilot partnership in our shire. Soft plastics are currently a big part of our waste to landfill and cannot be efficiently collected for recycling in any other way.

“We hope that this expanded pilot benefits our residents and helps inform the next important phase of this scheme. It is important that many more households are able to recycle soft plastic into products made here in Australia.” 

AFGC Director of Sustainability, Barry Cosier, said the expanded pilot was the next step for industry and governments to collaborate in designing a product stewardship scheme in Australia.

“We have been working with many companies and all levels of government on a solution for soft plastics,” Mr Cosier said.

“While soft plastics are useful for packaging everything from peas to bread, to parcels and garden mulch, we need large quantities to be efficiently collected to instil confidence to invest in recycling and to remanufacture it into recycled products and packaging again.”  

The Romsey-based trial selected just over 2,200 residents to participate, with a massive 1737 kilograms of soft plastic that would have otherwise gone to landfill recycled.

Work is also underway to better understand which households choose to recycle, and the benefits of different collection methods, while brands continue to work towards the development of a proposed product stewardship scheme.  

The Hepburn Shire Council has adopted its inaugural Rainbow Action Plan for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.

The plan was adopted at last week’s scheduled July meeting of the council with mayor, Cr Brian Hood, stating that the plan commits the council to a clear and achievable set of actions to “create a safe and welcoming community for all LGBTIQA+ people”.

“Our Shire recognises and celebrates the important contributions that our LGBTIQA+ people, businesses and visitors bring to the life of our shire,” cr Hood said.

“Together, we share an inclusive, resilient, vibrant, sustainable, innovative and diverse community.

“Council is committed to treating all people fairly, equitably and with respect. We will not tolerate discrimination or violence in any form, against any part of our community.”

The plan aims to help to ensure that all LGBTIQA+ people feel supported, connected, visible and safe in our community. It will also guide the council in providing an inclusive workplace for its LGBTIQA+ staff and volunteers.

“We would like to thank our LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee and other community members who provided advice and input into the plan,” said Cr Hood.

Hepburn Shire Council is one of only 18 local government authorities in Victoria to adopt an LGBTIQA+ Action Plan.