News

Hepburn Shire Council is developing its new Domestic Animal Management Plan and wants community feedback.

National Police Remembrance Day is Monday, September 29 and coincides with Victoria's Blue Ribbon Day, dedicated to honouring police officers who have died in the line of duty.

Child and Family Services Ballarat (Cafs) is inviting members of the Central Highlands community to consider becoming foster carers, as the region faces a growing need for safe, stable homes for children and young people.

The annual Marong Picnic, held by the Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Clubs of Victoria, was held late last month.

Hepburn Shire locals are loving, mostly, watching the challenges on The Block and last week's Phoenix @ The Rex proved popular.

Last Monday, two days after the Trentham Football Club’s fantastic Grand Final win, president Nick Shearer was still celebrating in the Trentham Hotel – with many other supporters. He chatted to Donna Kelly.

Hepburn Netball's B Grade team defeated Springbank 31 to 27 at the recent grand final with best on court Summah Joyce from Hepburn.

The Trentham Saints broke their 31-year grand final drought when they won the 2025 Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League premiership cup against the Carisbrook Redbacks at the Carisbrook Recreation Reserve.

Nature conservation groups are celebrating a win for nature, climate and community with formal legislation tabled for new national parks and conservation reserves across Victoria’s central west.

Attacks by keyboard warriors on social media, and personal attacks on staff just doing their work in the community, is impacting the mental health of Hepburn Shire Council staff.

The Local has been shortlisted for two awards in the 2025 Victorian Country Press Awards.

The state government is making it easier for Victorians to access faster and more reliable broadband internet, with more than 100 Connecting Victoria Fibre-to-the-Premises upgrades completed across the state.

Every day in Australia, 58 people are diagnosed with breast cancer. It remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, with more than 21,000 new cases expected in 2025. Heartbreakingly, nine Australians die from the disease every single day

We all know Victoria has the best food – and now it’s time to settle the score.

Finding the right medical help can be confusing. To make it easier, Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) new General Health Information Sheet outlines who to contact when health assistance is needed.

Projects are starting which will protect the health and vitality of Port Philip Bay, ensuring this iconic landmark stays healthy so its waters, wildlife and ecosystems can thrive for generations.

More First Nations athletes will take part in sport with a new round of grants delivered to support athletes with expenses for sport carnivals, travel, uniforms, equipment and more.

The state government is transforming mental health care in Victoria by announcing the state’s first peer-led residential service in Moolap – offering Victorians in crisis a safe and supportive alternative to hospital care

The winning design of the new youth myki cards that will hit the network next year – unlocking free travel for every Victorian under 18  - has been revealed.

Students in the Victoria are feeling safer, more supported and have a stronger sense of belonging at their schools.

Victorian beef is on the menu in Sichuan, with a feast in Chengdu showcasing how the state’s world-class produce pairs perfectly with one of China’s most famous cuisines.

It's getting easier to get fresh food to Victorian families with a new food safety regulator.

The diversification of the Portland economy is entering a new phase this week, with three feasibility studies underway on how best to drive development and growth across a range of local industries.

The state government is giving early kinder teachers and educators a new one-stop shop for professional development – helping them deliver safe, high-quality kindergarten education for Victorian children.