A 45-year-old Bendigo man has had his licence immediately suspended after he was allegedly found drink driving his white Toyota Camry in Bendigo over the weekend.

A brand-new Toyota pulled into a booze bus site on Calder Highway about 8.15pm on Sunday night, April14.

Officers spoke to the driver, and he accompanied police for an evidentiary breath test.

He returned an alleged reading of 0.219, more than four times the legal limit.

His licence was immediately suspended, and his car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1200.

He is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving offences.

To celebrate the Bendigo Art Gallery’s latest exhibition Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 – 1925, the City of Greater Bendigo has launched the Café Galleries project to provide local creatives with an opportunity to exhibit their art in cafes across Bendigo. 

Café Galleries runs until Tuesday May 14, 2024, with selected artists asked to include one artwork that depicts one of three themes – City of Love and Light, Bon Appetit or La boutique – to hang alongside other original pieces. 

Twenty local artists applied through an EOI process, with 10 of those artists selected to showcase their works in seven local venues.

Cafe: Beechworth Bakery – High St
Artist: Karen McDougall 

Cafe: Peachy – View St 
Artist: Heidi Franklin 

Cafe: Get Naked Espresso – White Hills 
Artist: Steve Pole 

Cafe: Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates – Fountain Court 
Artist: Kellie McAllister 

Cafe: HooGah – Fountain Court 
Artists: Lyn Raymer, Christopher Duffy

Cafe: PepperGreen Farm – Thunder St 
Artists: Frankie O, John Daniels

Cafe: Fox & Giraffe – Bridge St 
Artists: Wes Franklin, Linda Hermens

Lyn Raymer will be onsite at HooGah every Wednesday and Friday between 1pm-3pm to sketch café scenes. 
 
City of Greater Bendigo Creative Industries Officer Mandy Field said the program is a great opportunity for artists and creatives. 
 
“By displaying artworks in public settings, artists and creatives can raise their profile and promote their work in the community, to visiting tourists and within the creative sector,” Ms Field said. 
 
“The program is a great way to support local creatives and artists with an opportunity to sell displayed artworks and attract potential commissions. 
 
“As Bendigo is the first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy in Australia, the Café Galleries program also aligns with the City of Gastronomy brand.” 

Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested four males following a series of alleged burglaries and thefts of and from motor vehicles being in the Bendigo area between February and March.

It’s alleged there were multiple incidents of aggravated burglaries and the thefts of vehicles in suburbs of Bendigo including Epsom, Strathfieldsaye and surrounding areas over the past two months.

Detectives from Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit and the Central Victoria Response Unit executed a search warrant at a Derwent Drive, Long Gully address last Wednesday, March 20, in relation to ongoing enquiries.

The search located a number items believed to have been stolen throughout the Bendigo area.

Two 17-year-old males, a 14-year-old male and a 19-year-old male were arrested at the address.

The 14-year-old was charged with multiple counts of theft from motor vehicle and handle stolen goods and was bailed to appear at the children’s court at a later date.

A 17-year-old was charged with burglary, attempted aggravated burglary and theft of motor vehicle and has been remanded to appear at a Childrens Court at a later date.

A second 17-year-old was found to be in breach of bail conditions and had his bail revoked.

A 19-year-old man was charged with offences relating to five aggravated burglaries and theft of motor vehicles which were committed across multiple eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

He had been remanded to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.

Police have arrested and charged three teenagers after a stolen car crashed and rolled in Strathfieldsaye, Bendigo, on Sunday, March 17.

It is alleged a stolen Ford Fiesta and a stolen Renault were seen at a petrol station in Kangaroo Flat about 1.40am.

Investigators have been told the occupants of the vehicles filled up their fuel tanks and drove off without paying.

Police were called and patrolled the area but were unable to locate the vehicles.

A short time later police received reports of two vehicles driving erratically in Strathfieldsaye.

Units again attended and two patrol cars were stopped on Swanson Boulevard with their lights activated when the Ford and Renault appeared and mounted the footpath in an attempt to get past.

The Renault was successful, but the Ford crashed into a fence and rolled.

Police arrested a 15-year-old boy from Reservoir, a 16-year-old boy from California Gully and a 17-year-old boy from Ascot.

The 15-year-old driver was charged with 18 offences including careless driving, reckless conduct endanger life and theft of a motor vehicle and remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

The 17-year-old was charged with reckless conduct endanger life and bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

The 16-year-old received a caution for reckless conduct endanger life.

The Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival returns to Rosalind Park on Saturday April 13.

The festival is a celebration of the region’s exceptional wines, the people who make them and another successful vintage.

In addition to 100 plus wines available for tasting, there is delicious food, fun entertainment, competitions and live music.

It’s a chance to discover the region’s white, red, rosé and sparkling wine styles, feast from the many food vans or pack a picnic.

