News

As I said in the last edition, I am not for building from scratch. But one can be worn down by one's husband - and also the promise of the new.

Volunteering is critical to Australian society, especially at times like this, delivering essential services from support in the care economy to food relief and shelter as well as strengthening community cohesion, improving mental health and reducing social isolation.

In rural and regional areas, access to healthcare is shaped by things like geography, workforce availability and infrastructure. But perhaps most important are the dedicated volunteers who show up each day to cover so many roles.

Returning to the Macedon Ranges for the fifth year of veggie fun, and to Mount Alexander Shire for the second year, 2026’s Edgy Veg Award winning scores are in!

As I said in the last edition, I am not for building from scratch. But one can be worn down by one's husband - and also the promise of the new.

Volunteering is critical to Australian society, especially at times like this, delivering essential services from support in the care economy to food relief and shelter as well as strengthening community cohesion, improving mental health and reducing social isolation.

After listening to the local community and working with Department of Transport & Planning, Hepburn Shire Council is working on a range of road safety and transport improvements across Trentham, with advocacy and planning works underway, and funding secured for upgrades to local roads.

Hepburn Shire Council has received several questions and comments regarding outdoor dining and trading permits, specifically around Burke Square in Daylesford.

"It’s that time of the year when governments at all levels turn their minds to budgeting. Councillors have been working with officers to compile a budget for 2026/27 and beyond that responds to increasing costs and a tightening economic environment.

The Spa Centre Daylesford CWA Branch has celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Award-winning Castlemaine artist Rob McHaffie will be the featured artist when the 37th Annual Rotary Castlemaine Art Show opens at Castlemaine Town Hall for King's Birthday weekend, June 5-8.

How to increase biodiversity in a small way...in your space.

Petstock Daylesford is encouraging people to adopt a pet in need this May, or donate to help with their care at Castlemaine’s Mt Alexander Animal Welfare Shelter.

The Young Farmers Advisory Council is a ministerial advisory committee and non-statutory body established by the Minister for Agriculture in 2015.

Nominations for the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence are now open.

The Australian Energy Regulator has approved $2.6 billion to maintain and upgrade AusNet’s electricity distribution network across eastern and northern Victoria, along with $1.6 billion to operate the network over the next five years.

AusNet has formally applied to the state government to compulsorily acquire easements from Victorian farmers to build the Western Renewables Link transmission line before the Environmental Effects Statement is completed. The state government has recently introduced legislation allowing energy companies to compulsorily acquire private land for transmission lines before the necessary environmental assessments have been completed. The move would see AusNet and the WRL project heavily advanced if the EES is successful. Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Tony Clark, pictured, has condemned the move saying it is an insult to those who have worked hard to provide evidence-based submissions.