Police have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Kyneton earlier this month.

Officers had attended a property in Windridge Way about 2.30pm on Tuesday July 2 as part of an investigation.

A 27-year-old Kyneton man was arrested at the address and shortly after appeared unwell and became unresponsive.

Police immediately called for medical assistance and performed CPR on the man, however he was unable to be revived.

At this early stage it appears the man may have ingested some sort of substance.

As a result, five police officers who attended the scene were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Detectives from the Homicide Squad have been investigating the incident with oversight from Professional Standards Command,in line with standard procedure when a person dies in police custody.

Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad have this month charged a Gordon man and seized a firearm, ammunition, drugs and fireworks as part of an investigation into the manufacturing of firearms.

With assistance from the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), a 47-year-old Gordon man was arrested at his rural property in Gordon, near Ballarat, on Wednesday July 3.

He was charged with possess traffickable quantity of firearms, manufacture category A longarm, possess instruction manual to manufacture a firearm, prohibited person possess firearm, cultivate narcotic plant, possess methylamphetamine, possess unsecured ammunition and possess commercial explosive firework.

During the search of the property, police allegedly located and seized a manufactured longarm, ammunition, 29 cannabis plants and commercial fireworks.

An initial investigation by the Illicit Firearms Squad into firearm manufacturing led to a Criminal Proceeds Squad investigation into the assets of the 47-year-old man suitable for restraint.

On 18 June, a Confiscation Act restraining order was issued in the County Court for the rural Gordon property.

The 47-year-old man was served with documentation on Wednesday July 3.

Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at the state’s Crime Stoppers website online.

Residents in the Macedon Ranges Shire are being encouraged to put the spotlight on local young people achieving impressive things by nominating them for this year’s Macedon Ranges Youth Awards.

The annual awards, which rely on public nominations, recognise those aged between 12–25 years living or working in the Macedon Ranges who have made a significant contribution to the community.

This year’s award categories include:

• Willpower ─ showing real character and perseverance, especially in the face of adversity.
• Good deeds ─ giving their time and energy to activities that support the wellbeing of another individual, group or community.
• Pure imagination ─ pursuing their passion for creativity through the arts.
• Nicely played ─ kicking recreational and physical activity goals.
• Skilling it ─ excelling in a mentorship program, workplace or business.
• Well aware ─ shining a light on important issues/social causes and raising awareness in the community.

Council’s Mayor Annette Death said the awards were a great opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of young people in our community which can often go unnoticed.

“These young people are our future role models and leaders, so it’s important we ensure that they are encouraged to continue to grow, inspire and contribute positively to our community,” she said. 

Nominations close 2 August 2024 and winners will be announced at a gala event on 4 September 2024 at Kyneton Town Hall.

Those interested can find out more information and nominate a young person through the council’s Your Say online engagement hub.

The Hepburn Shire Council has secured several Regional Development Victoria Tiny Towns Fund grants to improve facilities and infrastructure in various small towns across the shire. 

The council was making no secret of the fact that it was “very pleased” to be planning upgrades for outdoor fitness equipment in Trentham, shade sails in Clunes, a masterplan for Victoria Park in Daylesford, an accessible equestrian ramp at Glenlyon Recreation Reserve and playground relocation at Newlyn.

The council is also pleased to auspice the Lyonville Hall Community Asset Committee, who were successful in obtaining a $50,000 grant towards a landscaping project at the popular Lyonville Hall. 

The council had supported community groups in various ways to successfully apply for funding. 

Successful projects that the council will lead are –  

• Queens Park (Clunes) shade structure – $45,000 

• Newlyn Recreation Reserve playspace upgrade planning – $18,750 

• Victoria Park, Daylesford Masterplan Development – $50,000 

• Accessible Equestrian Mounting Ramp Glenlyon Recreation Reserve – $37,500 

• Trentham Outdoor Fitness Equipment Installation – $44,970 

The council has funded contributions to each of these projects in the adopted 2024/25 Budget.  

Mayor Cr Brian Hood said that federal and state funding streams are critical for small rural councils to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure. 

“It’s encouraging to see this investment being made in our smaller communities. These funds will enhance our facilities and enable greater participation in community activities around the shire,” Cr Hood said.

“Together with respective community groups and committees, we will begin work to plan the delivery of these works now so the benefits of these projects can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Campaspe Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information after a Suzuki Swift was stolen during an aggravated burglary in Rochester last month.