There’s also the opportunity to join the grape stomp challenge, enter various competitions, or simply kick back in the cool park shade with your favourite people and a glassful of something good.

Details: Saturday 13 April, 2023, 11am to 4pm

Location: Rosalind Park, Central Bendigo.

Bendigo is transforming into the city of love and light for its new activation campaign, Bonjour Bendigo, in celebration of Bendigo Art Gallery’s exclusive exhibition Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925.

More than 40 themed experiences and events around the Bendigo region are being planned to coincide with the exhibition, which opened on Saturday March 16 and runs until Sunday July 14.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf says Bendigo was the perfect place to host French-themed experiences and events because of the many similarities between the two cities.

“Even though Paris is on a much bigger scale, Greater Bendigo, and Paris both share a rich love of culture and heritage, elegant buildings and iconic landmarks, culinary and gastronomic delights, picture perfect streetscapes and a thriving cafe culture. 

“With so much in common, Bonjour Bendigo is a wonderful way to capture the joy of Paris this autumn and winter right here in Bendigo.

“Residents and visitors can make the most of a fantastic range of French-inspired events and experiences, together with themed food and drink menus celebrating the city of love and light. 

“It is a red, white, and blue celebration with the tricolours of the French flag adding vibrancy around region. I want to thank Bendigo Tourism members who have jumped on board to be part of this exciting campaign, embracing the theme in many innovative ways. 

“The BENDIGO letters at the piazza have been transformed with the Bonjour Bendigo branding. The conservatory will be lit in the French colours with red and white on the outside and blue on the inside, while one of Bendigo Heritage Attractions’ iconic trams will feature the Bonjour Bendigo branding. Bunting and flower boxes in French colours will also add to the streetscape vibrancy.

“Hargreaves Mall will have a range of Paris-themed and free activations to keep the family entertained including acrobats, jugglers, French-themed music, and painting activities and much more during the exhibition period and the Easter holidays.
  
“This campaign will be a terrific way to encourage visitors to stay longer in our region and we are marketing Bendigo as a must-see destination over the coming months, particularly to Melbourne, regional Victoria, and Sydney.

“Our award-winning public activations, which celebrate blockbuster exhibitions at Bendigo Art Gallery, have become hugely popular over the years with residents and visitors, and they are now eagerly anticipated.”

The City is working closely with Bendigo Tourism members who are celebrating the arrival of the exhibition with themed menus, fashion, accessories, desserts, cocktails, attractions, and experiences. Bendigo accommodation providers have also put together curated deals especially for visitors.

Police are investigating the theft of two caravans from Bendigo in recent days.

It is believed that unknown offender/s entered the Bendigo Showgrounds on Holmes Road in a white Izuzu utility between 1.30am and 2.00am on Tuesday March 12.

Investigators believe the offender/s have then broken the trailer locks on the two CRM caravans, before towing both from the car park with the Izuzu.

The caravans are both grey in colour with a distinctive blue decal.

Investigators have this week released images of the Izuzu and the stolen caravans in the hope that someone with information will come forward.

Anyone with any information about the theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online via the Crime Stoppers website.

The City of Greater Bendigo has closed the Rosalind Park Poppet Head tower to the general public following an engineering inspection of the structure which discovered significant rust issues on its upper levels.

The Rosalind Park Poppet Head was the original poppet head from the Garden Gully United Mine which operated from 1857 to 1921 so the structure is well over a hundred years old.  

In 1931 the Bendigo Amalgamated Goldfields Company gifted the mine’s steel poppet legs to the former City of Bendigo and the poppet legs were erected in Rosalind Park to serve as the lookout tower that exists to this day.

City of Greater Bendigo Property Manager Daniella McClure said in the interests of public safety the City has closed access to the tower while further investigations are undertaken.

“In late 2022 the City commissioned a condition assessment of the existing structure to inform the need for works to protect the tower. However, a more recent inspection has identified some corroded sections of the upper floor landings which is impacting the safety of the stairwell structure,” Ms McClure said.

“To keep everyone safe we need to fix or replace these sections of steel. 

“We are currently working on a plan to rectify the issues that have been identified. Once this is completed we can appoint a contractor to replace or repair the steel work and floor plates on each of the affected landings.
  
“We also need to clean and paint the structure to ensure its condition is maintained for generations to come. 

“We are currently working through the best way to undertake this work both to reduce the impact to the public and to ensure value for money for the ratepayer. 

“We cannot provide a confirmed timeframe for the works at this stage, but we anticipate that the tower could be closed for some time.

“The City understands how much residents and visitors enjoy climbing the Rosalind Park Poppet Head tower and we do apologise for any inconvenience the closure may cause.”

A month-long celebration of Greater Bendigo’s cultural diversity has kicked off earlier this week in the city’s library gardens with the launch of Harmony Month.

