Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a burglary in Wendouree where a mobility scooter and wheelchair were stolen last month.

Investigators have been told a property on Marigold Street was broken into sometime between 23 August and 26 August.

Once inside the property the offenders have removed a Permobil M1 electric chair valued at $16,000 and a Pride mobility scooter valued at $8,000.

Investigators have released images (above) of a wheelchair and scooter similar to the ones that were stolen.

Anyone with information about the burglary or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Twenty-five new pumpers will be added to CFA’s fleet which help brigades better protect and serve their communities.

The new pumpers will be capable of delivering 4,000 litres of water per minute and once operational will replace pumpers that are older than 20 years of age.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the new pumpers are a welcome addition to the fleet and will result in a significant uplift in capability across the state.

“With the latest technology Scania Cab Chassis and the ability to integrate breathing apparatus sets in the rear seats, the pumpers will carry all the necessary equipment and tools to operate on a fireground,” Jason said.

“The pumpers can continuously pump thousands of litres of water at high pressure from a static supply such as a street main, lake or reservoir.

“They will also have the ability to produce Compressed Air Foam using an onboard compressor for enhanced asset protection.

“These new pumpers will ensure our volunteers continue to be well equipped to protect their communities during an emergency.”

“The pumpers were designed by our volunteers to include gender specific requirements to support women within CFA and to help encourage women to join in the future.”

The first ten brigades to receive the new pumpers will be Wendouree, Kangaroo Flat, Sebastopol, Eaglehawk, Narre Warren, Rochester, Emerald, Benalla, Bairnsdale and Lorne.

Manufacturing of the new pumpers began late last year at SEM Fire and Rescue in Wendouree, with the first of the 25 pumpers due for completion mid-2025.

The Victorian Government announced additional funding of $18.6 million for 15 new pumpers last month on top of the $9.9 million for 10 pumpers announced last year.

Words & Image: CFA

Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate a suspicious fire in Wendouree last month.

It is understood two males forced the doors open at a gym on Howitt Street about 3.20am on Saturday, 25 May.

Police were told they poured accelerant inside, at the front of the building and in the carpark, before lighting it.

No one was inside the gym at the time of the incident.

The large fire in the reception area caused significant damage.

The two males fled on foot and headed east on Howitt Street.

Investigators have released CCTV and images of two men they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

One man is described as being of a tall, stocky build. He was wearing a hoodie, clack gloves, shorts and Nike runners.

The description of the second man is unknown.

Police are working to establish the exact circumstances of the fire and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information wass urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.

Ballarat Sexual Offences Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives have charged a man following a series of allegedly lewd acts across Ballarat East and Wendouree.

It is alleged the man exposed himself and performed a sexual act in the presence of the victims between April 10 and May 6.

On four of the occasions sexual acts were allegedly committed in the presence of children aged between 10 and 14.

Last Thursday afternoon, May 9, detectives arrested a 50-year-old man at an address in Invermay Park.

He has been charged with directing sexual activity at another, seven counts of sexual activity in the presence of a child and one count of stalking.

The Brown Hill man had been remanded to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court last Friday May 10.

After 11 years of supporting the Good Friday Appeal, this year’s appeal was particularly special for Wendouree CFA firefighter Ryan Patrikeos.

Last month, his newborn Sophia, just six weeks old, was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) for an operation.

Ryan and his wife Maddie knew something wasn’t right when Sofia kept vomiting, after taking her to the GP, it was recommended their first born go to the RCH.

Sophia was diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, a condition that blocks the small intestine, just one in 500 babies are diagnosed with it. 

The operation took place just days after Ryan was on a strike team for the recent fires around Beaufort.

Ryan said he was nervous going to the hospital, but knew they were in the best place they could be.

Now, Ryan wants to raise awareness of how important the work the hospital does to help babies like Sophia.

“I kind of felt like we were their priority, I know there were other kids at the hospital but at the time it didn’t feel like that because the care was absolutely awesome,” he said.

“It makes me emotional thinking about it, the care we were given. They are a sensational group of doctors and nurses there.”

He said now Sophia was back to being the baby she was before she got sick.

“It’s been amazing to see how far she has come and the recovery she has made has been incredible,” he said.

“She is now back home and smiling and cuddling.”

Prior to the recent Good Friday Appeal this month, he urged others to get behind the annual fundraiser to help other children.

“I am a massive community man, always have to be helping someone or something I can’t be sitting on my hands, I just want to have an impact.”

The overall total for the Good Friday Appeal this time ’round is $23,368,724 – a record-breaking final tally.

Words & Image: CFA

Victorian fire agencies are reminding residents to be cautious when charging lithium-ion battery operated devices following an e-scooter house fire in Wendouree earlier this month.

The two-storey townhouse was protected by CFA and FRV crews who arrived quickly, after occupants removed themselves safely due to working smoke alarms.

Wendouree Fire Brigade Lieutenant Kenneth Mitchell said an e-scooter was on charge at the time of the call, Friday January 12, and exploded inside the kitchen and dining area.

“We arrived on scene and immediately removed the hazard from the house to stop the spread in a timely manner, and thankfully were able to halt the fire extending to the house,” Kenneth said.

“These devices can go off quite quickly and violently, so the best way to deal with them is to call Triple Zero at your earliest convenience. A fire extinguisher can be used in the first instance too. 

“For firefighters, the only way crews can alleviate the issue is to remove the hazard from the structure and then place it in a bucket of water to cool it down.

“Once in the water it can pose a risk of off gassing, which is the spread of dangerous substances from inside the battery that can be let out when it catches fire.”

The e-scooter scare is a wake-up call for residents right across Victoria, with Victorian fire services responding to lithium-ion battery fires almost every day.

Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Community Safety Kieran Lenehan said Victorians who are considering buying a product with rechargeable batteries should only buy from reputable suppliers and only use chargers supplied with the device.

“When lithium-ion batteries are damaged, misused or fail to meet compliance standards, they pose a serious fire risk, particularly while they are connected to chargers,” ACFO Lenehan said.

“We’re now seeing an increase in the uptake of e-scooters and e-bikes, power tools and general charging devices, so residents must remember to always enact the appropriate safety measures.

“Do not overcharge electric devices, only charge them when required and the safest option is to switch them off overnight before you go to bed. We recommend charging them in the garage, on their own power point.”

CFA Lieutenant Mitchell said that he had noticed that within the district people were plugging too many items into power boards, which can cause them to overheat and catch fire.

While it is the first in the Wendouree region for quite some time, Victorians should not become complacent as they can arise at any time.