Detectives have been told a 30-year-old woman and her 37-year-old partner were asleep at their home on Baynes Road when offenders gained entry to the premises between 7pm on 18 June and 2.30am on 19 June.

It is believed the offenders stole the keys to a black 2023 Suzuki Swift and took off in the vehicle.

The Suzuki was later seen at a service station on the Murray Valley Highway in Echuca about 2.30am.

A man got out of the passenger seat, filled the car with fuel and drove off without paying.

The following day, two people were spotted on board the Suzuki on Kooringal Road in Upwey at 12.04am.

It is understood the Suzuki was ditched by the offenders and located by officers on Forest Park Road in Upwey about 4.50am on 20 June.

Investigators have released still images (above) and CCTV footage of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

The man is perceived to be Caucasian, in his early 20s, with a slim build and blonde hair.

He was wearing a black puffer jacket, black pants, black shoes, and sunglasses on his head.

Anyone with information about the person involved is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto the state’s Crime Stoppers website.

Police detected 165 offences during a major road safety operation across Victoria’s west last month.

Operation West Connect saw highway patrol units enforcing across major arterials in Western Victoria targeting high-risk driving behaviour associated with road trauma.

It comes as 141 lives have been lost on the state’s roads so far this year, with 35 of those occurring on roads in Western Victoria.

Bendigo, Campaspe and the Macedon Ranges division has been the worst affected area in the state’s west with 10 lives lost this year, followed by the Ballarat and Moorabool division with a further nine lives lost.

There have been six fatalities in the Horsham/Northern Grampians division, four fatalities in both the Geelong/Surf Coast and the Mildura/Swan Hill divisions, and two fatalities in the Warrnambool/Southern Grampians division.

There were three fatal collisions on roads in Western Victoria in June, and a further six during the previous month in May – three of which were motorcyclists.

Operation West Connect is an ongoing operation focused on detecting speeding, distracted and impaired drivers.

Sixty per cent of offences detected in June were for speeding, with two thirds of speeding drivers detected between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit.

Police conducted 338 preliminary breath tests and 50 preliminary oral fluid tests for drugs, detecting three drug driving offences and two drink driving offences.

The total 165 offences detected during Operation West Connect on Friday 28 June 2024 included:

• 100 speeding offences;

• 20 unregistered vehicles;

• Eight disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers;

• Four heavy vehicle offences;

• Three drug driving offences from 50 roadside drug tests;

• Two drink driving offences from 338 preliminary breath tests;

• Two mobile phone offences;

• Two seatbelt offences;

• One vehicle impoundment; and

• One disobey traffic signal

Operation West Connect will continue across Western Victoria – encompassing major arterial roads from Geelong, Bacchus Marsh, Bendigo and Echuca as far west as the SA Border, and from the Surf Coast, Warrnambool and Portland as far north as the NSW Border.

Western Region Road Policing Inspector, Justine Ryan: “While road trauma is actually down on roads in Western Victoria compared to last year, 35 lives lost is still far too many, and we know first-hand the ripple effect this has across our communities.

“Operation West Connect is just one road policing initiative we’ve implemented to help keep all road users safe on roads out in the state’s west.

“Our highway patrol members are always actively on the look out for motorists who flout the rules and make dangerous choices that put all road users lives at risk.

“Speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to serious injury and fatal collisions on regional roads, and yet we continue to catch so many people going over the speed limit.

“Slowing down and sticking to the speed limit, as well as avoiding distractions behind the wheel, are things we can all do to help make our roads safer and prevent further tragedies.”

Forest Fire Management Victoria is keen to secure additional staff, with the agencies’ annual recruitment drive for seasonal firefighters now underway through to July 28.

Applications are now open for project firefighter roles across 10 locations in the Grampians region including Daylesford, Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Edenhope, Cavendish, Horsham, Halls Gap, Wail, Beaufort, and Serendip.

Grampians Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Jason Hellyer, said successful applicants would boost Victoria’s
firefighting and land management capacity in the lead-up to summer and peak fire season.

“Being a project firefighter can bring a sense of purpose and personal achievement knowing your efforts
contribute to protecting Victorian communities and the environment,” Mr Hellyer said.

“Recruits will have opportunities to train and work alongside FFMVic’s permanent firefighting staff,
responding to emergencies such as bushfires and floods.

“They will also work in land management and help reduce bushfire risk through planned burning, weed
control and maintaining the public land road network.

“Planned burning and emergency response deployments can occur anywhere across the state, providing
opportunities to travel and work in different locations.”