Each year in March, Australia marks National Harmony Day (March 21) which coincides with the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 

The City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Manager Andie West said the City takes this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Greater Bendigo’s multicultural communities and the significant contributions they make.

“During March many local cultural groups are hosting festivals, events and activities in Greater Bendigo and a program of events that details everything on offer is available to view on the City’s website.

“Some of the activities taking place during March include the Festival of Friendships at the Dahlia and Arts Festival on Saturday March 16, the Bendigo Latin Festival at Garden for the Future, the 2024 Holi Festival of Colours at Golden Square Pool on March 23 and the Intercultural Hub at Bendigo Easter Fair on March 29.  

“There is also multicultural storytime sessions, a local sacred sites tour, community lunch, stories, poetry and readings.

“Celebrations like this are an important part of the City’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion and to being a welcoming and inclusive City.

“Celebrating our differences, as well as our common interests, helps unite and educate us to understand other’s perspectives, to broaden our own, and to fully experience and educate ourselves.

“Local residents are encouraged to take advantage of all the culturally diverse activities taking place throughout March in Greater Bendigo.”

The City of Greater Bendigo Council last week adopted a planning scheme amendment introducing a buffer overlay around Eaglehawk Landfill to minimise future environmental impacts.

Eaglehawk Landfill is over 40 years old and remains one of the few landfills in Victoria located in an urban area with established residential, commercial, and industrial land uses within close proximity to the site.

The City commissioned an environmental audit in response to Environment Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines Best Practice Environmental Management – Siting, design, protection, operation, and rehabilitation of landfills 2015.  

The guidelines require local governments to carefully consider any potential offsite environmental impacts of a landfill before approving new uses or development within a landfill buffer area. 

The Amendment implements the findings and recommendations of the Buffer Risk Assessment for Eaglehawk Landfill, AECOM, 2019 (the Buffer Risk Assessment) and Section 53V Audit of Risk of Harm – Landfill Buffer Eaglehawk Landfill.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the council recognised the importance of implementing a buffer overlay.

“The landfill is actively managed by the City of Greater Bendigo under strict licence conditions, including the management of waste to reduce odour, regular gas monitoring and extraction,” Cr Metcalf said.

“A buffer overlay plays a key role because decomposition can generate landfill gas for more than 30 years after a landfill stops accepting new waste.

“To minimise any potential impacts from the landfill, the audit recommended planning controls within 500 metres of the landfill site to manage any potential risk of landfill gas migration and to manage off-site odour impacts from the transfer station where activities are expected to continue as a waste and recovery hub.”

Following a six week public consultation, Amendment C242gben was referred to an independent planning panel.

It concluded the amendment was strategically sound and should be supported subject to minor changes to the schedules for the Buffer Area Overlay. These were intended to improve the clarity of the controls and make them easier to apply. 

The adopted amendment affects 276 properties that are in close proximity to the landfill and the transfer station on the site. 

The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting the community to comment on a draft O’Keefe Rail Trail Plan to guide the ongoing development, management and promotion of the 49 kilometre trail, which runs from Bendigo to Heathcote.

The trail is one of Greater Bendigo’s primary nature-based attractions for both local residents, and visitors to the region for walking, cycling, trail running and horse riding in some sections. 
 
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said significant infrastructure and investment to develop the O’Keefe Rail Trail into what it is today, has already taken place and the draft plan aims to build on this to ensure that the trail can achieve its full potential as a sustainable recreational and tourist trail into the future.

“The draft plan outlines some key actions to improve the way the rail trail is governed, managed, maintained, promoted, funded, activated and evaluated,” said Cr Metcalf.

“The recommendations and content of the draft plan will help create clarity with the City and the O’Keefe Rail Trail’s key stakeholders, and reaffirm the City’s commitment to working with the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail group.

“Having a plan will ensure that a clear, proactive and planned approach is taken to the ongoing development and management of the O’Keefe Rail Trail to help promote increased usage by local residents and visitors to the region.” 

Key actions and elements of the draft Plan include: 

• Improving amenities along the Rail Trail (toilets, drinking fountains, wayfinding signage and seating) 
• Improving safety along the Rail Trail (improved road crossings at high traffic areas, reviewing areas of shared use with motor vehicles)
• Ongoing management including detailing how the City will manage and maintain the Rail Trail along with confirming a commitment to continued working with the Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail (FBKRT) 
• Ongoing marketing and promotion of the Rail Trail 
• Defining level of infrastructure and maintenance service standards to help clearly define the expectations for the Rail Trail.

Residents and other interested parties are able to inspect and make comment on the plan by visiting the City’s Let’s Talk website and providing feedback by Friday March 22, 2024.

Greater Bendigo residents are invited to have their say on the potential sale of a number of City of Greater Bendigo owned properties.

