News

Today is when the Metro Tunnel fully integrates into the rail network – but it’s far bigger than that. From today, the public transport system in Victoria will be bigger, faster and more reliable than ever. Today, we launch more than 1,200 new weekly train services Today, we deliver a turn-up-and-go network for the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines – with all trains going through the Metro Tunnel Today, thousands of individual timetable changes occur at once across Victoria, including the first of 270 new bus timetables to better connect to Metro Tunnel services Today, we launch dozens of new regional services And today, the Frankston Line returns to the City Loop

The next stage of a community-backed plan to restore and protect a key section of the Coliban River at Lauriston will kick off in the coming weeks. Infestations of willows, blackberry, and gorse will be removed along a three-kilometre stretch of the river upstream of the Lauriston bridge.

Prep starts this week – and the Allan Labor Government is easing costs for families with Prep bags and free books.

The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has welcomed new independent research showing early signs of Koala population stabilisation on Redlands Coast but there is still a long way to go, particularly as habitats in Redlands continue to fall.  

The Federal and Victorian Governments continue to stand with communities affected by the devastating January 2026 Victorian bushfires, announcing $160 million in additional support to help families, businesses and primary producers. Up to $158 million is funded by both Governments under joint Commonwealth‑State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), while the Allan Government is investing an extra $2 million for schools within fire-affected areas to engage additional mental health services.

Prep starts this week – and the Allan Labor Government is easing costs for families with Prep bags and free books. The Prep bags include books and learning activities to help our newest students foster a lifelong love of reading. The Premier and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today welcomed students, including 45 Preps, to Fraser Rise’s brand new Wiyal Primary School.

The summit will be held in September and is expected to attract more than 1,000 attendees, providing a boost to the state’s visitor economy of up to $4 million. It will showcase the spectrum of technology transformations shaping the future of business innovation and advancement.

This public talk is designed for parents, teachers, educators and adults, exploring neurodivergence—including dyslexia, autism and ADHD—through research, educational practice and lived experience.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting nominations for the 2026 Macedon Ranges Community Awards celebrating inspiring individuals, groups, and initiatives that make an outstanding contribution to community life across the shire.

The Daylesford Community Op Shop has temporarily closed after receiving a donation infested with bed bugs.

Lyster Opera is delighted to present Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice at Creswick Town Hall on Saturday, March 14 at 2pm as part of the company’s 2026 regional Victorian tour.

The early days of the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham.

A tiny zebra fish is helping researchers rapidly determine whether a newborn’s genetic mutation is likely to cause spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), one of the leading causes of infant mortality worldwide.

People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID experience a disruption to their brain connectivity during a mentally demanding task.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) staff and volunteers have banded together over the last few weeks to provide emergency care to fire-affected communities across Victoria, with recent efforts going towards supporting the recovery of injured wildlife.

The state government is helping drive down power bills and delivering local jobs, with early works beginning on the SEC Delburn Wind Farm near the Latrobe Valley.

The state and federal governments are delivering safer and more reliable journeys for Melbourne’s north, with major works now underway on the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade in Wallan.

The state government is recognising women who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to Victoria through the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

The state government is backing young Victorians to once again step up, take the lead and bring their communities together with the return of Victorian Youth Fest 2026.

The state government is boosting support services for Victorian renters, who will benefit from better access to advocacy and advice thanks to the new Victorian Renter Rights Program.

At any particular time there are several orphaned baby wombats being cared for at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. They have lost their mothers through car strike, animal attack and more recently bushfire. Many wombats are killed by cars when they are attempting to cross the road.

Hepburn Shire Council welcomed new Australian citizens at a ceremony last Friday, January 23 - with Ballarat MP Catherine King also attending. Meanwhile, the council has announced the opening of its annual Community Awards which recognise local citizens and groups who have made significant contributions to the community. Nominations for the 2026 Community Awards are open until March 6.

With temperatures ramping up this week Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon has some tips to keeping cool and safe. "It has been a hot start to 2026, with heatwave conditions forecast again across the Central Highlands over the coming week. "During periods of extreme heat, demand on the network can increase, making preparation and awareness especially important. Hot weather can cause faults and disruptions affecting our water infrastructure, which may in turn impact services to homes and businesses