“In previous seasons, some recruits have also been deployed to support firefighting efforts across Australia and internationally. The new recruits will be part of a team of close to 1800 frontline personnel and 1200 accredited incident management personnel this bushfire season.”

Fire support officer roles will also be available in Horsham. Fire support officers are primarily office-based roles which are responsible for helping district staff coordinate fire preparedness, prevention and response activities and support incident and regional control centres.

FFMVic is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the Victorian community. As part of an ongoing commitment to support meaningful careers for current and future First Nations staff, designated positions are available.

Applications are set to close July 28 and employment occurs between October and May, with some variation depending on seasonal requirements.

Daylesford’s Swiss Italian Festa is among more than 240 organisations set to share in $1.8million through the state’s Multicultural Festivals and Events Program and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund.

Announcing the funding in recent days, Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas says it will help bring Victorians together to learn about cultural identities and celebrate the vibrant diversity that makes up the state.

Grants will support community organisations to host festivals and events from 1 July to 31 December 2024 to share and celebrate culture, build social connections and to preserve our state’s proud cultural diversity.

Hepburn Springs Swiss & Italian Festa Inc has secured $7500 to help stage the annual Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Congratulations to the team at the Swiss Italian Festa, this local festival celebrates our multicultural community and brings people from across the state to visit our fantastic region.”

The funded organisations represent the diverse cultural landscape of Victoria with 200 ethnicities and more than 70 faith groups supported through the latest round of the Multicultural Festivals and Events program.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt: “Ensuring Victoria’s diverse communities have every opportunity to celebrate their culture is key to strengthening social connection, inviting all Victorians to learn about and embrace different cultures.”

“This funding is all about supporting multicultural communities, and fostering a diverse and inclusive society where everyone is celebrated and feels welcome.”

Police released CCTV footage earlier this week as they continue search efforts to locate missing Ballarat area woman Renee.

The 42-year-old left her address on Western Highway, Warrenheip about 1.25pm on 30 May.

Renee was seen leaving the address with her black cat, Shadow, in a cat carrier.

The cat was later found left outside a house while Renee attended an address on Buchanan Drive in the Ballarat suburb of Lucas, about 6am on 2 June.

She rang the doorbell and briefly spoke to a resident inside, asking for clothing and water before leaving.

Police and family have concerns for her welfare as she has a medical condition and has been missing for such a long time.

Investigators do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances, but Renee may be confused and is possibly deliberately trying to avoid people.

Checks have also revealed that Renee’s bank accounts haven’t been accessed in more than a month, adding to police concerns.

Investigators have released an image and the last known footage of Renee in the hope that someone can provide information on her current whereabouts.
 

She is described as being Caucasian, of slim build, about 170cm tall with blonde hair. Renee was last seen wearing a grey hooded jumper.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Ballarat Police Station on (03) 5336 6000.

Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have seized a further three tonnes of illicit tobacco, over $170,000 cash and eleven firearms as part of their investigation into the cultivation and distribution of illicit tobacco in Victoria in recent days, In a joint operation with the Australia Taxation Office.

With assistance from the ATO and Western Region Crime Squad, Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit and uniform members from Horsham, Stawell and Highway Patrol, five Commonwealth search warrants were executed at large rural properties in the state’s west – three in Landsborough and two in Barkly, last Thursday, 4 July.

No illicit tobacco was located at the western Victorian warrants, though each property had evidence of recent harvest of the plant.

At a Johnsons Gully Road address in Barkly, 20,000 illicit cigarettes and a small quantity of cash were located.

A 40-year-old man at the property was interviewed but released pending further enquiries.

With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, Brimbank Crime Reduction Team and Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit, a further five Commonwealth search warrants were executed on 4 July at residential addresses in northwest metropolitan suburbs – Sydenham (2), Delahey (2) and Melton South.

At a Rose Court property in Sydenham, police seized 200kg of illicit tobacco, five firearms which were improperly stored, shotgun rounds which were improperly stored, documentation relating to the manufacture of illicit tobacco and keys which are believed to be for illicit tobacco farms.

A 30-year-old man at the address was interviewed by police and is expected to be charged on summons.

At a Nelson Court address in Melton South, 1.5kg of cannabis, approximately $60,000 cash, 10 shotgun rounds and 1000kg of illicit tobacco were located.

A 47-year-old man residing at the property was charged with possessing illicit tobacco to defraud the revenue, possess a traffickable quantity drug of dependence, possess proceeds of crime and firearms offences.