The properties potentially for sale are located at:

• 53 Eaglehawk Road, Ironbark
• 10 Sibley Place, Strathdale
• 101 Alder Street, Kangaroo Flat
• 3-4 Lindsay Court, Strathfieldsaye
• 5 St Johns Close, Kangaroo Flat
• 17 Edwin Street, North Bendigo
• 11 Carolyn Way, Maiden Gully
• 27 Hamelin Street, White Hills 

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf (pictured above) said following an ongoing review of council owned property holdings, a number of properties have been identified that are not planned for future use, in line with any City strategies or plans. 

“The properties are potentially surplus to the city’s needs and the city may sell them by private treaty, public auction or other arrangement with the proceeds of any sale to be set aside and used for future strategic land purchases,” Cr Metcalf said.

“The city has a commitment to consult with the community in line with its community engagement policy and the Local Government Act 2020 and residents are invited to make any comments on the potential sales by Monday April 1, 2024.

“All comments and submissions we receive will be considered and a report will be prepared and presented to the council to inform them of all feedback.

“Council will not make any decision on the potential sales until all community comments have been considered.” 

Comments and written submissions can be submitted by 4pm Wednesday April 3.

The big Bendigo sign in the city’s Rosalind Park piazza has been zhooshed up by local artists as part of the Women of Gold project to celebrate International Women’s Day coming up March 8. 

Women of Gold is an immersive exhibition showcasing the works of local female artists and featuring diverse stories from the Greater Bendigo community to give visibility to the untold stories of women.

The project includes free public art displays, short film showings and events to recognise International Women’s Day 2024.

Creative artists involved in the project include Yorta Yorta artist Annie Brigdale, Ginny Jeong, Rhayven Jane, Sara McQueenie, Lauren Starr, Julie Andrews, and collaborators Aimee Chapman (music), Louise Fisher (Design Pond) and Mitch Nivalis (filmmaker). 

The Women of Gold project explores the hidden stories that women carry and gives visibility to these experiences. It explores concepts of inclusion, othering, the imposter syndrome, miscarriage, resilience, body positivity and racial stereotypes.

It sets a powerful example for equalling the narrative, fostering positive change and emphasising the community’s collective role in advancing gender equity. 

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf says the City is pleased to support the Women of Gold Project by sponsoring the decorating of the Bendigo sign.

“The letters all feature elements of the artwork of the upcoming Women of Gold exhibition which will take place in Pennyweight Lane from March 1, 2024,” Cr Metcalf said.

The Bendigo sign is a very popular spot for both locals and visitors, and we hope everyone is encouraged to celebrate International Women’s Day this year.

“Gender equality benefits all of us and requires a commitment from all of us.”

Creative force behind the Women of Gold project Megan Champion said the Bendigo sign is an asset to our community and an iconic symbol that contributes to our sense of place and belonging. 

“I am thrilled that the City and Bendigo Tourism is taking the lead by honoring and celebrating the stories of women in such a public place,” Ms Champion said.

“It’s a strong commitment to embedding the stories and perspectives of women in our community, culture, and history.”

In addition to the Bendigo Sign, there will also be the full artworks in Pennyweight Walk Exhibit B, Fountain Court from March 1 2024, an accompanying short film to be shown on screens across Bendigo listening to the stories of the artists as they create their artworks and a Women of Gold International Women’s Day Live Event at 11am Friday March 8 at  Emporium Creative Hub. 
 

The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting local artists and creatives to submit expressions of interest for a new program called Cafe Galleries.

The program will provide opportunities for local creatives to exhibit their art in one of several local cafes in Greater Bendigo, including Hoo-gah, Beechworth Bakery, and PepperGreen Farm. 

The Café Galleries program will be launched during the Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 – 1925 exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery (which opens on Saturday March 16).

Local selected artists will be required to include a signature piece that relates to one of three themes: City of Love and Light, Bon Appetit and La Boutique, alongside other original works.

Successful applicants will have artworks on exhibition in local cafes from Friday March 29 to Monday May 14, 2024.

Installation, sales enquiries, and insurance on artworks will be the responsibility of the artist. 

City of Greater Bendigo Creative Industries Officer Mandy Field says the program was a great opportunity for artists and creatives.

“By displaying artworks in public settings, artists and creatives can raise their profile and promote their work in the community, to tourists and within the creative community sector,” Ms Field said.

“The program is a great way to support local creatives and artists with an opportunity to sell displayed artworks and attract potential commissions.

“As Bendigo is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in Australia, the Cafe Galleries program also aligns with the City of Gastronomy brand.”

Police are investigating after a window was damaged at a business in Bendigo last Friday, 2 February.

It’s believed two unknown offenders approached the Mollison Street property just before 2.30am and threw a brick three times at the window, causing it to break.

The two are described as wearing all black clothing and face coverings, with black back packs.

Investigators have released images (above) of two people they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online via the Crime Stoppers website.