Latest
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Discover the Lost Trades
The keepers of traditional and lost trades from local areas and far flung corners of the world will gather at Hanging Rock to showcase the finest levels of human craftmanship. The Lost Trades Fair is back this year in the region where it began, on March 28 and 29. It is a celebration of skill,…
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For sale: Kyneton’s history
A historic military building in Kyneton will be sold amid the Department of Defence’s latest announcement to sell 68 properties in their real estate portfolio. The Kyneton Drill Hall, located in the town’s centre, was listed in the federal government’s latest venture to sell off military-owned sites. It includes training facilities, museums, islands, golf courses,…
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Harcourt residents among the lucky ones
Harcourt community member Faye Hards said her family is feeling very fortunate; both her home in Wilkinson Street and her son’s home in Leafy Lane are still standing following Friday’s fire, but their hearts go out to all those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. “We stayed and defended our home in Wilkinson Street…
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PM witnesses Harcourt destruction, funding announced
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Harcourt on Sunday and unveiled a $19.5 million support package for those affected by the ongoing bushfires. He was joined by state MPs from across the Bendigo electorates – Maree Edwards, Lisa Chester’s, and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. The joint funding between the federal and state governments will establish a…
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Family devastated by loss
Harcourt mum Bianca Hitchens and her sons were among the community members to lose their homes in Friday’s fire at Harcourt.Bianca and her sons Tyler and Will were devastated. “I’m broken-hearted. Friday’s fires that hit Harcourt so quickly, claimed my beautiful modest 100-year-old cottage that I’ve lived in with my boys for 23 years. It…
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Trees down, buildings damaged across the region
Volunteers from Victoria’s State Emergency Service responded to a spate of disasters last week, and official numbers confirm there were about 1800 incidents state-wide between Monday and Sunday. It was a result of the ongoing bushfires, strong winds and damaging lightning. In the Loddon Mallee unit support team area, which includes Mount Alexander Shire, SES…
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Harcourt fire not expected to expand far beyond current footprint tonight
The Ravenswood Fogarty’s Gap Road fire that has impacted Harcourt is not expected to expand far beyond its current footprint tonight, authorities have told residents. Incident controller Michael Masters explained what occurred during the fire and its current status at a community meeting this afternoon. The meeting was held at Kyneton where about 80-100 fire-threatened…
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Catastrophic Fire Day declared
Victorian fire authorities have issued a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating for tomorrow, Friday, January 9, for the North Central, Northern Country and Wimmera districts. Extreme fire ratings have been issued for the rest of Victoria, which includes the Macedon Ranges. However, this region borders those zones deemed catastrophic tomorrow. A state-wide total fire ban will…
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Angle grinder sparks bushfire at Turpins Falls
Contractors working on a job at Turpins Falls using grinders and metalworking tools sparked a bushfire yesterday. Shortly before 2.30pm on Tuesday callers to Triple Zero reported a large column of smoke triggering a large response from fire brigades. The high fire danger also saw the immediate despatch of a waterbombing helicopter which was on…
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Mount Macedon Memorial Cross funding deadline looms
A major project cost blowout has cast doubt over Anzac Day services at Mount Macedon Memorial Cross unless funds are raised by the month’s end. Unexpected structural challenges have tipped Mount Macedon Memorial Cross restoration expenses more than $200,000 over budget. During construction, engineers discovered that the original footings did not align with the 1990…
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Arduous firefighters at ready to respond in remote areas
A group of CFA firefighters are ready to fight fires in remote areas across the state following seven weeks of intensive training to become arduous firefighters. The pilot program is a first for CFA where 15 arduous firefighters will have the capability to attack and suppress fires in difficult terrain that aren’t accessible via a…
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Wendy Lovell won’t recontest Northern Victoria seat at next election
Member for Northern Victoria Region Wendy Lovell has announced she will not recontest her seat at the November 2026 state election, after 24 years of service. Ms Lovell made a public statement on Monday, saying “it has been a great privilege for me to represent the region in the Victorian Parliament. “Shepparton has been my…