He was bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 2 October.

At Wordsworth Place in Delahey, police located 600kg of illicit tobacco, approximately $90,000 cash and six firearms which were improperly stored.

A 35-year-old man at the address will be charged on summons with possessing illicit tobacco to defraud the revenue, possess proceeds of crime and firearms offences. He will appear at court at a later date.

At a Spellman Avenue property in Sydenham, police located 900kg of illicit tobacco and a small quantity of cash.

A 39-year-old man residing at the address will be charged with possessing illicit tobacco to defraud the revenue and possess proceeds of crime.

At Lalwinya Street, Delahey, police located approximately 600kg of illicit tobacco.

Overall, the total weight of tobacco seized is over 3.3 tonnes and represents approximately $6million in lost excise.

Police will allege the properties searched are linked to a significant leader of an organised crime syndicate involved in the illicit tobacco network.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about illicit tobacco was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report via the Crime Stoppers website online.

Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt, State Anti-Gangs Division, Crime Command – Victoria Police: “We have said previously that Victoria Police is focused on targeting syndicate leaders, directors, facilitators and organisers responsible for this criminal offending.

“That remains a key priority for us, and we are doing absolutely everything we can to target them, to bring this criminality to an end and to make involvement in illicit tobacco as unattractive a proposition as possible for organised crime groups.

“However, we also need the community’s help. Purchasing illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime – in doing so, you are unwittingly funding organised crime.

“That money can be used to commit other crimes, such as an arson attack on a business, or to obtain an illicit firearm for a shooting. It is that simple.

“If you are aware of illicit activity linked to a tobacco store, please come forward with that information so police can act.”

Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins: “We are committed to targeting growers and sellers of illicit tobacco and ensuring they face the consequences of their actions.

“The outcomes of these raids are another positive step forward in the ongoing work to detect, disrupt and dismantle organised crime syndicates who use profits from illicit tobacco to fund other more serious illegal activities.

“The illicit tobacco trade not only takes away vital funding from essential community services, but it also disadvantages honest small businesses who do the right thing.”

The state government says it’s ensuring more world-class performances and creative events will be presented across regional Victoria, with applications now open for the latest round of the Touring Victoria program.

In recent days the Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas invited applications for the program, which
provides grants of between $10,000 and $150,000 for artists and creative organisations to take their productions, performances and exhibitions to regional and outer-metropolitan Victoria.

As well as providing Victorians with access to diverse arts and cultural experiences at their doorstep, the program backs Victorian artists and creative companies to build their profile and audience base across the state while providing an economic boost to the placesthey tour.

Last year, Touring Victoria grants supported six companies to tour more than 20 destinations throughout the state.

The 2024 round of the Touring Victoria program will support artists and shows to hit the road from 1 December 2024. Applications are now open and close on 1 August 2024.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Through Touring Victoria we are making sure that the best live theatre, music and cultural events can hit the road, and entertain and inspire locals here in Macedon- and across the state.”

“I encourage local artists and creative companies to apply for grants to take their work to communities across the state and look forward to more great creative events and experiences touring locally in the years ahead.

Newly released home insurance quote data from Budget Direct has shown which Australian states and suburbs are the most secure based on how many homes were fitted with a security alarm. 

Collective data from the past five years, as of 1 Jan 2023 reveals that Western Australia leads the way from a security standpoint with 63.17 percent of homeowners who received a Budget Direct Home Insurance quote identifying their home as being equipped with an alarm. 

The western state was well ahead of the east with just 53.06 percent of New South Wales homes and 51.76 percent of homeowners in Victoria stating they had alarms fitted at home.

The least protected state was Tasmania with 30.59 percent of homeowners who obtained a Home Insurance quote from Budget Direct having security systems in place. Queensland was not much better, with 33.80 percent of homeowners noting their houses had security alarms fitted. 

Budget Direct’s Chief Growth Officer, Jonathan Kerr, said their collective data showed that at the end of the 2022/23 financial year, 48.67 per cent of Australian homeowners said they had an alarm system.

“It’s no surprise that people are wanting to feel more secure. As we’ve been seeing on the news, home invasions and break-ins are increasing at an alarming rate,” Mr Kerr said. 

Budget Direct’s most recent Home Insurance quote data also identified which suburbs in each state or territory had the highest percentage of self-reported residential alarm systems surveillance.

Young people in the Hepburn Shire local government area will form a new advisory group to share insights on challenges for young people living, working and studying in Hepburn Shire. 

In partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians, the Youth Advisory Group will look at ways to increase young peoples’ engagement in civic life within the Hepburn area. 

The Youth Advisory Group will play an important role in working towards a democratically elected Youth Council as part of the Young Mayors program.  

Hepburn Shire Council is one of six councils participating in a two-year pilot study. This pilot tests new ways of backing young people to be centered in the decisions that affect their lives.

Across Australia, this will be done by a democratic election of 11 to 17-year olds onto Youth Councils within local governments. 

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Councillor Brian Hood, said that Council was thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking new program that brings openness and curiosity to what the Shire’s young people need in order to participate in civic life.  

“Our Council staff have worked closely with the Young Mayors team over the past few months to support young people to nominate as candidates for the Hepburn Youth Council, and we’ve heard loud and clear that more work needs to be done to understand the concerns of young people in our community before they conduct a formal vote process, so it’s fantastic that Council and the Foundation for Young Australians have been able to pivot to the Youth Advisory Group,” Cr Hood said. 

Young Mayors Executive Director, Tahlia Azaria, said the Young Mayors program is designed to help change systems that traditionally exclude young people from actively participating in their communities. 

“Young people care deeply about their futures, but they are chronically disempowered. We’re excited to be working with Hepburn to find the best way to back young people to run for election, and then use their mandate to represent the interests of their constituents”, Ms Azaria said. 

Local women and girls in Macedon are being urged to share their experiences with the state government’s landmark Inquiry into women’s pain.

Member for Macedon and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas said that for too long, women’s health hadn’t been taken seriously, with women’s pain missed and dismissed.

From debilitating period pain, to endometriosis, to managing the symptoms of menopause – it can be difficult for women and girls to get the diagnosis and support they need.

That’s why the Labor Government is holding a nation-leading inquiry into women’s experiences of pain and its treatment.

Launched in January, the Inquiry into Women’s Pain has heard from more than 9,000 women and girls.

But with four weeks until the survey closes, locals are being encouraged to make sure their experience is counted and their voice is heard.

Women, girls, their carers and healthcare workers can take part by making a submission or completing a survey at https://engage.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womens-pain-survey. The survey closes on July 31.

Member for Macedon and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas: “This inquiry is a chance to make sure your voice is heard and achieve better care for women across our state.”

Live music venue, Palais-Hepburn, has closed its doors.

Owner Richard Fanale made the announcement on the venue’s Facebook page after sending out a message to patrons and performers.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Palais-Hepburn. 

“We deeply regret to inform you that, due to the current state of the economy, increase in expenses and other unforeseen circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to cease operations. 

“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the talented artists and dedicated agents who entrusted us with showcasing their work.

“Your creativity and passion have been Palais-Hepburn’s soul, and we are honoured to be part of your journey.  

“To our patrons, your unwavering support for local businesses has been the backbone of our success. Your enthusiasm for our events and commitment to our vision made each day at Palais-Hepburn special.  

“Lastly, to our exceptional staff, your hard work, passion, dedication, and resilience have been the driving force behind everything we achieved.”

Mr Fanale said on a personal note, he thanked his friends and family for their support, encouragement and understanding.”

The Local‘s music writer and Hepburn resident Darren Lowe said it was sad another venue had fallen victim to “these economic times”.

“Richard Fanale has run the beautiful, eclectic and stunning venue for the last five and a half years, since November 2018, where part of the experience has always been entering the venue itself, soaking in the atmosphere and feeling that you were somewhere else far more exotic than Hepburn Springs.

“In fact, for many tourists it was the experience of inextricably linking the venue with our town, perhaps making us feel a little more exotic.

“Elegance was always assured, where an acoustic act, rock band, cabaret style revue, fancy lunch, pulsating dance music or school concert were all catered for with aplomb, professionalism and respect for both artist and audience. Fine dining always accompanied gigs.

“Headline acts, up and comers and recent open mic nights were regular features on the calendar.

“Unfortunately, when we add this to the list of pubs, cafes and other venues lost in the area over the last few years, it is really devastating to dwell upon, perhaps reflected across the rest of the country and a reminder to get out and support live music wherever possible.”

Darren said there could be a number of low-key farewell events.

“Palais-Hepburn was an important and vibrant part of an official Christmas celebration of our little village, only late last year, where unfortunately six months later only one of those five to six venues still remain.”

Words: Donna Kelly. Image: Eve Lamb